Known as Hong Kong's most conspicuous landmark, The Peak is also the residential yearning of most of the population. Located on Hong Kong Island, The Peak was never as popular as it is today. During the first six years of Hong Kong's history, hardly anybody traveled up there. Only in 1888, when the Peak Tramway was opened, was the area atop the hill acknowledged as The Peak.
The Peak Tram, which runs from 5:40 a.m. to 1 a.m., takes people up and down the hillside, and has been maintaining a safe reputation since its first operation. Only two cars are available to carry 72 passengers and one driver. These cars are pulled by 1,500m steel cables wound on drums.
The Peak is a great place for walks, with its forests of bamboo and fern, lilliputian Chinese pines, hibiscus, and vines of phenomenal beauty. Visitors should start from Lugard Road, which begins just opposite the Peak Tram's upper terminus at 395m above sea level. Atop the hill, visitors will be greeted with some of the world's finest views that stretch all the way to China and Macau. The hike from Lugard Road to Harlech Road, which presents views of the harbor, takes about two hours to complete. Hikes from Green Island and Peng Chau to the north, and Lantau and Macau to the west will also take about the same time.
Established in 1864, the gardens are furnished with formal Victorian features such as wrought-iron bandstands, and have had enviable success in breeding birds which have been on the verge of extinction and supplying zoos around the world with new stock.
The "Zoological" part of the property was not properly added until 1975 and now contains an outstanding aviary section that includes scarlet ibises, flamingos, Mandarin ducks and such exotic species as birds of paradise, peacocks and argus pheasants. Although limited in scope, the mammals section is very well-designed and maintained.
Spread over 10ha, the park opened in 1991 on the site of the old Victoria Barracks, and in its layout deliberately avoided a strictly naturalistic appearance in favour of a partially artificial approach to landscaping (much of the area's original vegetation had long-since vanished in any case). Skilful design work has artfully folded the park into the contours of the surrounding hillside, dramatically juxtaposing the ranks of skyscrapers on one side with almost open hilly slopes on the other.
Among the park's many features are lakes, artificial waterfalls, numerous plants (look out for the giant bamboo in particular), a visual arts centre, children's playground, restaurant, viewing tower, tai chi garden and the outstanding Museum of Tea Ware in Flagstaff House at the park's northern tip. Museum aside, the park's highlights are its many peaceful corners, a large aviary and a modern conservatory, the last - the largest in Southeast Asia - home to 200 plant species divided into tropical and semi-arid varieties. The still more impressive aviary repli- cates a tropical rainforest habitat, tree-high walkways bringing you into close contact with some 150 species of (and 500 individual) exotic and brightly coloured birds as you drop down through the complex.
A visit here is a must if you want to savour the flavour of a Taoist temple (albeit one with Buddhist overtones), the atmosphere mystical but oddly casual, the dusky air pungent with the scent of incense burning from huge coils hung from the roof. A bell and drum by the entrance sound when a prayer or offering is made - usually fruit or sticks of incense. The large bell, cast in Guangzhou (Canton), dates from 1846, its smaller neighbour, on the left, from 1897. Also look out for the two antique sedans under glass by the altar, originally used to carry the statues of Man and Mo during ceremonial processions.
Nestled in a quiet enclave between Repulse Bay and Shouson Hill, Deep Water Bay boasts scenic views towards the approaches to the Lamma Channel. The picturesque nine-hole golf course with its colonial-style clubhouse adds to the area's charm.
If you're looking for a place where you can have a fabulous time with your friends and your family - this is it. From thrilling rides and fantastic marine attractions to spectacular dolphin shows and much more... Ocean Park has it all. But don't just take our words for it. Browse around and explore the infinite options for having infinite fun and you'll discover that there is really no other place like this.
In the far east of the island, Shek O is Hong Kong's most remote settlement and incredibly it really does give the feeling of being "undiscovered", if such a thing is possible in Hong Kong. There's a strong surf beating on the wide, white beach which has a shady area of vine trellises at one end for barbecues and, during the week, is more or less deserted. Come for sunbathing and lunch at one of the cheap local restaurants.
Hong Kong's street markets are always full of excitement and colour.
The market stalls are where Hong Kong's dedicated shoppers hone their bargaining skills. A little Cantonese helps but sign language is universal.
Pick up a bargain or just wander among the fascinating range of wares.
Stanley Market is the perfect place to pick up something special for friends or relatives. The historic fishing lanes are jam-packed with vendors selling Chinese artwork, silk collectibles and curios.
