Hong Kong Hotels

The recent opening of Disneyland, the second in Asia, added another feather to its cap, there seems to be no end as to why Hong Kong is one of the most visited destinations in Asia.

The highly commercialized city creates high densities of traffic, people and buildings, though any urban dweller would see this as a boon rather than a bane. The infectious vigor is like nowhere else in the world, cluttered streets, shopping malls towering over markets, the picturesque harbor and the prompt subway system — here lies Hong Kong's unique character!

Attractions

Victoria Peak is the most popular stop on the tourist front - Take the scenic path whilst riding the 100-year old tram from Central. At daytime, you will be afforded a bird's eye view of the city with buildings jutting out in different heights and jumbo jets cruising along the skyline that originate from the famed Hong Kong International airport. If you're more of a nightowl, then a playful laser light show in Saturdays is fun to watch reflecting against the city lights below.

Kowloon peninsula offers street markets, the grand old lady of Hong Kong hotels, and the most recognisable harbour view captured in magazines and travel books. At the tip of Kowloon lies the Promenade, looking out to the skyscrapers of the business district right across the waters. From this vantage point, you can see ferries shuttling people back and forth between the two islands. Mind your step though as you might be resting on some famous handprints of Chinese superstars imprinted on the Stars Avenue pavement.

Nearby you can find the legendary Peninsula Hotel, famous for its old-world style architecture and the Rolls Royce limousines parked in the driveway leading to the grand entrance.

Shopping in Hong Kong China is in another level of existence. The propensity to shop is well alive be it for funky, cheap finds or swishy designer brands. Big spenders go to Shanghai Tang in Pedder Street, Landmark and Prince's Building in Central. In Tsim Sha Tsui, Harbour City beckons with 700 shops and in Causeway Bay, Times Square offers 16 levels of clothing stores and restaurants. Nathan Road is lined with a variety of bargain items, souvenirs and luxury goods. For arts, crafts and fabrics, the Western market in Sheung Wan is the place to go to. Be sure to have a map with you so you can check out all the buying hotspots Hong Kong has to offer!

Away from the city's bustle, there are attractions that offer a tad bit of calm. The Wishing Trees of Lam Tsuen village holds bunches of oranges hurled by devotees who seek fruition for their wishes. Lantau Island's Po Lin monastery has the gigantic statue of Buddha and fantastic view of mountains and seas for the taking. And this island has rolled out the red carpet for the fun, loveable characters from Disney with the opening of Disneyland!

Events

The Bun festival on April and May is Hong Kong's feast for the eyes. Buns are stacked in a giant tower and children decked in traditional finery are paraded around the streets in platforms carried by the people. Mid-Autumn festival brings out mooncakes and lanterns to commemorate the revolt against the Mongols during which secret messages were placed inside the small cakes.

On the sporting side, look forward to a flurry of fans during the Hong Kong Sevens which sees rugby fans flock to hotels and watering holes! Dragon boat races celebrating the chivalry of the hero Ch'u Yuen who drowned himself in the river as an act of protest against the government, are held in June with major events in Stanley, Tai Po and Sha Tin and the official races in the harbour itself. Horse-racing season runs from September to May putting the racetracks of Happy Valley (and the areas nearby) in a frenzied atmosphere.

Climate

• Spring (March - May) 22oC; sunny and dry

• Summer (June - Mid September) 28oC; hot, humid, and rainfall is at its highest

• Autumn (Mid September - Mid December) 22oC; best time to visit when it is generally warm and dry

• Winter (Mid December — Mid February) 14oC; less humid with little rainfall, the weather is quite cool