Hong Kong

By Michael Moore

In Hong Kong, East doesn't simply meet West. The exciting City of Life offers a kaleidoscope of colour and culture that makes every visit simply unforgettable. Combining 150 years of colonial influence and 5,000 years of Chinese tradition, Hong Kong has its own special brand of magic and mystique.

In 1841, when it was claimed as a Crown Colony by Britain, Hong Kong was a collection of small fishing villages. As the British presence grew to include Kowloon and the New Territories, it became a trading port and gateway to mainland China.

On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty and is now a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, with a high degree of autonomy. Since Hong Kong retained its own legal, social and economic systems, there was no perceptible change in lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.

For first time visitors, Hong Kong's forest of skyscrapers crowding the busy harbour is sure to leave a lasting impression. From the famous Victoria Peak one can grasp the diversity and scale of the city, giving a magnificent view of modern architectural wonders and beautiful, verdant mountains. Just walking around and stumbling upon seemingly undiscovered streets and corners will reveal adventures just waiting to begin. Visitors will be swept away in a wave of commotion, smells and clamour. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character, sights and sounds. Hong Kong may be small but it's a place that likes to live large.

Hong Kong - the Events Capital of Asia

Hong Kong has become the undisputed Events Capital of Asia. Visitors can see everything from a hit Broadway musical or a Shakesperean play to a concert by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. There are also many international sporting events, fantastic nightlife and numerous activities to keep the whole family entertained at all times.

From February 14 to March 9, the City of Life will become the Dynamic Cultural Center of the region with the Hong Kong Arts Festival that will put together over a hundred performances, programmes and exhibitions, focusing on the accumulation of the best of the arts, both internationally and from Hong Kong.

The Festival is one of Hong Kong's world class events and is acknowledged as the premiere event of this calibre in the region.

Among the highlights this year are performances by Maestro Kurt Masur who will conduct the Orchestre National de France on their exclusive tour to Hong Kong; the legendary dance master John Neumeier and the Hamburg Ballet. William Christie will lead his celebrated ensemble Les Arts Florissants. Jazz giant Herbie Hancock will also grace the Festival with a tribute to Davis and Coltrane and the world music sensation Cesaria Evoria, the "Barefoot Diva," will captivate audiences with her inimitable style. It will be a time of celebration and delight and also a time to explore and discover new cultural experiences!

During this period, there is also the most important event on the Chinese calendar that is not to be missed in Hong Kong - the Chinese New Year. The city glows with colourful lights. Festivities include an incredible fireworks display over Victoria Harbour, a waterfront parade and all-night markets. The Spring Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations as traditional lanterns are lit in temples and parks.

Hong Kong - For the Greatest Taste Sensations

The stunning variety of Chinese regional cuisine available in Hong Kong makes it a paradise for food lovers - no place on Earth offers the same quality or variety. Perched on the doorstep of mainland China, Hong Kong features food from every mainland province - all deliciously different. Regional styles include Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Shanghainese, Yunnan, Peking and Szechuan.

Late last year, local restaurants were given the opportunity to compete for top awards in a "cook-off' organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, known as the Best of the Best Culinary Awards, regarded as the highest honour in Hong Kong's culinary scene.

Food lovers can check out the restaurants and dishes that participated in this fantastic gastronomic contest that was divided into four categories: Pork, Fried Rice, Bean Curd and Lobster. The chefs performed an excellent job in creating the best gastronomic delicacies to please the palates of both visitors and local residents. The Best of the Best Culinary Awards Guide which showcases the finest examples of Hong Kong's classic and representative dishes, is available at the HKTB Visitor Information Centres.

For food lovers, the charm of Hong Kong lies in the fact that culinary treats can be enjoyed in every corner of the city! Residents love to boast that it is possible to dine on a different cuisine three times a day, seven days a week and never repeat the same choice!

At Hong Kong, Shop Till You Drop

From early in the morning until late at night, shoppers can be on their toes combing the city for the latest fashion accessories, the funkiest clothes, antiques and memorabilia, Asian crafts or the latest in electronics and hi-tech gadgets… Throughout the year, stores offer fabulous discounts and promotions, luring bargain hunters from all over the region. There are treasures out there just waiting to be discovered!

The City's duty-free status makes it a true shopper's paradise offering unrivalled shopping pleasure and excellent value.

Hong Kong, with its unique character and history, is a rich and fascinating destination. It is bursting with such unexpected sights and undiscovered treasures that each visit is guaranteed to be a genuine thrill for all the senses.

The slogan chosen by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, City of Life - Hong Kong Is It! is so appropriate because it highlights to its visitors Hong Kong's vibrancy, energy and fusion of cultures.

Famous Food Districts

Causeway Bay
In the heart of Causeway Bay lie many of the city's most authentic traditional dining experiences. Sample everything from steaming noodles to dumplings, sushi to shark's fin.

Kowloon City
Packed with friendly restaurants. Clustered around Nga Tsin Long Raod and Nam Kok Road, Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Vietnamese and Thai eateries sit alongside Asian-influenced French and Italian restaurants. Good food - and great value.

Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo
Long regarded as the trendiest night-time bar area in Hong Kong, Lan Kwai Fong is equally famous for its international restaurants. Nearby SoHo offers intimate and varied dining around Staunton, Elgin and Shelly streets.

Sai Kung, Lamma Island, and Lei Yue Mun
Famed for their seafood restaurants. In Lei Yue Mun, visit the local fish market, where you can buy your seafood and take it to a nearby restaurant to be cooked. Sai Kung and Lamma Island boast spectacular seaside scenery.

Stanley
This charming South Side town offers a captivating mix of laid-back eateries in a relaxed, seaside setting. Perfect for a seafront, alfresco romantic dinner.

Tsim Sha Tsui
Easily accessible and offering a smorgasbord of tastes, from international cuisine to traditional Chinese delights along Hillwood Road and Austin Road. Check out Knutsford Terrace, an international dining oasis in this bustling neon-lit shopping district.

 From Benjarong Magazine - Febuary 2003, Volume 6 Issue 2