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10 great ways to explore Hong Kong

Copyright 2010-2014 by Aharon-Yitzhak Shwartz and Asia-Pacific Guides Ltd

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INDEX

1. Victoria Peak, HKCC, Star Ferry, Tsim sha Tsui, museums, dining, shopping and night markets 2 2. Beautiful temples in Kowloon, thriving markets, historic streets and Victoria Peak 3 3. Lantau Island: Coastal villages, beautiful beaches, picturesque monastery, the "Big Buddha" 6 4. A day trip to Sai Kung Peninsula 7 5. Authentic temples, Chinese traditions, and nature too, in the western New Territories 8 6. Old vs New in central Hong Kong 9 7. Heritage, history, temples and shopping in the New Territories 12 8. Stanley Town, the 'Dragon's Back' trail and the quaint seaside village of Shek-O 13 9. Chinese temples of Tsuen Wan, Walled villages in Kam Tin and market streets at Sham Shui Po 14 10. Lamma Island and the seaside town of Stanley 16 Special supplement: A day in Hong Kong's glitzy shopping malls 17

Did you know? The Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass gives you free entry to top attractions of your choice in both Hong Kong and Macau (from the list they provide) + handsome discount on a few other attractions and activities. All in all, you can save something like 40% - 50% (compared to booking each activity separately). What's more, it is valid for three months from the date of purchase, so you can take your time and enjoy these activities at your own pace. Click here for the details.

http://partner.city-discovery.com/en/2264/hong-kong/PID8698-Hong_Kong_and_Macau_Attractions_Passhttp://partner.city-discovery.com/en/2264/hong-kong/PID8698-Hong_Kong_and_Macau_Attractions_Passhttp://partner.city-discovery.com/en/2264/hong-kong/PID8698-Hong_Kong_and_Macau_Attractions_Pass

1. The best of modern Hong Kong

Summary: From Victoria Peak, to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCC), crossing the harbour on the Star Ferry, visiting Tsim-sha-Tsui's spectacular seafront promenade and the Avenue of Stars, as well as Hong Kong's best museums. Afternoon High Tea at the classic Peninsula Hotel, watching the Symphony of Lights show and visiting night-markets. Our day starts from Victoria Peak (or simply "the Peak"), one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist attractions, from where you can enjoy breathtaking postcard views of the metropolis and the island-dotted bays around it The Peak Tram can be boarded at the Lower terminus, on 33 Garden Road, daily, 7am 12midnight (See the guide-map to Peak Tram Lower Terminus for the exact directions) After descending, take bus No. 40 from the bus-stop on Garden Road, next to historic St. John's Cathedral, and ride it all the way to its last stop, outside Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCC): A colossal architectural complex that dominates the coastline of Hong Kong Island almost as much as the Opera House distinguishes Sydney's coastline Take a stroll inside the building and see Victoria Harbour and Kowloon through the enormous glass screen, before walking out to the Golden Bauhinia Square, on the waterfront adjoining the centre, where the handover ceremony of Hong Kong took place in 1997, officially marking the end of 150 years of British rule in this corner of the world. Wan Chai Ferry Pier, opposite the bus-stop, is where you take the Star Ferry from, on your way to Tsim-sha-Tsui, on the Kowloon side of the water This historic ferry has been plying the waters of Victoria Harbour for more than a century and is one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions, providing its passengers some of the best photo ops on earth... As soon as you walk out of the ferry pier in Tsim-sha-Tsui, cross the small bus interchange and Salisbury Road, turn right and walk along the road, passing the aristocratic "Peninsula Hotel" and crossing Nathan Road and tiny Middle Road, where you climb a flight of stairs (on your left) to Middle Road Children's Playground, through which you walk to the pedestrian bridge across Chatham Road South, cross the open piazza and walk down to the street. Continue walking along Chatham Road South (road should be on your left) until you reach the entrance to Hong Kong Museum of History (Near the pedestrian bridge). This fabulous museum tells "the Hong Kong Story", from the Devonian period, 400 million years ago, until reunification with China in 1997.

Eight galleries, loaded with thousands of exciting exhibits, including antiques and pieces of art, as well as 3D dioramas and interactive multimedia displays, make the visit to the museum a rich experience

Daily, except Tuesday, 10 am - 6 pm (till 7pm on Sundays and public holidays)

Website If you started your day at around 7am, it should be 1 1:30pm by the time you are through with the museum and you have two options: The first option is to grab something small to eat and continue to the Hong Kong Museum of Art, which is just a ten minutes' walk from here and displays thousands of pieces of art and antiques, from the Neolithic age, through the mighty dynasties of ancient China, to our days The second option is to have proper lunch before you continue with your day trip. To go to Hong Kong Museum of Art you should turn left as you leave Hong Kong Museum of History and walk back along Chatham Road South (the way you came), climb the flight of stairs near the corner of Mody Road, to the piazza on top of the bus interchange, and walk to its other end. Cross the pedestrian bridge over Salisbury Road and turn right when you reach the waterfront, walking behind InterContinental Hong Kong and through the "Avenue of Stars" to the museum

Daily, except Thursday, 10 am - 6 pm (till 8pm on Saturdays)

For more information, visit their website or call them on 2721 0116

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If you chose the second option (food first): Cross Chatham Road South with the pedestrian bridge, right outside Hong Kong Museum of History, turn right and immediately left to Observatory Road, through which you walk until you see the entrance to Knutsford Terrace on your left This very narrow lane is Tsim-sha-Tsui's answer to Central's Lan Kwai Fong, and although it is much smaller than its Hong Kong Island counterpart, it boasts a decent choice of nice restaurants, cafs and bars. Nathan Road, Kowloon's main thoroughfare, is just a few minutes' walk from here (via Kimberley Road). On its other side you will see a line of shops called Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard, and next to them there is a wide flight of stairs that leads to Kowloon Park; an island of peace and tranquility within Tsim-sha-Tsui's never ending shopping madness. Kowloon Park is not very big, but it boasts a few lovely spots nonetheless, like the Aviary, the Bird-lake and the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. It is probably 4 4:30 pm by now and we are heading to the Peninsula, one of the world's most classic hotels, which was built more than eighty years ago and became synonymous with grandeur and opulence To taste the splendor and charm of bygone colonial days in the Far East, opt for the English Style High Tea at the lobby Later on, you can continue to Felix, one of Hong Kong's most stylish resto-bars, which is perched on the hotel's top floor and offers fantastic views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline... (The men's WC at Felix is well worth visiting)

Afternoon Tea, daily, 2 6pm Felix, daily, 5pm 1:30am (Bar)

Getting there: If you visited Hong Kong Museum of Art all you have to do is to cross under Salisbury Road through the underpass (next to SOGO department store). If you came from Kowloon Park, walk down Nathan Road towards the waterfront, turn right to Salisbury and you will see the entrance to the hotel on your right hand side. From the Peninsula Hotel, continue walking along Salisbury Road for a couple of minutes, turn right to Canton Road and visit Heritage 1881, a posh and elegant shopping mall that occupies the beautifully restored Victorian buildings of what was once the headquarters of Hong Kong's Marine Police. Heritage 1881 is popular among architectural photographers and is well worth visiting, even if you do not have plans to buy yourself a "Rolex" or "Gucci". Next in line is the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, which stretches along the eastern side of Tsim-sha-Tsui's waterfront (five minutes' walk from "the Peninsula") and boasts floor plaques of celebrities of the city's thriving film industry, including legends like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. This is also one of the best places to watch the Symphony of Lights from: Awarded the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, this nightly light, sound and laser show is featured on 37 key buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. Symphony of Lights, daily, at 8 pm Avenue of Stars is open 24 / 7 If you are not deadly exhausted by now, you can cross under Salisbury Road by the underpass, to MTR-Tsim sha Tsui, and travel two stations to Yau-ma-Tei, where you can visit Temple Street Night Market, or three stations to Mong Kok, where you can take a look at the famous Ladies' Market. To Temple Street Night Market : Leave MTR-Jordan via exit A, turn right to Jordan Road and right again, on the third street To Ladies' Market : Leave MTR-Mong Kok via exit D-3, turn back and walk a few steps to the corner, where you turn right to Argyle and, again, right, to Tung Choi / Ladies' market (less than 5 minutes) Tip: The Symphony of Lights Harbor Cruise allows you to get an uninterrupted view of the world's largest dazzling light and sound show, and to enjoy a truly unforgettable evening. Click here for more info and to book.

http://www.peninsula.com/Hong_Kong/en/Dining/The_Lobby/default.aspx#/Hong_Kong/en/Dining/The_Lobby/http://hongkong.peninsula.com/en/fine-dining/felixhttp://partner.city-discovery.com/en/2264/hong-kong/PID9132-Symphony_of_Lights_Harbor_Cruisehttp://partner.city-discovery.com/en/2264/hong-kong/PID9132-Symphony_of_Lights_Harbor_Cruise

