BEST OF ALL, IT’S IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong should be at the top of everyone’s list of places to visit. It’s safe, clean, easy to get around—and simply fascinating. There’s always something new to discover in Hong Kong!
FAMILY FUN
You’ll be spoiled for choice: Hmmm, should you check out Wan Chai’s Ani-Com Park, featuring colourful comic characters? Or the world’s only full-size replica of Noah’s Ark? Do you spend a day or two at Disneyland, and maybe Ocean Park’s aquarium and waterslides? Or, head up to Madame Tussauds wax museum at the Peak Tower?
In fact, no visit to Hong Kong is complete without a trip on The Peak Tram. The mind-blowing journey on a 130-year old funicular—originally built for the exclusive use of the Governor and wealthy colonials to access their homes—climbs Victoria Peak on a seemingly impossible angle.
Another must-do for people of all ages: A trip on the Star Ferry between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. On the short journey, take in the teeming harbour—an incredible sight against the backdrop of the world’s most breathtaking skyline.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
“East Meets West” perfectly describes Hong Kong.The colonial history of this ultra-modern city remains, from the beautifully preserved Government House, where British governors once resided, to the Clock Tower standing over what was once the Kowloon-Canton railway terminus—a centuryold reminder of the days of steam.
But Chinese culture takes centre stage. Hong Kong’s many festivals include the Dragon Boat Carnival, with 2,000-year-old-roots; the pretty Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring lanterns of all colours and shapes; and, of course, Chinese New Year with its incredible fireworks displays. Hong Kong’s calendar is packed with cultural events.
Thanks to the many tours suggested by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, you can explore living culture like horse-racing at Happy Valley, traditional Cantonese opera, ancient tea ceremonies, and, of course, Chinese temples. There’s something waiting to be discovered around every corner.
DINING
When it comes to food, Hong Kong is truly the jewel of the Orient. It’s hard to know where to start, but how about a traditional dim sum brunch? Dim sum means “touch your heart,” but it will also touch your tastebuds. Steamed and served in bamboo vessels, the flavours are subtle and fresh, whether you try the har gau (shrimp dumpling), siu mai (pork dumpling) or chau siu bau (barbecued pork bun). Enjoy dim sum with cups of hot jasmine tea. It’s an experience that can’t be missed.
Hong Kong is of course a place of contrasts, and what better example of that than following a dim sum morning meal with an afternoon British high tea? Many hotels offer this traditional treat. Mmmm, English tea with scones, jam and cream—a perfect pick-me-up.
Now, what to do for dinner? There’s almost too much to choose from. Cuisines from various regions of China are well-represented in Hong Kong, but Cantonese food is the signature, particularly seafood, which comes fresher than fresh at the best places. There’s also a huge choice of western fine-dining—French, Italian, American, and more, it’s your choice.
And if you’re still looking for dining options later in the evening, there are Hong Kong’s famous street-food stalls, or dai pai dong, cooking up everything from meat on sticks to fermented tofu to sweet Hong-Kong style egg waffles.You can even choose from 16 Hong Kong Food Trucks! Wash it all down with a cold, and local, San Miguel beer. As locals say, Yum Sing! Cheers!
GREAT OUTDOORS
It’s true that Hong Kong is packed with eye-catching skyscrapers, unique shopping attractions and lively markets. But did you know it’s also within easy access by bus, subway (MTR) or ferry to vast parkland, miles of walking trails and tranquil islands?
For those game for adventure, try sections of the MacLehose, 100 kilometres of hiking trails in the New Territories. For something less challenging, the 8-kilometre Dragon’s Back trail is easily accessible on south Hong Kong Island. And then there are many trails on islands like Lantau and Lamma, easily reached by a ferry ride of 30 minutes or less.
If your time is short, you can sneak in a little nature and tranquility while visiting The Peak. Check out its Circle Path for incredible views over lush greenery. Or, back down in Central, enter a world of birdsong and nature at the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Hong Kong even has some beautiful beaches: Big Wave Bay, Repulse Bay and Chung Sha beaches are just three. And of course, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has many outdoors tours to choose from, including the Tai O Eco Tour.