
Fast Facts
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Full Name Hong Kong Area 1,098 sq km 424 sq miles Population 6,890,000 Time Zone GMT/UTC +8 () Daylight Saving Start not in use Daylight Saving End not in use Currency Hong Kong Dollar ($) Electricity 220V 50HzHz |
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Aberdeen Fishing Village
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An Option to take a sampan ride to get a close-up look at the unusual way of fishing folks lifestyle at your own expenses. Moving on is a jewellery factory where you can have a glimpse of the fine arts of hand-made jewellery. |
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Bonham Strand West (Commonly known as Nam Pak Hong Street)
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Exotic dried seafood from all around the world, including such rare and expensive items as abalone. Find Hong Kong's thriving herbal medicine scene and understand the insight of Traditional Chinese medicine. Bonham Strand West was built on newly reclaimed land in Sheung Wan in 1849. Merchants from different Mainland Chinese provinces such as Fujian and Shandong and from cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai opened stores selling specialty goods and groceries from all over Southeast Asia and Mainland China. Getting to the next, point of interest, you will pass by Possession Street, also known as Shui Hang Hau, is where the British first landed when they arrived in Hong Kong in 1841 and called the spot Possession Cape. As the population grew in this area, a road and was named Possession Street. |
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Central Police Station
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This huge, grey building with its Doric-style columns and facade was built in 1864 and stands as mute testimony to Hong Kong's colonial heritage. The Central Police Station has undergone a number of extensions and alterations, with the current edifice dating back to 1919. |
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Dragon Cruise
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Hong Kong Dragon Cruise, a deluxe double deck boat that takes you on a journey that begins in the world-famous Victoria Harbour and then tides over to the magnificent Tsing Ma Bridge which, at 2,200 metres in length, is the longest road-and-rail suspension bridge in the world and Hong Kong International Airport which is one of the world's largest and most modern airport. It glitters in the darkness of the harbour. |
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Duk Ling
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DUK LING, which means “Clever Duck” in Chinese, is the perfect way to experience Hong Kong from the ocean at ANY time of day or night. Board an authentic Chinese junk and set sail into Hong Kong's scenic harbour for a 360-degree view of the city's impressive skyline. Originally owned and manned by Chinese fishermen, the Duk Ling is typical of the junks which used to crisscross Hong Kong's waterways 150 years ago - a reminder of the romance and intrigue that accompanied the early taipans and traders who settled here. After having sailed the waters and deep sea channels for more than 25 years, the vessel was lovingly restored in the 1980s to her original classic design. Today, the Duk Ling is the last authentic sailing junk in Hong Kong. |
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Feng Shui Tour
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Feng Shui, or "Wind and Water", is a 3,000-year-old system of geomantic divination teaching humans how to achieve harmony with the forces of nature and change, thereby gaining well-being and prosperity. In modern Hong Kong you might have thought that Feng Shui would have been dismissed as mumbo-jumbo. But not so; in fact many of the soaring offices and apartment blocks that now punctuate the skyline were laid out in accordance with Feng Shui principles. The lessons of feng shui are universal, and the supernatural "luck-bringing energy" of the world dragons can be harnessed everywhere in the world. So join the Feng Shui Tour which stops at Lung Cheung Road lookout, Wanchai and Statue Square in Central and learn all about this fascination side of Chinese Culture.
