From Sketches to Skyscrapers: Rahul’s Hong Kong Trip Review with Thrillophilia
As an architect pursuing research on Asia’s unique fusion of traditional and modern designs, my trips had taken me from the pagodas of Japan to the skyscrapers of Dubai. Yet,there was one destination which was missing: China. I had always intended to visit, but the vastness of its territory and history always intimidated me. Instead, I always ended up choosing easier paths with conventional destinations.
That changed the day my professor- a stern, insightful man who mostly spoke in metaphors- lectured on Chinese architecture. He described it as a “bridge of contradictions,” where rooftops curve like poetry but stand rooted in logic, and where modern towers rise not to erase history but to reflect it. His words painted pictures more vivid than anything I’d seen, and I felt an ache to experience this in person.
But China, with its enormity, still seemed too impossible for a lone traveller. So, I chose Hong Kong, a city that promised both an echo of China’s rich traditions and a stunning display of modernity. Booking my trip with Thrillophilia turned my haphazard plans into a carefully curated journey, and before I knew it, I was on a plane, my notebook ready to jot down every detail of this dynamic city.
A Symphony of Contrasts
Hong Kong greeted me like a symphony of fast-paced life which was loud, and intoxicating. The skyline, shining with futuristic skyscrapers, seemed almost surreal as my ferry crossed Victoria Harbour.
Yet, there was a grounding presence in the distant mountains, their silhouettes reminding me of an ancient soul still alive within the city.
The Streets of Tradition
My first stop was Wong Tai Sin Temple, a temple with bright red pillars, golden roofs and intricate carvings whispering stories. I marvelled at the contrast: amidst worshippers seeking the divine, a group of tech-savvy teenagers posed for selfies under the temple’s arches.
The next day, I visited the Chi Lin Nunnery where its timber halls, built without a single nail, left me awestruck. There, traditional Tang Dynasty architecture stood in serenity in the middle of the modern world.
Urban Marvels
From the silence of temples, I ventured into the chaos of Mong Kok, a literal labyrinth of neon-lit streets, market stalls, and the kind of energy that can’t be explained. Walking through its lively lanes felt like stepping into the veins of the city, pulsating with life. My architectural eye couldn’t help but admire how this seemingly unplanned chaos had a structure of its own, a rhythm in its madness.
Then came the modern marvels- The International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong, was a statement in steel and glass. Its sleek design stood in stark contrast to the curving rooftops I had seen earlier, yet it didn’t overshadow them. Instead, it felt like a continuation- a newer verse in Hong Kong’s architectural poem.
One evening, I took the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. The tram ride itself was an architectural experience, climbing steep slopes, with buildings seemingly tilted in the opposite direction. At the summit, I gazed at the city sprawled below- a perfect co-existence of green hills, shimmering skyscrapers, and the distant harbour.
Here, I realised Hong Kong’s genius: its ability to compress worlds into one city. Ancient mountains stood watching over ultra-modern towers, each complementing the other rather than competing.
A Glimpse of the Past
On my last day, I took a ferry to Lantau Island, journeying into the quieter side of Hong Kong. The Big Buddha towered above me standing as a symbol of peace amidst the hustle bustle of city life. Climbing the steps to its base felt like ascending through history itself.
In Tai O Fishing Village, I found houses perched on stilts above the water, a stark contrast to the luxury I had seen in the city. Yet, this simplicity was its charm, reminding me that architecture, at its core, is about people and their lives.
Reflections and Realizations
What started as a research trip transformed into something much deeper. I came to Hong Kong seeking inspiration for my designs, and I found it in abundance- not just in the buildings but in the spirit of the city itself.
Hong Kong is a masterpiece of balance. Its temples and towers, its chaos and calm, all coexist in perfect harmony. It taught me that architecture isn’t just about structures; it’s about stories, cultures, and identities woven into those structures.
As I left, my notebook was filled with sketches and notes, but my heart was filled with gratitude. I had come to Hong Kong to learn about design, and I left with a lesson in life: true beauty lies in embracing contradictions and finding harmony in them.
This tour was a transformation. And as the plane took off, I made a silent promise to return- not as an architect chasing research but as a traveller chasing the soul of this incredible city.
Read more: Thrillophilia Hong Kong Reviews