A Travel Guide with Eric Dowdle: Hong Kong

This Week, We’re Exploring the Other Side of the World in Hong Kong!

The following post was first published on BYUtv. 

Last night, we joined Eric across the seas in the skyscraper capital of the world—Hong Kong, China—in Painting the Town with Eric Dowdle!

After meeting with, eating with, and getting dressed up with the locals, Eric has come to understand what Hong Kong’s fusion of western and eastern culture is really all about. So with his help, we've created the ultimate travel guide for you to explore the sites of this booming city!

If you’re dying to get a taste of Hong Kong’s rich cultural flavor, this ultimate travel guide is the perfect way to find your way through the streets of this Asian paradise!

Famous Landmarks Worth Giving A Visit:

Dukling Boat Tours (Unit 914, 9/F, Tower A, New Mandarin Plaza, 14 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR)
The Dukling fishing boat is the only one left of its kind that is still in operation today, taking tourists and locals alike on boat tours that wade through time. This ancient Chinese junk, as they call it, is anything but junk—it’s one of Hong Kong’s greatest treasures and most famous icons.

Ocean Park Hong Kong (Wong Chuk Hang, Ocean Park, Hong Kong Island)
Along with amusement park rides and other attractions, Ocean Park offers the rare experience of enjoying the company of giant pandas. Only 1800 giant pandas remaining on the planet, and Ocean Park houses one of the species’ last few natural habitats. You can even go behind the scenes and become an Honorary Panda Keeper!

Po Lin Monastery (2 Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong)
Founded in 1906, this Buddhist monastery houses the legendary “Big Buddha” or Tian Tan Buddha bronze statue, a 112-foot tribute to Buddha Shakyamuni. Trust us when we say the walk to see this national landmark is worth the 268 steps!

Sam’s Tailor (90-94c Nathan Road, Burlington Arcade, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong)
Sam’s Tailor is all about speed; this world-famous establishment is known for constructing suits in 24 hours and has earned the business of celebrities from across the globe. So don’t miss out on checking out this one-of-a-kind service: who wouldn’t want to get measured for a suit and take it home all in the same trip?!

Yau Ma Tei Theater (6 Waterloo Rd, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong)
The only theater in the Kowloon district that survived World War II, the Yau Ma Tei Theater carries on the thousands-year-old custom of hosting Cantonese opera performances. Here you can participate in one of Hong Kong’s most authentic and culturally immersing traditions!

Best-Kept Secret of the Town:

Though this Best-Kept Secret may not be very secret at all, it is one you won’t want to miss. Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s tallest landmark at over 1800 feet, is the perfect place to take in the city’s stunning natural landscape and unique wildlife.

Victoria Peak (No.1 Lugard Road, Hong Kong, China)

Eric's Favorite Places to Eat:

From Hong Kong’s signature dim sum to tofu pudding and durian fruit, this city doesn’t disappoint when it comes to flavor!

Tai O Fishing Village (Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong)
This quaint fishing town offers just what you might suspect—some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in Hong Kong. Take a stroll through the village and pick up some fried squid while you’re at it!

Jumbo Kingdom (Shum Wan Pier Dr, Aberdeen, Hong Kong)
Located in Aberdeen, Jumbo Kingdom is the largest floating restaurant in the world. The waterfront view makes the flamed shrimp and sautéed crab taste that much better! Be sure to book a reservation in advance!

The "Hong Kong" Painting

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper-filled Hong Kong lies a deep-rooted culture that pervades both the atmosphere of the city and the lifestyle of the people that live there. Eric’s painting captures all that and more in his folk tribute to Hong Kong. Check it out here!

And if you love this painting, don't forget to buy the puzzle!