Hong Kong (New Territories)

Although a third of Hong Kong's population lives in new towns constructed in the New Territories, this area has some scenic escapes, including the Sai Kung Peninsular in the east, which is an unspoilt playground for hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. Bird-watchers can head to the Mai Po Marsh to see a vast array of birds; cyclists and walkers head to Plover Cove Reservoir. Hiking enthusiasts can set out on the 100km-long MacLehose Trail which spans the New Territories from Tuen Mun in the west to Pak Tam Chung in the east.

Shui Tau, a walled village on the outskirts of Kam Tin, is one of several small communities in the area famous for its carved roofs and traditional style Chinese houses.

Hong Kong is perched on the south-cast coast of China just south of the tropic of Cancer, on much the same latitude as Hawaii or Calcutta. The climate is subtropical, but tends toward temperate for nearly half the year. This is because the huge land mass of Asia generates powerful blasts of frigid wind that blow from the north during winter. In summer, the seasonal wind reverses and blows from the south bringing hot, humid tropical air.

Late October to December usually sees sunny, dry weather with cool breezes, though for most of November it's still warm enough to go swimming. January and February are more cloudy and see occasional cold fronts. Temperatures can drop as low as 10'C in the New Territories, but snow and frost are quite rare. Not much rain falls, but when it does, it's usually a chilly, depressing drizzle that lasts for days. The mountains are often shrouded in mist, which can spoil visits to Victoria Peak and other scenic outlooks. Winter weather usually continues into March and often ends abruptly when the cold wind stops blowing. Even during winter, there are windless days when the weather becomes balmy.

March to April/May are usually pleasant months, as the scorching summer heat often doesn't arrive until June. But there's a higher chance of rain and humidity than in autumn.