HONG KONG HUB TO PRD 39 HONG KONG: PEARL RIVER DELTA HUB Hong Kong sits at the heart of the Pearl River Delta. The city s excellent location and superb infrastructure make it an ideal hub for the rest of Southern China. Its modern airport is consistently ranked as one of the world s best and has daily flights to and from all corners of the globe. China s wealthiest province, Guangdong, is just over the border from Hong Kong. Train, coach and ferry services link the territory with mainland China making travelling in the Delta a simple task. From Hong Kong, Macau, Zhuhai and Shenzhen are just an hour away, Guangzhou* and Zhongshan about two hours. Hong Kong International Airport also provides ferries to the Delta region, eliminating the need to travel into the city centre first. These neighbouring cities have many reasons to visit. They have unique cultural influences and plenty of attractions to enjoy. * Dragonair flies twice daily between Hong Kong and Guangzhou from 14 September 2009. For more information on getting around PRD from Hong Kong International Airport please refer to page 6 of Stay-A-While Hong Kong and China 2009-2010.
40 MACAU ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT As a Portuguese enclave for several centuries, this Special Administrative Region of China has been profoundly affected by southern European influences. Blue and white porcelain street signs are commonplace saffron-coloured and white-washed houses line cobbled pavements, and Macanese food has a flavour all of its own. The historic centre of Macau was recently added to UNESCO s prestigious list of world heritage sites. With its ancient streets, residential, religious and public Portuguese and Chinese buildings, this district provides a unique testimony to the meeting of aesthetic, cultural and architectural impact from east and west.
MACAU 41 Casinos Now the world s biggest casino town, Macau s gaming revenue exceeds Las Vegas and Atlanta City. The Vegasstyle casinos from the United States moved in and operators from the other side of the Pacific have opened or are planning to open their doors to China. The new casinos come with buffet restaurants, luxury shopping malls and high-roller rooms. Fisherman s Wharf City Highlights Fisherman s Wharf houses a strip of bars and restaurants decked out in a number of different cultural themes from around the world. Across the harbour, the truly massive 3,000-room Venetian plays host to a spectacular Cirque du Soleil acrobatics show. In addition, popular greyhound races are held regularly and the Macau Jockey Club also holds horseracing meets. Events Along with many Chinese and western traditional festivals throughout the calendar, the annual Macau Arts Festival, the regular international fireworks displays and the Macau Grand Prix when Formula 3 cars roar through the city streets always draw huge crowds. Luxury Resorts Although there are many business-style hotels, five-star casino-based lodgings and more budget accommodation, there are also resorts and golf courses or those tucked away in quieter corners of town. Some are also housed in buildings of historic interest which can make a stay in Macau that much more intriguing. Macau Tower Soaring 338 metres above the city, the Macau Tower is one of the highest freestanding towers in the world. There is an observation level (including two glass floor areas), a revolving restaurant and an outdoor deck. You can even bungee jump off the top. Greyhound races International fireworks displays Macau Grand Prix The Venetian
42 MACAU HERITAGE The Ruin s of St Paul s Church Penha Hill Heritage The Historic Centre of Macau is one of the best preserved historic centres in the region. With 28 historic monuments and eight squares - all in relatively close proximity - visitors can easily stroll from one to the next and enjoy centuries-worth of heritage. Favourite tourists sights include the Ruin s of St Paul s Church with the walls of the 17th-century Mount Fortress looming above, Penha Hill s chapel, Guia Fort lighthouse and Ah-Ma Temple. The Historic Centre of Macau is the product of cultural exchange between east and west spanning over 400 years, and is currently the oldest, the most complete and consolidated array of European architectural legacy standing intact on Chinese territory today. Museums When you walk through its streets and charming squares you will realise what makes its unique way of life. Different beliefs, costumes and habits parade in front of your eyes: a reality which is here for centuries embodied by the two major communities, Chinese and Portuguese. It is this rich history that makes the specific cultural heritage of Macau, which can be observed in the various museum as well as in its monuments. Museum Pass At the cost of MOP25 for adults and MOP12 for children under 18 years old and senior over 60 years old, visitors can buy a Museum Pass. These entitles holders to free entry, within a period of 5 days to each of the following museums: Grand Prix Museum, Wine Museum, Maritime Museum, Lin Zexu Museum, Museum of Art and Museum of Macau. Passes can be purchased at any of the museums listed here. A-Ma Temple Grand Prix Museum Guia Fort Acknowledgements: With special thanks to Macau Government Tourist Office.
