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Hong Kong Travel Fast Facts Getting there: regular flights from major world cities to Hong Kong International Airport What to see: Victoria Peak, Hong Kong zoo and botanical gardens, Ocean Park, Aberdeen Harbor cruises, Repulse Bay, Outlying Islands, Po Lin Buddhist Monastery Currency: Hong Kong dollar Official language(s): Cantonese, English

Hong Kong, "the Gateway to China" is so-called because it has always served as a wonderful introduction to Asia for those not readily familiar with Chinese culture and tradition.

Heavily influenced by the West and particularly by the British who ruled there for more than 150 years, today Hong Kong is hip and happenin' -- with the look and feel of any great cosmopolitan center, yet remains distinctly Chinese.

With English widely spoken everywhere throughout the city, easily traversed via an excellent transport system, Hong Kong combines adventure, exotic sights, sounds and aromas with all the comforts of home.

Depending on where home is, of course, this also includes the familiar rush and crush of any major metropolis.

Begin with a spectacular overview with a tram-trip to Victoria Peak (to locals, 'the Peak') to take in the entire city with scenic views of Victoria Harbor and surroundings.

While here, be sure to dine in one of the many upscale restaurants or indulge in some shopping therapy at one of the area's boutiques or malls.

Returning down to earth, also don't miss the Hong Kong zoo and botanical gardens, or try a day of family fun and amusement park thrill rides at Ocean Park.

For those with more time, the best way of getting around Hong Kong is via the excellent Hong Kong ferry service you can use to whisk you around to other major attractions such as Aberdeen Harbor cruises, and the beach scene at Repulse Bay.

Also don't miss a ride out to the aptly named Outlying Islands, where more spectacular vistas await on a trip to the Po Lin Buddhist Monastery featuring the world's largest Giant Buddha, sitting serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau overlooking magnificent mountain scenery.

DID YOU KNOW? Hong Kong Travel Fun Facts

Light shows nightly.

• Hong Kong's nightly multimedia extravaganza, A Symphony of Lights, is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's 'Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show'.

•You'll find Hong Kong street food vendors are everywhere offering everything from meat and seafood skewers to sausages, beancurd puffs, and fried squid tentacles.

• Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers of any city in the world with 8,000 buildings reaching fourteen floors, almost doubling that of New York City.

• Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in 2005, is the third Disney theme park outside the US and the first in China.

also see related feature -> Hong Kong Festivals

More about Hong Kong travel around the Web:

Hong Kong Tourism Board - Check out the official guide to the city with a colorful look at current events & festivals, guides to harbor cruises and related Hong Kong attractions and highlights, searchable restaurant directory, shopping tips, photo gallery, video clips and Web cams.

Hong Kong Travel Guide - Find maps, photos, bus routes and information on cruising the harbor and outer islands with special looks at Ocean Park, Victoria Peak, and Repulse Bay.

Hong Kong Great Outdoors - Tourist central, with pages of insider information on where to go and how to get there, including a clickable map leading to photos and directions for major and nearby attractions, forums with helpful tips & advice, and related resources.

Hong Kong District Food Guide - Use the drop down menu or clickable map to find the perfect restaurant by area, cuisine or price, with maps & directions.