A Hong Kong Rhapsody: A Glimpse of the Island's Mountains, Seas, and Splendor
A Hong Kong Rhapsody: A Glimpse of the Island's Mountains, Seas, and Splendor
Hong Kong, the world-renowned "Pearl of the Orient," is often defined by its dense skyscrapers and the dazzling night view of Victoria Harbour. However, the allure of Hong Kong Island extends far beyond this. It is a rich and vibrant canvas, with the rapid heartbeat of a financial center on one side and the serene poetry of the South China Sea on the other. On this land, mountains and oceans embrace, while modernity and history coexist in harmony. Let us now embark on a journey, following the markers on the map, to explore the magnificent corners hidden behind the island's prosperity and experience its multi-layered soul and pulse.
Victoria Peak: A Walk in the Clouds, Overlooking the World Below
One day I shall climb to the very top, and see all other mountains in a single glance. — Du Fu, "Viewing Mount Tai"
To truly grasp the full picture of Hong Kong, Victoria Peak is both the starting point and the pinnacle. Riding the historic Peak Tram, the cityscape unfolds like a scroll painting through the window as you ascend, a ceremonial journey in itself. Upon reaching the summit at an altitude of 552 meters, the magnificent scenery of the entire Hong Kong Island comes into view.
By day, Victoria Harbour is like a ribbon of turquoise silk weaving through the forest of buildings, with distant outlying islands clearly visible. As night falls, countless lights flicker to life, transforming the entire city into a brilliant galaxy of flowing colors, a truly intoxicating sight. Standing here, one can truly understand the three-dimensional beauty of Hong Kong—it's not just the height of the buildings, but the density of dreams and vitality.
Ocean Park: A Deep Blue Dream, a Symphony of Childhood and Nature
Heading south from Victoria Peak, we arrive at Ocean Park in Wong Chuk Hang. This 91.5-hectare paradise opened in 1977, making it Hong Kong's second-oldest theme park. In 1971, the Hong Kong Jockey Club invested HK$150 million, and after enduring typhoons, landslides, and animal epidemics, it finally opened its gates in 1977. In 2005, to compete with Disneyland, the park underwent a massive HK$5.55 billion renovation, emerging completely transformed.
Here, you can meet the adorable giant pandas, explore the mysterious underwater world, watch spectacular performances by dolphins and sea lions, or challenge yourself on thrilling amusement rides. The significance of Ocean Park lies in its ability to teach reverence for nature and life amidst laughter, making it a vivid and profound lesson in the natural world.
Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay: Twin Jewels of the South Shore, Where Light and Legends Flow
Following the winding road along the south coast of the island, you will encounter two sparkling gems—Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. Repulse Bay is famous for its wide, crescent-shaped beach with fine sand and calm waters, making it one of Hong Kong's most iconic bays.
It's not just about sunshine and sea breezes here; there's also a touch of literary romance. The renowned author Eileen Chang set a crucial part of the love story between Bai Liusu and Fan Liuyuan in her timeless masterpiece, Love in a Fallen City. "This wall, for some reason, makes me think of things like the end of the world... In the future, after we are dead, this wall will still be here." This dialogue adds endless literary imagination and romantic color to the scenery of Repulse Bay.
Compared to the liveliness of Repulse Bay, the adjacent Deep Water Bay is more serene and private. It is one of Hong Kong's most exclusive residential areas, home to many wealthy tycoons. The calm sea and lush woods create a tranquil landscape painting, offering a rare sanctuary from the bustling city.
Shek O and Big Wave Bay: Listening to the Tides in the East, Seeking Wildness and Light
Leaving the elegance of the Southern District, we turn to Shek O and Big Wave Bay on the eastern tip of the island to listen to the ocean's primal breath. Shek O is a colorful peninsula village, where vibrant cottages inject life into this quiet corner. The Shek O Beach boasts clear water and beautiful sand, and the "Lover's Bridge" connecting to Tau Chau is a must-visit spot for couples. This unique scenery has also made it a popular filming location for many Cantopop music videos and movies.
The nearby Big Wave Bay lives up to its name, attracting countless surfers with its powerful waves. The waves here crash against the ancient coastline, as if telling tales from a thousand years ago. Beside the beach, a protected prehistoric rock carving stands quietly, a mark of Hong Kong's ancient civilization, adding a touch of mysterious historical weight to this dynamic bay. The scene is reminiscent of the powerful imagery in Su Shi's poem: "Crashing rocks pierce the sky, monstrous waves strike the shore, rolling up a thousand heaps of snow."
Stanley Main Beach: A Leisurely Shore, Weaving Together Past and Present
Stanley, a name full of exotic charm, originates from a giant cotton tree. Today, it has become a vibrant seaside town that blends Eastern and Western cultures. Stanley Main Beach has excellent water quality, making it a perfect spot for water activities.
While strolling here, you can browse the famous Stanley Market for unique handicrafts or sit down at a waterfront restaurant or bar for a relaxing afternoon tea. Not far away, the Victorian-style Murray House stands quietly, a witness to Hong Kong's colonial history. In Stanley, time seems to slow down, allowing you to experience the fusion of history and modernity in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve: The Edge of the World, a Desolate Beauty Frozen in Time
For the final stop of our journey, we head to the Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve at the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island—the only marine reserve in Hong Kong. It is far from the city's hustle and bustle, preserving the most pristine and rugged coastal scenery. Because it has not been overdeveloped, every rock and every patch of sea here is teeming with wild vitality.
Visiting Cape D'Aguilar, you will be amazed by the wonders of nature: the "Crab Cave," carved by the relentless waves, has a peculiar shape; and Hong Kong's oldest surviving lighthouse, the Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse, still stands tall after a century of wind and rain. This is a paradise for hikers and photographers, where every frame is filled with a sense of story. The beauty of Cape D'Aguilar is a desolate and grand one, reminding us that at the edge of this bustling metropolis, there is still a piece of pristine land that guards the true essence of nature.
From the dazzling lights of Victoria Peak to the ancient silence of the Cape D'Aguilar coast, the charm of Hong Kong Island lies in its extreme contrasts and rich layers. It has the brilliance of an international metropolis and the gentleness of a quiet bay; it bears the marks of the colonial era and the mysteries left by prehistoric civilizations. Take this guide and explore it for yourself; you will discover a Hong Kong that is far more multi-dimensional and captivating than you ever imagined.