16 HONG KONG SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS HONG KONG SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS STAR ATTRACTIONS A Symphony of Lights show A cityscape without compare Hong Kong s signature landmark VICTORIA HARBOUR The harbour separates Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. At night, views from either side are a must-see. The most enjoyable ways of cruising the harbour is onboard the 28-metre Chinese junk Aqualuna or on The Bauhinia. A unique experience, passengers enjoy breathtaking scenery, the sunset over the harbour and Hong Kong s nightly laser show. Buffet dinner and live band performance are included in The Bauhinia cruise. ON THE WATERFRONT Either side of the harbour provides plenty of opportunities to take in the astonishing city views. Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai is a popular spot, while the best vantage point is from Tsim Sha Tsui, outside the Cultural Centre. Every night at 8pm, the skyline is lit up by A Symphony of Lights, the world s largest permanent light and sound show. The show is also visible nearby at the Avenue of Stars, a promenade dedicated to Hong Kong s notable actors such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. THE PEAK Victoria Peak, known simply as The Peak is the highest vantage point and swankiest neighbourhood on Hong Kong Island. From the top, you can get an unrivalled, 360-degree view of the territory. You can get there by bus, taxi or on the historic Peak Tram from central Mid-Levels. After marvelling at the view, visitors can enjoy dinner and some shopping. LANTAU ISLAND Lantau used to be considered Hong Kong s last wilderness. Now airplanes land there and a high-speed rail network connects the island with the rest of the city. Some signs of its more tranquil past still exist, however. Take the 5.7-kilometre Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car up Lantau s steep slopes to Po Lin Monastery and you ll find one of the world s largest bronze Buddha statues the Big Buddha majestically perched on the hilltop.
HONG KONG 17 See the best that Hong Kong has to offer with Cathay Pacific Holidays and Dragonair Holidays, your guide to the city buzz and beyond. The Peak, theme parks, the world s most stunning skyline and a harbour that s out of this world Hong Kong has it all. Behind the ubiquitous skyscrapers, wild landscapes, remote beaches and ominously steep slopes dominate much of the New Territories and the outlying islands, of which there are more than two hundred. Aqualuna The Bauhinia THEME PARKS Hong Kong boasts two of Asia s best theme parks. On Lantau Island, Disneyland s rides and attractions are always popular with families. Meanwhile, in southern Hong Kong, Ocean Park holds a special place in the heart of many locals. Both parks regularly host themed activities to make a trip even more enjoyable. Bruce Lee on the Avenue of Stars Golden Bauhinia Square Disney Asia s second Disney park opened in Penny s Bay on Lantau in 2005. After Florida and California, the idea of M i c k e y M o u s e w e a r i n g a raincoat in Hong Kong s summer rain brought great joy to expectant families all around China. Main Street U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland have come to town. The Peak OCEAN PARK Visitors access the park via a cable car that snakes along the hills of Hong Kong s southern coast. Rollercoasters and rides get the heart pumping but there are the giant pandas to view and beautiful jellyfish and other marine displays. In addition to the black-and-white version, the park has recently welcomed four raccoonlike red pandas from Chengdu. Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Big Buddha For details of our tours please refer to pages 46-52.
18 HONG KONG SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS HONG KONG SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS DYNAMIC DIVERSITY HIGH-RISE HIGHLIGHTS The impressive sight of the thousands of buildings along the waterfront has come to symbolise Hong Kong s many achievements. To learn about the history of the most famous architectural icons, a walking tour is probably the best way. Viewing terraces are open to the general public in the Bank of China building, Central Plaza and the 118-storey ICC in Kowloon when it opens in 2010. LOCAL DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS A walk around many of Hong Kong s districts such as Wan Chai, Sheung Wan and Sham Shui Po, provides a fascinating insight into many aspect of local life and history. The government has placed a great deal of effort to preserve and revitalise many of these older residential areas. The Blue House above in Wan Chai is a good example of existing heritage sites with substantial historical value. The house was the original site of Wah To Hospital built in the 1870s and its balcony and European art deco style are unique characteristics.
HONG KONG 19 There is so much more to Hong Kong than meets the eye. It is a brilliant place to explore. The city itself is ideal for strolling through markets and hidden alleyways. There can be no better way to get to know the city than on a walking tour. Local guides are able to provide insight into both old and new Hong Kong the customs, the history, the hidden gems. WET MARKETS These places of business have been an integral part of city life for many decades. The vegetables, meat and seafood on sale here are about as fresh as you can find anywhere. As the name suggests, these markets are soaking wet from the regular hosing downs by the market traders so watch your step. The oldest and most famous on Hong Kong Island are in the Soho region of Mid-Levels near Central and also in between Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. TAI CHI If you re an early riser, head down to one of many public spaces such as Victoria Park in Causeway Bay or Tsim Sha Tsui to see how Hong Kong starts its day. The ancient martial art Tai Chi is still practiced by thousands and is a great way of keeping the body and mind active and fit. It may seem slow and lacklustre to the untrained eye, but practitioners know otherwise. For details of our tours please refer to pages 46-52.
20 HONG KONG SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS Legislative Council HONG KONG SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS HONG KONG S RICH HERITAGE Hong Kong is known for its fascinating blend of cultural influence. Glass and concrete may be the construction material of choice, there are still plenty of examples of European architectural style around town. Likewise, ancestral halls, temples and walled villages still are remnants from Hong Kong s Chinese past.
