With the greatest concentration of skyscrapers in the world, it’s easy to overlook the fact that three quarters of Hong Kong is lush green countryside and golden coastline, an extraordinary counterpoint to this intense and iconic city.

While its deep roots in trade are today expressed in finance and tourism rather than porcelain and tea, Hong Kong’s identity as an international crossroads is stronger than ever. The streets and harbour hum with energy; luxury retail rubs shoulders with neighbourhood street markets; international galleries and museums abound; and there’s an endless array of dining to sample, from three-Michelin-starred restaurants to open-air dai pai dongs.

Just never forget, when standing in its bustling streets, that there are idyllic mountains, beaches, and seas only minutes away for you to explore.