PEARL RIVER DELTA 43 SHENZHEN Across the border from Hong Kong, just an hour from Hong Kong Island, lies the city of Shenzhen. Aside from being a busy, modern city with amazing retail possibilities such as the Lo Wu Commercial Shopping Centre and many others, it also plays host to some excellent hotels and intriguing theme parks. There is Splendid China and also the China Folk Village. Nearby Window of the World has also reproduced the world s most famous monuments in miniature. Shenzhen is a new shopping heaven and the perfect place for travellers who want to get a feel for life in Southern China. Lo Wu Commercial Shopping Centre Traditionally the richest province in China, Guangdong, with its major cities and Special Economic Zones, has quite literally been transformed into the most important global manufacturing centre. Its success also signalled the arrival of world-class golf courses, hotels and resorts. Through the Pearl River Delta, there are also plenty of shopping, entertainment and dining opportunities to sample. When you combine the enterprise of Guangdong with the international expertise of nearby Macau and Hong Kong, the whole delta region represents a formidable, entertainment, business and industrial district. Splendid China One of Shenzhen s most popular attractions. Highlights include numerous and detailed replicas of China s most famous natural and man-made sights. It is the largest of its kind in the world and provides the opportunity for visitors to learn more about China and its history. China Folk Cultural Village Opposite Splendid China is this additional tribute to Chinese architecture. Model villages represent those found all around the country particularly from various ethnic groups. GUANGZHOU As Southern China s biggest and most important city, Guangzhou formerly known as Canton is not only a centre for commerce but also a magnet for travellers from around the world. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art airport, good connections and a booming economy. Situated on the Pearl River, Guangzhou offers travellers a sense of what Cantonese culture represents and a belly full of the world s best dim sum. The city has some great nightlife and excellent dining possibilities. Lotus Mountain Located in Panyu District, Lotus Mountain is an old quarry site known for its natural scenery. A walk around the mountain offers views of rock formations and one of China s tallest outdoor Kwan Yin (Goddess of Compassion) statues. Lotus Mountain, Panyu For details of our tours, please refer to page 53.
MACAU AND PRD OPTIONAL TOURS 53 MACAU AND PRD OPTIONAL TOURS There s plenty to see in this bustling and cosmopolitan region. Cultural attractions, luxury hotels, great shopping and dining, as well as stunning architecture will keep any traveller on their toes. Tea Show at Tea Stream Valley Macau Day Tour Tour code: HKGT26/12 Na Tcha Temple (World Heritage) Section of the Old City Walls (World Heritage) Museum of Macau Mount Fortress (World Heritage) A-Ma Temple (World Heritage) Macau Tower Casino Holy House of Mercy CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ZAIA - Cirque du Soleil Tour code: MCUT05/01 A resident show at The Venetian Macao, Cotai Strip ZAIA features dance, movement and aerial acrobatics A 90-minute production with 75 artists An unforgettable journey into space There are no shows on Mondays Shenzhen Cultural Tour Tour code: HKGT27/2 Arrive in Shekou by ferry and departure from Shenzhen by train Green Great Wall Mangrove Mineral Museum Lunch at a Chinese restaurant Tea Stream Valley at OCT East (Overseas Chinese Town) Interlaken Royal Parade at OCT East Tea Show at Tea Stream Valley Shenzhen Excursion Tour Splendid China & China Folk Cultural Village Tour code: HKGT26/23 Arrive in Shekou by ferry The Legend of Nuwa Green Great Wall Mangrove China Folk Culture Villages/ Splendid China Splendid China For more information on Optional Tours to Macau and the Pearl River Delta please refer to page 69 of Stay-A-While Hong Kong and China