Your First Time in Hong Kong

Description:

There is only one way to get to Cheung Chau, which literally translates to Long Island, and that is by ferry from the Central Ferry pier. As you approach Cheung Chau it isn't hard to guess what the main occupation of the thriving local community is by looking at the crowded harbour full of traditional Chinese fishing boats all sizes. Numerous seafood restaurants line the quayside to take advantage of the fresh daily catches, and visitors should do the same! For forty dollars per dish, the seafood dishes are delicious and authentically Chinese. If Chinese seafood doesn't seem filling enough Fish balls, fried chicken, tofu dessert are extremely delicious local Cheung Chau snacks. Rent a bicycle and bike around the island for the best experience of the "old China" way. Infamous Cheung Po Chai little cave retreat, as legend says, is where the infamous pirate keeps his loot and is worth exploring. Once a year the whole island community comes together for The big Bun Festival. This is when Pak Tai Temple is the focus of the frenzied four-day Bun Festival in late April or early May. Alternatively, there are always beaches to head for. Tung Wan Beach is popular, but try hiking to Tung Wan Tsai... read more

Description:

This new museum of history, art and culture is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. There are 12 exhibition galleries built around open courtyards, giving the appearance of a traditional Chinese palace. Galleries are dedicated to the history and culture of the New Territories, Cantonese opera, Chinese culture and contemporary Hong Kong art and design. Programmes are also provided to engage visitors in educational experiences. Admission prices vary according to age and are lower for groups of twenty or more. Free admission on Wednesdays.

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Just as Admiralty is the extension of Central, Tsim Sha Tsui East is the extension of Tsim Sha Tsui. This big piece of land was the result of a large reclamation project in the 70s and did not exist until 1980. Now it has become a major hotel, shopping and nightlife area, with excellent views of the harbour and the north-shore of Hong Kong Island. The Museum of Science and the Museum of History are also in this area.

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The most elegant symbolic skycraper in your mind along Hong Kong's waterfront. Built by American Chinese architect IM Pei and completed in 1989 around the time of the joint declaration.

The 74 storey Bank of China's feng shui was reputed to be bad news - well not for the bank itself but for all the buildings around it. Its sharp corners, built in four triangular glass and steel shafts with an oriental flavour of the spikes on the roof, supposedly radiates bad vibes.

Nevertheless, there is no observation deck on the 73/F so instead the highest that you will be able to go to is the 64/F where the majority tourists take photos of the stunning harbour views.

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No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to the Peak. What is the most authentic way of getting there? The Peak Tram no doubt. Before the Peak Tram opened, hardly anyone travelled to the Peak. Part of the experience is watching the faces of tourists glow with delight as they climb the steepest slopes of Victoria Peak on the Tram. The Tram, which is itself an attraction, dates back to 1888 with new and larger cars installed in 1989. These cars are pulled by 1,500m steel cables wound on drums. Passengers sit back for a literally vertical ride enjoying panoramic views as the car steadily makes its way to the top. The Peak Tram station is located right opposite the Hong Kong US Embassy and the best way to get to the Tram station would be to take the bus. Expect long queues if you go right before 7pm, the peak is a tourist haven and you will be able to take postcard pictures of Victoria Harbour line.

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Tung Choi Street (Ladies Market) and Fa Yuen Street are the essence of Mong Kok, Ladies market is probably the most famous street market in Hong Kong for tourists. Fa Yuen street sells sports-shoes and later turns into an outlet street market that locals tend to visit more. Mong Kok used to be a Mango Plantation Village and it is difficult to imagine now, Mong Kok has the reputation of being the most densely populated urban areas in the world. Pedestrian traffic is amazing so the best way to absorb its atmosphere is simply to walk the streets. Cars and people fight for road space, nothing is considered a traffic jam because most of the time the cars are just waiting for people to finish crossing. Rather than Nathan Road, take Sai Yeung Choi Street South, although hardly glamourous or relaxing, Mong Kok oozes with life and character. You should go in the evening after dark because then you can see the shop signs lit up in all kinds of neon lights in Chinese - just like what you see on postcards.

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This infamous road extends all the way through 4 districts. This road is the artery of Kowloon Peninsula, join the throngs of shoppers and tourists for a wander down Hong Kong's most famous strip. You'll be hustled by touts, bustled by crowds and dazzled by the glittering window displays. It stays busy until past 2am and it will be what you've envisioned on postcards. Park Lane is the major shopping area on Nathan Road, then there's St. Andrews Church and Granville Road which branch off. Nathan Road, was named after governor Sir Matthew Nathan but everyone thought such a wide road was unnecessary at that time of 1880's and Nathan Road became known as "Nathan's Folly." Nowadays, across Tsim Sha Tsui, at the start of Hong Kong's famous 'Golden Mile'. With glittering neon lights and crowded roads lined side by side with tourist shops and just about everything else you could imagine.

