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Victoria Harbor “Walking on Water”

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

When the British steamed in to the sweet harbor off the coast of Mainland China I’m sure they had no idea that this part of the world would become what is known as the Pearl of the East or the biggest most important city of Asia.

I have stayed in a large hotel on Victoria Harbor  twice now—more than a week each time-and have loved and thoroughly enjoyed watching the life happening outside the window. Those who know me, know I am happiest on or near water, so the big hotel with soaring windows with expansive views is perfect for me when I visit my daughter-in-law’s family, lovely people of whom I am very fond.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

Victoria Harbor’s history includes:  home to  a sleepy fishing village, wartime occupation by the Japanese and mass immigrations from China. In the 1500s the Portuguese arrived with the British making landfall in the 1600s.

Hong Kong Island was chosen for settlement because it was ideal for opium trading.

Victoria Harbor, which might be the world’s finest, separates Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula. My Hong Kong Home Away From Home  is on the Kowloon side, looking towards Hong Kong Island.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

Interestingly the Harbor has actually been made smaller as the land area of Tsim Sha Tsui and the Kowloon Peninsula has been greatly enlarged by numerous phases of reclamation over the years. This involved removing the tops of hills that once dominated the area. The resulted is a changed topography and the phrase “Walking on Water.”

So, what do you see when you hang out on or near Victoria Harbor?

The View of the Harbor from Victoria Peak

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

Traditional Chinese Junks.

Even though the Hong Kong tourism authorities use photos of traditional Chinese sailing Junks against the glittering sky line of sky scrappers…..a bit of East meets West imagery, working Junks haven’t been in use for decades. The picture perfect ones you see are tourist versions.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

Star Ferry Terminals

The Star Ferry is one of Hong Kong’s best loved institutions. The ferries have chugged between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since the late 1880s.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Riding the Star Ferry Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

Clock Tower/Light Show

Standing next to the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Terminal, we saw it and nearby buildings bathed in lights for a light show.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

Directly across from our hotel room:  The Convention Center

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong in early morning light.

Cruise ships Galore!

The Ocean Terminal, where the cruise ships dock, including occasionally the QE 2,  is close by. Here’s a view from our breakfast spot of a cruise ship making its way to the terminal.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
View out the restaurant window in the hotel, Hong Kong
View out the restaurant window in the hotel, Hong Kong

The skyline is fantastic. Some say this is the best city skyline in the world.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong
Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

3 Comments
  1. posted by
    Margaret Idema
    Apr 3, 2017 Reply

    Hi Susan, It always seems to be through your blog that I learn about places I’ve not yet been…very nice write-up about Victoria Harbor. That skyline is pretty impressive!!

    • posted by
      Susan J. Smith
      Apr 4, 2017 Reply

      Thanks, Margaret, I appreciate your kind comment.

  2. posted by
    Kathy
    Apr 4, 2017 Reply

    So interesting about Victoria Harbor being made larger!! Incredible pictures of the light show!

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