Recently, Hong Kong’s skyline was ranked the best in the world by a renowned infrastructure data company, Emporis. The city is dotted with many towering buildings, which indeed make for a sight to behold. Here are five of the most prominent of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers.

Central Plaza

Completed in 1992, Central Plaza soars 347m high over the beautiful Victoria Harbour. It has a unique exterior shape and a triangular floor plan that gives most of the offices and restaurants, inside the building, gorgeous harbour views. On the top of the building is a bright neon pole that changes colour every 15 minutes after sunset. Visitors have free admission to its 46th floor gallery which offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.

International Commerce Centre

International Commerce Centre stands at 484m, making it the tallest building in Hong Kong and seventh tallest in the world. As the name suggests, the building is home to some of the biggest business brands in the city. Some notable tenants include Accenture, Morgan Stanley, and ABN-AMRO.

Bank of China Tower

Also called BOC Tower, it is located at 1 Garden Road, and is renowned for its unique exterior

design resembling bamboo shoots. The building was designed by the award-wining Chinese American architect I.M.Pei and soars up to a height of 300m. It is the fourth tallest building in Hong Kong and a prominent part of the city’s skyline.

Two International Finance Centre

At 416.8 m, Two International Finance Centre (2IFC) is the second tallest tower in Hong Kong. The architecture is relatively simple; it is a square-shaped glassy skyscraper. The skyscraper is designed to accommodate business institutions. It is one of the few buildings in Hong Kong that feature double-deck elevators.

HSBC Building

Built in 2003, HSBC Building is acclaimed as one of the world’s most expensively constructed properties. The construction of the building incurred an expenditure of HK$5.2 billion. The glittering skyscraper was designed by the famous architect Lord Norman Faster and is located on the southern side of Statue Square. During weekends and holidays, the area is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

July-August is a good time to be in Hong Kong as the city hosts the International Arts Carnival during the period. A variety of cultural activities and stage performances by renowned international

groups are organised at the annual carnival. There is much to enjoy, experience and learn during this more-than-a-month long event, scheduled from 10th July to 16th August, 2015. Check out a few highlights of the International Arts Carnival.

Legend of the Silk Route

This acrobatic show is the first event of the International Arts carnival. The colourful show by Shaanxi Acrobatic Troupe comprises more than 20 acrobatic feats and energetic dance performances. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre will host this entertaining amalgamation of history and culture from 10th to 12th July. Entry is not permitted to kids under three.

National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America

Also known as NYO-USA, this event features a team of 110 young musicians from the USA, performing under the supervision of notable pianist YUNDI and conductor Charles. Visit the Hong Kong Culture Centre Concert Hall on 26th July to enjoy the symphonies of Beethoven and the compositions of Berlioz.

Too Many Penguins?

Considered an apt show for kids aged between one and four, it illustrates the funny story of a lone but happy polar bear which has to deal with too many penguins in his neighbourhood. Watch penguins of various sizes arriving on the stage by boat, car and balloon. This unique story of tolerance and friendship is narrated by Frozen Charlotte, a UK-based artist.  Kwai Tsing Theatre Black Box Theatre will host this show from 16th to 19th July.

Franz & Friends’ Voyage Undersea

This 3D musical show is perhaps the most diversified event at the International Arts Carnival. Its highlights range from animation to drama and puppetry. The show is created by  Image in Motion Theater of Taiwan. Tuen Mun Town Hall Auditorium is the venue for this show that’s scheduled on 25th and 26th July.

Visit the London Regatta Centre on 28th June, 2015 to feel the thrill of the 20th edition of the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Often considered the most prestigious dragon boat festival across Europe, it has become an integral part of the cultural calendar of London. Here are a few notable highlights of this festival.

Participate as a Competitor

You can compete in this event as part of a team. Take your pick from Corporate Package or Non-Corporate Package. Entry forms for both packages are available on the official website of the festival.

Entertainment

Besides boat races, the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is packed with an array of attractions and activities as diverse as DJ shows, live musical performances, and martial arts.

Jeffrey Alexander School of Martial Arts: At the boat race festival, participants from Jeffrey Alexander School of Martial Arts will showcase unique self-defence moves of various disciplines such as Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Shaolin, and Chi Kung.

Kieran Lai: The semi-finalist at Britain’s Got Talent 2014, Kieran Lai is going to display his jaw-dropping dance moves at the London Regatta Centre on 28th June. This talented dancer also acted in the British movie, All Stars.

Crash Island: If you are fond of rock music, Crash Island is sure to catch your attention. This four-piece London-based band includes artists from South Africa, Spain, and France, and has performed in various European countries including Germany, Switzerland, and France.

Luciee Marie Closier: The young singer shot to fame with BBC’s The Voice UK 2014. Now, Closier sings all over the UK and has supported numerous popular bands and artists such as Shola Arna, Scouting for Girls, and Ms Dynamite.

Spring in Hong Kong is a time of celebration! From salubrious weather to gratifying shopping and an array of cultural fests, the season is marked by a great zeal and enthusiasm in the ‘Asia’s World City’. Here are some popular cultural carnivals that happen to express the real essence of Hong Kong, blending its contemporary persona with ancient rituals and bizarre customs.

