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Hong Kong (Island) has arguably one of the most spectacular city skylines in the world. The high density of skyscrapers crammed into a small strip of land on the northern edge of Hong Kong Island is a phenomenal sight.

Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak

There are many ways to enjoy the views of the skyline. One way is to head for Kowloon, on the stretch of mainland that faces Hong Kong Island, to get a full panorama of the skyline. My favourite way is to take the wonderfully quaint funicular railway on the island that takes visitors up to Victoria Peak, the island’s highest point. Choose a clear day, take the funicular to the top just before sunset and head straight for the viewing platform at The Peak (and skip the other tacky tourist activities). The view is indeed baffling. If your timing is right, you’ll get to see the skyline and harbour just as the sun bathes all the gleaming skyscrapers in a rich red-orangy glow, then the lights come on and the city turns into a dazzling fairyland. Look out for The Center, a 73-story skyscraper (from The Peak, it should be right in front of you; in the photo above, it’s the tower with the pinkish crown and a single spire on the left), which has an amazing hightech lighting system on its external face that creates a dynamic display of lights in a multitude of colours and patterns.

Every evening at 8pm, the magnificent skyline celebrates itself with a spectacular light and laser show. The best place to view this ‘Symphony of Lights‘ (recognised by the Guinness World Records as the ‘largest permanent light and sound show’) is from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Kowloon. Even better is to have a romantic dinner at the Peninsula Hotel while the Hong Kong skyline performs its dazzling show for you.