Cultural Heritage Of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. It has a very rich history which has helped shape the country’s culture and traditions. The Hong Kong government has ensured that their cultural heritage is properly preserved for the benefit of its citizens and generations to come. There are plenty of conservation efforts being done in the Hong Kong to secure its most prized historical and cultural possessions.

Hong Kong is filled with an abundance of cultural sites which are naturally very popular with both locals and tourists alike.  These heritage sites perfectly embody the city’s culture and traditions in the most authentic way. Hong Kong has thousands of years of history and while it has embraced modernity through its upscale malls and expensive hotels, the country hasn’t forgotten its past.

Let’s take a look into the best places you could visit and activities you should try while visiting the beautiful city of Hong Kong.

 Hong Kong Heritage Museum

If you’re interested in learning about the history of Hong Kong and how it became the world class city it is today, you should visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. It contains several exhibitions which showcase the culture and traditions of the country. There are permanent exhibitions which include the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, New Territories Heritage Hall, Tsim Tsa Tsui Gallery of Chinese Art among many others. Special exhibitions are also held seasonally.

 Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery

Lantau Island is home to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery which are both very important to the people of Hong Kong. It is one of the cities most famous tourist destinations.  The site provides a breathtaking view of the South China Sea and surrounding luscious mountains, enhancing and bringing the whole experience to another level.

The Big Buddha stands an impressive 34 meters tall and it has been named the biggest Buddha statue in the world. It sits on top of an altar which has three tiers and can only be reached after climbing 268 steps. The Po Lin Monastery is situated opposite the Big Buddha. It is the country’s most important Buddhist sanctum which is why thousands of devoted pilgrims visit it each year.

Wing Chun

Wing Chun is a very distinctive form of martial arts which is highly valued in Hong Kong society. It is a type of kung fu which originated in the late 1800s. It was first introduced to Hong Kong by a man named Ip Man. Wing Chun specializes in close contact combat. It makes use of quick kicks and punches partnered with a tight defense. It also incorporates coordinated footwork and stances. It is the most popular form of martial art and among most popular sport activities in Hong Kong. You can try it out for yourself by visiting Wan Kam Leung Practical Wing Chun.

 Traditional Hong Kong Massage Therapy

Traditional massage therapy is very popular activity among Hong Kong locals. This ancient method of relaxation and healing has been practiced and perfected for centuries. Traditional Hong Kong massage is known for been helpful in treating wide variety of conditions. However, if you’re a tourist who wants to experience living a like a local, you shouldn’t miss trying out a traditional massage. Massage parlors in Hong Kong offer a wide variety of services which are usually unique to their own establishment. The country has strict qualifications to become a masseuse or a masseur which means you will only be getting the best treatment from the experts.

 The Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Popular and well respected news magazine, Time, has included this unique festival on their list of “Top 10 Quirky Local Festivals”, and with a good reason. The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is held annually and with great public exposure attracts locals and visitors alike. Although this festival in its origin had s much different form and purpose, today its main focus has become a showcase of Chinese culture and tradition. As such it is a perfect chance for visitors to through fun and festive spirit get closer to better understanding of local history and learn more about heritage of this amazing and diverse place.

 No matter of type of tourist you might be, Hong Kong is certainly a unique destination that has a lot to offer. But, if you are one of us who love to learn more and experience culture, history and tradition of places we visit, that Hong Kong is the place to be. Monasteries, festivals, walled gardens, museums and unique blend of east and west make Hong Kong a great place worth of exploring and experiencing first hand.