Climbing to the top of Hong Kong (and an interview on NPR) by Stuck in Customs via Flickr and Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike License.

This has to be one of my favourite locations on earth. It is certainly my favourite view in my favourite city. This is Hong Kong in the late afternoon viewed form The Peak on Victoria Mountain. I've been there four times and I always long to go back again and again. (If anyone can get me a job in Hong Kong, would be most appreciated.)

Hong Kong Streets

Almost certainly my favourite city, Hong Kong's streets are alive with people day and night. The whole city seems to buzz with activity. The above shot captures this sense of biz as cars and people rush by.

IFC2 in Hong Kong

The International Finance Centre 2 building in the centre of Hong Kong's business district is a key landmark. Almost every picture of Hong Kong's sky line includes this building from one angle or anther. Being on of the tallest buildings in the city and at 88 stories high, towering over all the neighbouring skyscrapers, the IFC2 building is a obvious focal point when composing your pictures.

Lamma Island in Hong Kong

Hong Kong isn't all city and skyscrapers you know. A large part of the area is mountains and forests. Especially when you go out to some of the islands. This is on Lamma island, the third largest in Hong Kong. The island has a population of just 6,000 people who live a more relaxed lifestyle. This makes the island popular with expats and artist communities.

Glass and Metal and Steel and China

Glass and Metal and Steel and China, originally uploaded by Stuck in Customs.

The International Finance Centre 2 in Hong Kong, was until recently, the tallest building in the city. This shot shows the typical pedestrian view of Hong Kong. A series of modern walk ways suspended above the roads and intermeshed with various buildings. Stairs and junctions in these walkways creates a maze of modernity that takes some getting used to for the newbie.

Hong Kong Central District, China

Finance Central by HKmPUA

Hong Kong is skyscrapers. Nowhere else on earth are they so densely packed into such a small space. Also, Hong Kong's skyscrapers are particularly narrow, as are the streets that squeeze between them. So these towers have an unusual elongated look. Standing at the bottom and looking up can give you vertigo without even beginning to ascend. At night, the towers are all illuminated by a spectacular light show.

The View from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Skyline  by Sprengben

Last week I posted a shot of the Hong Kong Sky line looking up from the Kowloon side of the harbour. This week we are on the peak of Victoria Mountain on Hong Kong Island looking down. The mass of skyscrapers along the north shore of Hong Kong island is breathtaking. Every time I go up that mountain I have shivers from the thrill. No other city on earth compares with this one for it's urban splendour.

The Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong, China

Every evening, Hong Kong comes alive with lights. However, being Hong Kong, it wasn't enough for them to put on the basic city lights. No, they had to put on the world biggest light show. It runs every evening throughout the year. The best places to view the show are either from the Avenue or the Stars on the Kowloon side or the harbour. Or else from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the north east side of Hong Kong island.

I've been to Hong Kong three times now, and I never fail to check out this view. No matter how often I see it, I never tire. It is a unique experience that you can't get anywhere other than in Hong Kong. The Symphony of Lights must be seen to be believed.