China Pictures -- Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a beautiful island with green hills and a stunning harbor. The Chinese leased Hong Kong and the land along the coast across from the island to the British for 99 years. In 1997, Hong Kong was transferred back to China with the understanding that they could keep things as they were for 50 years without interference from the Chinese government. Today it is a bustling city complete with a nightly laser show on the harbor, a floating village, giant Buddha, Avenue of the Stars, and LOTS  of shopping.
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Hong Kong City Pictures & Solar Eclipse

We were in Hong Kong right after a typhoon and just in time for the longest solar eclipse of the century. Even though we were just a bit too far south to see the entire sun covered, the moon covered up about 75% of the sun from our vantage point. Our tour guide changed the day's schedule to allow us to watch the eclipse from Repulse Bay beach, which provided a great view. After the eclipse we headed up to the highest point on Hong Kong island, Victoria's Peak, and marveled at the view of downtown Hong Kong and Kowloon across the harbor.

Sampan Cruise of Aberdeen Harbor

We zoomed down the hill from Victoria Peak in a and took a sampan ride around Aberdeen Harbor to see its floating village up-close. The people who live on these houseboats are mostly fishermen who have been told they will need to relocate within the next five years to make room for Hong Kong's growth. It was so interesting to cruise among these floating houses with the imposing skyscrapers looming behind them.

Tian Tan Giant Buddha

We took a twenty-five minute cable car ride across beautiful Lantau Island to visit a 110 foot tall bronze Buddha. After we climbed the 268 stairs we admired the view of the island and sea beyond. After making it back down to the village we celebrated by stopping into Starbucks before visiting a very cool multi-media show about Buddhism. When we walked out we were surprised to see a group of traditional drummers who were amazing.