Absolute Asia/Destinations/China/Places to Visit/Hong Kong
Private & Tailor-Made China Tours
Private Journeys in Hong Kong
The Essence of Hong Kong
Our expert guides to exploring Hong Kong Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Hong Kong, these guides will help you make the most of your time there.
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China on the eastern side of the Pearl River estuary, made up of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. It is a harbor city of towers, ferries and markets that also has hiking trails, outlying islands and temples. Most visitors spend three to four days, and many use it as a gateway to Macau and Guangdong.
| Area | 2,755.03 km² in all; 1,114.57 km² of land (Hong Kong Island and nearby islands 80.72, Kowloon 46.93, New Territories 986.92) |
|---|---|
| British period | British landing 26 January 1841; island ceded after the Opium War in 1842; Kowloon in 1860; New Territories leased for 99 years from 9 June 1898 |
| Handover | became a special administrative region of China on 1 July 1997 |
| Tian Tan Buddha | 26.4 m figure, about 34 m with its base; 250 tonnes; 207 bronze pieces; 268 steps; consecrated 29 December 1993 |
| Name | from “fragrant harbor”, the port that shipped incense wood in the Ming dynasty |
A short history
People have lived in the area for about 7,000 years, and the Qin brought it under Chinese rule in 214 BC. In the Ming dynasty it was a place that shipped fragrant incense wood from Dongguan, and the name Hong Kong is first recorded between 1573 and 1619. British forces landed on 26 January 1841, Britain occupied Hong Kong Island after the Opium War in 1842, and it became a colony in 1843. Kowloon south of Boundary Street was ceded by the Convention of Peking in 1860, and the New Territories and 235 islands were leased for 99 years under an agreement signed on 9 June 1898. Under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, Hong Kong became a special administrative region on 1 July 1997.
Tian Tan Buddha and Ngong Ping
The Tian Tan Buddha sits on Lantau Island above Po Lin Monastery at 520 meters, and Chinese Wikipedia describes it as the world’s tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. The figure is 26.4 meters tall and about 34 meters with its lotus seat and base, weighs 250 tonnes, and is made of 207 bronze pieces. Visitors climb 268 steps. Po Lin began planning it in 1981; the pieces were cast in Nanjing and shipped to Hong Kong in 1989, and it was consecrated on 29 December 1993, 12 years after the project began and at a cost of over 60 million Hong Kong dollars.
Harbor, markets and food
Victoria Harbour divides Hong Kong Island from Kowloon, and ferries cross it constantly. Sheung Wan and Wan Chai have markets and old shops, and Central has restaurants from tea cafes to fine dining. We have not verified opening hours or prices here, so check ahead for the Peak Tram, the Star Ferry and any market you plan to visit.
Planning Hong Kong
October to December is usually the most comfortable period. Three to four days covers the harbor, the Peak, Lantau and a day in the New Territories or the outlying islands. Many trips continue to Macau or to Xiamen and Guilin. See also our China tours.
Planning Hong Kong with Absolute Asia Tours
Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. For Hong Kong that means a hotel on the harbor, a guide for the temples and markets, and transfers to Macau or the mainland. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. See our China tours or tell us your dates.
Sources (read in Chinese, Chinese Wikipedia): 香港, 天坛大佛. Last checked November 2026.
Hong Kong: FAQ
How big is Hong Kong?
2,755 square kilometers in all, of which about 1,115 are land.
When did Hong Kong become part of China again?
On 1 July 1997, when it became a special administrative region.
How tall is the Tian Tan Buddha?
26.4 meters, or about 34 meters with its base, on Lantau Island.
How many days do you need in Hong Kong?
Three to four days.
What does the name Hong Kong mean?
It is usually explained as “fragrant harbor”, after the incense wood the port shipped in the Ming dynasty.
The Private Difference
Tailor-Made Hong Kong Journeys
Absolute Asia curates completely bespoke, 100% private luxury journeys across China. Accompanied by certified bilingual scholar guides, experience private dawn and sunset access to the Great Wall away from crowds, private clearances to archaeological pits in Xi'an, high-speed 350 km/h bullet-train connections between ancient capitals, and stays at legendary heritage properties including The Peninsula Beijing, Aman Summer Palace, and Banyan Tree Yangshuo.
