Though
now part of the People’s Democratic Republic of China, exciting Hong Kong retains a distinctive mind and spirit of its
own. It’s an eye-popping collision of time future and time past, dipped in
cultures both Chinese and global - all wrapped in a stunning natural setting of
hills and sea. For the visitor,
Hong Kong remains the same bright, bustling and
incredibly exciting city it has always been. It makes for a fantastic city break – or
is ideal as a combination with mainland China, Indochina or a beach holiday in
Thailand, Malaysia or Bali. Which
ever of these is your choice; China & Hong Kong deliver an unforgettable
holiday experience.
WHAT
TO SEE
Victoria
Peak
The
amazing scale and density of Hong Kong is best appreciated from this, Hong Kong Island’s highest point. Reached by the
Peak Tram that climbs 1,266 ft up the mountain, the summit offers an
unforgettable panorama by day or night. From The Peak’s summit, visitors can
gaze down on the jungle of skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour, where ferries and pleasure junks
glide by. At night, the whole area becomes a dazzling spectacle of
lights.
Man
Mo Temple
Man
Mo Temple is
located on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong’s
oldest and most famous Chinese temple. A visit is a must if you want to savour
the flavour of a Taoist temple, albeit one with Buddhist
overtones!
Wanchai
Hong
Kong
Island’s Wanchai area, once a haunt for
sailors looking for ‘R&R’, is now a fabulous shopping centre, with
Causeway
Bay especially popular.
Central
Plaza
The
impressive 78-storey Central Plaza, Hong Kong's tallest building, boasts a 46th
floor Sky Lobby from which you can view the city; after dark neon lights on the
rooftop change colour every hour to denote the time of
evening.
Government
House & St John’s Cathedral
Admire
the residence of 25 British Governors from 1855 until Hong Kong was returned to
China in 1997 - a nostalgic glimpse
of a unique colonial past. St John's Cathedral,
thought to be the oldest Christian church in the Far
East, supplies another colonial echo.
Hong
Kong
Museum
of Art
Part
of the city's superb Cultural Centre, its galleries mostly devoted to Chinese
art and precious artefacts from the past.
Aberdeen
On
Hong Kong Island’s south side and once a refuge for pirates,
Aberdeen is now a modern high-rise affair, its
vibrant waterfront home to the yachts of Hong
Kong's rich and famous – as well as a harbour alive with junks and
sampans. Visit the traditional boatyards of Ap Lei Chau and the Tin Hau Temple dedicated to the Queen of Heaven
(Goddess of the Sea).
Stanley
Pop
over to see this coastal community on the south side of Hong Kong Island. You’ll be rewarded by some
splendid scenery on the way – and a famous market. Wander down to the waterfront
Main
Street, lined with bars, pubs and restaurants popular
with ex-pats. A short walk away is attractive St Stephen's
Beach.
Repulse
Bay
Don’t
miss Hong
Kong Island’s
attractive beaches at Repulse Bay, its name originates from a 19th
century battle in which the British army repulsed attacking pirates. Today, it’s
a stylish residential area for dining, relaxation, and
watersports.
Kowloon
Kowloon
Peninsula, linking Hong Kong to the mainland, requires a full day to explore
– even longer for serious shoppers, who will head for the Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma
Tei and Mong Kok areas. In Kowloon you’ll find both bright lights of
streets that never sleep and tranquil parks and architectural reminders of
colonial days.
Lantau
Island
& The New Territories
The
New Territories and Lantau Island
remain relatively undeveloped parts of Hong
Kong, with some areas where you’ll see villages that have remained
unchanged for centuries. The pace is changing though – Hong Kong’s amazing new
Disneyland has now joined the traditional Po Lin Monastery and imposing Big
Buddha (now reached by cable-car) on Lantau Island!
WHAT
TO DO
Excursions
A
ride on the famous Star Ferry – which has plied between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
since 1898 - is the time-honoured way of viewing spectacular Victoria Harbour from every angle. Another special
Hong Kong venue is Ocean Park - a vast complex of attractions
overlooking the sea, including an amusement park, oceanarium and open-air theme
park, and a great place for families.
Shopping
For
shoppers there are two main districts for spending time and money.
Causeway Bay is home to Times Square, Japanese department
stores, Lee
Gardens, and the Hong Kong
World Trade Centre. There’s also a host of restaurants offering wonderful
harbour views. Across the water is Kowloon, whose major street is bustling
Nathan
Road, with its ‘Golden Mile of neon-decorated shops,
hotels, restaurants and nightspots. Open-air markets also do their best to
ensure that you don’t leave empty-handed. Look for fashionable bargains at
Ladies' Market in Mong Kok - or the electronic gadgets and souvenirs in Yau Ma
Tei's Temple. As
well as souvenir markets, visitors can enjoy markets dedicated to birds and
flowers. So, if shopping is your thing, then look out bargains
galore!
Street
Night Market.
Another
fun area to browse in is Stanley – whose market
stalls are as good a place as anywhere in Hong
Kong to buy souvenir T-shirts, clothes and inexpensive Chinese
artefacts. Stanley Market is the
perfect place to buy something special for friends or relatives. The historic
fishing lanes are jam-packed with vendors selling Chinese artwork, silk
collectibles and curios.
Nightlife:
Nightlife
in Hong Kong is the most cosmopolitan of its kind anywhere in
China. There are countless bars and
clubs for visitors, primarily in Kowloon, with the top nightclubs and expensive
cocktail bars in Tsim Sha Tsui, most of the pubs on Ashley Road, and the
rest on Prat and Chatham. Its style reflects past connections – many of the bars
are British or Irish-themed, with live music and bar food. Dance clubs also
abound, spinning everything from reggae to house to Chinese pop. For a unique
Hong Kong evening experience try out one of Aberdeen Harbour’s famous 'floating restaurants',
vast and gaudy affairs – unashamedly touristy, but fun!