Hong Kong Hype

Hong Kong is famed for its Lion Rock spirit, an indefatigable attitude to work hard and move forward despite the odds, embodied in the city’s eponymous wildcat-shaped mountain. Following a three-year covid hibernation, Hong Kong has reopened with a slew of new attractions, from Design Trust micro-parks to new waterfront promenades and gigantic museums.

Among the biggest draws is the new West K cultural district, a vibrant waterfront arts and entertainment hub that’s home to the Herzog & de Meuron-designed M+ Museum, where you’ll find the largest and most wide-ranging collection of contemporary Chinese art in the world. It’s neighboured by the Hong Kong Palace Museum, a striking asymmetric block housing more than 900 priceless treasures – artefacts, artworks, silks, calligraphy, furniture, jewels – on loan from the Forbidden City Palace Museum in Beijing. Both overlook an enormous art park filled with performance and exhibition spaces, as well as a lawns and picnic areas for admiring the Victoria Harbour views. Views that can also be enjoyed from the new sixth-generation Peak Tram, which now has IMAX-wide windows and glass-ceiling panels to maximise those eye-popping city views on the ride from Central to Victoria Peak. There are new hotels, too, and a dining scene that remains as dynamic as ever thanks to Hongkongers’ obsession with always eating well.

How To Get There

Fly Qantas
At Qantas, we believe the journey should be as exciting as the destination. Experience the Qantas difference with baggage, inflight entertainment, and food and drinks included on every flight*. Fly direct daily to Hong Kong from Sydney or Melbourne, with connections available from other Australian cities.

How To Get Around

Hire a Car with Avis
Enjoy the freedom to be spontaneous and explore Hong Kong, both within and beyond the vibrant cityscape, with an Avis rental car. Venture with ease to discover the scenic coastal trails of Sai Kung, the cultural heritage sites of Tai Po, or the beautiful beaches of Clear Water Bay. With Avis, you’ll travel in comfort and can make the most of your visit.

Where To Stay

Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
As the world’s highest hotel, Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong sits atop the luxurious 1-million-square-foot Elements Mall. Nearby, the West Kowloon Cultural District serves as the city’s arts and culture hub. Guests enjoy easy airport access and spectacular city and harbour views from the hotel’s 312 rooms, along with acclaimed Michelin-starred dining.

What To Do

Star Ferry
Tap. Pay. Ride on Star Ferry with Amex! Star Ferry is a historic passenger ferry service and a top Hong Kong tourist attraction that has been operating for over a century. Embark on the iconic Star Ferry for a journey across picturesque Victoria Harbour. Opt for the lower deck to embrace the refreshing sea breeze, or ascend to the upper deck for unparalleled panoramic vistas of the cityscape.

Hong Kong Times Square
Experience the vibrancy of Hong Kong Times Square, the premier mega-mall located in Causeway Bay, the heart of the city’s bustling shopping and dining scene. Unlock exclusive year-round tourist offers at Times Square with your Amex Card, and receive a complimentary gift while discovering the wide range of shops, restaurants and entertainment options the mall has to offer.

Yun Wellness
YUN WELLNESS offers a diverse range of services and treatments, creating a comprehensive one-stop-shop where every client can fulfil their personal vision of wellness. Providing a holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, this urban oasis proposes a range of treatments from massages to facials, physiotherapy, hair care, nutrition, pre- and post-natal care and beyond.

Where To Dine

Felix
This chic, Philippe Starck-designed dining destination offers modern European experience menus curated by Chef de Cuisine Aurélie Altemaire and innovative cocktails from Felix Lab, showcasing fresh and elaborate culinary creations. Perched on the 28th floor of The Peninsula, Felix boasts unparalleled views of Hong Kong’s harbour.

One Harbour Road
Overlooking the magnificent Victoria Harbour, One Harbour Road serves authentic Cantonese cuisine refined by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Hon-cheong, who elevates time-honoured traditions and techniques with the freshest ingredients and imaginative presentation. The menu features signature classics and exquisite dim sum, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Let Amex Take You There

Elevate your experiences with a comprehensive offering of rewards and recommendations from destinations worldwide. Explore the world with American Express, and discover the best holidays made for you.

*Meals, beverages and entertainment offerings vary between flight times. Inflight entertainment varies by route and aircraft. The number of destinations and schedule is correct as of 5 September 2024, but is subject to change.

[Photo at top: CHUNYIP WONG/iStock]