Destination Quick Facts
| Ideal Duration | 10 – 18 Days (e.g. Beijing + Xi'an + Guilin + Shanghai, or extended to Yunnan / Silk Road) |
| Best Season | Apr – May (Pleasant Spring & Blossoms), Sep – Nov (Crisp Golden Autumn & Clear Skies) |
| Typical Budget | $480 – $1,250+ per guest / day (Private executive vehicle & chauffeur, high-speed rail First Class, licensed scholar guide, 5-star luxury hotels & domestic flights) |
| Travel Style | 100% Private, Bespoke Cultural Antiquity & Modern Luxury |
| Best For | UNESCO World Heritage (Great Wall & Forbidden City), Ancient Archaeology (Terracotta Army), Dramatic Karst Topography, Imperial & Regional Gastronomy, High-Speed Bullet Rail |
Our Favorite Journeys
Suggested itineraries featuring Hong Kong
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Hong Kong, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
We are composing new Hong Kong itineraries right now. Tell us what you have in mind and a designer will build one around you.
Transparent Pricing Intelligence
What Does a Private Hong Kong Tour Cost?
China's vast geographic scale and profound cultural wealth require precise logistical choreography. Every Absolute Asia journey includes dedicated private chauffeured vehicles for all transfers and excursions, first-class high-speed rail tickets or business-class flights, certified English-speaking scholar guides, pre-booked VIP site admissions, and vetted luxury accommodations.
$480 – $650 per guest / day
Exceptional 5-star international and heritage hotels (Grand Hyatt Beijing, Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong), private chauffeured executive vehicle, licensed bilingual guide, and first-class high-speed bullet rail.
- 5-star luxury city and resort accommodations
- Dedicated private executive minivan and chauffeur throughout
- Licensed English-speaking private scholar guides in each destination
- Reserved First Class high-speed rail seats (Fuxing bullet trains)
- VIP skip-the-line admissions to Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors
$700 – $1,250 per guest / day
Iconic heritage properties (The Peninsula Beijing, Aman Summer Palace, Banyan Tree Yangshuo), private helicopter transfers to secluded Great Wall ramparts, private archaeologist-led Terracotta Warriors tour, and private chartered Li River cruises.
- Suites at premier luxury and Aman properties (The Peninsula, Aman Summer Palace)
- Private opening access to restricted Forbidden City halls and scholar studios
- Privately chartered boutique riverboat on the Li River in Guilin/Yangshuo
- Private archaeologist lecture and VIP access at Xi'an Terracotta Army
- Bespoke Peking duck and regional imperial banquets arranged by private concierges
$1,400 – $2,800+ per guest / day
The pinnacle of bespoke Asian luxury: Amanfayun in Hangzhou, Amandayan in Lijiang, Amanyangyun in Shanghai, chartered private jet connections, private Tibetan monastery access in Shangri-La, and Michelin 3-star culinary dining.
- Exclusive standalone villas and Ming/Qing dynasty courtyard compounds
- Chartered aviation and executive helicopter transfers
- Private curator-led tours of National Palace collections after public hours
- Private tea harvesting masterclasses with master growers in Longjing
- 24/7 dedicated bilingual national concierge managing all logistics
What Drives Your Total Investment?
- Vast intercity transit distances: flights vs 350 km/h high-speed rail routing
- Restricted quota booking for UNESCO monuments (Forbidden City requires strict advance ID registration)
- Seasonal surges during Golden Week (early May and early October) requiring early booking
- Private chartered boats on the Li River vs standard public cruise vessels
Local Operational Realities
What You Need to Know Before Traveling in Hong Kong
Visa Protocols, 144-Hour Transit & Visa-Free Entry
China's immigration policies offer dynamic travel options, including 144-hour visa-free transit for travelers holding onward international tickets through Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as unilateral visa-free entry for select European and Asian passports. Absolute Asia provides full pre-departure verification and VIP fast-track airport greeting.
Digital Connectivity, VPNs & Cashless Payments
China operates an independent digital ecosystem where Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) require international roaming eSIMs or pre-configured corporate VPNs. Furthermore, China is virtually cashless; Absolute Asia assists guests in linking international credit cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay for smooth day-to-day transactions.
High-Speed Rail (Fuxing) vs Domestic Aviation
China's high-speed rail network is the world's most advanced, with Fuxing bullet trains operating at 350 km/h. For journeys under 5 hours (such as Beijing to Xi'an or Shanghai to Hangzhou), First Class bullet rail departs and arrives in city centers, eliminating airport check-in queues and flight delays.
Great Wall Section Selection & Crowd-Avoidance
Rather than visiting crowded, commercialized sections like Badaling, Absolute Asia takes guests exclusively to quieter, picturesque ramparts such as Mutianyu (with private cable car and toboggan access) or Jinshanling, timing visits during late afternoon golden hour for private photography without crowds.
Handpicked 5-Star Sanctuaries
Signature Stays & Exclusive Experiences in Hong Kong
The Peninsula Beijing
Palatial all-suite luxury blending classical Chinese craftsmanship with cutting-edge Peninsula technology, private Rolls-Royce fleet, and Michelin-starred dining.
