Hong Kong (Victoria Harbor)

Hong Kong (Victoria Harbor)

The most striking thing about Hong Kong is its pervasive mix of old and new. With ramshackle apartment buildings flanked by uber-modern high-rises, a rickety street-level tram clanking by above a state-of-the-art subway system, and wheelbarrows being pushed through the streets alongside Rolls-Royces, Hong Kong is a study in contrasts that constantly surprises. Add the former British colony's strange brew of Asian and Western cultures to this endless series of odd contradictions and one thing's for certain: this is a place you'll never get tired of exploring.

Attractions

High above Hong Kong Island on the 'back of the Dragon', Victoria Peak is Hong Kong's premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbour and city views. Arriving late afternoon enables you to experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the harbour, Kowloon and the hills beyond. Later, you can thrill to the neon-dotted skyline by night. What's more, The Peak offers visitors a multitude of fantastic entertainment, dining and shopping options. On the Come Horseracing Tour you'll quickly learn that horseracing is not just a sport in Hong Kong. It's a passion. It's followed by millions of people. Museum of History - The museum's extensive collection of archaeological finds and historical photographs provides an excellent introduction to Hong Kong's history.Cultural Center/Space Museum/Museum of Art - The Cultural Center is the city's newest performing arts venue. The Space Museum's dome, where Omnimax shows and astronomy exhibits are featured, is nearby. Adjacent is the Museum of Art.Stanley Market - Located on the south side of Hong Kong, this open-air market on the is a favorite with residents and visitors alike for browsing and finding bargains in designer jeans, fashions, leather, porcelain, linens and bedding.Jade Market - This specialty market features some 450 stalls. Here you can find jade items of every form, quality and price.Bird Garden and Flower Market - The charming Chinese-style garden on Yuen Po Street (Kowloon) includes some 70 songbird stalls as well as courtyards and moon gates. Next door, the colorful Flower Market sells everything from Dutch tulips to exotic orchids.

Shopping

Contrary to popular belief, there's a lot more to Hong Kong than shopping - although the retail therapy here is arguably among the world's best. Besides the sheer magnitude of the shopping scene, at least two other factors contribute to the exuberant consumerism the city is known for: it's a duty-free port and there's no sales tax. Clothing is one of the best buys, especially custom-made suits and designer fashions. Porcelain, jade and silks are good bets as well.

Food

For an authentic taste of Chinese life, try yum cha, which combines the ancient custom of tea drinking with another Chinese tradition: dim sum. Along with your oolong, you'll get a good sampling of Hong Kong cuisine, including congee, a thick rice porridge with meat plus your choice of preserved eggs, seafood, gingko or vegetable.

Currency

The Hong Kong dollar (HKD) is the currency used in Hong Kong.

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