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Hong Kong
In Kowloon, the Tsim Sha Tsui area offers vibrant shopping districts, colonial architecture, modern high-rises and lovely parks. It is home to Nathan Road, a must-see especially at night, when clubs, restaurants and hotels are illuminated with bright neon signs. Kowloon Park, which is on Nathan Road, is a lovely refuge in the middle of the bustling city. You'll encounter folks of all ages performing tai chi exercises near the outdoor sculpture garden and lake.
The Star Ferry can be found just a stone's throw from the Ocean Terminal, where cruise ships dock. Connecting Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, the ferry is used mainly by commuters and is an extremely affordable way to begin a tour of Hong Kong Island. The highlight of the island is Victoria Peak, the tallest mountain in the city and the most popular tourist attraction in all of Hong Kong. The Peak Tram funicular railway takes visitors to the summit for a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon.The wok-shaped Peak Tower complex atop the summit has restaurants, shops and even a Madame Tussauds museum. There's also a walking trail that encircles the summit, offering a pleasant stroll through lovely gardens, and a breathtaking 360-degree view.
In addition to its three districts, Hong Kong encompasses an array of outlying islands within an hour's ferry ride. Each offers a number of outdoor activities that are a marked contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.For example, Cheung Chau is a perfect getaway for biking enthusiasts, as there are no cars on the island. Lantau Island is home to the ultra-modern international airport, and one of the world's longest suspension bridges, the Tsing Ma. You'll also find superb beaches, scenic walks and a monastery with the world's largest outdoor sculpture of the seated Buddha. And it is home to the only state-backed Disneyland. Visit Lamma Island for great seafood and scenic surroundings. Sai Kung, referred to as Hong Kong's "back garden," offers numerous outdoor dining establishments.
If you have some spare time in the afternoon, pop in for afternoon high tea at the swanky Peninsula Hotel on Salisbury Road for a taste of the bygone colonial era. In the evening, enjoy a "Nine Dragons Cocktail" at the contemporary InterContinental Hotel. The drink is named for nine mythological dragons that legend says descend from the mountains each night to drink from the bay. The InterContinental's huge glass atrium offers guests splendid vistas of the Hong Kong Island skyline, which is transformed each night at 8 p.m. into a tapestry of color and light by means of computer-controlled lasers.
If you've got a few days in Hong Kong, consider a trek to Macau. The former Portuguese colony reverted to Chinese rule in 1999. The island is about an hour from Hong Kong by "jetfoil" boat, and makes for an amusing excursion. The facade of the ruins of 16th-century St. Paul's Cathedral still stand, yet Macau's primary claim to fame these days is its Las Vegas-style casinos, some operated by Las Vegas gaming consortia. Dining is also a bargain there, and Portuguese wines are dirt-cheap. Macau is jammed on the weekends with folks coming in to party from Hong Kong, so it's best to visit during the week. If you'd like more adventure, take a visit to mainland China. It's pretty easy to get to the city of Shenzhen, a special "economic zone" in the southern coast of Guangdong Province. You'll need a visa, obtainable in Hong Kong, though it can take a few days to process. A 45-minute train ride will take you to the Chinese border, or you can opt for a one-hour jetfoil ride instead. Shenzhen is a haven for those interested in fake designer goods, and it also has a few noteworthy amusement parks, in addition to thousands of years of history.