2. Chinese traditions and markets

Summary: Today's trip will take us to Hong Kong's most beautiful temples, as well as to the city's most bustling markets-precinct, through historic streets, where all sorts of "exotic" shops still operate, to Victoria Peak. Our day starts at the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Gardens; one of Hong Kong's most beautiful spots. The nunnery features rich Tang style architecture and boasts beautiful gold, clay, wood and stone statues of the Buddha, Kwun Yam (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and other bodhisattvas. Nan Lian Garden lies next to the nunnery and is just as beautiful, with pavilions, goldfish ponds with water lilies, rock - gardens and manicured Bonsai trees. To get there: Travel to MTR Diamond Hill and take exit C-2 out to the street, turn left and walk along the wall of the shopping mall to the pedestrian crossing, cross Sheung Yuen Street, walk a minute or two along Fung Tak Road and use the pedestrian's bridge above it to enter the nunnery, or the garden. Go back to MTR Diamond Hill and travel one station back, to MTR Wong-Tai-Sin, where our next destination is. Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of Hong Kong's most popular places of worship and enjoys a good reputation for fulfilling the devotees' wishes. Occupying a fairly large piece of land in the north of Kowloon, it boasts quite a few shrines, pavilions and altars, and is rich in lavish ornaments and sculptures (Virtual tour / map of the temple) Back to the MTR station, from where we travel four stations, to MTR-Prince Edward, where our markets trips begins Leave MTR Prince Edward via exit A, turn back, enter Playing Field Road and walk along it to the end, turn right to Sai Yee Street and left, to Flower Market Road which is lined with dozens of shops that sell flowers, potted plants and their likes (some are really colorful). At the end of the street, turn left to Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or, simply, the Bird Garden), which boasts dozens of bird shops, where hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen... The garden is also a popular meeting point for elderly bird owners... Walk back to the corner of Flower Market Road, but instead of turning right keep walking straight along small Yuen Po Street to the end, turn right to Prince Edward Road West, cross it at the pedestrian crossing (near a petrol station) and keep walking for another 2 3 minutes (the flyover should be on your right) before turning left to Fa Yuen Street, where a thriving market operates daily, from 10:30 am to 10:30pm, with countless stalls that sell bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children. At the southernmost end of the street-market, you can cross Mong Kok Road by the pedestrian bridge and keep walking straight along Fa Yuen Street. This section of Fa Yuen is popularly known as Sportswear Street, as it is lined with numerous small retailers that sell sports equipment and clothing, as well as a wide diversity of sports shoes (including some that are rear and expensive). At the end of Fa Yuen Street, turn right to Dundas Street and right again, to Tung Choi Street, which is better known as Ladies' Market. As its name suggests, this extremely popular market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the likes, although there are more than a few stalls here that sell men's and children's products, including soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few (10:30 am - 10:30 pm daily). From Ladies' Market, turn left to Argyle Street and left again, to Sai Yeung Choi Street South, where the entrance to MTR-Mong Kok can be found. Tip: To experience the real local culture of Hong Kong and explore the fascinating neighborhoods of Kowloon, you should either join the small group tour of "Around Kowloon in 8 Markets", or the Dim Sum Experience (or both)

http://www.siksikyuen.org.hk/public/virtualtour/map?http://partner.city-discovery.com/en/2264/hong-kong/PID7331-Around_Kowloon_in_8_Markets_-_Small_Group_Tourhttp://partner.city-discovery.com/en/2264/hong-kong/PID12342-Hong_Kong_Food_and_Culture_Tour_-_The_Dim_Sum_Experience

A good choice of shops of consumer electronic products can be found along Sai Yeung Choi Street South, near the entrance to MTR-Mong Kok. Yau Shing Commercial Centre, on No. 51, boasts some of the most popular shops around, including those that specialize in gadgets, cameras and the likes Mong Kok Computer Centre is one of the best places in Hong Kong to buy computers and computer ware From laptops to computer components, software and games... The choice is immense and prices are very good (No. 8 Nelson Street an offshoot from Ladies' Market) That's it We leave Mong Kok and travel one station with the MTR, to Yau-ma-Tei. Leave the station via exit-C, turn back and start walking along Man Ming Lane. After 2 3 minutes, turn right to Shanghai Street: A short stroll will bring you to Man Kee Chopping Board, on 342 Shanghai (on your right), which is one of the best places to buy professional chopping boards, and right next to it, on 344 Shanghai, you can see the historic red bricks building which once housed the oldest pumping station in Hong Kong. Walk back, down Shanghai Street (towards the lower numbers). A few minutes' walk will bring you to the corner of Public Square Street, where you turn left and visit Mido Caf, on the corner of Public Square and Temple Street. This culinary institution has changed very little (if at all) since it first opened its doors, sixty years ago, and even the old cash till is still in use... Food wise, they serve the traditional Cha Chaan Teng fare, which is basically Hong Kong style caf fare: From nice and simple sandwiches and toasts, to more "serious" fried rice and noodle dishes, like their signature Baked pork-chop rice, Baked spareribs rice, Spicy Eggplant & Minced Pork with Fried Noodles and Shredded Chicken Fried Noodles... everything is nice (and there is a nice street-view from the windows...) Opposite the caf, on the other side of Public Square Street, there is an open piazza with some shady banyan trees and an old Chinese temple This is the old Tin Hau Temple, which was built in 1880 in honor of Tin Hau, protector of seafarer and Hong Kong's most beloved deity, and although it is not as impressive as some other temples across the territory, it is well worth visiting.

Have something to eat before traveling onwards Mong Kok is a great place to explore and enjoy some of Hong Kong's best authentic eateries Satay King, o the corner of Ladies' Market and Shantung Street (above Bank of China) serves nice Thai food and specializes, as you can guess, in Satay Good Hope Noodle () is a small and inexpensive eatery, on 18 Fa Yuen Street (Parallel to Ladies' Market, and just a short stroll from the corner of Dundas), which has been serving great noodle dishes for God knows how long

Seam Eett Taiwan Noodles, () near the corner of Ladies' Market and Dundas Street, serves a variety of Taiwanese specialties (It is hidden by the market stalls, so you have to look for it).

Fuk Kee Congee (), on 104-106 Fa Yuen Street (near the corner of Argyle) is a small eatery that is known for serving

delicious roasted specialties, such as BBQ Char Siu (), Roast Goose () and Wok Stir Fried Beef Hor Fun ( ).

Fei Jie (), on the corner of Fa Yuen St and Dundas Street, is a small and popular eatery that specializes in local snacks - particularly Skewered Foods.

Man Ga () is a tiny hole in the wall shop, on the corner of Dundas St. and the Ladies' Market (facing Dundas) that sells

freshly baked Chinese buns with assorted fillings, including minced pork () and others. Those of you who feel more like going to a western style caf, can opt to Homemade Caf, on the 12th floor of Dundas Square (43 Dundas Street, only a heartbeat from the corner of Ladies' Market), or to Little Fusion, which is on Ladies' Market, just before the corner of Dundas. 18 Grams, in the modern Gala Place, on Dundas Street (right opposite the corner of the Ladies' Market) is also a good choice. Their morning favorites include the Aussie Breakfast and the Eggs Benedict.

From the square in front of the temple, turn left to Shanghai Street, pass under the bridge and right to Kansu Street, where the Jade Market is. Occupying a low building under the flyover, the famous Jade Market boasts dozens, if not hundreds of stalls that sell magnificent Jade products, including figurines, statues and what not, but don't be tempted to spend a fortune, unless you are an expert There are enough stalls here that sell cheap jade products which make just as beautiful souvenirs. Cross Kansu Street and enter the bustling wet market of Reclamation Street, from where you turn left to Ning Po and right, to Shanghai Street (You should also take a short stroll along Nanking Street, if you are around). On 164 Shanghai

Street, not far from the corner of Ning Po, there is a small and popular eatery called Sek Wong Lam ( ) which is particularly famous for its Snake Soup Turn left to Jordan Road and after a few minutes' walk you will reach the entrance (A) to MTR-Jordan, from where we take the subway to our next (and last) destination, Victoria Peak. Ride the MTR to Central. Leave the station via exit J-2, cross Chater Garden towards Bank of China Tower, cross Queen's Road Central and start climbing along Garden Road, until you see the fountain at the entrance to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on your left, opposite St. John's Cathedral. (See the guide-map to Peak Tram Lower Terminus for exact directions) The Peak Tram can be boarded at the Lower terminus, on 33 Garden Road, daily, 7am 12midnight Victoria Peak, or "The Peak", as it is commonly known, is probably Hong Kong's most popular tourist attraction, boasting world-class views of the city and Victoria Harbour, which look as if they were taken from a postcard The view at night is particularly beautiful, when the city's countless skyscrapers and neon-signs flash in millions of dazzling lights... When reaching "The Peak", you can opt for the Sky Terrace, which offers a breathtaking 360 panoramic views of the city and the waters around it, or visit Hong Kong's Madame Tussauds There are also more than a few shops, cafs and restaurants around here, as well as some surprisingly quaint and easy walking trails (You can read about them here)

"The Peak" is open daily, morning-night Sky Terrace is open daily, 10 am - 11 pm Madame Tussauds is open 10 am - 10 pm

