As in other colonies, the British introduced the Anglican Church to the people of Hong Kong (learn more about this city via Hong Kong city guide). It didn't take as well as, say, it did in Africa or Catholicism took in the Philippines, but there is still an Anglican community present in the territory. St. John's Cathedral is a large but, frankly, rather unimpressive church not far from the centre of political power in the territory. It has some of the typical neo-Gothic features that are found in other Anglican Churches around the world, but the building is of a pastel yellow that provides it a different appeal than many of the grey structures in the West. It was opened in 1849 and has provided religious services for the island since that time, except during Japanese occupation, when the building was used as a club for Japanese officers. The structure was completely refitted after the war, when it returned to its original use as a church. It was declared a monument in 1996, and continues to operate as an Anglican church with regular services.
2. Legislative Council Building
Hong Kong Island, not Kowloon, was the seat of power of British Colonial Administration in Hong Kong, and it is here that you will find the best examples of colonial architecture. The centre of power, of course, was Legislative Council Building, which was actually the Supreme Court up to 1985. The building was constructed in the early part of the 20th century and opened for use in 1912. It is completed in that neo-Classical style that seems to be so popular among Colonial buildings in Hong Kong. The architect who designed this building also designed a fa?ade of Buckingham Palace, which should indicate just how important HK was in the Empire. The building is still used as a Council, but it will soon once again become the Final Court of Appeal as the government, which is in a form of limited democracy, moves to the Tamar site in 2011. On weekends, the area in front of the Council Building is crowded with Filipina domestic workers, many of whom practice dance routines. You can consider it included in your Hong Kong tour.
3. Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a naturally formed harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour has deep and sheltered waters making it the ideal place for the British to build their trading post for that part of Asia. Both shorelines have changed over the years due to development and some reclamation but the harbour is still used as an international port.
The harbour is one of the best tourist attractions of Hong Kong giving an excellent viewpoint for the famous skyline on Hong Kong Island and the means of support for another one of major Hong Kong tourist attractions - the Star Ferry. The best view of Victoria Harbour is from Victoria Peak.
One of the best ways to enjoy the harbour is to take a Victoria Harbour cruise especially at night to view the Symphony of Lights
4. Symphony of Light show
The skyline surrounding Victoria Harbour is spectacular at any time but even more so when seen at night. The beautifully lit buildings are reflected in the water of the harbour and the lights of residences outline the shape of The Peak.
Many of the buildings on both sides of the harbour participate in the Sound and Light Show - the 'Symphony of Lights' - which takes place every night starting at 8pm. It consists of laser lights combined with theme music and lasts for about 20 minutes. The best places to view the show are from a boat in the middle of the harbour or from one of the higher floors of one of the buildings. Crowds flock to the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui to view the nightly event. The waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai is also a popular vantage point.
I enjoyed the boat cruise and buffet dinner which was good protection from the rain. While the boat cruise offers a fantastic view of the light show it doesn't provide a stable platform for photography. Nor do photographs provide the music. Still, the photographs give the general idea. The last photo taken from the website shows what you can see on a clear night. It is one of best place to enjoy light show to color your China vacation deals.
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