Lung Cheung Road Lookout Point Stop at one of the most revelatory viewpoint on the heights of Kowloon. Overlooking the scenic splendor of Victoria Harbour, the old Kai Tak runway and learn how Hong Kong's highest mountain, Tai Mo Shan, the range of hills flanking the Kowloon Peninsula and the harbour work together to bring what is called "Good Feng Shui" to the area. Nine Dragons Wall, Wanchai The principles of Feng Shui also flourish amid downtown modernity. High-Tech Intelligent towers obey the millennia-old building codes of Feng Shui. Stop at the China Resources Building in Wanchai commercial district, find the beautiful Nine Dragons Wall and learn how to explore favorable forces, countering undesirable influences, coping with the constant changes of nature. Statue Square, Central A short ride along downtown to Statue Square in Central, Hong Kong's main commercial and financial district. See some of Hong Kong's most modern buildings, for example, the Bank of China Tower, the Standard Chartered Bank and Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank buildings and learn why the site of the latter is known in Feng Shui term as "A Dragon's Den". |
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Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
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Until 1978, Flagstaff House or Headquarter House was the office and residence of the Commander of British Forces in Hong Kong. Constructed between 1844 and 1846, it is gazetted a historical monument. The two-storeyed building is now the oldest domestic building in Greek Revival style in Hong Kong. In January 1984, this historical building was converted to become the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, a branch of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. It is the first specialized museum in the world devoted to the collection, study and display of teaware. The core of the museum collection was donated by Dr K.S.Lo (1910-1995). The collection included about 600 pieces of teaware and related vessels dating from Western Zhou (11th c. B.C. • 771 B.C.) up to the twentieth century. In 1994, the K.S.Lo Foundation donated 25 items of rare Chinese ceramics and over 600 pieces of Chinese seals to the Museum. The K.S Lo Gallery, a new wing adjacent to the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, was built to house and display the items in December 1995. The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is now a centre for the promotion of Chinese tea culture and appreciation of Chinese ceramics and seals in Hong Kong. |
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Former French Mission Building
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This 150-year-old building was acquired by the French Mission in 1915. A small granite plaque on an external wall states extensive rebuilding was carried out in 1917. The building now houses the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. (Not open to the public.) |
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Gage Street
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Billows of steam rise from an array of stalls where the best of Hong Kong-style fragrant soups, noodles, herbal teas and pastries are all served outdoors with a big Hong Kong smile. Herbal Tea is a specialty of Southern China and has many curative and restorative powers. Herbal teashops also provide “tortoise jelly” which includes up to 20 types of Herbs. |
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Helicopter Tour
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Helicopter Tour can take you over most of Hong Kong. You can fly around the harbour and see the spectacular high-rise density of Central, along the beautiful bays and beaches on the south side of Hong Kong Island, across to the spectacular Outlying Islands, up the rugged east coast of the New Territories, across traditional farmlands and even along the Chinese border. It's like having your own airborne limousine fly you over one of the most spectacular cities on earth. Helicopter Tour are the fun way to get an incredible perspective on Hong Kong. They're comfortable, convenient and they fit easily into your busy schedule. Deepwater and Repulse Bays All the extraordinary contrasts, colours and action that make up Hong Kong are at their most vivid when seen from the air. As you relax and soar over it all your pilot will point out the major landmarks and areas of interest below. One of the great things about a Helicopter Tour is the opportunity to take amazing photographs. It's a very smooth flight and you're sure to get some of the most spectacular shots you have ever taken. Just remember that a moderate to wide angle lens or zoom setting is best for shots from the sky.. |
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Hollywood Road
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The British Army built Hollywood Road in 1844, naming it after the many Holy shrubs lining both sides of the road. Hollywood Road links Sheung Wan and Central, beginning at Wyndham Street in the East and terminating at Queen’s Road West. Famous for its curio and antique shops, Hollywood Road is the perfect place to find wood-block prints, china, porcelain, Buddha statues, ikebana baskets from Japan, snuff and perfume bottles, Chinese furniture and a host of other items. |
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Hollywood Road and Man Mo Temple
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Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row (also known as "Cat Street"), are must-see stops on every visitor's itinerary. Crammed with antique shops and an open-air curio market, these quaint locales are ideal places for picking up eclectic souvenirs and gifts. Everything from Ming dynasty furniture and lotus lamps to Mao badges and ancient snuff bottles is on sale here. Bargain hunters will also enjoy the stalls on Ladder Street, just a few metres downhill - and bargaining over price is all part of the game.
Nearby Man Mo Temple is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). The temple is located about halfway along the road and a stop in its quiet, incense-shrouded interior makes a pleasant break. You can see giant incense coils hanging overhead.
