More than 150 years ago, Hong Kong was described as a “barren rock”. Today, it is a dynamic 21st century city that has grown from a British colony to become one of the must-see tourist destinations in the world. Its colonial charm can still be found in the historic mansions dotted around The Peak and quaint customs like firing the midday gun, yet this is an international city proud of its Chinese heritage and Cantonese taste.
After the handover from Great Britain in June 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. While some things have changed, you will marvel at this melting pot of east and west.
Where else can you gaze in awe at a Manhattan-style skyline filled with iconic modern architecture by IM Pei and Norman Foster, and just a few streets away, bargain your heart out for silk and jade at a local market? That’s Hong Kong for you. He is fast, efficient, enterprising and yet truly Chinese at heart.
Location is everything.
Located on the southeastern tip of China in the South China Sea, Hong Kong is actually just one island in a group of 263. Most visitors spend their time in Hong Kong, the popular Kowloon Peninsula, and the larger New Territories. rural. Take a ferry ride to one of the outlying islands, such as Lamma, Lantau, or Cheung Chau, and see how lush and green the landscape is. Hong Kong offers the nature lover wonderful hikes through mountain tops and incredible scenery, so when you’ve had enough of retail therapy, head to the hills.
When it comes to serious shopping, Hong Kong has it all.
What hasn’t been said about shopping in Hong Kong! Across the island, you’ll find that retail must have been invented here. In Central, chic designer malls like Landmark and Prince’s Building cater to more expensive tastes. A who’s who of labels, brands and temptations that will draw your credit card again and again. On the contrary, there are street markets like Li Yuen East and Li Yuen West, not forgetting the factory outlets where you can find bargains at great prices.
Wan Chai: The streets of Wan Chai are steeped in history and you can happily spend an afternoon exploring the shops and “wet” market. (Sells food, fruit, flowers, fish, meat – very different from the experience of an American supermarket). Spring Garden Lane, between Queen’s Road East and Johnston Road, is a good place to shop for clothes at very competitive prices. The market stalls sell products originally intended for export, so the quality and price are very competitive.
Causeway Bay: This is known locally as “Little Japan” due to the major Japanese department stores in the area. It is modern and young, with shops specializing in footwear, household appliances and fashion. Don’t miss the small street market called Bazar de Jardine, full of inexpensive fashion and accessories.
Stanley Market – Hop on a bus or take a taxi to Stanley, famous for its maze of stalls, shops and restaurants. (The drive along Repulse Bay Road is spectacular, with magnificent views across the sea to the outlying islands.) Here you will find paintings, curios, cashmere, silks and ceramics, as well as fashion at discount prices. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Hungry for more. A world of exquisite and delicious gastronomic options.
Unsurprisingly, good Chinese restaurants are everywhere in Hong Kong. Some of the best can be found in major hotels and shopping complexes. Most specialize in one or more of the following: Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechuan, Pekingese, Shanghainese, or Vegetarian Chinese. If you’re hungry for a homemade taste, you can find almost everything from American-style burgers to homemade Italian pasta. Day and night, Hong Kong’s gourmet delights are plentiful, whether you want to pick up a snack or dress up and head out to the clubs of Lan Kwai Fong, it’s all waiting for you.
What’s new to see and do in Hong Kong right now. A symphony of light.
As if Hong Kong isn’t colorful enough, it’s electric at night. This new multimedia show creates a complete vision of lights, lasers and searchlights, putting on an unforgettable show synchronized with music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.
Already named the “World’s Largest Permanent Sound and Light Show” by Guinness World Records, it has expanded to include 33 key buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. If you happen to be in Hong Kong during a festival, special pyrotechnic displays launched from the center of the harbor add extra sparkle to the show.
Hong Kong Disneyland. Visit the magic kingdom.
Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island, the fifth in the world, opened in September 2005. It has proven to be a huge draw for both local and international visitors, so if you plan to go, it will be packed. You can discover a magical kingdom of exciting adventures, wonderful journeys and beloved Disney Characters. The park consists of four themed lands similar to those of the other Disneyland parks: Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. By the way, this Adventureland is the largest of all Disneyland parks.
If you are interested in staying here, you can. There are two charming hotels offering one-of-a-kind shopping, imaginative dining and family recreation, all delivered with the style and service you’ve come to expect from Disney.
Take a journey of enlightenment.
Ride the impressive 5.7 km cable car up the side of a mountain on Lantau Island to a culturally themed village next to the Giant Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. The Ngong Ping Skyrail travels from Tung Chung, adjacent to the airport, over spectacular scenery offering panoramic views, across the South China Sea, mountains and monastery. It is scheduled to open in mid-2006.
Hong Kong Wetland Park.
Located next to the internationally recognized Mai Po Marshes Bird Sanctuary, this massive park is designed to showcase the diversity of Hong Kong’s wetland ecosystem. You can get closer to nature through integrated themed educational and recreational facilities, with audio-visual shows, interactive demonstrations and wetland simulations.
Hotels in Hong Kong to suit all budgets.
Hong Kong is one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world. You’ll find every type of accommodation available to suit your budget, from the major international 5-star names to smaller hotels offering great value rates. Book online and see what special offers you can find. During holidays and special Chinese festivals, it pays to book in advance. Websites like http://www.hotel.com.au/hongkong have dozens of options across the shopping, business and nightlife districts.
Getting around Hong Kong is easy with safe public transportation, reliable subways, trams, and ferries, so you’re never far from a bargain or, indeed, a memorable time.
I’ll leave the last word to Noel Coward.
The rabid dogs and the English come out in the midday sun. The smallest Malayan rabbit deplores this stupid habit. In Hong Kong, they strike a gong and fire a noon gun…