3. A day trip to Lantau Island Summary: Lantau is Hong Kong's largest and most picturesque island. We will visit the coastal town of Mui Wo, beautiful beaches, wetlands where water buffalos still live, Tai-O Village, where traditional houses are built on stilts along the canals, climb to Ngong Ping, where the world-famous statue of the Buddha can be seen and finish the day in Discovery Bay One of the nicest places in Hong Kong for alfresco seaside dining. Early in the morning, we will head to the modern town of Tung Chung, not far from Hong Kong International Airport, where our trip begins. MTR-Tung Chung is the last station on the orange marked Tung Chung Line, so if you come from Central, Wan Chai or Admiralty, you should take the MTR from Hong Kong Station, which is directly linked to MTR-Central, while if you come from Tsim-sha-Tsui, Jordan, Yau-ma-tei, or Mong Kok, you should ride the MTR along the red marked Tsuen Wan Line to Lai King Station, where you switch to the Tung Chung Line and continue to MTR-Tung Chung Station. A few steps walk from exit B of MTR-Tung Chung will bring you to the bus terminus, next to the Cable Car Lower Terminus. Board bus no. M-3 (of New Lantao Bus Co.) and travel with it to Mui Wo, a quiet seaside town on Lantau's southern coast. You can have your breakfast here, take a short stroll along the bay and in the small streets, or rent bikes from Friendly Bike Shop, on Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road (2 3 minutes' walk from the bus terminus). They open six days a week (closed on Tuesday) and will be happy to explain to you how to get to nice sightseeing spots in the vicinity, like Silvermine Waterfall, Silvermine Cave and the Man Mo Temple

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China Bear, near the bus terminus and the ferry pier, is one of Mui Wo's more popular cafs They serve simple western fare and you can seat alfresco and enjoy the view. Caffe Paradiso, in the same area, is also well worth trying.

From here, you should take bus no. 1 and drop off at Pui-O (), 2 3 km down the road from Mui Wo, where you can take a walk to the lovely beach, followed by a visit to the rice paddies and the low-lying wetland, next to the village, where you can encounter Asian Water Buffalos (one of the last places in Hong Kong where Water Buffalos still live). The buffalos also walk inside the village itself, every now and again, and while they look huge and intimidating, they are actually quite peaceful and used to see people around...

If you can't trace the buffalos, for some reason, try to ask the locals for assistance (Asian Water Buffalos in Chinese is

) From here, take bus no. 1 to the last station, at Tai-O Built over canals and waterways, Tai O, which is popularly known as "the Venice of Hong Kong", is a quiet fishermen village where little has changed over the years... Originally built by the "Tanka" boat people, it is possibly the only place in this part of the world where you can still see traditional "Pang uk" houses, built on stilts along the canals. As expected from a fishermen village, there is a seafood market here (a bit smelly) and some good seafood eateries, as well as some old Chinese temples devoted to the Tin Hau, the legendary protector of fishermen Along the narrow street leading from the bus-stop to the bridge over the canal, there is a small museum, called Tai O Rural Committee Historic and Cultural Showroom, where you can see a few interesting objects from the village's past (open daily, except Monday and the entrance is free) Another worthy place to visit is the Tai O Culture Workshop, which is like a "private museum", owned and managed by Wong Wai-king, who was born in Tai-O and works hard to keep the village's traditions and to promote ecological tourism in the area (Phone 6118 2985) You can also join a boat ride, while you are here... They last 25 - 30 minutes, don't cost much, and you get a chance to see the stilt houses from the water and to sail around Lantau's southwestern side (including some shockingly beautiful views...). The boat operators (or their salespeople) will probably tell you about the Chinese White Dolphins you are going to see on the way, but that doesn't usually happen. Nevertheless, the boat ride is still fun and if you do wish to encounter the dolphins, you'll better join Hong Kong Dolphinwatch. The nice thing about Tai O is that even after droves of visitors has been trampling its streets for quite a few years, it still somehow manages to maintain its quaint fishing village character... Take bus no. 21 from Tai-O, up the steep mountains of Lantau Island, to Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha, next to it. The monastery was built in the picturesque highlands of Lantau almost a century ago by three Zen masters who arrived here from the Jin Shan Monastery of Zhe Jiang, looking for a peaceful and secluded place, but it was the colossal statue of the seated Buddha that came up in the early 1990s and turned this area into one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions Later on, the famous cable car came up (providing almost 6km of scenic ride) and the kitschy "tourist village" But there are still more than a few nice walking trails around the area, for those who want to get away from it all. The cable car will take us down to Tung Chung, where we started the day. If you are into shopping, don't miss a visit to Citygate Outlets, Hong Kong's first and (so far) only outlet mall, where you can get off-season goods at large discounts you won't find elsewhere in Hong Kong. Citygate Outlets is right above MTR-Tung Chung and boasts more than 80 international brand names of designer fashion, sports, beauty, accessories, children's wear, and home items, as well as some great cafs and restaurants, a 6-screen multiplex cinema and a 3-suite spa centre...

http://partner.city-discovery.com/en/2264/hong-kong/PID646-Hong_Kong_Pink_Dolphin_Watching_Cruise

If you are not too exhausted, take bus No. DB01R from Tung Chung to Discovery Bay, a ritzy and perfectly planned suburb along one of Lantau's most scenic coastlines, inhabited mostly by expatriates and local white-collars The main draw here is the D-Deck. Lauded as "Hong Kong's largest oceanfront alfresco dining destination" by its proprietors, this is certainly one of the most pleasant spots in Hong Kong for dinner and a great vantage point to watch Disneyland's nightly fireworks from That's all folks Now you can catch a ferry from the pier, next to D-Deck, and sail back to Central. Discovery Bay Transportation Services operates ferries on this line almost 24 hours a day, so you can take your time and enjoy your long dinner (click here for the timetable). Wait! If you prefer to explore Lantau Island with someone who really knows it, take the Lantau Island Monastery Tour with Ngong Ping Cable Car, as it covers the island's best places-of-interest. Get all the details here.

4. A day trip to Sai Kung Peninsula Summary: Nature beauty, walking trails, beautiful beaches and good food Today's trip will take us to one of Hong Kong's greenest corners Sai Kung Peninsula and the island-dotted Port Shelter Bay, which make the traveler forget he is only a few kilometers away from one of the world's busiest cities.

Early in the morning, we will travel to Pak Tam Chung ( ), where the entrance to Sai Kung's country parks can be found, as well as the Sai Kung Country Park Visitor Centre, a picnic area and a starting point to some nice walking trails Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station, along the green marked Kwun Tong Line, walk out to the adjacent bus-interchange and continue with bus No. 92 (KMB) to Sai Kung town, from where you proceed with green-minibus Nos. 7 or 9, or with KMB bus no. 94 to Pak Tam Chung (on Sundays and public holidays you can take bus No. 96R directly from Diamond Hill to Pak Tam Chung and the country park). The Visitor Centre is like a small museum where you can learn about the fauna and flora in the peninsula and get info about the walking trails, and is well worth visiting From here, continue walking along the road, deeper into the park, and after a few steps you can turn right and cross the creek on a small bridge. This is where Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail starts from. Few minutes' walk down the trail, along the creek, will bring you to Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, an abandoned 19th century Hakka Village that has become an open museum, where you can see how village life was in the old days... The villagers' tools, together with their daily objects and furniture are all there, as if time had suddenly stopped ... Trees and shrubs are slowly encroaching into the village, making the whole place look more authentic... The museum is open daily (except on Tuesdays, and the first two days of the Chinese New Year), 9 am - 5 pm (till 6pm during the sunny months), entrance is free. For more information, you can call them on 2792 6365 Next in line are the walking trails Those of you who want to have a day at leisure can settle for one of the easy family walks around the visitor centre, such as the Sheung Yiu Family Walk, the Pak Tam Chung Family Walk, or the Pak Tam Chung Tree Walk, while those who look for something which is more like a hike, can opt for the first stage of MacLehose Trail, which starts from here and pass via Chong Hing Water Sports Centre and the "Astropark", all the way to Long Ke Wan (Bay) One of Hong Kong's most beautiful and secluded beaches, where you can really feel "far from civilization" Take green-minibus Nos. 7 or 9, or KMB bus no. 94 back to Sai Kung - A small and charming seaside town, with plenty of waterfront cafs, excellent seafood restaurants, lovely fishermen-village-ambience and a bustling expatriate community Drop off at the terminus, and walk to the seaside promenade, where you can rent a Tanka Junk and go on a cuttlefish-catching trip, or opt to one of the beautiful islands across Port Shelter Bay and the nature reserves

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Tung Kee and Chuen Kee are probably the town's best seafood restaurants (or, at least, the best known), while Sauce and Jaspa's are two recommended alfresco-cafs (Located on the open piazza on the left side of Man Nin Street, when coming from the promenade). Anthony's Catch, possibly Hong Kong's best Italian seafood restaurant, is located on 1826 B Po Tung Road (near the corner of Fuk Man Rd., few minutes' walk from the bus terminus). That's it From here you can take KMB bus No. 92 to the MTR station of Diamond Hill (last bus leaves Sai Kung at 11:45pm), or take a red-minibus to Dundas Street in Mong Kok, which is just a short walk from the MTR station and Nathan Road (the red minibus runs 24 hrs a day)

5. A day of authentic temples, Chinese traditions, and nature too (Western New Territories) Summary: Visiting the western side of the New Territories, including some of Hong Kong's most beautiful temples and the famous "heritage trail", which passes through historical buildings that were built by the ancient residents of the area We will also pay a visit to Hong Kong Wetland Park, where we can familiarize ourselves with the wetland's rich ecosystem Our day starts at Ching Chung Koon, Hong Kong's nicest Taoist temple, which was built more than 50 years ago as a rural retreat and developed into a large and very rich temple complex, with plenty of beautiful ornaments and exciting treasures, such as lanterns from Beijing's Imperial Palace and thousands of books about Taoism and Chinese history The temple's compound is also a must-see, with lovely Chinese-style gardens and fishponds, alongside impressive rocks and manmade waterfalls.

