Perched high above Hong Kong, Chek Ma Tau. It offers vistas that stretch across the vibrant landscape. What do you know about Chek Ma Tau?
Chek Ma Tau stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s diverse geography. It shows that 40 percent of Hong Kong is made up of country parks and nature reserves. This makes hiking green trails a favourite weekend pastime.
The towering Tian Tan Buddha is located on Lantau Island. This bronze statue sits on the ancient Tea Route. Its right hand is raised. It delivers a blessing to all who climb the 268 steps to reach it. The Tian Tan Buddha is one of the world’s largest seated Buddhas. It towers over visitors at 34 metres high.
Hong Kong boasts the world’s longest covered escalator. The Mid-Levels Escalator runs for half a mile. You can ride a Victorian-era tram in the morning. You can also take a high-speed train to mainland China by lunch. The city boasts the world’s highest public transport usage rate. Ninety percent of daily journeys rely on it. Key transportation options include the Peak Tram. It has been operational since 1888. It climbs Victoria Peak at a steep 27-degree angle. This creates optical illusions. The skyscrapers appear to tilt. The Star Ferry carries 24 million passengers annually across Victoria Harbour. It has been operating since 1880. The MTR transports 4.5 million passengers daily.
Do you know about Hong Kong’s history? Queen Victoria wrote in 1841. “Albert is so amused at my having got the island of Hong Kong”. This was after Hong Kong was ceded to the British. Possession Point is where the Union Jack flag was first raised by the British. It was known as Tai Hang Hau. This means “big puddle.” It stood right on the island’s shoreline. It collected water. Today, the site is located in Hollywood Road Park.
Hong Kong has a highly efficient system for dealing with typhoons. May to November is typhoon season. A T1 signal indicates a brewing storm is days away. Next, a T3 means the storm is gathering speed. Kindergarten children stay home. A T8 or T10 means winds of up to 180km/h spin across Hong Kong. Work, school and public transport is cancelled.
Hong Kong Island tends to steal the limelight. But there are actually 263 islands in Hong Kong. Some of them, like Lantau, Cheung Chau and Lamma, are accessible by ferry. Others are totally uninhabited and virtually unreachable.
Hong Kong is a foodie paradise. It has one of the highest numbers of restaurants or cafes per capita. You can score the cheapest Michelin-starred food on the planet. Dim sum originated in southern China. It means “touch the heart.” It was created as snack food for travellers. Today it is an essential part of local culture. Egg tarts are a must-try local special at the bakery. The latter is named not because they contain the fruit. It gets its name from their pineapple-like crust.
Feng Shui influences the design of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. Many buildings feature “dragon gates”. These openings allow dragons to fly through the mountains to the water. The rooftop of Central’s HSBC Hong Kong building includes two rods. They deflect bad energy. They face the Bank of China building. It was built with sharp edges. These are believed to cut and dilute good energy. Saying the word “Kowloon” translates to “nine dragons.”
As you stand atop Chek Ma Tau, consider its role. It is more than just a high point. It is a vantage from which to appreciate the unique blend. It shows nature and culture of Hong Kong.