Hong Kong Vacation

Gateway to China and the East Asia, Hong Kong boasts of bustling shopping areas, commercial and trade centers, beautiful temples, towering urbane architecture and serene beaches. Hong Kong can be divided into Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, Outlying islands and the new territories.

Hong Kong Island is the center for all the happenings; while the northern Island of Hong Kong is choc-a-bloc with shopping, commercial and trade centers. The southern part is famous for the shores and bays of the sea and eastern Hong Kong is largely residential. Check out what a vacation to Hong Kong promises. Disney Hong Kong is the first of its kind in Asia.

Hong Kong Vacation

The Peak: Viewing the entire city of Hong Kong from this point is a treat to the eyes - the world famous Victoria Harbor, soaring skylines of the city of Kowloon and the serene green hillsides of Hong Kong. Traveling up the height of 373 meters via the Peak tram leaning at angle of 45 degrees offers the best view of the entire city.

Ocean Park: Spread over an area of 200 acres this Ocean Park is functional from 1977 and presents a blend of learning, amusement and preservation know-how. The low-land and high-land are connected by a cable car system and the passing route offers panoramic views. There are numerous attractions such as the jelly aquarium which is first of its kind in Southeast Asia, mine train, Hong Kong Jockey etc.

Madame Tussauds: More than 100 wax models showcasing Hollywood models and statesmen, sports personalities are exhibited in an interactive themed background on three separate floors.

Happy Valley racecourse: The annual horse racing season at Hong Kong is between September and June and the main attraction of this race course is the night racing concept since its debut in 1973. The sophisticated computerized betting, contemporary tracks and gigantic screens that bring the gallops of the horse close to you are wonderful experiences.

Repulse Bay: Acclaimed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong, this beach is crescent shaped. A lifeguard clubhouse is built in the traditional Chinese style and the roof is festooned with powerful dragons. The beach is very famous amongst the locals and tourists for morning strolls and peaceful evenings. Many open air restaurants and the colonial style restaurant built in 1920 makes for an ideal dinner spot.

Man Mo Temple: A temple built exclusively for Man (God of Literature) and Mo (God of War), this temple is a pictorial depiction and has giant size incenses hanging from the roof.

Golden Bauhinia Square: This Square marks the return of Hong Kong from the British to the Chinese and the making of Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong. Hong Kong SAR came into existence from the year 1997. A golden Bauhinia called the 'Forever Blooming Bauhinia' was placed in this place to mark the return of Hong Kong after a hundred years to the PRC. A special flag hoisting ceremony takes place at this Bauhinia Square everyday.

Jumbo Kingdom: Established in 1976, this floating restaurant projects an excellent atmosphere of a Chinese Palace. This restaurant can accommodate up to 2300 people at a time. Upon renovation in 2003, this place is called Jumbo Kingdom and has shopping malls, cultural attractions and sightseeing under the same roof.

Victoria harbor: One of Hong Kong's positive features, Victoria harbor is also referred to as the 'jewel in the crown' of Hong Kong. Visitors from all over the world keep pouring in to catch a glimpse of this wonderful port all through the year.

Aberdeen harbor: Take a ride in the sampan and get a feel of the harbor and the life of the fishermen dwelling in this place. There are floating restaurants too offering the best of Chinese and Cantonese cuisine.

Museum of coastal defense: Built by the British in 1880, this museum houses military memorabilia covering Hong Kong's military history for the past 600 years.

Parks, beaches and islands: There are numerous lush green parks in Hong Kong - Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden, Lion Rock Country Park, Victoria Park, Aberdeen country Park, etc. Ocean Bay beach, Hong Kong gold coast beaches and Peng Chau and Po toi islands are popular too.

Hong Kong travel

Hong Kong is a safe place for visitors. A valid passport is mandatory for all visitors from all countries though visa is not required for nationals from a few countries if the stay is for a period between seven days and six months. Visa is mandatory for nationals belonging to other countries whose names are not included in the above list.

The climate in Hong Kong is serene and pleasant from mid September through early December as it is autumn in Hong Kong and the temperatures are pleasant. Mid December to February is cool as temperatures drop drastically. Hong Kong gets temperate and sultry from mid-May through September as summer sets in. The month of August experiences the maximum rainfall.

Shopping at Hong Kong

Western market: Built in Edwardian style, this shopping complex offers the best of Hong Kong arts, crafts and textile. This complex was built in 1906 and renovated again in 1991; the topmost floor offers great dancing experience for dance lovers and a wonderful dining experience too.

Stanley market and Murray house: This market is close to the sea locality and is world famous for its comfortable and negotiating experiences. The market is open from 9am to 6 pm and offers all items under a single roof. Murray house is situated next to Stanley seaside and is a colonial building with three storeys and is currently the Hong Kong maritime museum.

Hollywood road, Cat Street: Upper lascar row or the cat street and the Hollywood road are laden with shops selling unique antique items and curio items.

Travel to and within Hong Kong

The airport at Hong Kong boasts of the most modern infrastructure and is one of the best airports of the world. Hong Kong being the main gateway to mainland China and entry point to Asia is well connected to almost all the countries of the world by major airlines. Reaching the city from the airport is also pretty inexpensive and easy with the buses, local taxis and rails networks available.

Most of the hotels are located in the main part of the city such as Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui, and Tsim Sha Tsui east in Kowloon. There are hotels that suit all types of budget, youth hostels and resorts are also available as alternates to hotel stay. Hong Kong city is well connected.

Disney Hong Kong

The latest Disneyland of the world, Hong Kong Disneyland has various extraordinary appeals along with a blend of Chinese culture. Mickey Mouse and all other Disney friends accompany tourists all through the place from charming spots to theme hotels. Among the numerous theme parks, 'Main Street-USA' is seen first with its antique cabs, Disney railroad; tourists are transported to the early part of America's 20th century.

There are places such as market house bakery, plaza inn, main street corner café, emporiums and curio shops to hold your attention. Adventure land is a place for people who have nerves of steel and those who seek the extra thrill. Jungle river cruise, rivers of adventure, Tarzan Island and Tarzan tree house are major attractions.

Fantasy Island is the ideal place for those who dream to be Cinderella in their real lives. From Cinderella Carrousel, sleeping beauty castle, sword in the stone to the many adventures of Winnie and Pooh, get ready to be transported to the land of dreams and fantasy.

Tomorrow land is another place that brings roller coaster rides, space capsules and much more along with some space shopping. After the gruesome day there are so many theme hotels where you can crash out for the night.