HONG KONG
Area: Hong Kong


Location:
On the SE coast of China; 1,200 miles S of Beijing, 114 miles S of Guangzhou (Canton). Airport 21 miles NW of central Kowloon.

Telephone code from UK:
852

Website:
http://www.hkta.org/uk

Position:
Hong Kong can almost be regarded as two cities _ on Hong Kong Island, the densely packed skyscrapers rise from the water's edge up the hillside and overlook the harbour and the broad flat peninsula of Kowloon on the other side. N of Kowloon lie the largely rural and mountainous New Territories (which comprise 70% of Hong Kong's land area) and, beyond this area, the border with the rest of China. The two "cities" are connected by tunnels. The Outlying Islands, some large, some small, can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil, and have a more relaxed atmosphere than the teeming city areas, making a pleasant destination for day trips.

Description:
The main financial district, also a prime shopping area, is on Hong Kong Island and is appropriately called "Central", a district full of awe-inspiring skyscrapers. Behind is the towering mass of Victoria Peak, offering stunning views, especially at sunset; the summit is accessible by road but the funicular railway known as the Peak Tram is much more fun. East of Central is Wanchai, famous for its bars, restaurants and raunchy nightlife. In recent years Wanchai has become rather more respectable with offices moving in and the opening of the Convention and Exhibition Centre on the waterfront. A mile farther E is the cross-harbour tunnel and the densely populated Causeway Bay area with shopping, many restaurants, some interesting Chinese temples, a Chinese market and the 150-year-old Noon Day Gun (of Noel Coward's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" fame). Farther E are North Point and Quarry Bay, both built-up areas of ugly, high-density housing with only one or two hotels. Across Victoria Harbour on the tip of the Kowloon peninsula are Tsimshatsui and Tsimshatsui East, hub of the tourist industry, where many hotels are situated, some right on the waterfront with magnificent views of Hong Kong Island's skyline. The whole area caters energetically for tourists with hundreds of bars, restaurants, entertainment places _ and shops.

Suitability:
All types and all nationalities. Shopaholics and those wanting a gateway to the rest of China.

Accommodation:
Mainly large international-style hotels with high categories and prices to match. Essentially aimed at business clientele. Few hotels have a true garden setting although most are fully double glazed and soundproofed against noise and bustle.

Shopping:
Nathan Road, sometimes called "the Golden Mile", runs for several miles through Tsimshatsui and Kowloon; this area sells just about every consumer durable imaginable. Numerous markets, including Temple Street night market in Kowloon. Central district has smart expensive outlets. Causeway Bay has plenty of cheaper emporia.

Beach:
A number of beaches exist scattered around Hong Kong, the most accessible being at Repulse Bay and Stanley on the S coast of Hong Kong Island. Some quiet, isolated beaches can be found on the Outlying Islands and in the New Territories.

Entertainments:
Daytime: Several 18-hole golf courses, tennis, squash, badminton and swimming pools. Bowling greens, ice-skating rinks and riding stables. Horse racing at the Happy Valley race track or at Shatin. Rugby and football. Sailing and charter boats; water-skiing and windsurfing. Several museums including a large science museum. Nightlife: Thriving cultural life with a performing arts centre, space centre, concerts, Chinese opera, ballet and cinemas. Most of the larger hotels have live music and some of the city's top discos.

Eating:
A wide choice ranging from open-air street stalls to luxury a la carte restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

Public-transport:
Some hotels have chauffeured limousines. Buses and trains from the airport to Central and Tsimshatsui areas. Taxis are metered. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) or underground is extremely efficient and easy to use, linking both sides of the harbour in a few minutes and serving most destinations of interest to tourists. A more scenic alternative is the Star Ferry, a bargain journey with stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. Buses, invariably crowded, and on the island side a quaint but useful tram route. Hong Kong is an easy place to get around by public transport but traffic jams can be bad.

Local-excursions:
New Territories, a Buddhist Temple, Chinese market and a fishing village (full day). Many aspects of China can be visited (check visa requirements before departure from the UK). These may include a school and shops, a commune; Shekou, visiting an exhibition of the terracotta warriors, Guangzhou (Canton). Macao _ (passports required) daytime sightseeing and evening tours taking in a restaurant and casino. Various tours of Hong Kong itself including a harbour cruise, Aberdeen, Stanley Market, Repulse Bay, Victoria Peak, Lantau Island (visiting the monastery, beaches and a fishing village), Kowloon and New Territories (industrial and rural areas). Oceanarium, water park and theme park with "living history of Chinese culture" theme. Cheung Chau Island. All these sights can be visited using public transport or taxis.