Hong Kong - Shenzhen
Hong
Kong – Hong Kong was a Crown colony of the United
Kingdom from 1842 until the transfer of sovereignty to the People's
Republic of China in 1997. The Sino-British Joint Declaration
and the Basic Law of Hong Kong stipulate that Hong Kong will
operate with a high degree of autonomy until at least 2047,
fifty years after the transfer. Under the policy of "one
country, two systems", the Central People's Government
is responsible for the territory's defence and foreign affairs,
while Hong Kong maintains its own legal system, police force,
monetary system, customs policy, immigration policy, and delegates
to international organizations and events. Hong Kong is a land
of contrasts, wooden boats bobbing up and down in the harbor
beside huge ocean liners, crumbling tenements next to ultramodern
high-rises, squalid alleys behind luxury hotels, old Chinese
people pushing wheelbarrows as Rolls-Royces glide by, market
vendors selling chicken feet and dried squid while talking on
cellular phones. One of the most striking characteristics of
Hong Kong is this interweaving of seeming contradictions and
the interplay of the exotic and the technically advanced. There
are as many skyscrapers here as you're likely to see anywhere,
but they're built with bamboo scaffolding. Historic trams rumble
through Central, while below ground is one of the most efficient
subways in the world. The city has what are arguably some of
the best and most sophisticated restaurants in the world, but
it also has dai pai dong, street-side food stalls. Hong Kong
is home to one of the world's largest shopping malls, but there
are also lively street markets virtually everywhere.
Local Places of Interest, Activities and Tours of the Surrounding
Areas
The
Peak – For the best overview of the Island take
a tour up the Peak. Looking down from The Peak you'll be amazed
by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the
world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers
and peaceful green hillsides. Take the Peak Tram pulled by steel
cables, the tram climbs 373 metres (about 1,200 feet). It's
so steep that the buildings you pass
look like they're leaning at a 45°angle! This fabulous vista
has been
further enhanced by the 2006 revitalisation of one of Hong Kong’s
most
striking landmarks, the Peak Tower. Even more than before, it’s
a
destination in its own right.
Stanley
Market & Murray House - A popular market town on
the sunny south side of Hong Kong Island, Stanley's relaxed
ambience, crisp sea environs and bargain buys have made it
world famous. Seven days a week the open market around Stanley
New Street and Stanley Market Road throbs with the passing parade
of life as bargain-hunters from all over the world
join in the fun of haggling with shopkeepers and stallholders
after swooping on brand-name clothing and accessories, or
simply irresistible souvenirs, ornaments and other Oriental
knickknacks.
The market is open from 9am to 6pm.
Hollywood
Road and Upper Lascar Row - Also known as "Cat
Street" are must-see stops on every visitors itinerary.
Crammed with antique shops and an open-air curio market, these
quaint
locales are ideal places for picking up gifts. Everything from
Ming dynasty furniture and lotus lamps to Mao badges and ancient
snuff bottles is on sale here. Bargain hunters will also enjoy
the stalls on Ladder Street, just a few metres downhill where
bargaining over
price is all part of the game. Nearby Man Mo Temple is a picturesque
tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo).
The temple is located about halfway along the road and a stop
in its quiet, incense-shrouded interior makes a pleasant break.
You can see giant incense coils hanging overhead.
Symphony
of Lights - This spectacular multimedia show takes
place nightly at 8:00pm. Already named the “World’s
Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World
Records, has been expanded to involve 33 key buildings on both
sides of Victoria Harbour. The show creates an all round vision
of coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights performing
a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronised
to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and
diversity of Hong Kong. For the best view of A Symphony of Lights,
take a harbour cruise or head to the waterfront promenades on
either side of Victoria Harbour.
Aberdeen
– On the south side of Hong Kong Island is for the boat
people living in the harbour and the floating seafood restaurants
such as the Jumbo Floating Restaurant where you can enjoy a
dim sum lunch. The boat people are generally associated with
the fishing industry, and there are also several dozen expatriates
living on boats in the harbour.
Shenzhen - Visit Splendid China, an attraction
at the Overseas Chinese Town, Shenzhen that has scaled down
replicas of China's historical buildings, wonderful scenes and
folk customs. Here you can see replicas of many of the most
famous Chinese buildings and landmarks and a great deal of attention
has been paid to detail so as to ensure the miniatures truly
represent their originals. Situated beside Splendid China, is
the China Folk Culture Villages, a theme park of China's 55
ethnic
groups with their distinctive architecture, customs and exotic
flavor. Twenty-four life-size ethnic villages present various
ethnic flavors from Beijing's courtyards and wooden archway
to spectacular buildings of the Miao, Dong, Yao, Jingpo ethnic
groups. Spectacular rocks and gushing waterfalls enhance the
scenery and festivals and shows take place during the day.
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