Daily, 8:30am 5pm To get there: First, travel with the KCR train to Yuen Long Station (along the purple marked west rail line), walk to the adjacent Light Rail (LRT) Terminus and board No. 615. Then drop off at Ching Chung Koon Station, which is just a minute away from the temple across the street (There is no English sign, so simply ask passers-by to show you to the place -

Chinese name is: ) Our next destination is Miu Fat Monastery, which is one of, if not THE most beautiful Buddhist temple in HK. Alongside the traditional Chinese main building, where some outstandingly beautiful sculptures can be seen, there is an ultra-modern building, which its top floor replicates the lotus bloom. There is also a good vegetarian restaurant here. From Ching Chung Koon, take LRT 615 to Lam Tei Station, use the pedestrian bridge to cross Castle Peak Road, turn left and walk along the road for 2 3 minutes, till you see the entrance to the temple on your right. Next in line is Hong Kong Wetland Park : From Lam Tei Station, take Light Rail No. 751 to Tin Shui Wai and continue with Nos. 705 or 706 to Wetland Park Station, where you drop off, cross the pedestrian's bridge, descend to the right and walk a few minutes, till you see the entrance to the park on your left. Nestled on the edge of the internationally known Mai Po Marshes, Hong Kong Wetland Park is one of the city's nicest conservation areas, and provides visitors an opportunity to discover the wetlands in a comfortable and enjoyable way. Other than pathways and boardwalks that take visitors through different wetland environments, the park also boasts one of the best (and largest) Wetlands-themed visitor centres on earth, with plenty of beautifully exhibited stuff.

Daily (except Tuesday), 10am 5pm Website / Ticketing info / Directional map

Take the light rail back to Tin Shui Wai Station (705 or 706), from where we start exploring the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. This trail is a "must do" for anyone who has even the slightest interest in Hong Kong's heritage and historical past It is a fairly easy 1 kilometer walk that passes through various historical sites, including pagodas, temples, ancestral halls and walled villages that were all built by the Tang Clan in the 17th century.

http://www.wetlandpark.com/en/http://www.wetlandpark.com/en/information/ticketing.asphttp://www.wetlandpark.com/images/wcms/20100903_location_map.pdf

Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, just next to the station, is our starting point. Literally meaning "Pagoda of Gathering Stars", this declared monument was built more than 600 years ago by Tang Yin-tung, the seventh generation ancestor according to the genealogy of the Tang clan of Ping Shan, and is Hong Kong's only remaining ancient pagoda.

From here, walk back and turn left, passing by the canal (do not cross it - just walk along its left bank), the trail passes via the Shrine of the Earth God (built in honor of the Earth God, "She Kung"), Sheung Cheung Wai (a 200 years old walled village), an old well and the small Yeung Hau Temple (which is slightly off the trail), before it reaches the two beautiful Ancestral Halls (Tang and Yu Kiu). Next in line, the Kun Ting Study Hall was built in 1870 by Tang Heung Chuen, the twenty-second generation ancestor of the Tang clan, to commemorate his father Tang Kun Ting. The Study Hall provided facilities for both ancestral worship and education.

From there, the trail leads to the 18th century Hung Shing Temple and ends up at the beautifully restored 1899 police station, which became the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage: A small museum and a visitor's centre where you can learn more about Ping Shan's Tang Clan and its history.

From here, walk down Ping Ha Road till the rails, where you turn left and reach Ping Shan Station, from where you can take light-rail Nos. 610, 614, 615, or 761-P to Yuen Long KCR Station and onwards, with the KCR train, back to the city.

Enlargeable map of the trail, including info about the various sites enroute.

Great and detailed article about the trail, including plenty of photos Did you know? The Pre-Dinner Sunset Cruise is a lovely experience well worth considering: This 90-minute harbour cruise, aboard a traditional Chinese boat, leaves at 6pm, daily, and gives passengers an opportunity to enjoy free drinks and magnificent sunset views. For details, click here. 6. Old vs New in central Hong Kong A sightseeing walking trip through the streets of Central and Sheunng Wan, where "British Hong Kong" started from, 170 years ago From ultra-modern skyscrapers to classic colonial buildings, and from authentic Chinese streets, to the city's loveliest parks. We will start our day in Central, Hong Kong's modern business core, which is dominated by glittering skyscrapers and looks like a colossal exhibition of the world's leading architects. The Central Elevated Walkway is an extensive footbridge network that connects the major buildings in Central and Admiralty, including the Star Ferry Pier and Central MTR Station. Strolling along it gives you a feeling of the mightiness of metropolitan Hong Kong, especially during the morning, when the bridges are packed with white collars on their way to work, and the roads underneath them are blocked with a zillion cars Those who arrive from Tsim sha Tsui by the Star Ferry can simply walk straight along the canopied walkway, while those who come to Central by the MTR should use exit B or E to reach the elevated-walkway. If you arrived by the tramway, drop off at the stop on the corner of Pedder Street (An entrance to the Elevated Walkway can be found on Pedder Street) While strolling along Central's pedestrian bridges, make a point to visit the open piazza at Exchange Square, and see the statues and fountains, before you continue to neighboring Two IFC Tower. Rising to a height of 415 meters, the impressive Two IFC Tower was Hong Kong's tallest skyscraper until just recently and still features one of the most prominent landmarks along Hong Kong's skyline. You can visit the Information Centre of Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), on the 55th floor, free of charge, and enjoy the stunning views, as the tower does not boast a proper rooftop-observation-deck (website). As soon as you walk out of Two IFC Tower turn right to Man Yiu Street and left, to Connaught Road Central, and after a minute or two you will see a groomed lawn on your right, where Hong Kong's Cenotaph stands, commemorating the soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars.

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Cross the lawn, and Chater Road, and you reach the historic Statue Square, which used to be the hub of young Hong Kong, more than a century ago, and accommodated the statues of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Edward VII and Sir Thomas Jackson Bart, the chief manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC). The historic, neo-classical Legislative Council Building, which is better known as the Former Supreme Court Building is located along the eastern side of the square. Designed by Sir Aston Webb, the British architect who created the eastern faade of Buckingham Palace and the Cromwell Road frontage of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, This two-story granite building was opened in 1912 and served as the home of the former Supreme Court until 1985. Our next destination is HSBC Main Building, right across Des Voeux Road Central: Sir Norman Foster's pretentious architectural creation used to hold the title of "the world's most expensive building" when it was inaugurated, back in '85. Soaring to a 'modest' height of 180 m, it features a nice example of Hong Kong's current architecture, combining ultra-modern design with traditional Feng Shui philosophy Another interesting feature is the smart way in which natural sunlight is used to illuminate the atrium.

Tip: Take the escalator to the 1st floor to get a feeling of the colossal atrium... A few more steps along Des Voeux Road will bring you to Bank of China (BOC) Tower : This impressive building is one of Hong Kong's most recognized skyscrapers and can be seen from almost every point around the city. Designed by the world-renowned Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, it is meant to resemble growing bamboo shoots, which symbolize livelihood and prosperity. BOC Tower is 315 meters high, and was the tallest building in Hong Kong and Asia until 1992. It was also the first building outside the United States to break the 305 m (1,000 foot) mark. A small observation deck on the 43rd floor of the building is open to the public while visits to the main observation deck on the 70th floor are by appointment only. Entrance is from 1 Garden Road. From Bank of China (BOC) Tower, cross Cotton Tree Drive and climb through the narrow path (from the corner of Queensway) to Hong Kong Park, the city's most quaint park, which forms a lovely green lung right amidst the skyscrapers. Inside the park, Flagstaff House, Hong Kong's oldest existing colonial building, currently houses the beautiful Museum of Tea Ware, which displays enthralling collections of tea related artifacts, including the world's oldest known extant teapot. Other worthy attractions within the park include the Edward Youde Aviary, the Forsgate Conservatory and the Tai Chi Garden. Lock Cha Teahouse, right next to the Museum of Tea Ware, serves fine Chinese tea and nice dim sum in an elegant environment that revives the glamour of days bygone On the other side of Queensway you can see Lippo Centre : A pair of identical skyscrapers that were designed by Australian architect Paul Rudolph and earned the nickname "Kuala Trees", as their shape resembles Kuala Bears climbing a tree Leave the park to Cotton Tree Drive, cross the street over the pedestrian bridge and continue through the small lane to the left of Citybank Tower, to parallel Garden Road and our next stop: St. John's Cathedral. Built in the 1840s, this is the oldest surviving western religious building in Hong Kong and probably the oldest Anglican church in East Asia. Behind the Cathedral, on 1 Battery Path (off Garden Road), you can see the granite and red bricks, Neo-Classical Former French Mission Building (currently housing the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong). A few steps up Garden Road will bring you to Helena May main building (on 35 Garden Road, right near the Peak Tram Lower Terminus). This lovely, colonial style members-club was opened in 1916 by Lady May Ride, the wife of the then Governor of the crown colony, as a respite for unaccompanied women arriving in Hong Kong. Even today, the club still maintains a lovely atmosphere that revives the charm of those old days... Entrance is for members only.

