About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a metropolis like no other in the world. Although the city has suffered a little from the fallout of the Asian currency crisis, it still retains an unstoppable dynamism that secures its place among the most exciting cities in the world. Despite the British influence, the culture here is pure Chinese and 6000 people work or live on the junks in Aberdeen Harbour. Hong Kong is a popular business center as well as a Mecca of urban modernity.
The best thing about being in Hong Kong is getting flummoxed and fired by the confluences and contradictions of a Chinese city with multi-Asian and Western elements.
Hong Kong's transport network is excellent, the shopping centers are sublime, and the temples and quiet corners of parks are contemplative oases.
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You can also book popular sightseeing tours in Hong Kong and save your vacation time.
Getting There & Around
Air travellers will be treated to Chek Lap Kok (40 kilometres west of the city), Hong Kong's giant greenhouse of an airport; it's one of the world's ritziest. By land, the only way into Hong Kong is from mainland China: you can choose between bus and train. Water is perhaps the most picturesque way to arrive in Hong Kong; there are boats that take you between Hong Kong and destinations in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, as well as Macau.
Trains run between Hong Kong and Guangzhou (Canton), Shanghai and Beijing (about 30 hours). Big-spenders can take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Europe to Beijing and on to Hong Kong.
The Airport Express train connects Chek Lap Kok with Hong Kong station in Central, stopping in Kowloon along the way, in just 23 minutes. Conveniently, you can check your bags in at the train station when heading out to the airport. There's also a 35-minute Cityflyer airbus, and public buses: A21, best for Kowloon, and A11, for Hong Kong Island. Hotel shuttle buses and taxis are another more expensive option.
Hong Kong's public transport system is a tourist attraction in its own right: there are old harbour ferries and narrow trams, ultra modern trains and the world's longest escalator.
The north side of Hong Kong Island and most of Kowloon are well-served by Hong Kong's ultra-modern Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Three tunnels link Hong Kong with Kowloon. The Kowloon-Guangzhou (Canton) Railway (KCR) runs from Kowloon to the Chinese border at Lo Wu and is a quick way to get to the New Territories. Light Rail Transit (fast, modern, air-con trams) run in the New Territories, connecting the city of Tuen Mun with Yuen Long. Double-decker trams trundle along the northern side of Hong Kong Island.
Attractions
Hong Kong is full of attractions for all ages. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in Hong Kong. You can also book some of these attractions online and save your vacation time.
Victoria Peak
Overlooking the harbour and islands, this famous hill translated into Chinese is Tai Ping Shan (Mountain of Great Peace). The view from here is widely accepted as one of the most spectacular in the world.
Man Mo Temple
The smell of incense pervades this oldest and most famous of Hong Kong’s temples, dedicated to Man, God of Literature and Mo, God of Martial Valor.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Hong Kong’s most famous Taoist temple exemplifies the architecture of a traditional Chinese temple, and is a popular place of worship for those with health or business problems or for those seeking to have their fortunes told.
Ocean Park
One of the world's most beautiful theme parks includes Marine Land, Bird Paradise, rides and the Butterfly House.
Temple Street Night Market
The fun begins around 8:00 PM, when visitors flock to the numerous stalls lining this bustling, open-air market, stocking everything from clothes to mobile phones to watches.
Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, is the territory's tourist ghetto. It consists of one sq km of shops, restaurants, pubs, topless bars and camera stores. However, Kowloon is also home to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum, the famous Peninsula Hotel and the Museum of History.
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