lifestyle

Miss Travelling? This Cool VR On YouTube Lets You Visit Hong Kong & Enjoy 360° City Views

You can watch the clips from your phone or computer too!

Cover image via Hong Kong Tourism Board & Hong Kong (YouTube)

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news. 

This Spotlight is sponsored by Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Although travelling overseas isn't an option right now, that doesn't mean we can't explore beyond our borders virtually, right?

Lucky for us, Hong Kong Tourism Board has released breathtaking 360° clips of Hong Kong for us to enjoy from home, woohoo!!

A global initiative by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, 360° Hong Kong Moments lets you dive deep into the city's modern and vibrant lifestyle through virtual reality (VR).

In other words, you simply need a VR headset to check out some of the cool spots and stunning views from the videos. No headset? Worry not, as you can still watch the clips from your devices or computer and enjoy the 360° function too. So cool, right?

Ranging from 20 seconds to two minutes long, the videos take you through an immersive and sensational experience as you venture into different parts of Hong Kong

If you haven't visited Hong Kong before, you're gonna love this! And if you're a frequent visitor to this foodie paradise, it'll bring back all those wonderful memories from your travels.

And once travelling is permitted, can finally go makan all the dim sum and explore the glamorous metropolis steeped in culture and history. Btw, to those who don't speak Mandarin, did you know Hong Kong literally means fragrant harbour? We didn't. :p

Lai, check out all the VR clips that showcase the highlights of exploring the city:

1. Urban Jungle – featuring Quarry Bay

This first VR video on the list features Quarry Bay, situated in the eastern part of Hong Kong island. The video shows you the unique structures and architecture Quarry Bay is known for, which allows for dense community living.

In fact, the next time you visit Hong Kong, be sure to check out Monster Building, which was nicknamed by locals due to its monstrous size. It comprises five connecting structures – Oceanic Mansion, Fook Cheong Building, Montane Mansion, Yick Cheong Building, and Yick Fat Building, all of which are entirely different structures but connected to form one massive building.

2. Victoria Harbour – featuring Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

Did you know that Victoria Harbour is the largest harbour in Asia and the third-largest in the world?

From cargo ships to the historic Star Ferries, cruise liners, fishing vessels, and so many more travelling to and fro, no wonder it's one of the busiest ports in the world! 

Plus, it's one of Hong Kong's main attraction spots where many visit to watch the city's weekly Symphony of Lights and annual fireworks show.

3. Ding Ding Tram – featuring a ride along Hong Kong island

Fancy a ride through the island? Check out Ding Ding Tram, the city's much-loved double-decker trams that tourists, as well as locals, ride to explore Hong Kong up close.

One might ask, "Why Ding Ding?" The locals nicknamed it 'Ding Ding' in reference to the double-bell ring the tram operators use to notify pedestrians of their approach to the stop. 

4. Thrilling Nights – featuring City Hall

If marvelling at the city's skyscrapers and structures during the day have left you impressed, check it out again during the night! You'll get to see Hong Kong in all of its magnificent glory.

Other than that, the video also features Hong Kong City Hall, where many events, as well as theatre and musical performances take place.

When you visit the city, you'll be amazed by how lively it becomes during the night. Whether it's sipping on cocktails, grooving on the dance floor, shopping to your heart's content, or visiting night markets, the city's nightlife is thrilling.

5. City vs Nature – featuring the Peak, Bowen Road, Wanchai, and Causeway Bay roundabout

Hong Kong is known for its jungle of concrete, glass, and steel. But did you know that nature accounts for at least 75% of the city's land area? 

In fact, many love visiting the Peak to take in the city views, greenery, and a breath of fresh, cool air. See for yourself through the VR video that Hong Kong is actually more green than grey! 

6. Great Outdoors – featuring Lion Rock, Wang Chau, Sai Kung, Tai O, and many more

Last, but definitely not least, this two-minute-long video takes you through a multitude of nature spots and outdoor activities outside of the busy urban life. Additionally, you also get to see tourists savour mouthwatering hawker food, yummy!

From lush hiking and cycling trails to the stunning Geopark, rich and varied flora and fauna, as well as magnificent beach views, you'll be amazed by how much there is to discover in the city. 

Hong Kong Tourism Board is also giving away 10 VR kits consisting of brand new DIY VR headsets, limited edition colouring books, and jigsaw puzzles!

Here's how to participate:

1. Tell us a place in Hong Kong that you would like to explore and why in the comments section here
2. Tag two friends

So easy, right? Those with the most creative answers will stand a chance to win one of the 10 VR kits!

Contest period: 15 March until 31 March

Terms and conditions apply.

Discover Hong Kong and all its magic through 360° Hong Kong Moments today! Check out the YouTube playlist here.

Did you know that the Oxford English Dictionary added Hong Kong words into their dictionary?

Check out other #lifestyle stories on SAYS:

Got some cool brand news to share?

Image via SAYS

Check out all of our Spotlight stories to date here

Catch up on the latest brand buzz in Malaysia: