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Victoria PeakCity/Region: Hong Kong
Much of the pleasure derived from a trip to Victoria Peak lies in the journey to its summit. The funicular railway or peak tram has steadily made its way up the mountain since 1888. Energetic travelers can scale the real peak that extends 140m (459ft) above the tram terminus. From the top marvelous vistas open out onto central Hong Kong and across to Kowloon. Victoria Peak used to serve as a hill station in colonial times and later became the location of exclusive summer homes. Today it is
a popular tourist spot offering a cooler perspective from which to contemplate the pleasures of travel to the region. The Peak Tower on the summit houses numerous attractions, like a Ripley's Believe it or not 'Odditorium', shops and restaurants.
Phone Number: 2522 0922 (Peak Tram)
Website: www.thepeak.com.hk
Transport: Take the Peak Tram from Garden Road or bus 15C. There is also a shuttle bus (daily 9am to 7pm) that departs from Star Ferry Terminal
Hours: The Peak Tram runs every day, including Sundays and public holidays, between 7am and midnight. The tram departs every 10-15 minutes
Admission: Tram fares are HK$20 for a single and HK$30 return (adults)
Western MarketCity/Region: Hong Kong
This indoor market is held in a four-story red brick colonial building that was constructed in 1906. After extensive renovation it re-opened in 1991 and now occupies an entire block at the western end of Central. The building houses a variety of shops and stalls that sell a range of products from curios to assorted silks and fabrics. From here one can hop onto Hong Kong's ancient double-decker tram headed for Wanchai, Causeway Bay and Happy Valley.
Address: 323 De Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wang
Phone Number: 2543 6878
Transport: Take the MTR to Sheung Wan, exit B or C; bus or tram along Des Voeux Road to Sheung Wan
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
Admission: Free
Police MuseumCity/Region: Hong Kong
The Police Museum showcases a display tracing the development and history of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force from 1844 to today. The main exhibit encompasses a significant number of artifacts relating to the Hong Kong Police Force from uniforms and firearms, to historical archives and photographs. Other exhibits look at the major factions which have influenced the status quo namely the triad societies and narcotics (Hong Kong was founded on the narcotics trade). The Police Museum is an interesting visit, which provides insight into the dedication of the officers who served within this elite force.
Address: 27 Coombe Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
Phone Number: 2849 7019
Transport: Take NWFB Bus No.15 (from Exchange Square to the Peak). Get off at the stop between Stubbs Road and Peak Road
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 2pm to 5pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays
Admission: Free
Statue SquareCity/Region: Hong Kong
This square is an amalgamation of Hong Kong's contemporary architecture that reaches its most spectacular manifestation in the designs of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the Bank of China Tower. The most significant feature of the HSBC building is that it has been designed without a central core, a feat of structural engineering blended with the ultimate in aesthetic principles. The Bank of China Tower became a much-debated conversation piece following its construction, largely because of the asymmetrically-designed pinnacle that acquires differing perspectives depending on one's vantage point.
Transport: MTR Central station, exit K
Hong Kong Museum of HistoryCity/Region: Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Museum of History showcases Hong Kong's archaeological, cultural and natural history through a display of cultural objects, artifacts, photographs, traditional costumes and models that span 6,000 years. Glorious period sets tell the story of Chinese life in replicas of village houses, streets and stores. These memorials to the past are contained within an incredible building opened in the year 2000.
Address: 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kawloon (next to the Hong Kong Science Museum)
Phone Number: +852 2724 9042
Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkmh
Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsiu, then walk via Granville Road; maxicab no 1 from Kowloon Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsiu to Science Museum Road
Hours: Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday and public holidays 10am to 7pm. Closes at 5pm on Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve. Closed on Tuesdays and first two days of Chinese New Year
Admission: HK$10; concessions available. Free admission on Wednesday
Wong Tai Sin TempleCity/Region: Hong Kong
This grand Taoist temple is one of the most frequently visited temples in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a legendary hermit who reputedly had healing powers and could foretell the future. A number of fortunetellers ply their trade in the temple complex and there is also a large pharmacy. The ornate temple with its red pillars, gold ceilings and decorative latticework is usually full of people burning incense and making floral offerings. The temple also has a lovely adjacent park called the 'Good Wish Gardens', a peaceful green spot with waterfalls tumbling over rocks.
