Hong Kong Island is where the British first landed in 1842 and it remains the hub of Hong Kong. Its diversity is remarkable for the abrupt transition between skyscrapers and parkland. Sometimes it feels like every inch of flat land has been used to build a string of coastal settlements, while much of the hilly interior – including The Peak – remains relatively undisturbed. So while Hong Kong is home to the Central financial district, it also has parks and great hiking trails.

One giant and contiguous string of commercial districts dominates the north part of the island –  Central, the Mid-Levels, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai – while old fishing villages in the south such as Stanley and Aberdeen are more low key. Aberdeen has long been known for its fisherfolk, though high-rise apartments now dominate the landscape, while Stanley is popular with the expat community for its small-town atmosphere.