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One of the National Geographic Traveler "fifty places of a lifetime" - crossing the Victoria Harbour in Star Ferry. The Star Ferry has preserved its original looks, feel and smell since the 1960s era when Star Ferries were the main form of transport for Hong Kongers to cross the harbor between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. What is meant by a Star Ferry trip is the main line from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central. Gaze up at Hong Kong's majestic skyline, which is an erratic stretch of skyscrapers, hotels and apartment blocks. The nighttime views, when Hong Kong glitters like a diamond, are a dramatic Red Neon lights and Golden glitter reflected against the lapping waters. As the cheapest therapy in town, few people disembark in anything but the lightest of moods.

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One of Hong Kong's star attractions and one of the deepest container ports in the world, the harbor is shielded on both sides by stunning skylines-skyscrapers and Victoria Peak on one side, and the Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline on the other. Everyday, hundreds of ferries, tugs, junks, speed boats, and barges chug up and down the shore, carrying people and cargo, only pausing for typhoons. Best viewed from the famous Star Ferry, or the Harbour Cruises.

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The giant bronze Buddha Statue at Po Lin Monastery is the biggest seated, outdoor image of its kind in the world - is Lantau's number one attraction. Despite the hordes and tour buses full of tourists who flock there and the often themepark like atmosphere, it's difficult not to be impressed by the grandeur of standing right next to the Big Buddha. The Buddha is not the fat, jolly Buddha often portrayed in tacky souvenirs. Avoid the weekends, but you can stay overnight at the monastery's dormitories and wander the temple grounds early next morning. Whilst you are at Bid Buddha, why not take some time to tour "Lantau" Island as well?

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If you haven't been to Victoria Peak (also known simply as the 'Peak'), then you haven't been to Hong Kong! All visitors to Hong Kong should go to the Peak for panoramic views of the city, which have to be amongst the most spectacular in the world, especially at night. A walk around the Peak reveals further scenic vistas over the greener western parts of Hong Kong Island, and the viewing platforms on top of the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria are a must for anyone with a camera. A tram will get you to the top. You can check the website for specific details.

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With hearty service and systematic quick orders, Din Tai Fung here is the first in Hong Kong and the first expansion outside of Taiwan. At its peak this restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui sold over 3,000 steamed pork buns, Shrimp Siu Mai is another popular dimsum with a near crunchy texture and delicate appearance inside bamboo steamers. Be sure to order Braised beef noodles served in beef broth. If the lines are too long then Hard Rock cafe is just next door.

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This café is very popular with the hordes of tourists who scale Victoria Peak to witness one of the most impressive views in urban Asia, the view over Victoria Harbour. With a 1930s New York theme, the centre of attention is the long bar counter, an original from a bar in Queens District of New York, and it is advisable to book early to reserve a window seat! The East-meets-West inspired menu, although not cheap, features lots of tasty steaks, salads, vegetarian dishes, and an extensive wine-list.

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Popular for decades, Yung Kee started out in 1942 as a small shop selling roast goose, which did so well that it soon expanded into a very successful Cantonese enterprise. Through the years, it has won numerous food awards and is the only restaurant in Hong Kong ever to be included in Fortune magazine's top 15 restaurants of the world (although, it must be added, the award was back in 1968). Its specialty is still roast goose with plum sauce, cooked to perfection with tender meat on the inside and crispy skin on the outside; a half bird, enough for five or six people, costs HK$210 (US$27/£14), while a smaller portion for two people costs HK$120 (US$16/£7.80; note that goose is pulled from the menu any time there's an avian flu scare). Other specialties include thousand-year-old eggs and any of the fresh seafood, like braised garoupa tail. Dining is on one of the upper three floors, but if all you want is a bowl of congee or takeout, join the office workers who pour in for a quick meal on the informal ground floor.

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Occupying the top two floors of The Peninsula, the Philippe Starcke- designed interior of this exclusive restaurant is beautiful, with luxuriously thick carpets and striking views of the city. Enjoy your champagne, elegant cocktails and contemporary cuisine although the view alone urges a visit. Specializing in Pacific Rim fusion cuisine, you can try some great dishes on the set lunch or dinner menu. Sounds expensive? Well, yes, but what else would you expect from Philippe Starck? This is one spot you cannot miss if you are in Hong Kong for a few days. The impeccably understated service lives up the posh surroundings and fine food. The crowd includes models, promoters and assorted travelers.

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This is one of Hong Kong's most talked-about bars; the fact that it lures models with promises of free drinks is obviously good for business, since it also brings in those who like to ogle models. Its interior is bathed in red from the glow of lanterns, while the outdoor patio, decorated with huge birdcages filled with live birds, provides some relief from the crowds, especially when things start hopping from 11:30pm when a DJ stirs action on the dance floor. The bar's other incarnation is as a venue for lunch or dinner (its all-you-can-eat lunch for HK$148/US$19/£9.60, served Mon-Sat from noon-2:30pm and Sun 11am-4pm, includes dim sum and Japanese fare); happy hour is from 3 to 9pm. Located on a hill above Lan Kwai Fong and open all day, it closes Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 3am and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 5am, but you'll never get in on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday unless you're a dead ringer for Uma Thurman.

