Descripción de la tarea

Imagen de Jameee16 en Pixabay Licencia CC

8 Things Not to Do In Hong Kong

With its neon lights, towering skyscrapers, bustling street markets and extreme population density, Hong Kong can be an overwhelming place.  On one hand, the city offers a unique culture, excellent cuisine and world-class attractions. On the other hand, its intense pace, crowds, smells and contrasts can be dizzying to a visitor. There are plenty of websites out there telling you what to see and do in Hong Kong. However, to experience the city at its fullest, you’ll also need to know what to avoid. Here’s a list of things NOT to do in Hong Kong.

1. Don’t Choose the Cheapest Place to Stay
Accommodation in Hong Kong can be extremely expensive. As such, visitors are tempted to book the cheapest place possible, but this is a mistake. By choosing rock-bottom hotels, hostels and guesthouses, you’ll likely find yourself in a tiny room with substandard conditions. Chungking Mansion, for example, is a legendary magnet for penny-pinching backpackers, but this crowded Nathan Road flea bag is a fire trap rampant with petty crime and drunken patrons.  You don’t need to splash out for a fancy hotel, but be prepared to spend a bit more to get a room that is safe and comfortable.

2. Don’t Spit
Anyone who travels in China knows that it’s a spitting culture, where people (especially the older generation) spray saliva on the streets with abandon. It can be a little unsettling for the genteel traveler. Chalk it up to a cultural difference, as it’s just not considered rude there. Some believe it helps ward off evil spirits. 

3. Don’t Be Squeamish
Hong Kong has been nicknamed the “Fragrant Harbour,” and it can be a sensory overload for visitors not used to its many pungent aromas, cacophonous noises and unfamiliar flavors. Some of the sights, smells, sounds and tastes can be off-putting if you don’t have the right attitude. Resist the instinct to cry “yuk” at the sight of chicken feet or the smell of durian and embrace the chaos. That’s part of the adventure of traveling to an exotic destination like HK.

4. Don’t Overpay at Street Markets
Hong Kong offers a vast range of exciting street markets where you can buy just about any type of consumer good imaginable. However, as is often the case with these sorts of establishments, tourists often end up giving in to pushy merchants and paying too much. Learn the art of haggling.  Knock-offs abound here, so make sure you know what you’re paying for.

5. Don’t Underestimate the Summer Heat
Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate where summer temperatures during the daytime can be over 80 degrees, and the insufferable humidity can make it feel even more oppressive.  If you’re going sightseeing, you’ll need to be prepared. Instead of walking, consider using public transport to get around, and try to do your outdoor exploring in the cooler mornings or evenings. 

6. Don’t Take Taxis
Taxis have earned a bad reputation in many countries in the world, and Hong Kong is no exception. While you’re not likely to get ripped off if you stick only to official taxis, it is still an unnecessarily expensive way to get around. Also, due to the high traffic, it can take a long time to get anywhere through the gridlock. Instead, try using the efficient and affordable Mass Transit Railway (MTR) around the metropolis. 

7. Don’t Underestimate the Language Barrier
Although English remains an official language in Hong Kong, you’ll undoubtedly still find a major language barrier in certain areas. Learning a few basic Cantonese phrases (note, not Mandarin) is not as difficult as you might think. If you need to ask anyone for directions, try to find younger people to help, since they’re more likely to speak English.

8. Don’t Neglect the Rest of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is more than just skyscrapers and street markets. Beyond the bustling downtown of HK Island and the crazy crowds of Kowloon there are outlying communities and 260 small islands to explore. Over 70 per cent of Hong Kong is comprised of mountains and parks. Venture into the New Territories and you’ll find traditional walled towns like Kat Hing Wai. See the fishing villages on Lamma Island. Hit the beaches in Lantau. Surf in Big Wave Bay. Peruse the markets in Stanley and Repulse Bay. Visit Cheung Chau island and its Cheung Po Tsai pirate caves. Hong Kong a diverse and wondrous place well worth venturing beyond the core.