Hong Kong Adventures: Revisiting After Flying Around the World Over 8 Years

This 1,000-kilometer flight route has taken me around the globe over the years 🌏. I gifted myself a revisit to Hong Kong, 8 years apart—first in 2017 on June 24, the day I flew solo for the first time, taking Hong Kong Express Airlines directly from Hualien to Hong Kong. Due to an earthquake, the Hualien-Hong Kong route was suspended for nearly 7 years, but it resumed this year, allowing me to book the same direct flight again on June 24, 8 years later. Late June in Hong Kong is extremely hot and sunny, with great weather. Whether walking in the city or hiking, it takes courage to be out under the blazing sun 🏜️. ✨ Summer calls for the beach! I visited Sai Kung this time. 8 years ago, I went to Kiu Tsui Chau for a boat trip, while this year, I enjoyed the waters at Clear Water Bay First Beach 🌊🌊. The azure sea looked like glass, reminiscent of Nha Trang in Vietnam 🏖️. ✨ I also went to Sheung Wan and rode the Ding Ding tram 🚍. My banking errands are here, and I make it a point to visit every time, both 8 years ago and now. ✨ 8 years ago, I strolled through Temple Street in Mong Kok. This time, I met up with a friend I’ve known since then for a meal—simple yet deeply nostalgic 🙋. ✨ 8 years ago, I accidentally took the wrong bus to the Man Kam To border. This time, I ended up at the Lau Fau Shan border by mistake 🤣. It felt like a Thai seaside town, complete with seafood vibes 🦈. ✨ Just like before, I stayed out late to enjoy the night views before heading back. 8 years ago, I lived in Mong Kok and went to Victoria Peak for the view 🏙️. This year, staying in Shenzhen, I opted for the view from Beacon Hill 🏙️🏙️. Nowadays, I visit Hong Kong several times a month. Looking back at old photos, the changes over 8 years are remarkable 😃. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is open, the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel is operational, the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail station is running, and fast-track border clearance has made traveling between Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau much easier. The journey from Hualien to various parts of the Greater Bay Area no longer requires passing through Taoyuan Airport, reducing travel time from at least a day to just 4-6 hours to reach Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, or Zhuhai 👍. It’s quickly becoming the second closest metropolis to Taipei 👍. Summer vacation is here—are you planning a trip? Do you remember the first place you traveled to on your own? Perhaps you could revisit it, just like I did with Hong Kong, a place I’ll never forget 🤗.