With its exhilarating fusion of cultures, its engaging people and unparalleled natural beauty, Hong Kong is like no other place in the world. Adventure to remote islands with intriguing, century-old Chinese traditions.
Explore spectacular museums, galleries and historical monuments. Find divine inspiration in a traditional Buddhist temple. Experience the contagious energy of the city, mingle with the people in a colorful local market or a boisterous Chinese festival.
For a unique cultural experience, head to the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, the favorite gathering place for Hong Kong's songbird owners. for sweet scents and exotic, fortune-bringing flowers and plants, stop by Hong Kong's colorful Flower Market.
Bring home a beautiful memory of Hong Kong from the Jade Market. Located in Yau Ma Tei, the Jade Market features 450 stalls selling all types, shapes, sizes and prices; open daily from 10am - 3:30pm. No matter what you choose, Hong Kong is an experience you will never forget. Here are a few of the insider recommendations.
HONG KONG ISLAND
Hong Kong
Take a classic Hong Kong trip on the historic Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak. The steepest funicular tramway on the planet, the Peak Tram will thrill you with its dazzling 1300-foot climb into the sky.
After an exhilarating near-vertical, eight-minute ride on the 112-year-old tram, you'll feast your eyes on the breathtaking panorama of the vibrant harbor, serene mountains and spectacular architecture by icons such as I.M. Pei and Norman Foster.
High above the city, on the "back of the Dragon," Victoria Peak offers visitors a multitude of entertainment, dining and shopping options and is the perfect place to embark on one of several nature trails.
STAR FERRY
View Hong Kong's magnificent skyline from the harbor aboard the Star Ferry. The Star Ferry, over a century old, remains the most spectacular ferry rides in the world. The ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui takes only eight minutes, and offers picturesque memories that will last a lifetime. Don't forget to pick up a Star Ferry and Tram Pass.
A four-day Visitor Souvenir Ticket can be obtained at the upper deck entrance of the Star Ferry Pier, and is valid for unlimited travel on Hong Kong Tramways and Star Ferry's franchised services for four consecutive days.
Hong Kong Aberdeen
Home to the fishing community, take a sampan ride to see the fishing boat and daily activities aboard the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant.
TAI CHI IN THE PARK
Take one of our free Tai Chi lessons and experience the graceful, meditative martial art that locals practice daily. A gentle form of exercise, Tai Chi, also known as "shadow boxing," can be practiced by people of all ages.
Kowloon: Every Tuesday and Wednesday (from November to March), 8:00-9:00 a.m. on the Waterfront Promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui East (outside the Hong Kong Cultural Center, Piazza C).
Hong Kong Island: Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday except January 26, 2001 (until end of March 2001), 8:15-9:15 a.m. in the Garden Plaza, Hong Kong Park.
REPULSE BAY
One of Hong Kong's most popular tour destinations, Repulse Bay is beautiful, ever-evolving, sandy beach with two tall statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Kwun Yum) and the Goddess of Heaven (Tin Hau).
STANLEY MARKET
Stanley Market is an extravaganza of stalls and shops interspersed with some of Hong Kong's newest and most innovative restaurants. The stock changes constantly - depending on what the factories are churning out at the time. By the bay, there is a row of restaurants in laid-back ambience.
TIN HAU TEMPLE
Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, holds a special place in Hong Kong's heart, thanks to the territory's maritime history. This ancient, imposing temple once stood alongside a foreshore causeway linking the coastal areas. It is now well inland, adjacent to Victoria Park.
KOWLOON
CHI LIN NUNNERY Only recently opened, the 35,880 square foot Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon is a fascinating blend of simplicity and grandeur. A Buddhist retreat, it was constructed along Tang dynasty lines, and successfully bridges nearly 1,500 years of construction methods, such as using wooden pegs, rather than nails, throughout its seven linked halls and temples.
The nunnery gardens are a beautiful example of classical Chinese design, creating the illusion of infinite space within a limited area, and offering visitors a serene environment.
TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET
Find bargains galore in this lively open-air bazaar.It opens at 2 p.m. and is busiest from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Merchants specialize in inexpensive men's clothing, novelty items, luggage and watches, and other merchandise. Fortunetellers, palm readers and, sometimes, Chinese opera singers, make the market a fascinating street theatre.
NEW TERRITORIES
Venture out to the New Territories to see unspoiled land dotted with ancient villages and fishing harbors, duck farms and fish ponds, all characterized by a sense of harmony with nature. Scenic coastlines and hills have been preserved within a territory-wide network of national parks Giant Bronze Buddha in Hong Kong
ENCHANTED WISHING TREE
Make your wishes come true. In Lam Tusen, near Tai Po, is the Enchanted Wishing Tree. Laden with wishes written on bright red paper, it appears to be covered in crimson flowers. Scribble your dreams onto red slips of paper tied onto an orange with string, then toss them in the air. Tradition holds that if your paper charm catches on the tree, your wish will be granted.
OUTLYING ISLANDS
GIANT BRONZE BUDDHA
Be sure to visit Po Lin Monastery's outdoor, 202-ton Giant Buddha. At 26 meters high, it is the world's largest, seated, outdoor, bronze of Buddha. Perched atop a magnificent flight of steps, it is visible from as far away as Macau on a clear day.