HONG KONG 21 Tai Fu Tai Stately Home Former Hollywood Road Police Station Government House RICH HERITAGE Central is a great place to start if you want to hunt down some heritage in between the skyscrapers. Even in the centre of the financial district, you can find the French Mission Building, the old Bank of China building, the 100-year-old Legislative Council building and St John s Cathedral built in 1849. Many other churches and government properties still stand across the harbour in Kowloon, and remain a reminder of a bygone era. OLD HONG KONG The Tai Fu Tai Stately Home is an opulent 1850s residence built by a scholar who was given the title of mandarin by a Qing emperor. The Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall in Ping Shan, near Tin Shui Wai, is great place to learn about Hong Kong past and try the delicacy poon choi (literally: basin cuisine ). Other notable villages include Lo Wai and Fan Tin, Lantau s Tai O, the most westerly point in Hong Kong, and Yung Shue Wan on Lamma. CHINESE TEMPLES There are many temples worth visiting in Hong Kong, each with an amazing story behind. Some of the most famous are at Wong Tai Sin, Tin Hau Temple in Jordan, Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan and the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas near Sha Tin. Visitors are free to walk around the premises. Palm and face reading services are usually offered outside and some fortune tellers use sticks to look into the future. For details of our tours please refer to pages 46-52. Man Mo Temple Wong Tai Sin Temple
22 HONG KONG SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS Man Yee Dame, New Territories COUNTRY PARKS An astonishing 80 per cent of Hong Kong s territory is still labelled as natural or semi-natural. The territory s 23 country parks are quickly and easily accessible by public transport from urban areas. Many hikers and trekkers enjoy walking the many trails and is always a tranquil experience. Most are within half an hour from the city centre. BEACHES Hong Kong has a plethora of sandy beaches, many achingly beautiful and surprisingly deserted such as Ham Tin, Long Ke, Pak Lap Wan in Sai Kung. When the sun shines, expect the city to empty and the more popular beaches near town to fill up. Popular destinations include Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung, Clear Water Bay, Stanley, Repulse Bay, Big Wave Bay and Shek O. BIRD WATCHING One of the best places to get close to nature is at the Mai Po reserve. Near the border with Shenzhen, this area of wetlands and marshes is managed by the WWF and is home to many species of migratory birds. DOLPHIN WATCHING Just off the coast is another astonishing local creature the Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins. Pink in colour, these playful mammals can be seen in the waters by the airport. A short boat journey from Lantau will take you to see the pink mammals thrive in their natural habitat. NATURAL WORLD One of the best places to learn about and witness Hong Kong s unique biodiversity is at the Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. Elsewhere, a small bay that is a home to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park in Sai Kung has an astonishing amount of marine life. FARMS & GARDEN Another way to enjoy some time away from the city is at the Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden. The gardens are a conservation and education centre in the New Territories. On the first Sunday of every month, it operates a farmer s market selling produce grown in the area. Budding horticulturalists can also plant their own crops. For details of our tours please refer to pages 46-52. Spoonbill an endangered species, rarely seen outside the territory
HONG KONG 23 Deep Water Bay on Hong Kong Island s southern coast Troides a unique butterfly species found only in Hong Kong Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Chinese White Dolphin) Kadoorie Farm, Tai Po Hong Kong Wetland Park, Tin Shui Wai HONG KONG SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS PICTURE PERFECT To many people, the traditional image of Hong Kong is of tall towers and busy streets. A quick bus, train, taxi or ferry trip can whisk anyone away from the jackhammers to come face to face with the territory s truly great outdoors. There are many opportunities for photography and visitors are often surprised by the stunning natural beauty.
26 HONG KONG ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT From more tranquil pastimes like Tai Chi and fine art to the excitement of the horse racing and international arts festival, Hong Kong has it all. Arts enthusiasts cannot fail to be impressed with the sheer variety and diversity of the cultural entertainment on offer. HORSE RACING Even if you are not a gambler, a visit to one of the two racing venues provides an opportunity to savour an electric atmosphere. During the racing season, thousands flock to either Happy Valley or Sha Tin. The standard entrance fee is inexpensive and will get you access to the lively Beer Garden trackside, or you can splash out on a more lavish box with a great view and a buffet meal. Please refer to page 33 for more information on HK International Races. MUSIC LOVERS Western classical music is hugely popular in Hong Kong. And the city s Philharmonic Orchestra and Sinfonietta welcomes all music lovers to its many performances. The rise of Chinese musicians, such as pianists Yundi Li and Lang Lang, has also enriched the music scene. Likewise, Canto-pop stars such as Andy Lau, Jackie Cheung and Joey Yung are always draw-cards. FILM FESTIVAL The Hong Kong International Film Festival has run for more than 30 years and attracts a fabulous mixture of art house and higher-budget movies from all around the world. The organisers have added a summer festival to complement the spring-time event that never fails to put backsides on seats. Other festivals, normally with a cinematic or national theme, also punctuate the calendar. ARTS FESTIVAL After four decades, the annual Hong Kong Arts Festival is a true highlight in Hong Kong s diverse repertoire of events. With ballet, opera, theatre and dance productions spanning over a number of weeks, the Arts Festival always has something for everyone.
HONG KONG 27 Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre The Fringe Club ART PRESERVATION The society has also put much effort in preservation the local arts scene since the 1997 handover. There is an unusual venue for showcasing local art inside a converted public housing estate in Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre of Shek Kip Mei. Similarly, the Cattle Depot Artist Village in a former To Kwa Wan abattoir is a remarkable venue displaying many artistic projects. The Fringe Club, the scores of galleries in SoHo, Queen s Road East, the Star Street area and the annual Art Walk are hot spots for art lovers. Cattle Depot Artist VIllage MUSEUMS At the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, visitors will be able to get a better idea about the background of this remarkable city. There are frequently art exhibitions as well as cultural performances to look out for. Next door is the Space Museum and not far away is also the Science Museum which is great for family. The Museum of Coastal Defence near Shau Kei Wan is also well worth a visit. Museum of Coastal Defence Hong Kong Heritage Museum Museum of Tea Space Museum