Hi Sisters,
Since I little about
Hong Kong. I started to Google some info. Thought I would share. Dream on.
Here is a map.
Hong Kong is actually a collection of 262
islands, divided into four main areas: Hong Kong Island; Kowloon and the New
Territories (located on the peninsula attached to the China mainland); and the Outlying
Islands.
The city itself is located around Victoria
Harbour, and most travelers stay at the southern end of Kowloon in a
neighborhood called Tsim Sha Tsui, a busy hotel and shopping district. In fact,
Nathan Rd.’s Golden Mile is located here, so named for the ritzy shops lining
the street.
Because of Hong Kong’s recent past as a British colony,
there is enough English spoken (and printed on signs) to get around easily.
Transportation is also a breeze: the metro (known as the MTR) is affordable,
convenient and frequent –- and it goes all over Hong Kong. The Kowloon-Canton
Railway (KCR) links Hong Kong to the mainland (if your trip takes you
into China).
Then there are ferries that cross the harbor,
junk boats, escalators, moving sidewalks, aerial cable cars, double-decker
busses, trams and, of course, taxis. Walking is always my favorite way to get
around, though, and aside from the spontaneity and discovery a city walk
affords, Hong Kong Island has many hiking trails for those seeking nature and
exercise.
Aside from the unusual
geography and the odd mix of cultural influences (Cantonese, British,
Mandarin), I find the vertical construction of Hong Kong to be among the most
disorienting traits. At home most things are eye level, but here, everything is
stacked on top of each other: shops, restaurants, clubs and bars – you can’t
just scan the storefronts on the street or you’ll miss most of Hong Kong. For
locals, the evening commute ends with a half-hour wait in line at the elevator
to get home.
ong Kong isn’t particularly attractive in the
day, not when compared to the evening hours, when all the neon signs light up
the city making it feel (almost) like day. And every night at the harbour, a
show called ‘A Symphony of Lights’ features
lit skyscrapers, lasers and fireworks synchronized to music, recognized by the
Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s “Largest Permanent Light and
Sound Show”.
And night is when the crowds come out – they
surge – but unlike the rest of China, no-one pushes or shoves, so crossing the
street with several hundred other people is more like riding a wave than
participating in a riot.
Hong Kong is
blessed with popular attractions and sightseeing opportunities, and you will
find endless things to see and do. China Highlights has listed for you the
following top things to do in Hong Kong. Choose any of the listed programs and
you won't be disappointed. You can also check out recommended top things to do,
attractions and destinations to visit in China
Take a ride up and
get a panoramic view of Hong Kong from the top of the 554m/1818ft-high Victoria
Peak. Its steepest point has an angle of 27 degrees which definitely can give
you an unforgettable experience.
Aberdeen Bay
retains the characteristic of a traditional fishing village in the 1800s. The
village still inhabits hundreds of fishing men. Here, you can tour around the
bay by a sampan, and taste the fresh and delicious seafood.
It is one of the
few in-city race tracks in the world. This is the best place to watch the horse
racing and place a bet. The exciting screaming of the punters is as much of a
spectacle as the races.
The tranquil and
green environment makes it a popular spot. See the Giant Buddha, the tallest
outdoor bronze Buddha in the world, and visit Buddhist temples on the island.
Night Cruise
Hong Kong is
fascinating everywhere at night. It would be absolutely a great experience for
taking a night cruise at the Victoria Harbor, enjoying the breeze and the
Symphony of Lights.
Dynamic Street Markets
Hong Kong's street
markets, usually nestled among the towering skyscrapers, are full of fun and
excitement. Shoppers will find unparalleled selection of bargains and hidden
treasures in each market.
Try Dim Sum
A trip in Hong Kong
will not be complete without trying Dim Sum. Morning or lunch time Dim Sum is a
local tradition. The wide range of snacks are delightfully served in bamboo
baskets and accompanied by tea.
The Historic Center
of Macau was officially listed as a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005. Here, you can have a leisurely stroll
among the many historical properties, feel the mixing culture of Chinese and
Portuguese, and try your luck in gambling. The frequent ferries take only about
one hour to go from Hong Kong to Macau.
Doing Hong Kong in a
hurry? Here's your first reference point for things to do while you're here.
1.
Take a trip on the Star Ferry Get
on at Tsim Sha Tsui and head to Central to get great views of the Hong Kong
skyline. This is one of the cheapest and most enjoyable forms of transport in
the city. There are 12 boats in the fleet and the crossing only takes seven
minutes, so have your camera at the ready.
2.
Take the tram to The
Peak Runs continuously from
7am until midnight and gives passengers plenty of time to gape at the views of
the city that fall away below as the tram heaves itself up the steep incline.
3.
Happy
Valley Races on Wednesday nights If it’s just socialising you’re after, you’ll enjoy hanging
out in the beer garden. But if you fancy a flutter, there’s ample opportunity
at this famous Hong Kong institution – each evening hosts nine races.
4.
Visit
Victoria Park Tranquility
in the middle of the urban jungle. Play bowls, tennis, go for a swim, or just
sit by the lake and relax. If you’re an early riser, you can catch the old
folks doing tai chi in shady corners.
5.
Mid-Levels
Escalators at rush hour Enjoy the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the
world, and consider stopping at all the bars you see on the way up. The walkway
also offers a prime viewing point for spotting potential future spouses.
6.
Visit
the Zoological Gardens Strike up a friendship with a Giant Asian Pond Turtle, a
Chinese Porcupine, or the popular Pygmy Marmoset.
7.
Ocean Park Take the cable car over dramatic cliff
faces before reaching the many adrenaline-inducing amusement rides. Opening
hours: 10am to 6pm daily; $208 adults, $103 child.
8.
Laze
at Shek O Beach
A half-hour taxi ride from Central, or a short haul by MTR and bus, this beach
has great facilities and a beautiful outlook. Enjoy a relaxed dinner in the
village while you’re there.
9.
Learn at the
Science Museum Plenty of great exhibitions and lots of
brain food. Not one bit boring and it’s free on a Wednesday.
10.
Tea
at the Peninsula For
some posh nosh, visit the lobby of the prestigious Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha
Tsui and order the traditional afternoon tea. Enjoy with the string quartet to
keep you calm.
11.
Soak in the Temple Street Night Market Bric-a-brac, fortune tellers, watches, fans, electronics, clothes,
street-side karaoke, sex toys, and knock-off paintings – all for brilliant
prices. Not to be missed.
12.
Get malled at
Festival Walk If you must visit a mall in Hong Kong, it
might as well be this one – with a skating rink on the top floor, large glass
windows offering views of Lion Rock, and connections to the MTR and KCR light
rail, it’s easily the best choice.
13.
Dim sum! Pick one of Hong Kong’s many fine Chinese restaurants and
eat till your heart’s content.
14.
Shop for
antiques on Hollywood Road Porcelain, Buddha sculptures,
Maoist memorabilia, and Ming dynasty ceramic horsemen – Hollywood Road acts as
one of the world’s most enticing antiques shopping areas.
15.
Ride
the Ding-Ding Hong Kong has many forms of public transport,
but the tram is the one that best retains that old-school feel. Get in at the
back and pay at the front as you leave by the front.
16.
Jumbo
Floating Restaurant This iconic landmark of Hong Kong took over 4 years and
millions of dollars to build. With the look of an ancient Chinese palace Jumbo
King draws in tourist and locals alike.
18.
Play at an Open Mic Night Grab your gat and jam at
one of the many quality Open Mic nights in town; or just get along to check out
the local talent.
