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Hong Kong

WHY GO?
From high-speed ferries in the harbour creating waves for locals on modest junk boats, to designer boutiques built yards from flea markets, tradition and modernity are observed peacefully co-existing in Hong Kong.The city combines more than 150 years of colonial influence with 5,000 years of Chinese tradition.

GETTING AROUND...
Hong Kong's public transport system is a tourist attraction in itself. And no matter what way you choose to get around, you can usually be guaranteed wonderful glimpses of the city along the way. The efficient Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has links to all major tourist attractions and a mobile phone network is in place, enabling passengers to stay connected underground. Several fleets of ferries connect Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the outlying islands, and trams operate on the northern shore of the island.

EXPLORE...
You can't leave without taking a harbour cruise on the famous Star Ferry. Enjoy stunning panoramic views and take in the fascinating shipping activity in the world's busiest port, while enjoying the sunshine. You can take a round trip - or hop off at - any of the operator's four piers. For details, visit www.starferry.com.hk

Take the tram up to the Peak Tower on Hong Kong Island which, at 552 metres above sea level, offers some of the best panoramic views from its rooftop platform. Don't miss the nightly light and sound show which transforms the skyline on both sides of Victoria Harbour. A total of 43 buildings are illuminated by coloured lights and laser beams in time with music during the display, which is the largest of its kind in the world. And the best views? The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront between the Avenue of Stars and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

EAT AT...
While renowned for their signature dishes and regional Chinese delicacies, Hong Kong eateries also serve delicious Western cuisine. And presentation is as important as taste. M at the Fringe is a quirky and romantic restaurant which, although 18 years old, remains contemporary, fresh and comfortable.The food is fundamentally European, with dishes from the Middle East and North Africa often making an appearance. The restaurant has become famous for its Mandarin caviar, slow-cooked lamb, crispy suckling pig and the legendary pavlova. For details, visit www.m-restaurantgroup.com

SHOP AT...
Hong Kong is a shopping mecca. You can get the latest designer goods in plush malls, department stores and boutiques or uncover hidden bargains in one of the many bustling open air street markets. It even has an annual shopping festival, when visitors can enjoy summer promotions. You can shop until you drop here ? the upmarket Harbour City mall alone has 700 shops. And for a really authentic experience, visit Temple Street Market at night - a strip of stalls under Kowloon's towering tenement blocks.

STAY AT...
When it comes to accommodation, you can't get more impressive than The Peninsula, hailed as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. It features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a huge Roman-style swimming pool and a sun terrace with incredible views of the harbour. A fleet of 14 Rolls Royces, as well as a helicopter service, are the ultimate transfer options offered by the hotel. Afternoon tea in the hotel's lobby is an institution in Hong Kong and it also hosts a decadent chocolate buffet on Friday and Saturday evenings. For details, visit www.peninsula.com


For more information on visiting Hong Kong, visit www.discoverhongkong.com

Review by Helen Husbands

Release date: Tuesday 13 November 2007


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I'm from HK and these are my tips!

Explore: HK has approx 260 islands so why not explore a fraction of them? Cheung Chau is a beautiful, sleepy island with traditional villages, cheap restaurants and even cheaper shopping. Ferries leave from Central Ferry Piers.

Eat at: HuTong, 1 Peking Road, TST - Amazing food and awesome view of the harbor (Pricy though).
Pedang, Causeway Bay - Best Indonesian Food in HK

Shop at: Ladies Market or the less busy, Fa Yuen St, both in Mong Kok. Get some great deals at Jade Market and pick up some beautiful(but faux) vintage Chinese posters for only a couple of quid. Check out the markets in Sham Shui Po. Steer clear of the posh looking malls, they are full of overpriced clothing! Go for the markets and arcades and dont be afraid to bargain however be mindful that these people are just tryin 2 make a buck!

Stay at:
Langham Place, Mong Kok or InterContinental, TST.

Comment by Hannah on January 15 17:58

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