Hong Kong skyline Photo: VCG

 

Guanye Street, a famous food street in Macao Photo: Leng Shumei/Global Times

It is honest to say that I did feel a spark of worry and curiosity before stepping into Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) for the first time after about four years. This period has not been easy for the region, given the social turmoil in 2019 and the following COVID-19 pandemic that have badly hit the local economy and livelihood.

How is this place after four years of social unrest and COVID-19 pandemic? Will mainland tourists encounter any "unfriendly treatment"? I could not help entertaining these thoughts.

The negative speculations by some Western media on how much the eight-day-long Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays would influence Hong Kong economy also added to my worry and doubts.  

But after a five-day trip in Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao, I gradually let go of these anxious thoughts. The great joy of the locals during the National Day firework display along the Victoria Harbor, the people drinking Hong Kong-style milk tea and eating fresh polo buns, or the crowds in the shopping malls, even the rushed pedestrians on the streets, show that people in the Greater Bay Area (a megalopolis consisting of nine cities and two SARs in South China) has stepped out of the shadow of unrest and of the pandemic and sunk their teeth into a hard-earned restoration of life.

Moreover, the area is getting more and more closely integrated, making traveling in the region more convenient as more self-service machines are applied at customs and for e-payment through WeChat or Alipay, which was accepted in most shops, malls and restaurants.  

Shining like fireworks 

The National Day firework display - which had been suspended for four years since 2019 for the social unrest - is the biggest expectation and the most beautiful memory of my Great Bay Area trip during the holidays.  

Hours before the show began at 9:00 pm on October 1, people already started to move toward the harbor front and gather in public view areas to wait for the show, which led to a traffic jam around Harbor City - the largest and most diverse shopping mall in Hong Kong. 

My family and I waited at a wharf outside the mall for about three hours together with many other early birds who also wanted to secure a satisfactory view point.

The tedious waiting turned out to be quite enjoyable thanks to the dazzling views of thousands of skyscrapers extending along the harbor and the gentle and comfortable wind of early autumn. When the magnificent fireworks went off in the sky, it was absolutely worth the wait. During the about 25-minute-long show, crowds on the wharf burst into cheers multiple times. 

If you go to Hong Kong on days without fireworks however, don't feel sorry. I highly recommend you take a ride in the historic Star Ferry ride across the Victoria harbor, which will offer a unique perspective of the city's mesmerizing skyline and bustling streets.

Additionally, for a taste of traditional Chinese culture, you must not miss the iconic buildings along the Island Line. The areas along Central, Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay not only feature landmarks such as the Star Ferry, Central Ferris Wheel, Victoria Harbour and Times Square, but also have many streets suitable for city walks. The culturally diverse neighborhoods of Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun will offer every tourist a glimpse into Hong Kong's unique architecture and the juxtaposition of historical charm and bustling city life, with their charming streets lined with traditional shops and temples. 

If you are visiting Hong Kong for exhibitions, apart from independent art galleries, the M+ Museum and K11 Museum are must-visit places. K11 is known as the "world's first art mall" with its six floors and a construction cost of HK$3 billion.

A unique world

Some people say that Macao SAR is both heaven and hell. Although it lacks the hustle and bustle of the Hong Kong streets, its allure and extravagance can deeply captivate people. Some others also say that Macao is a food paradise - a tiny place where delicious food is within easy reach. What kind of place is Macao actually? Perhaps there are a thousand answers from a thousand people.

For a taste of modern Macao, you can visit the Cotai Strip, a vibrant entertainment district known for its world-class resorts, casinos and luxury shopping. The iconic House of Dancing Water show is a must-see, combining breathtaking acrobatics, water stunts and a captivating storyline.

For the enjoyment of a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere, Coloane Village, located in the southern part of Macao can offer the right environment for a relaxing stay and traditional Macanese snacks like almond cookies and pork chop buns.

Macao is also known for its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese flavors. Don't miss the opportunity to try Macanese dishes like Portuguese egg tarts, African chicken, Portuguese-style baked codfish, and minchi (a minced meat dish). Macao's street food scene is vibrant and diverse, as tourists can explore the local food stalls on the Cunha Street and try many other delicacies like egg rolls and fish balls. 

With the various delicious food as well as the combination of flashy city life and the quiet nature, you will fall in love with the unique tiny Macao.