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Behind Helena May, on the other side of Cotton Tree Drive, you can see the North and West Blocks of St. Joseph's College. The two 1920s structures, well distinguished for their towers and their bluish roofs, are the only remaining pre-war buildings of this Roman Catholic missionary school. Continue walking up Garden Road (on the right pavement), under the bypass, till you get to a stone gate, from which a flight of stairs climbs to Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Although they are not as impressive as some other zoos and botanical gardens in metropolitan cities across the globe, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are definitely worth the visit, especially the "botanical" section, where you can familiarize yourself with beautiful plants and flowers unique to this part of the world, and relax a bit near the fountain, before moving onwards Leave the gardens through Albany Road's gate, turn right (to Albany) and walk down the street (passing under the bridge), via Glenealy, to the corner of Wyndham and Lower Albert, where you will see the historic 1913 "Old Dairy Farm Building", which is currently housing "The Fringe Club": An artists' center that provides rent-free exhibition and performance facilities to Hong Kong and international artists. The gallery of the Fringe Club is open daily (except Sundays), from 12 noon to 10pm. Opposite the Fringe Club, on the other side of Lower Albert, stands the impressive Bishop's House, which was built in the late 1840s and is currently serving as the residence and office of the Archbishop of Hong Kong. From here, walk a few steps down Lower Albert Road, turn left to Ice House Street and left again to tiny Duddell Street, where the old granite stairway and Hong Kong's only remaining gas lamps can be seen. At the end of Deddell, turn left to Queen's Road Central, and after a minute or two right, to Pedder Street, through which you walk to the corner of Des Voeux, where the tramway stops are located. From stop No. W-70 you can take the westbound tramway to Western Market, in Sheung Wan. Hong Kong's oldest surviving market building was inaugurated well over a century ago and features beautiful Edwardian architecture, with red bricks and granite arches. Nowadays, it is actually a shopping mall, with shops that specialize mainly in arts and crafts, although there are a few good fabrics shops here too, as well as a restaurant or two, and some nice cafs

Daily from 10am 7pm (Website) From here, we will take a stroll through Sheung Wan. The old streets where Hong Kong started to develop from, one hundred and seventy years ago, boast many traditional Chinese shops that sell all sorts of "exotic" products and look as if they belong to another era Start your walk from Man Wa Lane (Chop Alley), where you can find small stalls of chop-makers: The chops are traditional Chinese stamps and seals, engraved on various materials like wood, bamboo, stone, bone and the likes... To get here : Walk out of Western Market to Morrison Street and turn left, along the tramway tracks, to Des Voeux Road Central and after a few minutes' walk (on the right pavement), turn right to the lane (the entrance is next to CITIC Ka Wah Bank( From Man Wa Lane, turn right to Wing Lok Street (popularly known as Ginseng and bird's nest St.). At the end of the street turn left to Des Voeux Road West (Dried Seafood Street), left again to Ko Shing Street (Herbal Medicine Street), right to Queen Street, right again to Queen's Road West and left to Hollywood Road. Hollywood Road, Hong Kong's first constructed road, and the small streets around it, are packed with galleries and knick-knack shops that sell everything, from expensive porcelain ware and Ming dynasty ceramic, to Chinese furniture and kitsch Maoist memorabilia, and is a great place to visit even if you are not buying anything, as some of these shops (especially the expensive galleries) really look like "mini museums"...

http://www.westernmarket.com.hk/

There are also some sightseeing spots along the historic road, such as Possession Point, in Hollywood Road Park (The spot where British forces have first set foot on Hong Kong soil, during the 1840s First Opium War), Man Mo Temple (An 1847 Chinese temple, full of spiritual ambience and aromatic incense coils) and Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street), where you can find plenty of colorful street stalls. Ladder Street, next to Man Mo Temple, is composed entirely of stone steps. In the old days there were some funeral homes around this area and when people died, their bodies were rested here for funeral services before they were carried to their home villages, back in China. You can walk down Ladder St. to get to Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street). Climbing up Ladder Street will bring you to Bridges Street (turn right from Ladder, when going up) and Tai Ping Shan Street: A historic street, where an interesting 1850s ancestral hall can be visited. Tai Ping Shan is the continuation of Bridges, which means it is parallel to Hollywood (above it). You can also access it from Po Yan Street, which branches off Hollywood next to Hollywood Road Park. The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences occupies an old Edwardian building and displays materials of historical interest relating to the development of the medical industry in Hong Kong. It is one of the first museums in the world to compare traditional Chinese and Western approaches to medicine. From Man Mo Temple: walk up Ladder Street, turn right to Bridges and left, to the lane that climbs up to the museum.

10 am - 5 pm, Tuesday-Saturday and 1 - 5 pm on Sunday and public holidays (website) A few more minutes along Hollywood Road will bring you to SoHo: Hong Kong's hip dining and nightlife precinct, which unlike London's Soho, got its name as a result of its location: South of Hollywood Road The small, old streets are line with nice cafs and resto-bars that offer a quieter ambience than that of LKF (most of the venues are scattered along Elgin, Peel, Staunton and Shelley streets). Keep walking a few more steps along Hollywood Road and you will get to the Former Central Police Station, which was initially built in 1864 and comprises some of the nicest colonial buildings in Hong Kong. At the time of writing, the Former Central Police Station compound is about to become a shopping and entertainment complex, which means the classic buildings will be restored and renovated soon and brought back to their heydays. From the Police Station you can walk down Pottinger Street, with its historic granite steps and its little shops, turn left to Lyndhurst Terrace and climb up to the corner of Cochrane Street... At this point, you can take a ride on the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, connecting Central with the upper parts of Mid-levels. There are some great shopping and entertainment areas along the escalator's route, such as Gage Street Market (below Hollywood), Stanley Street and "The Lanes". Your sightseeing circuit will end, probably, at MTR-Central Did you know? One of the best ways to really explore central Hong Kong is to join a small-group walking tour of the area, with a guide who knows the area inside out The two most recommended options are Old Versus New Hong Kong , or the Central Hong Kong and Beyond Walking Tour.

7. A day of heritage, history, temples and shopping in the New Territories Summary: We will visit the sites of Sha tin town, in the New Territories, including the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, the fantastic Heritage Museum, Che Kung Temple, the Walled Village of Tsang tai Uk, and wind up the day in one of Hong Kong's largest shopping malls, where you can enjoy a choice of alfresco dining . Early in the morning, we will head to East Tsim sha Tsui Station (It is directly linked to MTR-Tsim sha Tsui by an underpass), from where we take the KCR train to Sha Tin Station. The trains on the East Rail Line operate daily, from 5:30 am till 1am. A train departs once every few minutes and traveling time is something like 15 minutes.

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Our first destination for today is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. In spite of its proximity to Sha Tin town centre, this monastery seems a bit isolated, mainly due to its location on the woody slopes of a high hill, and the fact that hundreds of stairs have to be climbed to get to it Almost 13,000 statues and figurines of the Buddha adorn the walls of the main hall and the path, depicting the Buddha's different reincarnations (jatakas). Another important site within the monastery's compound is the nine-story pagoda, opposite the main worship hall. Getting here: From Shatin KCR Station: Take exit B, via the left ramp, turn left to Pai Tau Street and start walking along it. Turn left after a couple of minutes (between the sports ground and the massive building of Grand Central Plaza, and then right, to Sheung Wo Che Street. The path that leads to the monastery starts from the end of the tiny street. From here, we will move to our next destination, which is Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Walk back the same way you came, to exit B of Sha Tin Station and into New Town Plaza. From the mall, turn right to Sha Tin Centre Street and walk along it till you reach the riverside park, where the museum can be found (a fairly colossal building, with Chinese style roofs). Hong Kong Heritage Museum is the city's largest and possibly most interesting museum. As it name suggests, it focuses on the heritage and culture of Hong Kong, and the New Territories in particular, and boasts many exciting and even interactive exhibits, which make the visit memorable even for those who museums are not their cup of tea From a kids' friendly gallery, via 3-D models of villages across old-times Hong Kong, Chinese Opera Hall (with plenty of flamboyant costumes), to the stunning art collection of T.T.Tsui