At the western end of the road is Hollywood Road Park, where a photo display shows the original old settlement close to this area |
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Hong Kong Park and Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
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Hong Kong Park is an oasis of green amid the urban landscape that features an aviary, a greenhouse, fountains and lily ponds. The park also houses the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, a unique museum housed in Hong Kong's oldest surviving colonial building. Built in the 1840s, Flagstaff House originally served as the office and residence of the Commander of the British Forces in Hong Kong. It was converted to the Museum of Tea Ware in 1984, with a new wing, The K.S. Lo Gallery, added in 1995. Alongside its exhibitions, the Museum holds regular demonstration, tea gathering and lecture programmes to promote ceremic art and Chinese tea drinking culture. |
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Jade Market
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The Jade Market is a great place to spend a morning browsing and soaking up the atmosphere. The market is a mecca for collectors from all over the world. According to Chinese belief, jade wards off evil spirits and protects travellers. Stallholders ply their trade, displaying everything from rare and valuable jade carvings to small, inexpensive trinkets. Beware of the temptation to invest in expensive jade unless you have an expert on hand to advise. There are many wet and dry goods stalls providing a wide range of fresh food including fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry as well as other household items. |
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Lamma Island
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Lamma is a large island to the South of Hong Kong that is a favourite day trip destination of many Lamma is a large island to the South of Hong Kong that is a favourite day trip destination of many Hong Kong people. It's main attractions are the seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan and the hippie lifestyle of Yung Shue Wan. Thousands of expatriates are drawn to Lamma as an alternative to the skyscrapers and relentless noise of Hong Kong. Most of these "escapees" live in Yung Shue Wan, the larger of the two main villages on the island. Yung Shue Wan has a very relaxed feel and is worth some exploration. |
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Lantau Island
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The site of sleepy fishing villages, is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River. Administratively, it is part of the Islands District.
History Artifacts unearthed on the island show human activities dated back to the Neolithic Age and the Bronze Age. For instance, rock carvings at Shek Pik are thought to date back to the Bronze Age, while a stone circle at Fan Lau is probably from the Neolithic Age. Both sites are located on the southwestern coast of the island.
In 1276, the Southern Song Dynasty court fled to Guangdong by boat, fleeing Mongol invaders, and leaving the emperor Gong Di behind. Any hope of resistance centred on two young princes, Gong Di's brothers. The older boy, Zhao Shi, aged nine was declared emperor, and, in 1277, the imperial court sought refuge first in Silvermine Bay (Mui Wo) on Lantau Island and later in today's Kowloon City (see Sung Wong Toi). The older brother became ill and died, and was succeeded by the younger, Zhao Bing, aged seven. He died in 1279, and the Song Dynasty ended. These emperors are also believed to have held court in the Tung Chung valley, which takes its name from a local hero who gave up his life for the emperor.
Like Cheung Chau, Lantau was once the base for pirates and smugglers, and was one of the bases of Cheung Po Tsai in the 15th century.
Lantau Island, together with Tuen Mun were among the first European trading settlements in the Pearl River area, established by Portuguese traders in the 1510s. The Portuguese abandoned these settlements around 1517, following defeat against Chinese troops (see Fernao Pires de Andrade). Later, the island became an important trading post for the British, long before they showed an interest for Hong Kong Island.
Silver was mined at Mui Wo until the 19th century.
A major change affected the island in July 1998, with the start of operations of Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok.
Geographical characteristics Lantau Island consists of mainly mountainous terrain. With an area of approx. 142 km², it is the largest island in Hong Kong, and is almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. Lantau Peak (934 m) is the highest point of the island. It is the second highest in Hong Kong, after Tai Mo Shan, and is almost double the height of Victoria Peak. Lantau Island is often referred to as "the lungs of Hong Kong", because of its abundance of indigenous forest and relative scarcity of high-rise residential developments which characterise Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Population Lantau Island has a very low density population, with 45,000 people living there, compared to 1.4 million on Hong Kong Island. Settlements are scattered all over the island and each has its own distinctive characteristic. The completion of the Hong Kong International Airport in 1998 has irrevocably changed northern Lantau. The once quiet village of Tung Chung is now a mass of high-rise housing estates next to the airport.
Tung Chung is one of the new towns developed in recent years and its population is expected to increase from 20,000 to 130,000 (Source: The Hong Kong Economic Times, 08/08/2001).
Discovery Bay is a low-density residential development located on the north-eastern coast of Lantau. It has a current population of around 16,000 residents from over 30 different countries - gaining it a reputation as an expatriate enclave. The first phase went on sale in 1982.
