Last Days in Hong Kong

We started off our fourth day in Hong Kong by taking the subway over to the Jade Market. The Jade Market is full of different vendors selling jade jewelry. We weren’t really sure how to respond to the vendors because every single one would get up and try to convince us to buy their jewelry. It is hard to believe they make any money because it seems like everyone is selling the same things. Afterwards we walked through a street market that was selling all sorts of vegetables and fish.

The street market

Next we headed over to Man Mo Temple for our first temple experience. The Chinese offer incense and flowers in their temple and the whole room was filled with incense smoke. They have every variety of incense, big ones, little ones, and curly ones hanging from the roof.

Outside of Man Mo Temple

That evening we took a tram ride up Victoria Peak, which is the highest point in Hong Kong. The view was spectacular and we watched the lights of the city turn on as it got dark. We walked back down the mountain to the city. All of the paths are paved and well lit. Hong Kong feels very safe and I would have no problem walking around at night by myself.

The tram heading up Victoria Peak

View of Hong Kong while it is still light out on Victoria Peak

The view from the other side of Victoria Peak - Stanley Beach

Hong Kong from the top of Victoria Peak at night

The next day we took the subway out to Lantau Island to see the “Big Buddha”. The Tian Tan Buddha is the largest outdoor Buddha in the world and is at the top of a very big mountain. There is an impressive cable car you can take up and down the mountain.

View from the cable car

Inside the cable car

We opted to take the cable car one way and take the bus back. However, once we were on the cable car we noticed a path running down the mountain and decided to be ambitious and walk down.

The view of the hiking trail from the cable car

Once we got to the top we explored the monastery and saw big Buddha through the mist. It was really foggy, but we could just about make out his face. After a Chinese meal of beef satay and shrimp and pork dumplings, we started our hike.

Big Buddha in the fog

Offerings to Buddha

In front on the monastery

George skipping along the "yellow brick road"

View of the city and cable car during our hike

The entire trail was paved or had wooden walk ways. There were a lot of stairs and I was very glad to get to the bottom after about 2 hours. It was great to be out of the city and get some fresh air.

Lots and lots of steps!

Today we are heading to Shanghai by taking a train for 20 hours. Hopefully we will be able to sleep a bit and the beds won’t be too hard!

Fiona