Explore spectacular museums, galleries and historical monuments. Find divine inspiration in a traditional Buddhist temple. Experience the contagious energy of the city, mingle with the people in a colorful local market or a boisterous Chinese festival.
For a unique cultural experience, head to the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, the favorite gathering place for Hong Kong's songbird owners. for sweet scents and exotic, fortune-bringing flowers and plants, stop by Hong Kong's colorful Flower Market.
Bring home a beautiful memory of Hong Kong from the Jade Market. Located in Yau Ma Tei, the Jade Market features 450 stalls selling all types, shapes, sizes and prices; open daily from 10am - 3:30pm. No matter what you choose, Hong Kong is an experience you will never forget. Here are a few of the insider recommendations.
HONG KONG ISLAND
Hong Kong
Take a classic Hong Kong trip on the historic Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak. The steepest funicular tramway on the planet, the Peak Tram will thrill you with its dazzling 1300-foot climb into the sky.
After an exhilarating near-vertical, eight-minute ride on the 112-year-old tram, you'll feast your eyes on the breathtaking panorama of the vibrant harbor, serene mountains and spectacular architecture by icons such as I.M. Pei and Norman Foster.
High above the city, on the "back of the Dragon," Victoria Peak offers visitors a multitude of entertainment, dining and shopping options and is the perfect place to embark on one of several nature trails.
STAR FERRY
View Hong Kong's magnificent skyline from the harbor aboard the Star Ferry. The Star Ferry, over a century old, remains the most spectacular ferry rides in the world. The ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui takes only eight minutes, and offers picturesque memories that will last a lifetime. Don't forget to pick up a Star Ferry and Tram Pass.
A four-day Visitor Souvenir Ticket can be obtained at the upper deck entrance of the Star Ferry Pier, and is valid for unlimited travel on Hong Kong Tramways and Star Ferry's franchised services for four consecutive days.
Hong Kong Aberdeen
Home to the fishing community, take a sampan ride to see the fishing boat and daily activities aboard the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant.
TAI CHI IN THE PARK
Take one of our free Tai Chi lessons and experience the graceful, meditative martial art that locals practice daily. A gentle form of exercise, Tai Chi, also known as "shadow boxing," can be practiced by people of all ages.
Kowloon: Every Tuesday and Wednesday (from November to March), 8:00-9:00 a.m. on the Waterfront Promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui East (outside the Hong Kong Cultural Center, Piazza C).
Hong Kong Island: Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday except January 26, 2001 (until end of March 2001), 8:15-9:15 a.m. in the Garden Plaza, Hong Kong Park.
REPULSE BAY
One of Hong Kong's most popular tour destinations, Repulse Bay is beautiful, ever-evolving, sandy beach with two tall statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Kwun Yum) and the Goddess of Heaven (Tin Hau).
STANLEY MARKET
Stanley Market is an extravaganza of stalls and shops interspersed with some of Hong Kong's newest and most innovative restaurants. The stock changes constantly - depending on what the factories are churning out at the time. By the bay, there is a row of restaurants in laid-back ambience.
TIN HAU TEMPLE
Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, holds a special place in Hong Kong's heart, thanks to the territory's maritime history. This ancient, imposing temple once stood alongside a foreshore causeway linking the coastal areas. It is now well inland, adjacent to Victoria Park.
KOWLOON
CHI LIN NUNNERY Only recently opened, the 35,880 square foot Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon is a fascinating blend of simplicity and grandeur. A Buddhist retreat, it was constructed along Tang dynasty lines, and successfully bridges nearly 1,500 years of construction methods, such as using wooden pegs, rather than nails, throughout its seven linked halls and temples.
The nunnery gardens are a beautiful example of classical Chinese design, creating the illusion of infinite space within a limited area, and offering visitors a serene environment.
TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET
Find bargains galore in this lively open-air bazaar.It opens at 2 p.m. and is busiest from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Merchants specialize in inexpensive men's clothing, novelty items, luggage and watches, and other merchandise. Fortunetellers, palm readers and, sometimes, Chinese opera singers, make the market a fascinating street theatre.
NEW TERRITORIES
Venture out to the New Territories to see unspoiled land dotted with ancient villages and fishing harbors, duck farms and fish ponds, all characterized by a sense of harmony with nature. Scenic coastlines and hills have been preserved within a territory-wide network of national parks Giant Bronze Buddha in Hong Kong
ENCHANTED WISHING TREE
Make your wishes come true. In Lam Tusen, near Tai Po, is the Enchanted Wishing Tree. Laden with wishes written on bright red paper, it appears to be covered in crimson flowers. Scribble your dreams onto red slips of paper tied onto an orange with string, then toss them in the air. Tradition holds that if your paper charm catches on the tree, your wish will be granted.
OUTLYING ISLANDS
GIANT BRONZE BUDDHA
Be sure to visit Po Lin Monastery's outdoor, 202-ton Giant Buddha. At 26 meters high, it is the world's largest, seated, outdoor, bronze of Buddha. Perched atop a magnificent flight of steps, it is visible from as far away as Macau on a clear day.