CTG_HongKong

Only in Hong Kong

Light fantastic. The nightime view from the Peak, so breathtaking that it borders on the spiritual. For more information, click here.

Red sails in the sunset. Catch a ride on the Aqua Luna junk, which crosses the harbour every afternoon (for more information, click here). For a budget option, grab a drink-to-go from a convenience store and take a ride on the Star Ferry. For more information, click here.

Cultural insights. The Hong Kong Tourist Board (HKTB) runs free talks and tours where local experts share their knowledge on subjects ranging from Chinese medicine and feng shui to t’ai chi. Most require advance booking. For more information, click here or click here.

Escape the city. Few cities in the world have such easy access to beautiful, empty countryside with lofty hills and good beaches. For more information, click here.

The Aqua Luna.

Alex Havret/Apa Publications

Best Dining

Seafood feast. Take a ferry over to Lamma or Cheung Chau and gorge yourself on delectable seafood at one of the islands’ open-air restaurants. For more information, click here.

Dim Sum. Don’t miss out on this Hong Kong speciality. For more information, click here.

Be adventurous. Try some of the more unusual local delicacies, such as snake soup or the unappetising-sounding “thousand-year eggs”. For more information, click here.

Cosmopolitan choice. Hong Kong is hard to beat for sheer quantity and choice of restaurants from all corners of the globe. Quality is generally high. For more information, click here.

Dim Sum is served in these wicker baskets.

Ming Tang-Evans/APA Publications

Best for Families

Ocean Park. Always a hit with families. Attractions include rides for all ages – there is a thrilling rollercoaster – plus aquariums and performing dolphins. For more information, click here.

Disneyland. This has naturally become a must-visit for kids. For more information, click here or click here.

The Peak. Appealing to visitors of all ages, with the exciting Peak Tram, amazing views (best after dark for kids), and Madame Tussaud’s to boot. For more information, click here.

Outlying Islands. The ferry ride, the seafood and the beaches make for an enjoyable day out. For more information, click here.

Science Museum. This has the usual hands-on interactive exhibits to entertain and educate. Nearby, find the Space Museum with its IMAX cinema. For more information, click here.

Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant. A trip to Aberdeen’s finest always seems to go down well with children. For more information, click here.

Ngong Ping 360. The cable car is great for children, and, once at the top, the Big Buddha won’t disappoint either. For more information, click here.

Exotic sea life at the Ocean Park.

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Best Shopping

Smart shopping malls. For seeking out Armani, Dior and co. For more information, click here.

Grimy markets. At the other end of the scale, Hong Kong’s street markets are worth a visit for local colour and, of course, that fake Rolex you have always promised yourself. For more information, click here or click here.

Antiques. Don’t expect bargains, but the shops along Hollywood Road are full of interesting chinoiserie. For more information, click here.

Electronics. People tend to think of Nathan Road’s “Golden Mile”, but while there is no denying the abundance, prices can be keener elsewhere. For more information, click here.

Clothing bargains. Hong Kong has everything from 5-star luxury to factory outlet stores – and obliging tailors. For more information, click here.

Cat Street merchandise.

Ming Tang-Evans/APA Publications

Best Festivals

Chinese New Year. This is the time to see dragon dances, firecrackers and a truly breathtaking firework display over the harbour. For more information, click here.

Bun Festival. Stilt-walkers and colourful costumes descend on Cheung Chau. For more information, click here.

Dragon Boat Festival. This takes place in early summer, with dragon boat races at locations around Hong Kong. For more information, click here.

Mid-Autumn Festival. With its lantern parades and moon cakes, this festival is best experienced at Victoria Park. For more information, click here.

Bun Festival on Cheung Chau Island.

HKTB

Hong Kong for Free (or Almost)

Junk trip. $100 to all foreign passport holders, take a trip around the harbour on an old Chinese junk. For more information, click here.

Free museums on Wednesdays. All day Wednesday, every Wednesday. Applies to most major museums in Hong Kong.

HK Magazine. Good, free listings magazine, available in most cafés and bars. For more information, click here or click here.

Internet access. Several cafés (Pacific Coffee, etc) have free internet access for customers. Major post offices also offer this service, as do public libraries. For more information, click here.

Local phone calls. These are free in Hong Kong (also, mobile calls are very cheap). If you need to make a local call you can ask in a shop and they will probably let you use their phone.

Horse racing at Happy Valley. Admission fee is a nominal HK$10, great value for what can be an exhilarating night out – although of course it can work out very expensive… For more information, click here.

Hong Kong Racing Museum in Happy Valley.

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Best Walks – Urban and Non-Urban

Kowloon waterfront to Kowloon Park. Admire the famous skyline, then head north via subways to the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui – Nathan, Peking, Hankow roads and Kowloon Park. For more information, click here.

Star Ferry Pier (Central) to Lan Kwai Fong. Iconic skyscrapers show the way on this short trip through Central’s financial heartland to Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong’s glitziest drinking den. The trip can be made at bustling street level or via the sci-fi elevated walkway. For more information, click here.

Central/Western back streets. Explore the area around Staunton Street, hub of the lively SoHo nightlife area, then return downhill to the authentic Chinese atmosphere around Gage, Graham and Peel streets. For more information, click here.

The Peak Trail. The circular route along Lugard and Harlech roads is an easy but spectacular stroll. Some more strenuous hikes can also be enjoyed from here. For more information, click here.

MacLehose Trail. Take your pick of walks along this 100-km (62-mile) trail running across the New Territories. Highlights are Tai Long Wan, a beautiful beach at the eastern extremity, and Tai Mo Shan, the SAR’s highest peak. For more information, click here or click here.

Tai Po Kau. One of the largest remaining forests in the New Territories. Watch out for monkeys. For more information, click here.

Lantau. To escape the Big Buddha crowds, follow any of several trails leading into the peaceful grassy hills around. For more information, click here.

The MacLehose trail covers much of the new territories.

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Best Nightlife

SoHo (SOuth of HOllywood Road). This area adjoining Lan Kwai Fong has really taken off over the past few years, with lots of trendy bars, clubs and restaurants. For more information, click here or click here.

Wan Chai. More down-to-earth than the Central nightspots. The main hub is focused on Lockhart and Jaffe roads. For more information, click here or click here.

Lan Kwai Fong. Long-established nightlife hub in the heart of Central, with a wide range of restaurants and bars – packed at weekends. For more information, click here or click here.

Tsim Sha Tsui. A mix of touristy and local bars and restaurants, with clusters in the streets between Peking and Haiphong roads, and on Knutsford Terrace. A new nightlife zone is developing around Minden Avenue east of Nathan Road. For more information, click here.

Lan Kwai Fong nightlife.

Ming Tang-Evans/APA Publications

Best Free Views

IFC2. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority building’s 55th-floor Information Centre has stellar views back towards the forest of high-rises in Central. For more information, click here.

Central Plaza. Hong Kong’s third-tallest building offering the island’s most expansive skyscraper view from its wonderfully un-touristy 45th floor. For more information, click here.

Bank of China Tower. A public viewing deck occupies a corner of the 43rd-floor of this landmark building with views over the skyscrapers of Central and beyond to Kowloon. For more information, click here.

Lugard Road. The views from this pedestrianised street are hard to beat, especially the majestic night-time vista with its soundtrack of chirruping cicadas. For more information, click here.

The iconic view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak.

HKTB