Hong Kong. Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Iain Miller wrote this guest post on Hong Kong.

Vibrant, exotic, at once both ancient and contemporary – the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong is all this and more.

With a population of over 7 million squeezed into 426 square miles, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It became a British colony in 1842 following the First Opium War and was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Now an international financial centre with high ranking per capita income and quality of life, it is also a popular tourist destination.

Hong Kong is easily accessible and a popular stopover. With cheap flights to Hong Kong available, it is a must-see destination for the world traveler.

Rooftop Bar, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong.

Here are some of the Top Hong Kong Sights To See:

Victoria Peak – This 552 metre high mountain is the highest on the island and is reached by a fantastic tram ride on the Peak Tram. The tram ride itself and views from The Peak, as it is also known, offer spectacular views over the cityscape and Victoria Harbour. There are thousands of skyscrapers in Hong Kong, with modern buildings quickly replacing older ones. At 118 storeys and 484 metres, the tallest building on the island is the International Commerce Centre. The Peak Tower itself offers a viewing platform with panoramic views as well as fine dining and shopping.

Lantau Island – The largest island off Hong Kong, this mountainous island originally housed several fishing villages and was well-known for its tranquil atmosphere. In recent years it has been redeveloped, with the Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Disneyland. Ngong Ping 360 is a tourism experience featuring a cable car ride, skyrail and traditional village. It is still possible to get off-the-beaten track and spend time hiking within the island’s national parks, and you can also visit the Po Lin Monastery and the enormous bronze Buddha statue.

Stanley – This town on the southeastern peninsula of the island has a bustling market and lively waterfront area. The market has food stalls, as well as ornamental trinkets, arts and crafts and souvenirs. The waterfront area houses numerous bars and restaurants. Stanley is also home to one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong, the Tin Hau Temple. Two beaches, Stanley Beach and St. Stephen’s Beach, are popular areas for sunbathing, watersports and barbeques.

Ocean Park – The revamped water theme park consists of two main areas, the Summit and the Waterfront, which are connected by a dizzying hillside cable ride (or by train or bus, for those afraid of heights). The Waterfront houses the Aqua City complete with Grand Aquarium and Old Hong Kong, as well as Asian animals including pandas. Most theme park rides are on the Summit. This area is divided into regions including Adventure Land with the thrilling Mine Train and Raging River, Thrill Mountain, Rainforest with water rapids, and Marine World, with performing dolphins and the peaceful Garden of Joy, as well as more crazy rides.

Rooftop terrace at URBN Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, China. Image courtesy of URBN Hotels & Resorts.

Sophie McGovern wrote this guest post on Sydney hostels. A writer, freelance journalist and traveler, she lives on a house boat near Bath. Her articles are featured on various websites including Heading There, Lonely Planet, The Lost Girls and Southbank Centre Literature.

Shanghai is a cool and contemporary city which keeps its history and culture very much alive.

No wonder then that many China and Asia bound travelers begin their adventures here. Cheap flights to Shanghai have increased the city’s appeal, as have ever improving transportation links to the rest of China.

First impressions of Shanghai are often lofty skyscrapers and monochromatic contemporary architecture that dominate the business and commercial districts. Some of these buildings mix modern materials and classical shapes, as with the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

The traditional China exists within and around this modern sprawl in its temples, floating markets and tranquil gardens which add color and calm to the city.

Canals wind through Shanghai, and ornate boats are available for hire or with a guide. This is a lovely way to take in the sights at a leisurely pace, with temples and palaces on the banks and plenty of opportunity for people watching. Buy lunch from a floating market and disembark at one of the many temples for a tour.

The Old Town is the place to go to immerse yourself in traditional Shanghai, with tiered buildings, tumbledown shops, lanterns and dragon motifs a plenty. Enter through the traditional gateway on the west side for full atmospheric effect, where gold animals decorate red and black paneling.

This will bring you onto Fangbang Central Road. Here you can buy every kind of souvenir and trinket imaginable, from Buddha statues to Junk kites and ornately-carved chopsticks.

For a less touristy shopping experience, visit the Old Town’s Yu Yuan Bazaar. Along with modern mall type shops, a host of traditional arts and crafts are sold as well as Chinese medicines and cooking ingredients.

After your shopping, it will be time for tea, and the old town is packed full of traditional tea houses. The variety of tea types is phenomenal, and there isn’t a teabag in sight. Black, green, Dragon Well, Oolong; choose your tipple and enjoy the dainty service set complete with traditional teapots.

One of the best tea houses in the Old Town is Mid Lake Pavilion Teahouse built in the 1800s, which stands at the centre of a lake, with views of landscaped gardens beyond.

When you’re done with your tea, take time to explore the neighboring gardens. Locals practice Tai Chi and yoga on the grass and in the many traditional pavilions. Built in the 1500s, the gardens are the most beautiful in the city, representing the world’s wild spaces in miniature.

In the evening, there are a number of entertainment options, some with roots in ancient Chinese folklore and spirituality.

Chinese Opera is an extravagant event characterized by masks, costumes, storytelling and high-pitched singing.

The Circus comes alive with drama and tradition, acrobats demonstrating their extraordinary skills, which combine elegance and strength.

This is a Guest Post.