Tourist Attractions Tian Tan Buddha at Po Lin MonasteryMajor tourist attractions include the Po Lin Monastery on Ngong Ping Plateau, where the Tian Tan Buddha (or "Giant Buddha"), an 85-foot-high bronze Buddha statue, various monastery buildings and a vegetarian restaurant can be found. Walkers can ascend from Tung Chung to the monastery in two hours.
Tai O is a fishing village located on the west of Lantau Island and more than three centuries old. It is also known as the "Venice of Hong Kong". It is also a hot tourist spot for tourists visiting Hong Kong, despite damage by a fire in July 2000, thanks to its several hundred stilt houses. Tai O retains most of its historical setting such as waterways, stilt houses and fishing boats and it is famous for its fishing village scenery. Traditional Chinese food like salted fish and shrimp paste can be found there.
Tung Chung Fort was built in 1817 to thwart the opium trade and defend the coast from pirates. There are 6 old cannons and the enclosures are made of granite. During World War II, the Japanese army occupied the fort. In 1979, it was listed as one of the historical monuments and was refurbished in 1988.
The Trappist Haven Monastery at Tai Shui Hang, home to a number of Roman Catholic monks, sits on the east coast of Lantau Island, approximately halfway between the towns of Mui Wo and Discovery Bay. The Lantau Trappist congregation was established in Beijing in the 19th century.
Hong Kong Disneyland is being constructed on the northeastern part of the island, approximately two kilometres from Discovery Bay and is expected to be completed and opened in 2005 or 2006, on a massive land reclamation project in Penny's Bay. The US$1.8 billion project is planned to include a Disney theme park, two hotels and retail, dining and entertainment facilities stretching over 126 hectares (310 acres); as well as its own rail network linking from Yam O.
Over 50 percent of Lantau consists of national parks, including a large number of well-marked trails. The best known of these is the 70-kilometer, 12-section Lantau Trail. The national parks feature campsites and youth hostels. Lantau's best-known and longest beach is Cheung Sha and its most famous hike is to Sunset Peak, the third highest elevation in Hong Kong.
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Li Yuen Streets East & West
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These compact, narrow alleys packed with stalls and shops selling casual wear, leatherwear and knick-knacks to local housewives, visitors and Central commuters are great spots to go bargain hunting. Open daily about 10am to 7 pm. |
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Lyndhurst Terrace
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Shops selling ancient maps, prints and paintings, stationery and picture frames rub shoulders with beauty salons and spas. Walk further and you'll find linens, fine silks, crafts and antiques for sale. Everything from copies to artifacts from early dynasties is available. In the past, the former Hong Kong Governor • Chris Patten often visited 32 Lyndhurst Terrace to savour freshly baked egg tarts. You’ll also find it hard to resist the smell wafting from the ovens. |
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Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
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Following a major makeover costing HK$20 million, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is offering visitors an unprecedented hands-on multimedia experience at its celebrity waxworks museum. The world-famous attraction now features more than 100 incredible wax likenesses of stars, world leaders and sports heroes displayed in five totally interactive themed settings that are spread over three floors within the completely refurbished Peak Tower complex. It's an amazing experience like no other!
Visitors to the new-look Madame Tussauds Hong Kong can not only meet their favourite idols but also join them in doing whatever has made them famous ?all to the accompaniment of appropriate background sounds. You can putt with Tiger Woods, shoot hoops with Yao Ming, dance on stage with Aaron Kwok and even step into a Rembrandt painting!
Guests can stroll through the attraction stopping to mingle with the stars and celebrities in the themed areas of Hong Kong Glamour, Music Icons, Historical and National Heroes, The Champions and World Premiere. You are allowed to pose with any of the wax models and even have your picture taken professionally.
Those more inclined to the international stage can stand alongside President Hu Jintao as he steps from his plane to the rapturous applause of the welcoming committee, or obtain an official seal of approval from George W Bush as they address the nation from the presidential podium.
If you ever wondered how these models are made, you can watch the fascinating wax figure-making process being demonstrated. There's also a souvenir shop featuring a full range of exciting souvenirs and gifts.
