A restless city that pulses with energy, Hong Kong is a modern metropolis in every sense of the word. Its mesmeric skyline is legendary; colossal skyscrapers stretch northwards in a wall of glass and steel while Victoria Harbour snakes through the city’s centre. Behind Hong Kong’s contemporary veneer, its historic beating heart remains in traditional neighbourhoods that have barely changed over the years. Just 45 minutes from Guangzhou by bullet train, Hong Kong makes a great day trip for guests staying at Jumeirah Guangzhou and Jumeirah Living Guangzhou. From chartering a junk to where to go for the best city vistas, be inspired with our day trip itinerary in cosmopolitan and cool Hong Kong.

Uncover Hong Kong history in Jordan

Framed by canopies of skyscrapers, on the Kowloon Peninsula, Jordan is a snapshot of old Hong Kong. A tangle of low-rise buildings and narrow alleyways, this district is where you can immerse yourself in local living. Colourful shops are home to herbalists and silk merchants, while hole-in-the-wall eateries and hawker stands are omnipresent on every corner. While you’re in Jordan, visit the historic Tin Hau Temple; dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, it’s a place where fishermen come to worship. Then head to Yau Ma Tei Jade Market where you can haggle for pearl and jade necklaces and earrings.

Shop at Pacific Place

Hong Kong does world-class shopping on a grand scale and treating yourself to some retail therapy in the city is simply a must-do. Pacific Place radiates glamour, from the gleaming white boutiques to fine dining restaurants, it’s a contemporary luxury lifestyle hub that really deserves a whole day to explore. Under one roof you can shop new collections at European fashion houses like Balenciaga, Dior and Chloe as well as heirloom jewellery and timepieces at Piaget and Jaeger Le Coultre. Pacific Place is known for its exquisite Beauty Gallery, designed to look like London’s historic Burlington Arcade by architect Thomas Heatherwick.

Lunch and cocktails with a view

Hong Kong does high-rise living quite like nowhere else and many of its finest restaurants can be found many floors up with a birds-eye-view of the city. Enjoy lunch with your head in the clouds at one of Hong Kong’s sky-high eateries. On the 31st floor of the V Point Tower, the Tom Dixon-designed ALTO Bar & Grill in Causeway Bay presents elegant modern European dishes and innovative cocktails, best enjoyed on its terrace with 180-degree vistas of the vast Victoria Harbour. Meanwhile Aqua in Tsim Sha Tsui serves sublime Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine, complemented by the wall of glass windows that create the perfect panorama of the city skyline.

Charter a junk

Hong Kong is an archipelago of hundreds of tiny islands and the best way to explore them is by taking to the waters. In the afternoon, follow in the footsteps of sailors and merchants of old by chartering a traditional junk boat. These charming wooden vessels with their unmistakable fan-like sails have been used for trade for centuries. Sail out across Victoria Harbour in search of deserted islets to drop anchor at, and then dive off for a swim.

Drink in epic sunset panoramas at Victoria Peak

Just before sundown, hop aboard the Peak Tram that departs from its terminus on Garden Road. The 120-year-old funicular railway slowly elevates you to the best vantage point in the city, Victoria Peak. From the top, 396 metres above sea level, your eyes are met with wall-to-wall skyscrapers and Hong Kong’s mighty harbour. Distant mountains undulate until they become a mere blip on the horizon. Stay for sunset and watch the twinkle of city lights appear as Hong Kong transforms from day to night.

Our team at Jumeirah Guangzhou hotel and Jumeirah Living Guangzhou residences are on hand to help all our guests with travel to Hong Kong and other day-trips around the Pearl River Delta. Just ask us!