Birthday of Tin Hau

Hong Kong boasts an influential maritime heritage, and the Birthday of Tin Hua, the goddess of the Sea, is an annual reminder of that! The locals flock to the temples of the deity and pray for safety, security and well-being of their fishing business. One of the famous places to witness this cultural extravaganza is Shap Pat Heung in Yuen Long, where a colourful parade of fa pau (floral wreaths) takes place, followed by the lion dances and a noisy procession of brightly decorated fishing boats. It generally falls on the 23rd day of the third lunar month (11th May in 2015) and attracts a huge number of holidaymakers who buy tickets aboard flights for Hong Kong.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

The century-old Cheung Chau Bun Festival is still one of Hong Kong’s most important cultural carnivals. Held in the fourth lunar month, the week-long event sees loads of merrymaking with fascinating Taoist ceremonies, lion dances, drum beating and exciting games and competitions. The locals, dressed in cultural costumes, parade statues of deities through the narrow alleys of the island. Many unique rituals are performed to keep the real essence of the fest alive, and this is what makes it one of the world’s top, quirky local festivals. Quite naturally, a fair share of travellers who grab flight tickets’ for spring holidays in Hong Kong partakes in the carnival.

Birthday of the Buddha

Also called the Buddha Bathing Festival, it surely reflects the spiritual sides of people in Hong Kong. A number of rituals, taken from the life of Lord Buddha, are practiced and make for a unique cultural experience for those who join the festivity after disembarking their Hong Kong flights. Devotees visit the temples and pay homage to the deity by bathing statues. Various cultural performances, group chanting and holistic sessions add to its spiritual significance. Eating the special green cookies signifies the passing of the hard time in life and remains a highlighted ritual of the event!

Hong Kong is one of the most acclaimed holiday destinations in the Fareast, and most of its top attractions/activities are often talked about a lot! So we bring you some amazing experiences that may give a unique, fresh perspective of the Asia’s World City!! Book your flights’ tickets and get set to explore Hong Kong in an altogether new way!

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens

Drive down to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens, near the China Border outside of Funling, to relish appealing natural beauty, unique flora & fauna as well as organic yummies. Here, you can witness scenic pathways, beautiful streams and waterfalls as well as interesting exhibits. Also learn about the native art, environment and habitats before enjoying locally produced delicacies in any of the restaurants here. Surely, this strangely eclectic place is worth every penny spent on flights and other holiday deals for the destination.

Chung King Mansions

The Chung King Mansions, located along the “Golden Mile” of Nathan Road, comes alive with the gathering of ethnic minorities, African traders and holidaymakers from across the globe. The place literally brings the whole world together, and wandering here is simply a mesmeric experience. Chill out at restaurants that serve global delicacies or shop for interesting antics and souvenirs!

Hiking across Lamma Island

Hiking across Lamma Island will offer you some of the best experiences in Hong Kong. While trekking through the island, different species of trees and birds can also be seen. Don’t miss a meal of fresh seafood at a beach-facing eatery at the island! The historical Kamikaze Cave also catches the fancy of hordes of tourists who spend on flights for enjoying holidays in Hong Kong.

Ferrying to the Bays off Sai Kung

A ferry ride to the bays off Sai Kung is a great way to explore not just the region’s natural magnificence, but also its rhythm and vitality. Popular places to head to include the Lantau island, Cheung Chau Island and Lamma Island. Experience the great natural beauty around Hong Kong from an entirely unique perspective as you relive the exhilaration of a boat ride! Camping, swimming and surfing are other recommended activities during the excursion!

Had enough of Hong Kong’s glitterati? Exploring countryside might be a good escapade. Plan a day or two at Cheung Chau Island to immerse in a not-so-flashy lifestyle. Owing to its proximity to Hong Kong Island, numerous locals love to plan their weekends here. Few decades ago, Cheung Chau was a notorious hideout for pirates but today, you can surf on the rolling waves, gorge on delectable seafood and experience a sense of serenity at its historical temples. Here is a list of few attractions enticing travellers to invest in tickets to Cheung Chau.

Cheung Po Tsai Cave

History lovers boarding flights bound for Hong Kong must surely consider visiting this cave in Cheung Chau. According to a legend, the notorious pirate, Cheung Po Tsai kept all his loot in this cave. There are numerous signs in and around the cave depicting a navigable route that led people to the bounty! From here one can admire the captivating views of the dazzling coastline.

Pak Tai Temple

This is the one of the most prominent temples among the local fishing community. It is dedicated to the God of the Sea, Pak Tai and features an impressive design marked by several animal images, particularly the lion stones. Other highlights in this temple are Favourable Wind Ear and Thousand Li-Eye. If you are grabbing tickets aboard flights to enjoy a spring in Hong Kong, you can be a part of annual Bun Festival where magnificent towers of sweet buns are to be found.

Ancient Rock Carving

These carvings are located near Tung Wan Beach and have been added to the list of declared monuments of Hong Kong. According to archaeologists, this rock carving is around 3 millenniums old!!

Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre

Adventurous souls visit this centre especially to glide through the waves! This windsurfing centre is strategically located between two popular beaches – Kwun Yam Wan and Tung Wan Beach. From here you can rent surfing gear as well. After an eventful stint in the waters, surfers can enjoy a drink at open-air bar, located at the second floor of the centre.