Daily, 10am 6pm (closed on Tuesdays, unless they fall on public holidays) (website)

A short walk from Hong Kong Heritage Museum will bring us to our next destinations: Che Kung Temple and the walled village of Tsang Tai Uk. Walk out of the museum to the esplanade and cross the river over the pedestrian bridge. As soon as you reach the other side, turn right and walk towards the main road (Che Kung Miu Road). Cross it through the underpass, turn right and walk along the road (which should be on your right), till you see the temple on your left hand side (Red Chinese-style wall, with decorated gate). The temple was originally built in the 17th century, in honor of Che Kung: A respected military general during the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279), who saved the southern regions of China from disorder and the villagers of Hong Kong area from a plague... The temple was renovated in the 19th century and the current impressive Japanese-style structure was completed in the 1990s. As you leave the temple, turn right to Tai Chung Kiu Road and walk along it, crossing Lion Rock Tunnel Road and then turn right to Sha Kok Street (near the football pitch) and right again, after a couple of minutes, to the small public garden, through which you can get to Tsang Tai Uk, one of only a few remaining traditional Hakka walled villages (and one of the best preserved among them). Built in 1848 by the Tsang Clan, the village consists of three rows of houses, surrounded by grey-brick compound with high, thick walls and tall corner towers. Walk back to the junction (near the football pitch), cross Tai Tsung Kiu Road, turn right and walk along the riverside promenade (river should be on your left). After a few minutes you will see a pedestrian bridge, with which you cross the river, then pass through the park and continue towards the large, reddish building of Sha Tin Town Hall. City Art Square, the open piazza around the city hall building, houses the statues of 19 internationally famous artists.

Before you go there: There is a rooftop-garden with a musical-fountain, perched on the 7th

level of New Town Plaza's Phase 1, which boasts some nice "alfresco" restaurants and cafs.

http://www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/eng/attractions/attractions.aspx

New Town Plaza, our final destination for today, is just a stone's throw from here This colossal shopping mall boasts almost 400 shops and restaurants, including some good non-chain shops that sell local and Chinese stuff at relatively reasonable prices. For a nice unwind, go up to the 7th level of Phase 1, where there is a rooftop-garden with a musical-fountain and some nice "alfresco" restaurants (The Menu @ Level 7). The KCR station is adjacent to the mall.

8. A day of beautiful beaches, nature trails, markets and good food Summary: We will visit the lovely seaside town of Stanley, including the popular market, the seafront promenade, the old Tin Hau Temple and the Maritime Museum Later on, we will hike through one of Hong Kong's most beautiful nature trails, and finish the day at the quaint coastal village of Shek-O Note: This day trip includes a moderately difficult hike of approximately 3 4 hours Early in the morning we will head to Stanley, a picturesque seaside town which is best known for its market, although it has a lot more to offer Bus Nos. 6, 6A, 6X and 260 come here from Central : All four routes depart from Exchange Square Bus Terminus and have stops on Connaught Road Central (outside City Hall), as well as outside MTR-Admiralty (next to exit C-1). No. 260 also stops at 7 Gloucester Road in Wan Chai (outside the Immigration Tower). Drop off at "Stanley Village bus stop", right in the middle of town and walk a few steps down Stanley New Street, till you get to the market. Stanley Market boasts a relatively good choice of pocket-friendly clothes, shoes, silk garments and traditional Chinese dress, as well as toys, ornaments, luggage, souvenirs and arts-and-crafts, and although it is quite touristy, it still is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. From the market, take a two minutes' stroll to Stanley's lovely seafront promenade, where quite a few alfresco cafs and restaurants can be found. The old Tin Hau Temple (built in 1767) and the beautifully restored Murray House, where the Hong Kong Maritime Museum is located, are both located at the end of the promenade. Recommended restaurants and cafs along Stanley's seaside esplanade include King Ludwig Beerhall (A Bavarian-style wood-clad restaurant, serving rich German food), Saigon (Vietnamese) and Wildfire, which is famous for its thin-crust pizzas and meat specialties (all three are located at Murray House), as well as Lucy's (a Stanley culinary 'landmark', serving light Mediterranean and French fare), Boathouse (Nice oceanfront bistro-caf) and Jenny Bakery, right next to the market, where you can enjoy some pretty good cakes.

After lunch, we will go to burn calories at the Dragon's Back Trail (), which was described by Time Magazine as the "Best Urban Hike in Asia". There is no bus from Stanley, but it is only a short drive away, so a taxi shouldn't cost much. The eight km long Dragon's Back, which is actually Stage No. 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, crosses Shek O Country Park along the hilly ridge-top (which gave it its name, as it resembles a curvy dragon's back...) and passes through some of the territory's most scenic spots, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the bays on both sides of D'aguilar Peninsula.

Ask the taxi driver to drop you off at To Tei Wan bus stop (). The path starts next to the small pavilion and climbs to the ridge-top, from where you can enjoy some unbelievably beautiful views. From here, the path moves northwards, around Mt. Collinson's Peak, to Pottinger Gap, where you can rest a bit and enjoy nature, before starting to descent to

Big Wave Bay ( "Tai Long Wan"), which is probably the only beach on Hong Kong Island where you can catch waves. The trail is quite properly signed so there is not really much of a chance for you to lose your way, and as already mentioned, it's around 8 km of moderately difficult walk (should take about 3 hours to complete). For more info: Click here for a detailed description + map of the trail.

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After completing the hike, you can relax at Big Wave Bay, although it is more advisable to take bus No. 9 (or a taxi) and opt to the quaint former fishermen's village of Shek-O, which boasts some nice restaurants, as well as a lovely beach, and offers picturesque sunsets. Recommended restaurants in Shek-O include Happy Garden, which serves excellent Thai and Vietnamese food in a pleasant and relaxed surroundings, Shek O Chinese & Thai Restaurant, which is very popular among travellers, Black Sheep (an intimate caf, serving international favorites), Shining Stone (Nice French and European food, in a homey environment) and popular Reminisces, where you can enjoy great Chinese and Cantonese fare, including dim-sum, Crispy chicken, Roasted piglet and more From here (or from Big Wave Bay, if you decided to stay there), take bus No. 9 to Shau Kei Wan (buses run until after midnight). Shau Kei Wan's bus terminus is right next to entrance A-3 of the MTR Station. Something worth knowing: If you are short in time, or if you want to explore the Dragon's Back with a professional guide who really knows it inside out, join the Hong Kong Dragon's Back Hiking Tour!

9. Beautiful Chinese temples, historic walled-villages, great shopping and authentic market streets Summary: we will start our day in the beautiful temples of Tsuen Wan, from where we shall proceed to some of the most authentic walled-villages in the New Territories, before moving to Sham Shui Po, where some of Hong Kong's best street markets and authentic eateries can be found. Early in the morning we will head to Tsuen Wan, a modern bedroom town which, just like other towns across the new territories, started from an old fisherman's village along the neighboring Typhoon shelter. Getting here is as easy as pie: Take the red-marked Tsuen Wan Line from Central, or Tsim sha Tsui, or any of the other stations along Nathan Road and ride it all the way to the last station. From MTR-Tsuen Wan Terminus, leave via exit B-1, cross the road with the pedestrian bridge, descend to the left, and after a few steps turn right to Chung On Street and right again, to Shiu Wo Street, from where you take green minibus No. 81 to Yuen Yuen institute and the Western Monastery: our first destination for today. Tip: You can simply take a taxi from MTR-Tsuen Wan to Yuen Yuen institute. It will not cost you much and will save you precious time. These two imposing temples are located one next to the other, at the foot of Hong Kong's highest mountain, Tai Mo Shan, just a short way from the town of Tsuen Wan.

Yuen Yuen Institute (), the better known of the two, is the only temple in Hong Kong which is dedicated to all three major Chinese religions: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. It occupies a fairly large compound, packed with beautiful Chinese gardens, ponds, pavilions and pagodas, but the real "jewel in the crown" is the round three-storied pagoda which replicates the internationally famous "Temple of Heaven" (Tian Tan) in Beijing... The Western Monastery is just a few steps down the road and although it is not as famous as its neighbor up the hill, this beautiful Buddhist temple complex is well worth visiting, both for the Chinese palace-style architecture, as well as for the atmosphere...

A short taxi ride will lead us to our next destination Chuk Lam Sim Yuen () Literally meaning "Bamboo Forest Monastery", Chuk Lam Shim Yuen is nestled on the lower slopes of a woody hill (with many bamboo plants that gave it its name...), just above the town of Tsuen Wan. Built in the 1920s, the monastery's "jewel in the crown" are the three golden "Precious Buddha" statues, which it houses (the largest of their kind in Hong Kong).

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Our next destination are the walled villages in Kam Tin, which were built in the 17th century by the Tang Clan, one of the "great five clans" of Hong Kong, and give the visitor an idea about how pre-colonialism Hong Kong looked like From Chuk Lam Sim Yuen, take green minibus (GMB) No. 85 to Tai Ho Road, near Tsuen Wan's MTR terminus, and proceed with KMB bus No. 51 (the bus-stop is on the bridge, and can be accessed from the pedestrian bridge of the MTR station) to Kam Tin Road (drop off at the bus stop next to Kat Hing Wai).

