24/05/2026
I've traveled to Hong Kong many times for business over the past 14 years, and it gets me every single time.
Here's why: Hong Kong has over 9,000 skyscrapers, more than New York City, packed into just 1,100 square kilometers with 7.5 million people living inside it. And somehow, a double-decker tram from 1904 still runs right through the center of the financial district.
This is Day 1 of my full Hong Kong travel series. Here's what we covered:
🔹 BORDER CROSSING FROM CHINA — A step-by-step walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect if you're traveling from mainland China.
🔹 MONG KOK FOOTBRIDGE — One of the most photographed spots in Hong Kong for a reason. It's not just a bridge — it's connected to markets, malls, and metro lines, which is why it's always packed.
🔹 KOWLOON MOSQUE — In the heart of Hong Kong, there's a beautiful mosque most Western travelers completely miss. We went.
🔹 STAR FERRY — The most famous way to cross Victoria Harbour. The crowd, the view, the experience — all covered.
🔹 DING DING TRAM — The world's only surviving double-decker tram service, operating since 1904. Still a primary mode of public transport. Absolutely iconic.
🔹 PEAK TRAM + VICTORIA PEAK — The "Million Dollar View" of Hong Kong at night. British-era history, a mountain tram, and a skyline that looks like it was designed by Hollywood. Real life cyberpunk.
🔹 HALAL FOOD — Two halal restaurants covered: a Tibetan halal spot for lunch (where I discovered Tibetan Muslims are actually Kashmiri by origin!) and Hong Kong Halal Beef Restaurant for dinner.
🔹 YAU MA TEI FRUIT MARKET — Night market, wholesale energy, the perfect way to end Day 1.
I also share honest visa info, transport costs, hotel reality (yes, rooms are small — it's Hong Kong), and why this city matters if you're interested in global trade and supply chains.
Tell me in the comments — have you been to Hong Kong? What surprised you most?