Victoria PeakMuch of the pleasure derived from a trip to Victoria
Peak lies in the journey to its summit. The funicular railway or
peak tram has steadily made its way up the mountain since 1888.
Energetic travellers can scale the real peak that extends 140m
(459ft) above the tram terminus. From the top, marvellous vistas
open out onto central Hong Kong and across to Kowloon. Victoria
Peak used to serve as a hill station in colonial times and later
became the location of exclusive summer homes. Today it is a
popular tourist spot offering a cooler perspective from which to
contemplate the pleasures of travel to the region. The Peak Tower
on the summit houses numerous attractions, like a Ripley's Believe
it or not 'Odditorium', shops and restaurants.Hong Kong DisneylandDisneyland in Hong Kong, while being the smallest of
this famous franchise, has hundreds of attractions (and freshly
baked cookies) to lure kids. As with the others, this Disneyland
has the usual castles, characters and sets from the Disney stories
to entertain children, but it also has features that highlight the
local Chinese culture... anyone seen Mulan around? Children
visiting Disneyland must try one of Tomorrowland's restaurants, an
energetic hub of robots and rocket ships.Western MarketThis indoor market is held in a four-storey red brick
colonial building that was constructed in 1906. After extensive
renovation it re-opened in 1991 and now occupies an entire block at
the western end of Central Hong Kong. The building houses a variety
of shops and stalls that sell a range of products from curios to
assorted silks and fabrics. From here one can hop onto Hong Kong's
ancient double-decker tram headed for Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and
Happy Valley.Police MuseumThe Police Museum showcases a display tracing the
development and history of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force from
1844 to today. The main exhibit encompasses a significant number of
artefacts relating to the Hong Kong Police Force from uniforms and
firearms, to historical archives and photographs. Other exhibits
look at the major factions which have influenced the status quo
namely the triad societies and narcotics (Hong Kong was founded on
the narcotics trade). The Police Museum is an interesting visit,
which provides insight into the dedication of the officers who
served within this elite force.Statue SquareThis square is an amalgamation of Hong Kong's
contemporary architecture that reaches its most spectacular
manifestation in the designs of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation and the Bank of China Tower. The most significant
feature of the HSBC building is that it has been designed without a
central core, a feat of structural engineering blended with the
ultimate in aesthetic principles. The Bank of China Tower became a
much-debated conversation piece following its construction, largely
because of the asymmetrically-designed pinnacle that acquires
differing perspectives depending on one's vantage
point.Hong Kong Museum of HistoryThe Hong Kong Museum of History showcases Hong Kong's
archaeological, cultural and natural history through a display of
cultural objects, artefacts, photographs, traditional costumes and
models that span 6,000 years. Glorious period sets tell the story
of Chinese life in replicas of village houses, streets and stores.
These memorials to the past are contained within an incredible
building opened in the year 2000.Wong Tai Sin TempleThis grand Taoist temple is one of the most frequently
visited temples in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a
legendary hermit who reputedly had healing powers and could
foretell the future. A number of fortunetellers ply their trade in
the temple complex and there is also a large pharmacy. The ornate
temple with its red pillars, gold ceilings and decorative
latticework is usually full of people burning incense and making
floral offerings. The temple also has a lovely adjacent park called
the 'Good Wish Gardens', a peaceful green spot with waterfalls
tumbling over rocks.Ocean Park and Middle KingdomThe Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom is a theme park
spread over two parts, connected to each other by a cable car. A
spectacular aquarium, reputed to be the largest in world, is
complemented by a funfair containing a roller coaster, space wheel,
octopus and swinging ship amongst its rides. Entrance fee also
includes a visit to the ancient Chinese Middle
Kingdom.AberdeenSome 200 years ago, Hong Kong's Aberdeen district was
a haven for pirates. Located on the southern shore of Hong Kong
Island, it is home to the Tanka boat people and has become a
popular tourist destination where visitors can experience on hand
the traditional lifestyle of boat dwellers and sample fresh
seafood. Aberdeen is a lively marina crammed with junks, sampans,
water taxis (kai do), cruisers and yachts. The fishing harbour is a
wonderful way to experience the activity of life on water. Tours
along Aberdeen's watery stretches can be enjoyed onboard one of the
many sampans offering half-hour trips around the harbour and the
sensory delights of Hong Kong cuisine can be experienced within the
unique environment of the famous Jumbo Floating
Restaurant.LantauLantau is the largest of the 235 outlying islands in
Hong Kong, being almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It is
better known for its walking trails and beaches and provides a
pleasant respite from crowds and shopping. The main arrival point
to the island by ferry is at Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay). The finest
beaches are located along the west coast, most notably Cheung Sha.
Besides beaches, Western Lantau is the location of the Po Lin
Monastery, the largest temple in Hong Kong. Beyond the doorstep of
this vast temple is the world's largest outdoor Buddha. Aptly named
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), the bronze statue sits
contemplatively from the reaches of Ngong Ping Plateau. From the
monastery buses will transport one to the quaint fishing village of
Tai O. Here little wooden houses perch on stilts and much of life
flows from the fishing industry that sustains it. Lantau's north
shore is predominantly a farming region. The main attraction here
however is the historical Tung Chung Fort, which was built in the
early 19th century as part of a short-lived attempt to suppress the
opium trade and defend the coastal area from pirates. Six old Qing
Dynasty cannons dating back to 1832 stand on the ramparts.
Development has changed the landscape of the Northeastern stretches
of Lantau, known as Discovery Bay. Here upmarket housing complexes,
shopping malls, yacht clubs and golf courses promise to provide the
ultimate designer lifestyle at a price.MacauThe cultural influence of Portuguese life threaded
through a Chinese framework has produced a unique landscape in
Macau, fused with contrast and complexity. Here Baroque churches
and colonial mansions appear from the cobbled pavements
interspersed with plazas and cafes. Visitors are enticed here by
the lure of gambling and the glitz of its promise. Macau's
attractions are exemplified in its architectural heritage. St
Paul's Cathedral is one such legacy that dates back to the early
17th century. It is an Italian-designed building perched on a
hilltop that is most spectacular when illuminated against a night
sky. The vantage point from the Fortaleza de Monte is a good place
to reflect on the defensive role it played against Dutch assault in
1622 alongside an exploration of the museum and meteorological
observatory. The classic Chinese temple of A-Ma rests at the base
of Penha Hill. Its name derives from Tin Hau, Queen of Heaven, or
the Honoured Mother. Myth has it that a poor girl saved the fishing
vessel, on which she was travelling, from the ravages of a storm.
In tribute to her this temple was built and is a place of
pilgrimage for Macau's fishing community. Another temple dedicated
to the power of female intervention is the Kun Iam Temple, built in
honour of the Goddess of Mercy, located in the northern reaches of
the peninsula. It was here in 1844 that the first trade and
friendship treaty between USA and China was signed. Macau is 37
miles (60km) west of Hong Kong; ferries take around an hour to get
there and leave every fifteen minutes.Big BuddhaThe Big Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha, is one of the
tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statues in the world, seated
near Po Lin Monastery. It is a popular tourist destination and a
major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong. The 112-foot (34m) high
statue sits on a lotus throne on top of a three-platform altar and
is surrounded by eight smaller statues of gods. Inside the three
floors beneath the Buddha visitors can access the Hall of the
Universe, the Hall of Benevolent Merit and the Hall of Remembrance.
Visitors can climb the 268 steps to reach the platform where the
impressive figure is seated.Ngong Ping 360The Ngong Ping Cable Car is a spectacular four-mile
(6km) ropeway that affords panoramic views over the bay and
surrounding area on its 25-minute journey to the Ngong Ping
Village. As visitors approach the cable car terminal on top of the
plateau views will include the huge Tian Tan Buddha Statue and the
Po Lin Monastery. The Ngong Ping Village is situated right next to
the cable car terminal, which features attractions such as 'Walking
with Buddha', the 'Monkey's Tale Theatre', and the 'Ngong Ping
Teahouse', as well as an assortment of shopping and dining options.
Walking with Buddha plunges visitors into a multimedia presentation
that follows the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the man who became
Buddha) and his path to enlightenment, while the Teahouse provides
demonstrations of traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. The 'Monkey's
Tale Theatre' presents a charming and comical show inspired by
famous Buddhist Jataka stories that will enchant both old and young
alike.Hong Kong Science MuseumFour floors of exhibits cover a range of hands-on
science and technology related subjects, including light, sound,
motion, magnetism, electricity, robotics, virtual reality and much
more. This museum is extremely popular because of its hands-on
approach, allowing children and adults alike to learn through
involvement. The most prominent exhibit is a 72-foot (22m) tall
twin tower Energy Machine which, when activated, triggers a series
of displays to produce spectacular audiovisual effects
demonstrating various forms of energy.Kowloon ParkA good outdoors attraction for children on holiday in
Hong Kong is Kowloon Park, which has aviaries, outdoor swimming
pools, canals and a waterfall for kids to enjoy. The lake is home
to a beautiful flock of flamingos, and the themed sections and
open-air sculpture area are also interesting to see. The Chinese
garden, playground and soccer pitch are yet more fun features of
the park.Dineyland Hong KongThe fifth Disneyland Resort in the world, but also the
smallest, Hong Kong Disneyland offers a magical adventure in four
themed lands similar to other parks, namely Main Street USA,
Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. Mickey Mouse welcomes
visitors of all ages to the happiest place on Earth, which also
includes attractions exclusively designed for Hong Kong. Particular
care has been taken to incorporate Chinese culture into the design,
such as a feng shui layout, and the omission of the number four in
the numbering of floors in each of the two hotels. In addition to
the numerous rides and various events and attractions, shops sell
Disney souvenirs and restaurants offer a variety of food throughout
the park.Ocean ParkOcean Park, aka 'Big Park', is a great attraction for
kids on holiday in Hong Kong. This is an exciting theme park
featuring aquariums, dinosaur exhibits and roller-coaster rides set
in beautifully landscaped gardens. The remote-control cars at Kids'
World are a hit, and the giant pandas are not to be missed; the
stingrays at Sea Jelly Spectacular are also fantastic to see. The
ancient Chinese Middle Kingdom is linked to Ocean Park by a cable
car, another must for children on holiday.The PeakKids on holiday in Hong Kong would love a ride on the
rack railway (tram) up to The Peak, where there are plenty of
attractions to amuse them. The wacky and sometimes gross Ripley's
Believe It or Not Museum is a must see, as is Madame Tussaud's wax
museum. Other features of The Peak for kids include a fantastic
playground, and a restaurant with a Forrest Gump theme - bring on
the shrimp!Hong Kong Wetland ParkChildren on holiday in Hong Kong who want to see
crocodiles, butterflies and mangroves should head to the Hong Kong
Wetland Park, a man-made oasis. Interactive and educational games
are another feature to enjoy at the park, as are the sound booths
where kids can compose wetland symphonies using the sounds of this
fascinating eco-system.Toy LibraryA favourite for kids on holiday in Hong Kong is the
Toy Library, on the second floor of Central Library. The library
has areas where children can play 'house' or 'doctors and nurses',
and there is also a games catalogue available. On the same floor,
the Junior Library has a large selection of books in English for
kids, as well as a pleasant reading area.
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