Half Day Hong Kong Markets And Countryside - Hotel Guests

Half Day Hong Kong Markets And Countryside - Hotel Guests Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Enjoy a scenic drive en route to some of Hong Kon'gs most unique markets.

Your experience will include a countryside drive and then a series of markets all the most requested stops. In general people find the countryside interesting but much of the area requires fairly long walks, so we will do a panoramic drive before resting in our recommended shopping area.

Markets offer the best 'deals' in Hong Kong but additionally, they give you a true glimpse into the culture and daily life. We have combined the favorite markets, all in close proximity located in Kowloon, for your entertainment.

The Wet Market traditionally sold live animals and livestock out in open air spaces. Today they are instead offering fish, shellfish, and frogs and often this market area includes butcher shops, and fruit and vegetable stalls. Now some also have dried goods, fresh flowers, tofu, cooking sauces, snacks and high-end specialty products. This is a great stop to do first, as it is very local and not as romantic as the others.

The Jade Market, as you would expect, is a series of stalls selling a variety of jade jewelry, objects, and decorations. Jade of all different colors and quality are there, often from other parts of the world. You will notice in China that almost all of the young ladies have a jade bangle on their wrist for good luck. If you are interested in trying one on, you will be instructed to squeeze it over your hand for a tight fit on your wrist, the tradition.

The Flower Market is a jungle of exotic blooms and scents that’s worth immersing yourself in. Though not unique to Hong Kong, the series of stalls with beautiful fresh flowers will call to you. Flowers and plants are frequent gifts in the Chinese culture and during the Chinese New Year, you will see people carrying kumquat trees of all sizes on foot, in cars, and even tied to their motor scooters.

The Bird Market idea is parallel to the dog park in the U.S. As fish, crickets and birds are the favored pets in this country, the Bird Market is a place where locals can bring their birds to 'air out' by hanging their cages on hooks and tree branches. The owners and song birds often sing together, a sight to experience! This, of all the markets, may be the most unique to the Chinese culture. Please note some of the hand-crafted cages, which are art even when empty.

- A traditional way to judge the density of jade is to observe the sound of plastic beads gently tapping each other. If you have a piece of real jade, clink it against the stone in question. If it sounds like plastic beads, then the stone in question is probably fake. If there's a deeper, more resonant sound to the clicking, it might be authentic.

- Bottled water and admission fees are included in the cost of this tour.
- Food, beverages and gratuities are not included in the cost of the tour.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:00 AM, duration: 5 hours