IT IS famous for its soaring skyscrapers, neon lights and fashion boutiques, but these are just three out of hundreds of reasons to visit Hong Kong. From night cruises along the harbour to tours of the new territories, there is more to this buzzing metropolis than meets the eye.
BEFORE YOU GO Look at the Discover Hong Kong website (www.discoverhongkong.com) for up to date information on highlights such as the new Ocean Park's Asian Animals exhibit and the 11th Ani-Com and Games, a celebration of animati
on, comics, toys and limited-edition collectibles (from 31 July to 4 August).
WHEN TO GO Summers are hot and humid in Hong Kong, while winters, if you are planning some Christmas shopping, can be cold. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times of year to visit.
PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES STA Travel (www.statravel.co.uk) provides flights from Heathrow to Hong Kong for about £400. While there, the only public transport you will need is the very reasonably priced and frequent ferry service that links Kowloon and Hong Kong island itself – everything else is in walking distance.
GETTING AROUND The best way to see Hong Kong is on foot, although taxis are plentiful, if expensive. Meander through the business district and feel dwarfed by the giant skyscrapers, walk under the bizarre skeletal design of HSBC's headquarters, or stroll along the antiques quarter for a glimpse of the area's easily overlooked Chinese history.
TOURIST TRAIL On Hong Kong island are high-end malls, posh restaurants and a stunning array of skyscrapers. Kowloon provides a slightly more seedy aspect, with hostess bars and nightclubs. In between, you have the harbour, with its not-to-be-missed night cruises that capture the city all lit up. However, if you have the time, a tour out to the new territories reveals the other side of the region, with its Buddhist, Confucianist and Taoist temples, parks, waterfalls and fishing communities being pushed out by the elite's yachts.
GO NATIVE Like young Tokyoites, the new generation of Hong Kongese are more interested in style, pop culture and fashion than business – chiefly fashion. There are more top-end boutiques here than in New York, but if you want to shop like a native you should remember to bring a heavily reinforced wallet. Alternatively, escape the skyscrapers and shopping and take a tour to the new territories or the gambling and casino mecca that is the island of Macau. A number of tours are available, to be booked through Isango (www.Isango.com), with pick-ups and drop-offs at your hotel.
WHAT TO BUY Label slaves will be in their element. The city is the world's designer capital, with more big-name stores than anywhere else. If you want the latest from Armani, Gucci, Prada and the rest, you have come to the right place. If you are looking for something other than handbags, shoes, suits and dresses, take a stroll along the antiques quarter in Hollywood Road for unusual and interesting souvenirs.
WHERE TO STAY Hong Kong's oldest hotel and one of its most famous landmarks is the Peninsula (www.peninsula.com). Built in 1928, it offers phenomenal views of the harbour and skyline. Rooms start at about £360. If you prefer the other side of the harbour, the Conrad (www.hilton.com) is a fine option. With a rooftop swimming pool, access to one the top shopping malls and numerous restaurants and bars, the downside is you may be less inclined to go out and explore the city itself.
NIGHTLIFE Hong Kong has a fun and vibrant nightlife, but you will need a fat wallet. Kowloon has Irish pubs as well as the hostess bars that also feature across the water in Wanchai. Both are cheaper than the main action in the heart of the city, just yards away from the business district. Hong Kong is a city that works and plays hard, and at weekends ex-pats and locals collect in Lan Kwai Fong, where the bars, restaurants and nightclubs spill out on to the mainly pedestrianised streets.
WHERE TO EAT Hong Kong has restaurants to suit every palate, and foodies are spoiled for choice. Start at La Dolce Vita (00 852 2186 1888), a lively Mediterranean venue that is a favourite of the in crowd, while Petrus (00 852 2820 8590) serves up French food to rival any found in Paris.
