Hong Kong
by David Sutcliffe
Better than Manhattan.........
I thought the skyline of New York was the ultimate, but when you've taken the Star Ferry across Hong Kong Harbour you are left in no doubt that this is something spectacular. The buildings are taller, more beautiful and, at night, more entertaining. Every evening you are treated to a lightshow which throws questions at you like "how do they do that?", "what kind of genius does it take to choreograph such a display?" and "blimey, how much is their electricity bill?".
As well as taking the previously mentioned ferry (which, by the way, costs less than 50p!), the other ‘must do' is a trip up Victoria Peak. Equally breath-taking day or night it is a mountain situated in the heart of Hong Kong Island accessed via a funicular tram system which affords views right across Hong Kong, Kowloon and the harbour.
In my opinion Kowloon is the side to stay on, this is where you find the hustle and bustle you are probably expecting. Restaurants, shopping, and some superb hotels - plus you get to view the financial district of Hong Kong which has some of the more dramatic buildings.
The addition of a Disney Resort has given the area more of a family appeal and other attractions include visiting the ex-Portuguese enclave of Macau by high-speed jetfoil, the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the Wong Tai Sin Temple.
Not just a gateway to the rest of China and the Far East, Hong Kong is a fascinating mix of British colonial history and Chinese culture and tradition. Highly recommended.