Destination-Hong Kong

 

A two-part Asian travel experience visiting Hong Kong and Beijing China. This month describes Hong Kong used as a stopover visit to Beijing.

Next month will feature Beijing including the Great Wall and Forbidden City including descriptions of the travel and accommodation arrangements.

HK airport... voted the world's best airport 5 times in a row, also it has a great MTR (Mass Transit Railway) system

Hong Kong a city of contradictions-abundance of capitalism with multi-Asian and Western elements. More shopping experiences than you are likely to encounter in any city worldwide. If it is shopping you’re after then this is the ultimate Mecca.

North Americans may find that the amount of people can be almost overwhelming. This can be particularly true on the mass transit, which to its credit moves people around efficiently in this compact city of 14 million people.

The Hong Kong tourist board provides a spectacular laser light show on the waterfront buildings and office blocks every evening at 8pm and is best viewed from the Kowloon side of the water. Maybe a tourist display like this is could be an attraction for Vancouver on our run-up to the Olympic games. Hong Kong boasts a dazzling diverse array of accommodation, food, and entertainment to suit all budgets. It is best to book hotels before departure to get the best deals.

One of the most popular visitor attractions is a ride to the high point above Hong Kong "The Peak”. This can be made by bus or by the peak tram, which has been running safely since 1888. If the weather is good and the pollution haze low it provides a spectacular view of Hong Kong. However, this is Hong Kong and yes even the peak hosts a shopping mall!

 

It is possible to get away from the bustle of Hong Kong by visiting some of the many Islands lying close to Hong Kong. Lantau island has its Big Buddha (Tian Tan) said to be the largest bronze castings in the world. The island western coast has the old fishing village of Tai O, which still has a number of stilt houses. Even Hong Kong Island itself provides some relative tranquillity; on the south side Aberdeen and Stanley provide somewhat of a respite from the crush of Central Hong Kong and Kowloon. Stanley an "expat" haven boasts a "Boathouse Restaurant" with a Canadian flag flying from its rooftop. It does not however have a connection with Vancouver's Boathouse Restaurants but does indeed have a Canadian owner.

 

If you want some 'down to earth' shopping Hong Kong boasts many markets including the Templeton Night market and the Ladies Market. The goods are not top quality and many are pirated versions of well-known brands. A good tip is to be aware of prices in Canada before buying in Hong Kong or you may be in for an unpleasant surprise on returning.

Top Six recommended to do's (more detailed information is readily available on the web).

• The Peak Tram Ride
• Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong
• Stanley
• Big Buddha
• The Escalator
• Nathan Road