Aman Summer Palace
Historic Qing-era pavilions just steps from the imperial Summer Palace lakes, featuring a secret door providing private after-hours access into the royal gardens.
Banyan Tree Yangshuo
Picturesque resort framed by towering karst limestone pinnacles along the tranquil Li River, with private bamboo rafts and karst-view spa pavilions.
Amanfayun
Restored ancient stone village nestled amidst Longjing tea plantations and bamboo forests, adjacent to the sacred 4th-century Lingyin Temple.
Amanyangyun
A breathtaking preservation feat: relocated Ming and Qing dynasty camphor forests and ancient stone villas reimagined as a serene ultra-luxury sanctuary.
The Temple House
Contemporary architectural gem built around a beautifully restored 100-year-old Qing dynasty courtyard, located in the heart of Sichuan's culinary capital.
Tailored to Your Style
Family & Honeymoon Journeys in Hong Kong
Private China Family Expeditions
An awe-inspiring adventure for all generations: meet giant pandas in Chengdu with a private wildlife keeper, toboggan down from the Great Wall at Mutianyu, learn authentic Shaolin kung fu moves in a private courtyard, make traditional hand-pulled noodles, and cruise through fairy-tale karst peaks on private bamboo rafts.
- Private keeper-assisted giant panda volunteer and viewing experience in Chengdu
- Cable car ascent and exhilarating toboggan descent down the Great Wall at Mutianyu
- Hands-on terracotta mini-statue molding workshop with an artisan master in Xi'an
- Private family dumpling and hand-pulled noodle culinary masterclasses
- High-speed 350 km/h Fuxing bullet train journeys with spacious First Class family seating
Romantic Imperial China & Karst Escapes
A romance steeped in dynastic elegance: stay in restored Qing dynasty pavilions at Aman Summer Palace, glide down the tranquil Yulong River on a private bamboo raft with champagne, enjoy private lantern-lit dinners overlooking the Great Wall, and unwind in secluded luxury villas amidst tea plantations.
- Private dawn access to the Forbidden City and secluded Summer Palace gardens
- Private sunset champagne picnic on an uncrowded watchtower of the Great Wall
- Private bamboo raft cruise along the mist-draped karst valleys of Yangshuo
- Couples' herbal spa rituals utilizing ancient Chinese acupressure and green tea extracts
- Exclusive reservations at China's finest private dining clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants
Cross-Border Extensions
Seamless Multi-Country Extensions Beyond Hong Kong
Connect multiple Asian cultures into one coherent private journey with expert in-country concierge coordination.
Japan & China: East Asian Imperial Dynasties
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Shanghai → Xi'an → Beijing
Direct 3-hour international flight connecting Osaka Kansai (KIX) or Tokyo (HND/NRT) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Beijing (PEK).
When to Go
The premier travel seasons for China are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings blooming gardens, comfortable temperatures, and green landscapes across Beijing, Xi'an, and Jiangnan. Autumn offers crisp golden sunshine, clear blue skies, minimal rainfall, and spectacular fall foliage along the Great Wall.
Month by Month
China Through the Seasons
Spring Blossoms & Mild Weather
Pleasant touring temperatures nationwide; peach blossoms in Guilin and vibrant peonies in Beijing's imperial parks.
Summer Sunshine & Mountain Retreats
Warm weather ideal for high-altitude exploration in Yunnan, Tibet, and relaxing cruises along the emerald Li River.
Golden Autumn (Best Overall)
Crisp, dry, and comfortable across northern and southern China; golden gingko leaves and fiery red foliage on the Great Wall.
Winter Dynasties & Snow Harbin
Snow-dusted Forbidden City, dramatic ice sculptures in Harbin, quiet uncrowded museums, and warm tropical retreats in Hainan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Private Travel to Hong Kong: Essential Advice
Verified Traveler Stories
Recent Guest Experiences in Hong Kong
“Our 14-day private tour through Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai was simply extraordinary. Absolute Asia's scholar guide in Beijing gave us a perspective on the Forbidden City we never could have gained on our own, and the private sunset visit to the Great Wall was unforgettable. The Peninsula and Aman Summer Palace were world-class.”
“Taking our children to China with Absolute Asia was the best family decision we have ever made. Riding the 350 km/h bullet train, seeing the pandas in Chengdu, and tobogganing down the Great Wall kept everyone energized. The private van and driver made city travel completely effortless.”
Start Planning
Ready to see Hong Kong on your own terms?
Share a few details and a private travel designer will reach out within one business day.