After visiting Kat Hing Wai (), we will take a walk to the village of Shui Tau Tsuen () : Turn left to Kam Tin

Road (and also cross it to the other side) and then right (next to the bus stop) to a narrow street that will lead you to Kam Tin Bypass. Cross it and continue straight, passing a bridge over a canal, and keep on going until you see the alley that leads to the village on your left.

The main draws at Shui Tau Tsuen are the ancient ancestral hall and the 1685 Yi Kung Study Hall (open on Wed, Sat, Sun and Public Holidays: 9am - 1pm & 2 - 5pm, and entrance is free)

Did you know? The Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass gives you free entry to top attractions of your choice in both Hong Kong and Macau (from the list they provide) + handsome discount on a few other attractions and activities. All in all, you can save something like 40% - 50% (compared to booking each activity separately). What's more, it is valid for three months from the date of purchase, so you can take your time and enjoy these activities at your own pace. Click here for the details.

Our last destination for today is Sham Shui Po, in northern Kowloon, which is possibly one of the best places in Hong Kong to look for reasonably priced electronics and computer ware, including accessories and video games... Sham Shui Po is also home to one of Hong Kong's most popular fabric markets, where you can get silk and other fabrics at a fraction of what they would have cost elsewhere, and as you might expect, there are more than a few authentic eateries around the small streets, where you can enjoy splendid local delicacies at very reasonable prices. Getting there: From Kam Tin Road, take KMB bus No. 51 back to MTR-Tsuen Wan, from where you take the train to MTR-Sham Shui Po. Apliu Street is the area's main market-street, boasting lots of electronics and accessories shops, including second hand stuff... (Exits A-2 and C-2 of MTR-Sham Shui Po leads directly to the street. Shops are open until quite late...) Golden Computer Centre and Golden Computer Arcade, on the other side of Sham Shui Po MTR station, are the right place to look for computer related stuff: From complete computers to computer components, software and games... The choice is immense and prices are very good (use exit D-2 to get there: Open until 10pm) As already mentioned, there are also numerous fabric shops in Sham Shui Po, where you can buy silk and other fabrics at a fraction of what they would have cost elsewhere Most fabric shops can be found on Ki Lung Street and Yu Chau Street, two parallel streets that run between Nam Cheong Street and Wong Chuk Street, and while many of them are strictly wholesalers, others would be happy to sell to whoever walks in... (Try Kin Sing at 189 Ki Lung Street, Po Fai Textiles at 99 Yu Chau Street and Cheong Yue Company at 113 Yu Chau Street). Great inexpensive restaurants can be found on the small streets around Golden Computer Centre, as well as on Ki Lung Street, where the fabric shops are. For those of you who can't do without a modern shopping-mall, there is Dragon Centre: A glass-clad giant that caters mostly for locals from the nearby suburbs... Use exit C-1, turn left to Cheung Sha Wan Road (Sham Shui Po's main thoroughfare) and left again to Yen Chow Street, where the mall is (you can also walk there from Apliu Street) That's it From MTR-Sham Shui Po, you can simply take the train to Mong Kok, Tsim sha Tsui, or Central

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10. A day of islands, ocean, good food and shopping Summary: we will spend the first half of the day in Lamma Island, from where we shall continue to the beautiful seaside town of Stanley, where we can visit the famous market, the waterfront promenade and some nice sightseeing spots. With its low population density, lovely landscapes, easygoing lifestyle, cosmopolitan ambience, pristine beaches and fabulous restaurants and cafs, Lamma Island certainly deserves to be called "Hong Kong's leisure playground". It is Hong Kong's third largest island (after Lantau and Hong Kong Island), and although it occupies an area of only 13.5 km (less than one sixth of its predecessor), it has a population of well less than 10,000, which means it is really "spacious" compared to many other areas across the territory (quite surprising, when considering its relative proximity to the large metropolitan centre). Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island's 'undeclared capital' (and our first destination for today), is a charming fisherman's village that looks more like it belongs to a quaint island in Greece or Italy, than to bustling Hong Kong The city's expatriate community discovered the tiny town twenty years ago, and contributed a lot to its cosmopolitan ambience, and although there are no impressive temples here, or significant attractions, it is a very pleasant place, where you can rent a bike, or enjoy a nature walk, or simply laze at one of the cafs Recommended restaurants and cafs in Yung Shue Wan include Blue Bird Japanese Restaurant, Tai Hing Seafood Restaurant, Green Cottage, BB Seaview Restaurant, Bookworm Caf, Shelly Cake Express and Tropicana Getting to Yung Shue Wan : Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Ltd (HKKF) operates the ferry lines from Central (a short walk from both Star Ferry and MTR-Central) to Yung Shue Wan. There are more than 30 ferries a day, each direction, from 6:30 am till 00:30 after midnight. For more information, including the up-to-date timetable, visit their website, or call them on 2815 6063 From here, we will walk the trail to Sok Kwu Wan, on the other side of the island: Walking the trail, from one end to the other, takes approximately one and a half hours (normal pace) and attractions along the way include Shen Feng Cave, the Tree Frogs Reserve and the 200 year-old Tin Hau Temple, in Sok Kwu Wan, among others... Just past Hung Shing Yeh Beach you will see Herb Land, Hong Kong's first organic herb farm. There is a small tea house here, where you can enjoy some nice organic teas and herbal beverages. Before reaching Sok Kwu Wan, you can turn right and take a few minutes' walk to Lo So Shing Beach, a beautiful (and fairly secluded) sandy beach, surrounded by green hills and picturesque shoreline, and neighboring a small, traditional village with the same name... Just before Sok Kwu Wan, you can see the Kamikaze Caves: Some manmade grottos that are believed to have been made by the Japanese forces during World War II, as a hideaway for some explosives and other equipment they planned to use for suicide bombings against British targets across the region... The village of Sok Kwu Wan is known mostly for its seafood restaurants, which attract a big crowd (including many tourists who come to Lamma only for a seafood dinner), although I personally think the cafs in Yung Shue Wan are more characterful (and possibly better, in terms of the food). Fisherfok's Village floating museum, one of the village's most prominent attractions, features a unique experience and is well worth visiting. As you've probably guessed by now, it is actually built on floating rafts and boasts all sorts of interesting exhibits, including Chinese junks, sampans, dragon-boats and fishing-rafts... What's more, some of those "hands-on displays" allow visitors to participate in all sorts of daily fishermen activities. Mo Tat Wan is a tiny village, nestled along a picturesque bay, about half an hour walk from Sok Kwu Wan. There is a lovely seafront restaurant here, called The Bay and plenty of peace and serenity (and also some nice walking trails). From here, we shall take the ferry to Aberdeen, on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island: Chuen Kee Ferry Ltd operates the line from Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan, via Mo Tat Wan. Ferries run daily, from 6:40 am to 10:50 pm For more information (including timetable), visit their website or call them on 2982-8225 / 2375-7883

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When reaching Aberdeen, cross the main road over the pedestrian bridge, near the ferry pier, then turn right and walk along the road till you get to No. 30 Aberdeen Main Road (across the street from the entrance to Aberdeen Promenade), and take Citybus route nos. 73, or 973 to Stanley, a picturesque seaside town which is best known for its market, although it has a lot more to offer Tip: You can also take a taxi from Aberdeen to Stanley It is not such a long rife and the taxi shouldn't cost too much. Drop off at "Stanley Village bus stop", right in the middle of town and walk a few steps down Stanley New Street, till you get to the market. Stanley Market boasts a relatively good choice of pocket-friendly clothes, shoes, silk garments and traditional Chinese dress, as well as toys, ornaments, luggage, souvenirs and arts-and-crafts, and although it is quite touristy, it still is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. From the market, take a two minutes' stroll to Stanley's lovely seafront promenade, where quite a few alfresco cafs and restaurants can be found. The old Tin Hau Temple (built in 1767) and the beautifully restored Murray House, where the Hong Kong Maritime Museum is located, are both at the end of the promenade. Recommended restaurants and cafs along Stanley's seaside esplanade include King Ludwig Beerhall (A Bavarian-style wood-clad restaurant, serving rich German food), Saigon (Vietnamese) and Wildfire, which is famous for its thin-crust pizzas and meat specialties (all three are located at Murray House), as well as Lucy's (a Stanley culinary 'landmark', serving light Mediterranean and French fare), Boathouse (Nice oceanfront bistro-caf) and Jenny Bakery, right next to the market, where you can enjoy some pretty good cakes. Back to the city: Bus Nos. 6, 6A, 6X and 260 travel from here to Central, via Wan Chai and Admiralty: No. 260 has stops in Wan Chai (Gloucester Road) and Admiralty (next to MTR-Admiralty), while the other three have stops along Queen's Road East (also in Wan Chai) and outside Pacific Place (a stone's throw from MTR-Admiralty)

Bus route No. 6 is significantly slower than the others

Bus No. 973 travels from Stanley to Tsim sha Tsui but the journey takes so long, it is better to take another bus to MTR-Admiralty and continue from there with the subway.