Description:

Members only club with a large bar and a small dance floor.

Our Local Expert Says:

Staunton's is swish, cool and on the ball with decent wine and a lovely terrace. For eats, there's light fare downstairs and a modern international restaurants called Scirocco above.

Description:

Located on the corner of Staunton and Shelley streets, beside the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, this open-fronted bar, with views of commuters traveling on the escalator, was one of the first of many bars and restaurants that now give the SoHo district its unique, homey atmosphere. It offers more than 30 wines by the glass, as well as Wi-Fi. Happy hour is from 4 to 8pm daily. It's open Monday through Friday 10am to 2am, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 2am.

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Lan Kwai Fong was once an "expat hangout", but locals have gradually joined in the party fun. Centered around an L-shaped cobblestone lane just above the Central business area, Lan Kwai Fong houses some of the trendiest pubs and entertainment hangouts in town. Every year, during Christmas, New Year's and Halloween, people dress up and parade through the streets. But, whatever the time of year, Lan Kwai Fong is definitely a fun place to see and to be seen.

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This members only club has been the spot of many a Hong Kong memory in the minds of visitors. One of Hong Kong's biggest clubs has two party spaces, each with a distinct feel. There is always something going on at Volar, whether it is an internationally known guest DJ, a theme dance party, tequila night, or some other fun. You may want to arrive early on the weekends as this place understandably fills up fast. Volar's location makes it an excellent stop for a night out in Hong Kong.

American club DJ Steve Aoki, also known to many as DJ Steve Aoki Kid Millionaire, is making local stop of his Asia Tour. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists such as Peaches, Lenny Kravitz, Snoop Dogg, Timbaland, and Duran Duran. Aoki's debut took place at Volar.

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From the Hakka to the Hang Seng, from Neolithic to Neocapitalist, this excellent information-stop will divulge everything you ever wanted to know about Hong Kong's history but were too afraid to ask. On show are old photographs, ancient costumes, snuffboxes used by former governors, and even a reconstruction of a 100 year old street. Guides are available and a good half-day spent roaming the exhibitions will leave you educated, elated and exhausted. Plenty of bars in the Tsim Sha Tsui area are on standby to boost faltering spirits. Free all day Wednesday.

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Sai Kung is located on the east side of the New Territories and is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping and boating. Visitors can hire Sampans (small taxi-boats) for leisurely harbour trips or stroll around Sai Kung's town centre, which hosts a fresh-fish market displaying various kinds of seafood in big tanks. Customers can pick whatever fish they fancy, take it to a nearby restaurant of their choice and request the fish to be cooked in a certain way. After that, it is just a case of relaxing until the sumptuous seafood feast is served!

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Opened in 1978, this is Hong Kong's second racetrack, the main one being the Happy Valley Racecourse. Races at Shatin are usually held on Saturday afternoons but there always extra races on Sundays and public holidays. Penfold Park, which occupies the centre of the racetrack, is a popular place for parents to bring their children for outings. Monday's, days following public holidays, and race days the park is closed to the public, but if you call the park you may schedule a tour the facilities at any other time. Racing in Hong Kong is very popular with attendance ranging upwards of 46,000 people per racecard, so make sure you get there early!

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Repulse Bay is one of the more controversially styled beaches, and may or may not the best choice for swimming. Deep Water Bay along the South Coast is a better choice for swimming and Repulse Bay is a better place for a suntan. This popular sandy bay has many facilities, such as shops, restaurants and bars, and during the summer the beach is packed with young friends, families, old couples. The eastern end of the beach is home to statues of the goddess of mercy, Kwun Yun, and the goddess of the sea, Tin Hau. The nearby Tin Hau temple is a sure draw The nearby temple houses many other religious figures, including a four-faced Buddha draped in pearl necklaces and ornaments. In front of the temple is the Longevity Bridge, and it is said that anyone crossing it can add three days to his or her life. Repulse bay is home to millionaires so be sure to pay attention to the many Villas around this area that may cost over billions.

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Rural furniture and farm implements are on display in this converted 200-year-old Hakka village house. The Hakkas--meaning "guest people"--arrived from central and southern China centuries ago and are among Hong Kong's earliest residents and landowners. Hakka women were forbidden from inheriting land so that ownership could be retained through the male's family. The museum is located in Hong Kong Island's easternmost district, where tourists are a rarity. Take the MTR Island line to Chai Wan and then follow signs for exit B and the museum, which is a five to 10 minute walk from the station.

Admission: Free.