Highlights of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has been called the "City of Life," the "Pearl of the Orient," "the city where East meets West" and a "culture hub." All of these descriptions help provide an image of the dynamic, vibrant and commercially-driven city that never sleeps. No single description, however, can quite capture its energy or the sheer excitement that first-time visitors experience when vacationing in Hong Kong.

 

Clearly, there is a great deal more to Hong Kong than its cosmopolitan image suggests. Beyond the luxurious hotels, restaurants, bars, and the temptation to shop till you drop lies a more reflective side of Hong Kong. It basks amid expanses of countryside, overgrown islands, hills, beaches, temples, and villages where the pace is far more leisurely than in relentless, central Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is made up of four main areas:

Originally, the name Hong Kong, or "fragrant harbor," was used to refer to the main island. Today, the designation "Hong Kong" covers all four regions including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and all 234 Outlying Islands.

Of all the must-see sightsin Hong Kong, Victoria Peak is arguably at top of the tourist list. At 1,810 feet (552 meters) above sea level, Victoria Peak is the island's highest point, offering spectacular views in all directions, across Hong Kong Island and beyond. Views of Victoria Harbor, the imposing buildings of Hong Kong's commercial district and Kowloon are particularly impressive.

Hong Kong's colorful Central Market, at the junction of Queen's Road and Des Voeux Road, is a must for "foodies" from across the globe. But be warned, Central Market is not a marketplace for vacationers with a delicate constitution! Central Market is best known for its fresh meat produce, squirming, live fish and, above all, for its stench-laden atmosphere that many Westerners find hard to stomach!

Kowloon is known as the tourist ghetto. Tsim Sha Tsui, for example, on the southern tip of the Kowloon peninsula, is a seething mass of restaurants, bars and shops selling anything you care to mention. For great atmosphere, you could also try the bustling night market in Yau Ma Tei, Temple Street.

Although Hong Kong Island is linked to the mainland by the fast and efficient MTR metro system, no vacation to Hong Kong is complete without a leisurely crossing on the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Relax and enjoy the magnificent skyline with its backdrop of gleaming skyscrapers. For the best views of one of the world's most photographed skylines, take the ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon to Hong Kong's Central District.

For a cutting edge cosmopolitan experience, a walk through Hong Kong's Central District is a must for anyone vacationing in Hong Kong.Sophisticated shopping malls, world-class restaurants, gleaming skyscrapers and a strong flavor of affluence intermingle with peaceful parks and historic buildings.

Stanley Market is famous for its factory outlet clothing and accessories. On weekends, it tends to be crammed with hordes of tourists, so you might prefer to visit Stanley Market on a weekday when it isn't quite as busy.

 

Tailors are one of the biggest draws to Hong Kong. Hong Kong tailors can whip up a custom tailored suit within twenty-four hours. Don't be put off by the speed and apparent nonchalance with which these guru garment-makers take your measurements. And don't be surprised when, the following day, it all fits beautifully. Hong Kong tailors are experts at their art and chances are you'll be absolutely delighted with your investment.

A less well-known tourist attraction, but definitely worth a visit, is Tin Hau Temple, located on Stanley Main Street. Tin Hau is Hong Kong's oldest temple and was built by Chang Po Chai, a pirate, in the 1770s.

On the southern side of Hong Kong Island, opposite the Island of Ap Lei Chau (Duck's Tongue Island), lies Aberdeen Harbor. The harbor is crowded with junks and sampans in varying states of disrepair. Many traditional boat people still live cheek by jowl on board their vessels, anchored in Aberdeen harbor. Watching the inhabitants going about their daily chores, cooking, cleaning and hanging out their washing for all to see is a major tourist attraction.

 

Aberdeen Harbor is also home to Hong Kong's famous floating restaurants.

Hong Kong Island was handed over to the British in 1842 under the Treaty of Nanking at the end of the first Opium War. British control was later extended in 1860 to include Kowloon, followed by the New Territories, on a 99-year lease in 1898. The end of the 99-year lease on the New Territories in 1997 was marked by the handover of British sovereignty to China. The only demand made at the time, under the joint Sino-British agreement, was that Hong Kong's citizens' unique way of life should be guaranteed for the next fifty years.