Address: 2 Chuck Yuen Village, Kowloon
Phone Number: 2327 8141
Transport: MTR to Wong Tai Sin, exit B
Hours: Daily 7am to 5.30pm, gardens closed on Mondays
Admission: Free (although donations are welcome)
Ocean Park and Middle KingdomCity/Region: Hong Kong
The Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom is a theme park spread over two parts, connected to each other by a cable car. A spectacular aquarium, reputed to be the largest in world, is complemented by a funfair containing a roller coaster, space wheel, octopus and swinging ship amongst its rides. Entrance fee also includes a visit to the ancient Chinese Middle Kingdom.
Address: Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen
Phone Number: 2552 0291
Website: www.oceanpark.com.hk
Transport: Take City Bus route 629 from either Amiralty MTR Station or Central Pier No.7. Bus fares are HK$10.6 for adults and HK$5.3 for children. Check out the website for other frequent public bus services
Hours: Daily 10am to 6pm
Admission: HK$185 (adults); HK$93 (children 3-11); under 3 and over 65 free
AberdeenCity/Region: Hong Kong
Some 200 years ago, Hong Kong's Aberdeen district was a haven for pirates. Located on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island, it is home to the Tanka boat people and has become a popular tourist destination where visitors can experience on hand the traditional lifestyle of boat dwellers and sample fresh seafood. Aberdeen is a lively marina crammed with junks, sampans, water taxis (kai do), cruisers and yachts. The fishing harbor is a wonderful way to experience the activity of life on water. Tours along Aberdeen's watery stretches can be enjoyed onboard one of the many sampans offering half-hour trips around the harbor and the sensory delights of Hong Kong cuisine can be experienced within the unique environment of the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant.
Address: South District, Hong Kong Island
Transport: Bus No.7 or No.70 from Exchange Square in Central
LantauCity/Region: Hong Kong
Lantau is the largest of the 235 outlying islands in Hong Kong, being almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It is better known for its walking trails and beaches and provides a pleasant respite from crowds and shopping. The main arrival point to the island by ferry is at Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay). The finest beaches are located along the west coast, most notably Cheung Sha. Besides beaches, Western Lantau is the location of the Po Lin Monastery, the largest temple in Hong Kong. Beyond the doorstep of this vast temple is the world's largest outdoor Buddha. Aptly named Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), the bronze statue sits contemplatively from the reaches of Ngong Ping Plateau. From the monastery buses will transport one to the quaint fishing village of Tai O. Here little wooden houses perch on stilts and much of life flows from the fishing industry that sustains it. Lantau's north shore is predominantly a farming region. The main attraction here however is the historical Tung Chung Fort, which was built in the early 19th century as part of a short-lived attempt to suppress the opium trade and defend the coastal area from pirates. Six old Qing Dynasty cannons dating back to 1832 stand on the ramparts. Development has changed the landscape of the Northeastern stretches of Lantau, known as Discovery Bay. Here upmarket housing complexes, shopping malls, yacht clubs and golf courses promise to provide the ultimate designer lifestyle at a price.
Transport: Ferry services are provided by New World First Ferry between Mui Wo and Central. Transportation time is about 30 or 50 minutes, depending on the vessel. There are also several smaller inter-island ferry services linking neighboring islands and the mainland. One can also travel by a tradtional water taxi, usually from nearby Cheung Chau Island
MacauCity/Region: Hong Kong
The cultural influence of Portuguese life threaded through a Chinese framework has produced a unique landscape in Macau, fused with contrast and complexity. Here Baroque churches and colonial mansions appear from the cobbled pavements interspersed with plazas and cafes. Visitors are enticed here by the lure of gambling and the glitz of its promise. Macau's attractions are exemplified in its architectural heritage. St Paul's Cathedral is one such legacy that dates back to the early 17th century. It is an Italian-designed building perched on a hilltop that is most spectacular when illuminated against a night sky. The vantage point from the Fortaleza de Monte is a good place to reflect on the defensive role it played against Dutch assault in 1622 alongside an exploration of the museum and meteorological observatory. The classic Chinese temple of A-Ma rests at the base of Penha Hill. Its name derives from Tin Hau, Queen of Heaven, or the Honored Mother. Myth has it that a poor girl saved the fishing vessel, on which she was traveling, from the ravages of a storm. In tribute to her this temple was built and is a place of pilgrimage for Macau's fishing community. Another temple dedicated to the power of female intervention is the Kun Iam Temple, built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, located in the northern reaches of the peninsula. It was here in 1844 that the first trade and friendship treaty between USA and China was signed. Macau is 37 miles (60km) west of Hong Kong; ferries take around an hour to get there and leave every fifteen minutes.
Transport: Macau can be reached via a variety of ferries that dock at either the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal or the China Ferry Terminal in Hong Kong. Credit card bookings can be made by calling 2859 6596
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