Hong Kong, known as a barren rock 150 years ago, is now a world class city and Asia's financial capital. A vibrant business center and mega city of magical charm, it will give you a great getaway experience.
Hong Kong is a city of lights- it was awarded the world's largest permanent lights and sound show, and it earned its place in the World book of records. This is a nightly 15 minutes, showcasing a symphony of lights which starts at 8 PM and gives an energetic spectacle of neon lights. This magical show combines interactive lights of 33 key buildings of booth Hong Kong and Kowloon islands with magical musical effects to showcase the vibrancy and glamorous night of the Victoria Harbour. Romantic walks along the piers and the Islands' long stretched promenades are a must- you must not shy away from these calming walks.
Hong Kong at night is a lively city and it will put a sparkle back in your life if you are a sea food lover. Dining at various sea food restaurants that surround most of the waterfronts in all the islands, you get to order your own fill from the fish tucks displaying live sea delicacies- You will no doubt enjoy feasting on the delight of Chinese Sea food cuisines. Aboard a Chinese pleasure junk boat, which sails to Lai Yue Mun fishing village, not only will you experience a great sail on a Chinese primitive transportation, but you will enjoy an intoxicating view of the islands and the high rise residential buildings which line the islands shores.
Cooking classes won't be a bad idea, not only to enjoy the taste food but learn to cook Chinese food even when you return home. You will learn how to prepare Chinese dishes from basic culinary art, to the oriental sophisticated dishes, like Dim Sum, fried rice, or a succulent fish dish. The Chinese use a wok, and their food is cooked on high heat, normally, they use only the freshest produce- be it meat , fish or vegetables. Part of the Chinese cuisine art is the blending of tastes to produce a mouth watery dish, and their greens are steamed to return the freshness and colour of the vegetables. The Chinese appreciate their food, which mostly comprises of the best ingredient with healing elements. With the Chinese, eating is an art- from the way you use the chop sticks to chewing, down to the swallowing and sipping of your teas. You can get more information on places to find self cooking restaurants at the hotel desk.
If your passion is shopping and bargain hunting- take advantage of your Hong Kong holiday, and visit the well known flea markets of Mong Kok and Stanley markets. An open bus tour will ignite your spirits too, and it starts from Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), and will take you along Hong Kong golden mile on Nathan road to Canton road where you will visit the famous Ladies Market in Monk Kok, known for its off the hook bargains. Price negotiations are like a sport here, and if you are good, you will meet your match in the shrewd, but polite traders.
Hong Kong's natural beauty offers unspoiled natural parklands and intoxicating sceneries. Experiencing a Sub-Tropical, like Mediterranean climate, and mountainous landscape, Hong Kong is favoured by backpackers from all over the world. Hiking in Hong Kong is one of the great outdoor adventures, even for the locals, a good break from their appreciation of food, which of course is healthy and healing. Venture out to two of the best known peaks; the Amah Rocks and the Lion Rock country parks. The walk starts with a visit to the Che Kung Temple in shatin. The Temple is a dedication to general Che who earned his respect and fame for his loyalty during the last days of the Sung dynasty, which rule from AD960-1279. From the Temple you will walk uphill to the legendary Amah rock- the Amah rock has a legend tale by its unique appearance. The rock tip is believed to be the remains of a petrified woman, whose husband, a fisherman feared dead by drowning, but she sits there, facing the waters, in wait of her husband's return. From here you have a magnificent, impressive view of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain. Then the trail will take you up- separating kowloon and the New Territories, the path leads you up to 495 meters-high Lion rock, which gets its name from the close resemblance to a Lion head. The Lion rock gives you a splendid view of the kowloon urban grid, Victoria harbour and Hong Kong Island. The hike heads down along hilltop ridges, going around the Eagle Nest mountain where you will have glimpses of monkey troupes. This is also a great nature reserve, and your long hike brings you down to Old Tai Po road.
Another favoured, spot is the Lantau Island- double the size of Hong Kong Island, this lush greenery has much to offer you. Not only does it accommodate the city airport, but it is also a great outdoor destination. With its high peaks, mostly in the mist, deep valleys and usually deserted sandy beaches, it is an opposite of the urban grid, with its unspoiled countryside, which makes Hong Kong so distinctly an attraction of its own merit. You may also want to cross the famous bridge the native way by boarding a boat from Central which takes 45 minutes to one hour to get a close up view of the Tsing Ma Bridge, which connects Tsing Yi Island to Ma Wan. You can also get a great view of the Bridge from Lantau Link Vistors Centre deck and viewing platform.