Wait: If you are short in time, or just don't feel like touring Hong Kong by yourself, you can still explore Aberdeen and Stanley with the Hong Kong Island Tour (a great choice for first timers), or enjoy a memorable evening with the Aberdeen Harbour and Night Cruise (click the links for full details)

Special supplement: A day of glitzy shopping malls and international brand names Summary: Dedicated to the shopaholics among you, today's trip will take us to Hong Kong's glitziest and most sought after shopping malls, where you can find the hottest brand names, as well as the latest electronic gadgets, and some unique souvenirs and pieces of art. There are two options: You can spend the whole day at the leading malls on Hong Kong Island, or you can combine Hong Kong Island with Tsim-sha-Tsui... But we will get to it Our day will start at The Landmark, one of Hong Kong's swankiest shopping malls. Located within a business development that carries the same name, on the corner of Pedder Street and Des Voeux, this mall is very popular among well-heeled shoppers and its atrium is home to the flagship boutiques of many famous international fashion names, having one of the highest concentrations of world-leading fashion, jewelry and lifestyle names. Caf Landmark, on the 1st floor, specializes in contemporary-international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks, light meals and drinks... Open daily from 10 am to 7:30 pm.

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Getting there: From MTR-Central: take exit G (the entrance to the mall is right next to it). Those of you who come with the tramway should drop off at the stop near the corner Des Voeux Road Central and Pedder St. IFC Mall, right at the base of Hong Kong's second tallest skyscraper, is one of Central's most reputable shopping centres, although it is not as big as some of its counterparts Housing more than 200 high-end shops that specialize, mainly, in international premium brands, alongside a unique new cinema, and some excellent restaurants and cafs that enjoy great harbor views. For a lovely seafront breakfast, or cup of coffee, try Caf Costa, on the mall's 3rd floor (part of Lane Crawford). They specialize in Mediterranean cuisine, with special focus on salads, pastas and seafood (although they also serve a very good all-day-breakfast) and boast a balcony seating area with gorgeous harbor views... IFC Mall is right above Hong Kong Station (Airport Express Terminus) and within a short walking distance from both MTR-Central and the Star Ferry Pier. From The Landmark: Turn left to Des Voeux and right, to Pedder (which changes name to Man Yiu Street). After a few minutes' walk you will see the entrance to the mall on your right. Onwards Turn right to Man Yiu Street as soon as you leave IFC Mall turn and walk back to the corner of Pedder and Des Voeux Rd. Central, from where we shall take the eastbound tramway and drop off at the 4th stop Admiralty, where our next destination is. Boasting the whole array of top designer brands, like Dior, Vivienne Tam, Momento, Celine, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Zara, Pacific Place, one of Hong Kong's swankiest malls, is favorite among locals and visitors alike The watch & jewelry corridor, on the 3rd floor, is particularly recommended, even if you don't plan to spend the kind of money that it takes to buy something there Other than the likes of Piaget and Cartier, it houses a shop of Richard Mille, where every watch is worth a fortune... Pacific Place is also home to some really nice restaurants and cafs, like Marriott Caf, on Level 5 of the JW Marriott Hong Kong Hotel, which serves one of the best buffet-spreads in Hong Kong, as well as a fantastic all-day big breakfast, or Dan Ryan's, where you can enjoy generous portions of juicy, delicious, cholesterol rich American food, Cova Ristorante & Caffe (Italian), Thai Basil (one of the city's nicest Thai restaurants) and Grappa's Ristorante (traditional, home-style Italian cuisine).

Daily, 10am 8pm

Now, as we already mentioned, you have two options: To continue shopping in neighboring Causeway Bay, or to cross to the other side of Victoria Harbour and explore Tsim sha Tsui's shopping opportunities: Let's start with option A: From MTR Admiralty travel two stations, to MTR-Causeway Bay. Exit A will take you directly to Times Square. Causeway Bay is Hong Kong's hippest shopping district and a popular destination for the city's yuppies, who consider it as Hong Kong's "fashion barometer": The place where you go when you want to know what's new and "in"... Times Square, one of Hong Kong's 10 most popular tourist destinations, is a colossal shopping mall that offers its visitors more than 300 shops, spread across its 16 floors Most of the well-known international brand names can be found here, alongside a decent choice of good restaurants and cafs, and there are free live entertainment and art exhibitions, every now and then

Daily, 10am 10pm

As you walk out of Times Square, turn right to Russell Street and immediately right again, to Matheson Street, than left to Sharp Street East and through the junction to small Hysan Avenue, where you will see Lee Gardens (on your left) - An elegant and glitzy shopping mall that specializes in international brand names and is frequented by local celebrities A pedestrian bridge will take you to Caroline Centre / Lee Gardens II, which is like the second wing of Lee Gardens. Turn right to Yun Ping Road as soon as you leave Caroline Centre and walk to its end, where you turn right, and immediately right again, to visit Jardine's Crescent, one of Hong Kong's most popular bazaars, where inexpensive clothing and fashion accessories are sold at a bargain (can be directly accessed from MTR-Causeway Bay, exit F). In parallel Jardine's Bazaar there are traditional Chinese shops that sell dried seafoods and their likes. On the other side of Hennessy Road, SOGO, Hong Kong's largest Japanese-style department store, is a huge "one stop shop" that boasts 400,000 sq. ft of floor space, packed with quality goods of every kind and sort

Daily, 10am 10pm Island Beverly, right next to SOGO, houses shops that cater mostly for the young and young in heart, with a decent choice of local and regional brand names (mostly from Japan and Korea). Prices here are quite good and if you are ready to try something slightly different, you should come and take a look From Island Beverly / SOGO, continue walking along Great George Street, where you can see quite a few shops that specialize in international brand names, turn left to Paterson Street and right to Kingston, and left again, through "Fashion Walk", to Houston Street Mall, that will lead you to Gloucester Road and the waterfront The short stroll will take you through dozens of high-end shops and hip boutiques, just in case the shopping malls were not enough for you. On 280 Gloucester Road, right next to the Excelsior Hotel, there is one more shopping mall that is worth knowing about: World Trade Centre. And here is a small tip: There are thousands of shops around Causeway Bay (mainly fashion) and hunting for the right thing at the right price might be a tedious task... Patience is the name of the game... Don't run, take your time and enjoy this amazing shopping carnival. The variety here is huge so there is really no point to compromise on something you don't really like.

Did you know? The Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass gives you free entry to top attractions of your choice in both Hong Kong and Macau (from the list they provide) + handsome discount on a few other attractions and activities. All in all, you can save something like 40% - 50% (compared to booking each activity separately). What's more, it is valid for three months from the date of purchase, so you can take your time and enjoy these activities at your own pace. Click here for the details.

Option B: From MTR Admiralty travel to MTR Tsim-sha-Tsui, walk out of Exit A-1, turn right to Nathan Road and immediately right again (like a 'U' turn) to Haiphong Road. When you reach the end of Haiphong, cross Canton Rd. and enter Harbour City, one of Hong Kong's largest and most popular shopping malls, which makes home to 700 retail outlets that sell everything, from branded boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada and Hugo Boss, to prestigious department stores, such as Lane Crawford, and more than a few good cafs and restaurants, as well as a modern cinema complex. As you leave Harbour City, turn right to Canton Road and start walking down towards the seafront. 1881 Heritage, our next destination, is just a couple of minutes' walk away, on the left side This ultra-elegant shopping mall occupies the beautifully restored Victorian buildings of the former Marine Police Headquarters, which was built in 1881, as the mall's name suggests, and houses mostly posh shops, like Rolex, Piaget and Gucci 1881 Heritage is quite popular among architectural photographers and is well worth visiting, even if you do not have plans to buy anything...

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A few more steps down the street will bring us to the corner of Canton and Salisbury. Chinese Arts & Crafts, on your right hand side, is one of the if not the best Chinese art and antiques gallery in Hong Kong, with customers like Hillary Clinton and Margaret Thatcher, and although its prices are quite high, this fabulous shop is well worth a visit. G/F Star House (opposite the Star Ferry Terminal) If you still have some power left, turn left and walk eastwards along Salisbury Road, than turn left to Nathan Road and after passing the mosque you will see a line of ritzy boutiques, called Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard At this point, you should cross Nathan Road to the other side and enter Granville Road, which boasts quite a few outlet shops where you can find brand name surplus clothing at pocket-friendly prices. When on Granville, you should also make a point to visit Rise Arcade, in Rise Commercial Building, on Granville Circuit (a branch of Granville Road), where you can find an amazing variety of young-style fashion and accessories at a good price. For good prices on perfumes and colognes, try SaSa, Bonjour, and Lung Shing Dispensary. You can wind up the day in Knutsford Terrace A narrow pedestrian lane, housing a plethora of restaurants, cafs and bars From Granville, enter Carnarvon Road and walk along it to the corner, where you cross Kimberley and climb through the flight of stairs to Knutsford Terrace.

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