The island-city
of Hong
Kong is one of those rare places in the world that wears
its charisma right on its sleeve. There's no need to warm up to
its charms and no need to pull out tourist maps and guidebooks
to find special places.
Hong Kong
is one dazzling escapade, right before our eyes. It's a magical
change-of-pace for every visitor – for business or leisure travellers,
and equally for kids.
The rigours of life here on the South China Sea,
blend with the enchantment, the mystery, with the pomp and the
pageantry of Chinese culture, and all of it containing just enough
western familiarity – and natural friendliness – to make its visitors
feel right at home.
Nowhere in the world are the contrasts of east
and west so riveting. Wooden boats bobbing on harbour piers beside
luxury ocean liners; rickety tenements next to lavish high-rises;
squalid alleys behind ultra-modern hotels; residents pushing wheelbarrows
as limousines glide by; market vendors hanging fish and squid
and barnyard animals, while talking on their cellular phones.
Just stroll amongst the city's 6.9 million inhabitants
and observe seamless interweaving of the exotic with the technically
advanced. Vintage trams, for example, rumble across city streets,
while below is one of the most modern and efficient subways in
the world. Food lovers can dine in the most sophisticated surroundings,
sampling international cuisine and local fare, and yet the residents
seem just as eager to taste the delicacies of their street-side
stalls.
Shopping – for everything – is legendary here,
due to the millions of retailers and even more so, to the markets.
• Symphony of Lights - Held against the backdrop
of Victoria Harbour each night, this light and music spectacular should not be missed!
• Bun
Festival on Cheung Chau Island culminates in a spectacular
parade starring children in adorable costumes. This world-famous
event, held in early May, coincides with Buddha's birthday, when
worshippers ritualistically bathe Buddha statues.
• Mid-Autumn
Lantern Celebrations : A great and favorite local tradition,
this annual festival in early October is celebrated with colourful
lanterns and moon cakes at the full harvest moon. Also central
to the event is the colourful procession at Tai Hang, a Hong Kong
specialty featuring the 66-metre-long, incense-filled dragon.
• Hong Kong WinterFest: This hugely popular WinterFest features
a host of festive activities, as well as shopping and dining delights
from late November to January. Santa's Town features all kinds
of Christmas attractions and creates an unforgettable experience
during the festive winter season.
About the Author...
Jane Stokes
Quick, thorough, and authoritative information for visitors is available
online at DiscoverHongKong.com/ca.