Hong Kong, From barren rock to bustling metropolis.

Over 150 years back, Hong Kong was referred to as a “barren rock.” Today, it’s really a dynamic, 21st century city which has gone from British Colony to 1 of the world’s must-visit holiday destinations. Its colonial charm remains can be found in the historic mansions dotted round the Peak and quaint customs like firing the Noon Day Gun, yet it is an worldwide town proud of its Chinese heritage and Cantonese gusto.

Hong Kong. From barren rock to bustling metropolis.

Following the handover from Great Britain in June 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) associated with the People’s Republic of Asia. While some things have actually changed, you’ll marvel only at that melting cooking pot of east suits west.

In which else can you gaze in awe at a Manhattan-style skyline filled with iconic contemporary architecture by I am Pei and Norman Foster, and simply some streets away, bargain your heart out for silk and jade at an area laneway market. That’s Hong Kong available. It is fast, efficient, entrepreneurial, yet truly Chinese at heart.

Location is every thing.

Situated within south-eastern tip of Asia regarding the South China Sea, Hong Kong is in fact only one area from a group of 263. Many visitors spend their time on Hong Kong itself, the most popular Kowloon Peninsula and the more rural New Territories. Take a ferry day at one of many outlying islands such as for example Lamma, Lantau or Cheung Chau to see just how lush and green the scenery is. Hong Kong provides the nature enthusiast wonderful treks across hills tops and amazing scenery, when you have had enough retail therapy, head the hills.

Regarding severe shopping, Hong Kong has all of it.

Just what wasn’t said about shopping in Hong Kong! Appropriate throughout the Island, you’ll discover that retail must have been invented right here. In Central, slick designer shopping centers such as Landmark and Prince’s Building, focus on costly tastes. A that’s who of labels, brands and temptations which will entice your bank card again and again. In comparison, you can find street markets like Li Yuen East and Li Yuen western, not forgetting factory outlets where you could get bargain recognizing at great prices.

Wan Chai: Wan Chai’s streets are steeped ever sold and you can cheerfully spend an afternoon checking out the shops while the “wet” market. (It sells food, good fresh fruit, plants, fish, meat – quite not the same as a United States supermarket experience.) Spring Garden Lane between Queen’s path East and Johnston Road, is a great destination for a get garments at very competitive prices. The marketplace stalls offer items initially meant for export, meaning quality and price are competitive.

Causeway Bay: it has become known in your area as “minimal Japan” due to the major Japanese shops in the region. It is hip and young, with stores focusing on footwear, electric appliances and fashion. Do not miss out the tiny street market called Jardine’s Bazaar, full of low-cost fashion and add-ons.

Stanley marketplace: Jump on a bus or take a taxi to Stanley, well-known for its warren of stalls, stores and restaurants. (The trip along Repulse Bay Road is spectacular with superb views across the ocean to outlying islands.) Right here you’ll find paintings, curios, cashmere, silks and ceramics, and cut-price fashion. Start from around 10:00am to 6:00pm daily.

Hungry for lots more. A world of exquisite, mouth-watering dining choices.

While you would expect, good Chinese restaurants are located every where in Hong Kong. Some of the best are available in major resort hotels and shopping buildings. Many concentrate on more than one of following: Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechuan, Peking, Shanghainese or Chinese Vegetarian. If you’re hungry for the flavor of house, you will find almost everything – from American-style burgers to homemade Italian pasta. Day and night, Hong Kong’s gourmet delights are plentiful – whether you need to grab a treat or get dressed up and hit the groups of Lan Kwai Fong, it is all awaiting you.

What is new to see and do in Hong Kong now. A Symphony of Light.

As if Hong Kong was not colorful sufficient, during the night’s it’s electrifying. This new multimedia reveal produces an all-round vision of lights, laser beams and searchlights, doing an memorable spectacle synchronized to music and narration that celebrates the vitality, character and variety of Hong Kong.

Already known as the “earth’s greatest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World reports, it has been expanded to include 33 key buildings on both edges of Victoria Harbor. If you’re in Hong Kong throughout a festival, special pyrotechnic displays launched from the middle of this harbor add extra sparkle towards show.

Hong Kong Disneyland. Go to the magical kingdom.

Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island, the fifth on earth, opened in September 2005.It has proved to be a large draw card for both worldwide and regional visitors, if you’re likely to go, it’s going to busy. You can discover a magical kingdom of thrilling activities, wonderful journeys and beloved Disney Characters. The park is made of four themed lands similar to those in the other Disneyland areas: Main Street, United States Of America, Adventure land, Fantasyland and Tomorrow land. By the way, this Adventure land could be the biggest one out of all the Disneyland areas.

If you are keen to truly stay right here, you are able to. There are two enchanting resorts providing unique shopping, imaginative dining and family entertainment – all delivered using the style and service you anticipate from Disney.

Have a journey of enlightenment.

Ride the wonderful 5.7km cable automobile ride up the medial side of the mountain on Lantau Island to a culturally themed town beside the Giant Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. The Ngong Ping Skyrail travels from Tung Chung adjacent to the airport over spectacular countryside providing panoramic views, throughout the Southern China Sea, the mountains and monastery. This is certainly in the pipeline to start in mid 2006.

Hong Kong Wetland Park.

Situated beside the internationally recognized Mai Po Marshes bird sanctuary, this huge park is designed to demonstrate the diversity of Hong Kong’s wetland ecosystem. You may get nearer to nature through built-in themed training and entertainment facilities, with sound artistic shows, interactive demos and wetland simulations.

Hong Kong Hotels to match every spending plan.

Hong Kong is among the planet’s top ten travel locations. You’ll find all sorts of accommodation open to suit your budget – from major 5 star international names to smaller resort hotels offering great value prices. Book on the web to discover just what hot discounts you can find. During holiday some time unique Chinese festivals, it pays to book ahead.

Hong Kong is not hard to get around with safe general public transport, a reliable subway, trams and ferries, which means you’re never ever not even close to a discount or even for that matter, an unforgettable time.

I’ll leave the final word to Noel Coward.

Mad dogs and Englishmen venture out into the midday sunlight. The littlest Malay bunny deplores this stupid practice. In Hong Kong, they strike a gong and fire off a noonday weapon….