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Man Mo Temple
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One of the first traditional-style temples built during the colonial era, Man Mo Temple's magnificent external architecture reflects its historical roots. Gold altars and red shrines pay homage to the Taoist gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo) - Man with his calligraphy brush and Mo with his sword. |
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Man Mo Temple and Cat Street
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Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row, known as "Cat Street" are must-see stops on every visitor's itinerary. Crammed with antique shops and an open-air curio market, these quaint locales are ideal places for picking up eclectic souvenirs and gifts. You'll find everything from Ming furniture and lotus lamps to Mao badges and ancient snuff bottles. Photogenic Man Mo Temple, dedicated to the God of Literature (man) and the God of War (mo), is just a stroll away. |
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Museum of Coastal Defence
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The 34,200 square metre Museum of Coastal Defence features a Reception Area, Redoubt and Historical Trail that paint a vivid picture of Britain's readiness to defend Hong Kong against any aggressors. The Redoubt houses the museum's fascinating permanent exhibition entitled "600 Years of Coastal Defence", which includes exhibits and relics from the Ming Period (1368-1643) up to the present. Several of the Museum's 11 galleries are devoted to the first Opium War (1839-1842), the British period, the Battle of Hong Kong, the Japanese Occupation, and The Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army (1997). The upper part of the Redoubt, meanwhile, is dedicated to thematic exhibitions such as the Coastal Defence Weapons Theatre and the Cost of War. |
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Pearl of Orient
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Savour a sumptuous buffet dinner while a live band plays aboard the Harbour Cruise Bauhinia. Dance the night away, or relax and enjoy a view of the glittering city and the magnificent harbour. |
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Pottinger Street
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Small stalls selling ribbons, bows, buttons and other items of interest line the paved steps. |
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Repulse Bay
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En route you will be able to view the beautiful bay, the most-visited beach in town and summer escape for swimmers. |
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Rolls Royce/ Classic Rolls Royce
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For the more traditionally minded, a Rolls-Royce will transfer you at a more leisurely pace. The Peninsula’s fleet of 13 Rolls-Royce Silver Spurs, which have been specially modified to meet your every need, are available for luxurious airport transfers and relaxing sightseeing tours around Hong Kong. |
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Sam Tung Uk Museum
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Declared an historical monument in 1981, Sam Tung Uk Museum offers a fascinating insight into Hong Kong's past. Sam Tung Uk, "three rows of dwelling", is a restored 200-year-old rural walled village. The 2,000-square-metre museum includes an ancestral hall, two rows of side houses, an exhibition hall and a lecture hall. It houses displays of period furniture, handicrafts and agricultural equipment |
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Soho (South of Hollywood Road)
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Some of the finest restaurants in town offering a dazzling variety of international cuisine line Staunton, Shelley, Peel, Old Bailey and Elgin streets, making it a highly popular area for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Soho is home to a variety of chic restaurants offering a huge range of international cuisine, including Nepalese, Australian, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and East-West Fusion. |
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Stanley Street
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A photographer's paradise where cameras, film and accessories are available at very reasonable prices. |
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Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise
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Discover a wonderland of dancing lights set to music around Victoria Harbour as waterfront buildings come alive in an awe-inspiring multimedia show. With Buildings in Tsim Sha Tsui joining those on Hong Kong Island. A Symphony of Lights will be best viewed from the harbour itself. Board a Watertours cruise boat and you can enjoy a 90-minutes cruise, with unlimited drinks, around the most spectacular harbour in the world. The Highlight comes at 8 pm when buildings on both sides of the harbour erupt in colored lights, laser beams and searchlights to perform a synchronized display to music and commentary that depicts the growth of Hong Kong from a sleepy fishing village to dynamic world leader of today. On festive occasions, pyrotechnics add extra sparkle to the display |
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Tai Chi
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Tai chi, which is sometimes referred to as "Shadow Boxing", was developed many centuries ago. Its graceful movements help to balance the yin and the yang, doing as much for the mind and soul as for the body. To this day, the amazingly fluid motions of this traditional Chinese practice remain one of the favourite means of keeping fit in Hong Kong, especially among the older generation. Tai chi has also proved popular with visitors to Hong Kong who find it an excellent means of relaxation, both here, and once they have returned home. |
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Tea Demonstration Class
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The art of tea drinking is essentially Chinese. Tea is drunk for health, and is poured as an offering to friends. The best way for your guests to learn about the many facets of this Chinese practice is to visit specialty tea houses, where they can learn the technique of tea brewing and sample choice potions. |
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The Central – Mid Level’s Escalator
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The world's longest covered escalator is 800m long and links Central district with Conduit Road in the Mid-Levels. Opened to the public on 15 October 1994, the Escalator can be assessed from one end to the other, while 29 entry and exit points along the route let passengers hop on and off as they please. The Escalator runs downhill from 6 to 10 a.m. and uphill from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. The Escalator serves as the main walkway for Mid-Levels residents and visitors are encouraged to use it after 9 am, when it is less congested. |
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The Peak
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There's a reason why The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong: It is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak you'll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.
Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There's nothing in the world like the Peak Tram. Pulled by steel cables, the tram climbs 373 metres (about 1,200 feet). It's so steep that the buildings you pass look like they're leaning at a 45°angle! Whether you're going up or coming down, you'll love this trip.
And now this fabulous vista has been further enhanced by the 2006 revitalisation of one of Hong Kong's most striking landmarks, the Peak Tower. Even more than before, it's a destination in its own right.
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Upper Lascar Row
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Famous for its array of antiques, curios and collectibles, Upper Lascar Row, also known as Cat Street, features a wide range of goods to delight shoppers. |
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Victoria Peak
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The views of the harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula from the 373 metres vantage point are simply breathtaking and should not be missed. |
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Wanchai Fresh Food Market
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Eager shoppers from the neighbourhood converge on this vibrant market, filled with an amazing variety of fresh exotic produce and catches fresh from the South China Sea and beyond. With its unassuming simplicity, cheerful and friendly banters, this is truly a very social Chinese marketplace in essence. |
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Western Market
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Western Market, renovated in 1991 and converted into a shopping complex, is an Edwardian-style building featuring shops selling arts and crafts and fabric.
The Edwardian-style building, completed in 1906 has a red brick exterior with a handsome granite arch over its entrance. The market now houses shops formerly located in old alleys in the heart of Central, which sold all manner of cloth. The building is also home to traditional handicraft stalls and a number of cafes. The top floor is home to the Grand Stage where dance lovers can rendezvous and enjoy a romantic dinner. |
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Western Market
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Built in 1906, this elegant four-storey, red brick building was declared a historic monument by the Hong Kong Government in 1990 before being renovated and reopened as a Chinese arts-and-crafts centre in 1991. Open daily 10am to 7pm. |
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Wing Lok Street (Commonly known as Ginseng & Bird’s Nest Street)
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Wing Lok Street, Bonham Strand and Bonham Strand West feature a number of fascinating ginseng and bird's nest shops. When people mention "chops" in Hong Kong, they aren't talking about chop-suey or lamb chops - rather, the term refers to carved stone Chinese seals that bear your name and other personal data. Chops are still used on official documents in Hong Kong, and carving them is a Chinese art. You'll find the 3,000-year-old tradition of chop making alive and well along Man Wa Lane (and Wing Lok Street). Come here to have one made for yourself, family or friends. Craftsmen will translate your name into Chinese (or use your own language if you prefer). Then watch as your name is carved into marble (HK$150-$500), jade, agate or crystal (HK$500 up). In about one to four hours your chop will be ready, presented in a little box complete with a vermilion ink pad. It makes a unique souvenir or gift that will be appreciated for years to come. |
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Yuen Yuen Institute
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For a more traditional Chinese sight and experience, a visit to the rather misleadingly named Yuen Yuen Institute promises to provide an enjoyable surprise. The Institute was founded in 1950 and occupies 10 acres in the tranquil, beautiful environment of Sam Dip Tam. The Institute is in fact a collection of temples, pavilions, monasteries and prayer halls dedicated to Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist beliefs, and its sprawling grounds are dotted with decorative gardens and ponds. The Institute's purpose is to spread the principles of these three religions, to uphold the eight virtues (i.e. filial piety, respect, loyalty, fidelity, propriety, justice, honesty and honour) and to promote social welfare. One of its many attractions includes a replica of Beijing's magnificent Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan). The Hall of Rocks Collection features rocks with interesting natural shapes, including those of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. |
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