When you think of Hong Kong, you may think of bright lights, lots of people, Victoria Harbor and the light show on the buildings every night. But, did you know that the city’s International Airport is a destination in itself? Consistently rated as one of the best airports in the world (voted number 3 in 2012 by Skytraxx World Airport Awards), Hong Kong International Airport is a traveler’s delight.
Hong Kong International Airport Information
- Hong Kong International Airport opened on July 6, 1988.
- It had been built at a cost of $20 billion and took six years to complete.
- It is built on an artificially created island that added approximately 1 percent to the total area of the city.
- It has 74 moving walkways in total (30 in the Arrivals hall, 34 in Departures and 10 in the Ground Transportation Center).
- The passenger terminal is 1.27 km (0.8 mi) long.
- More than 50 million travelers passed through Hong Kong International Airport in 2010. This ranks the airport as the 11th busiest airport in the world.
things to do
Hong Kong is known for shopping and the airport continues this tradition. Hong Kong International Airport has two shopping areas; the shopping area in Terminal 1 is called SkyMart, and the shopping area in Terminal 2 is called SkyPlaza. There are more than 200 retail and catering outlets at SkyMart and more than 120 retail and catering outlets at SkyPlaza. The stores that have corresponding stores in Hong Kong outside the airport guarantee that the price you pay at the airport is the same as you would pay outside the city.
Dining options are numerous. From Popeye’s Chicken, Starbucks, McDonalds and Burger King to traditional Chinese and Asian food, you can find everything you want at the airport. Restaurants range from fast food to places to sit down and have a nice dinner before you catch your flight.
If you are looking to relax during a long layover or have to leave your hotel early and have a late flight, the Traveler’s Lounge offers food, showers, Internet access, newspapers, magazines and international TV channels for a single entry fee. For a higher fee, the Premier Lounge is also available. You can connect to free Wi-Fi throughout the airport and there are places to grab a quick nap if you don’t want to pay to use one of the lounges.
Outside the airport
Hong Kong International Airport is the closest to Lantau Island, which is easily accessible by train. If you’re staying for four to six hours, there are some nearby places of interest to visit. The Ngong Ping Skyrail runs 5.7 km (the journey takes 25 minutes) and offers views of North Lantau Country Park, the South China Sea, the airport and the Tian Tan Buddha statue.
When you arrive at the Skyrail terminal, you will find Ngong Ping Village right next to it. There are a number of cultural exhibits and the Heart Sutra, a classical Buddhist text, can be seen carved on wooden logs.
Easily visible from many points on Lantau Island is the Giant Buddha (Tian Tan). Located in the PoLin Monastery, this gold-colored Buddha statue is 85 feet tall, making it the largest seated Buddha statue in the world. PoLin Monastery also has a vegetarian restaurant.
If you have more time, Hong Kong Disneyland is located near the airport and is easily accessible by train. Smaller than California Disneyland, it’s an easy day trip weather permitting.
Hong Kong International Airport offers a variety of services and activities for all travelers. From local culture to luxury shopping, there is something for everyone. So leave your car in the airport parking lot, head over to Asia, and enjoy the layover.