TO HONG KONG

Hong Kong is unlike any other Asian city. Its past as a cornerstone of the British Empire is obvious at every turn, from post boxes to street names. Yet this is a proudly Cantonese city, with a superb food scene that’s the match of anywhere else on the continent. The views of the towering skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island from Victoria Harbor are iconic, while the Mid-Level Escalators make exploring the Central district’s bars, restaurants and backstreets a breeze. Across the water, Kowloon’s neon streets are grittier and reward intrepid tourists with an up-close view of the real Hong Kong. Beyond are some of the greenest hiking spaces and emptiest beaches in Asia.