Hong Kong's tourist attractions
GOV.cn Monday, June 18, 2007

Hong Kong is full of fabulous events and attractions. The following are a few of the must-sees rated tops by tourists.

Hong Kong Island Tour

Hong Kong Island, the heart of Hong Kong, is the center of economy, politics, entertainment and shopping. From the Central District to Causeway Bay in Northern Hong Kong Island is the main commercial, shopping and entertainment area; the residential area is from Tin Hau to Chai Wan on the eastern part of the island; and Southern Hong Kong Island is the recreational area, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the sea shore and bays, including the famous Repulse Bay and Ocean Park.

Two days are usually enough for tourists who want to see the main attractions on the island. Victoria Peak is the best place from which to admire the lights of this Oriental Pearl. Peak Tower with its famous wok-like architecture stands at the exit of Peak Tram. The amazing Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, the exciting Peak Explorer Motion Simulator, and relaxing terraces and restaurants are among the favorite stops at this entertainment center. Another favorite attraction is the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum with figures of celebrities including local movie star Jackie Chan.

Ocean Park is among the top theme parks and aquariums in Southeast Asia, as well as the best marine education center, which makes it a must for families with children.

Aberdeen provides a glimpse of the essence of Hong Kong with hundreds of lighted trawlers on which fishermen and their families live. The Jumbo Floating Restaurant offers superb fresh seafood.

Stanley Market will satisfy epicureans with its many stands, shops, original restaurants, outdoor cafes, and even a performance stage.

The HK Convention and Exhibition Center and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, which were established in 1997 to commemorate the Return of Hong Kong to Her Motherland, are also definitely worth a visit. From this vantage point, Victoria Bay at night presents a glittering spectacle that will delight the eye of even the most seasoned traveler.

Kowloon Peninsula Tour

Kowloon Peninsula, which links Hong Kong to the mainland, offers yet another view of this exciting part of China. Allow at least one full day to experience its sparkling delights, which include Tsim Sha Tsui , Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok.

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple , patterned after an ancient Chinese palace and rich in Chinese culture, is the most famous temple in Hong Kong. Fortunetellers are active there.

The Star Ferry can be both inexpensive and romantic. For shutterbugs, a ride on the ferry provides the optimum angle from which to snap fantastic views of Victoria Harbor.

Open-air markets lure every tourist, and no one leaves empty-handed. There is something for every taste, from the fashionable bargains at Ladies' Market in Mong Kok to the electronic gadgets and souvenirs in Yau Ma Tei's Temple Street Night Market.

Kowloon Park and the Hong Kong Space Museum are also popular with tourists.

The New Territories and Outlying Islands Tour

The New Territories and Lantau Island , Cheung Chau Island , and Lamma Island were once fairly rural, undeveloped parts of Hong Kong., and there are still many areas where visitors can see villages that have remained unchanged for centuries. Today, however, Shatin and Tuen Mun in the New Territories and Tung Chung on Lantau Island are modern cities. Lantau Island has received attention in recent years as the home of the international airport, Tung Chung New Town and the new Hong Kong Disneyland , as well as the traditional Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha. Hong Kong Tsing Ma Bridge connects Ma Wan and Tsing Yi. The world's longest suspension bridge carrying both motor and rail traffic, it is a world-class architectural achievement created to connect the new airport with the rest of Hong Kong.

Many of Hong Kong's most memorable attractions are free, but it takes some planning to create an itinerary that includes so much diversity.

Ocean Park

Hong Kong Ocean Park is located on the south end of Hong Kong Island. The larger of two sections is on the headlands of Mount Nanlang. The smaller section is in the Huang Zhu Keng Valley lowlands. With an area of 170 acres, it's one of the largest ocean parks in the world. The two entrances to Ocean Park (Tai Shue Wan Entrance and Main Entrance) are connected by cable-car.

Victoria Peak

If Hong Kong is a city of jade during the day, it becomes a luminous pearl with a sea of lights twinkling in the streets after dark. Where is the best place to enjoy the multi-colorful night scene that encompasses Hong Kong and Vitoria Harbor? Victoria Peak is a good location to view its night scene. Tourists can take the Peak Tram, a pleasant ride ascending the mountain.

Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay, located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, is the most spectacular bay in the region. Its name comes from a 19th century battle in which the British army repulsed attacking pirates. Today, Repulse Bay is a luxurious residential area for dining, relaxation, and aquatic activities.

Besides aquatic activities, there are extensive facilities for visitors. Barbecue racks are available under the shade near the beach. The Zhenhai Tower Park, built in the traditional Chinese style, is located near the beach. Huge statues of the Queen of Heaven and the God of Mercy (Kwan-yin) sit in front of the park.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Known as the "Shopping Paradise", Hong Kong's shopping districts mainly concentrate on Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay.

Tsim Sha Tsui is located at the very tip of Kowloon peninsula and is best reached by taking the scenic Star Ferry across the harbor from Central. As well as jaw-dropping shopping and dining options, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of Hong Kong's most diverse and exhilarating locales. There is something for everyone here, from the bright lights of streets that never sleep to tranquil parks and architectural reminders of the colonial years.

Wanchai

Wanchai, formerly a favorite place for sailors to take R&R, is now a fabulous shopping centre and a popular tourist attraction.

Here, the old buildings remind us of the Hong Kong in the past. Some favorite places for people to visit in Wanchai are: the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, the Museum, and Bauhinia Square.

The most notable place is the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center. In the Center is Xinyi Hall where the ceremony marking Hong Kong's return to China in 1997 was held. In front of the Xinyi Hall is Bauhinia Square. Every day there is a flag raising ceremony in honor of Hong Kong's returning to China.

Causeway Bay in Wanchai is a popular shopping site. Here, both the dearest and the cheapest merchandise are on sale. Hong Kong's largest park, the exquisite Victoria Park, which is also located in Causeway Bay.

Happy Valley

The low-lying area located between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay is the famous Happy Valley, where the people of Hong Kong gather to enjoy the excitement of horse racing and maybe gambling on the races.

One of the oldest and the most famous architectural sites in Hong Kong, Happy Valley Racecourse was founded in the mid 1840s.

Po Lin Monastery

The Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery is located on western Lantau Island, known as the 'Buddhist Kingdom in the South', it is one of the well-established Buddhist monasteries in Hong Kong. Serving as a Buddhist retreat, this monastery was originally built by three monks in 1920 with only a shrine dedicated to Buddha.

Hong Kong Disneyland

As the newest Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-see because of its special attractions and the inimitable sense of Chinese culture. Walking into Hong Kong Disneyland, you feel you are in a wonderland.

Transportation: Located on Lantau Island near Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Disneyland is easy to get to. Yon can take Disney Resort Line, car, taxi, public bus or coach.

Opening Hours: 10:00 to 19:00 (weekdays); 10:00 to 21:00 (weekends and holidays)

Park Tickets: Regular days - Adults HKD 295; Children (aged 3 to 11) HKD 210; Seniors (65 or above) HKD170

Peak days: Adults HKD 350; Children (aged 3 to 11) HKD 250; Seniors (65 or above) HKD 200

Children under 3 are free.

Editor: Lu Hui
Source: China.org.cn