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The Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region, which comprises little more than 1,000 square
kilometres (400 square miles), is full of surprises ... and
superlatives.
In April 2001, the Hong Kong Tourism Board launched its biggest
tourism campaign ever - City of Life: Hong Kong is it!,
sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The campaign
has received full support from government departments, the 18 District
Councils and various business organizations, which as well as
organizing major events, assist in promotion and publicity activities.
In total, the value of resources committed to the project is more than
HK$240 million.
Sharing the same objectives as the tourism campaign, these web pages
share with you some of the extraordinary achievements of nearly seven
million people who live and enjoy their lives in here. The Hong Kong
Tourism Board encourages all of you to take pride in introducing Hong
Kong's specific features and attractions to overseas visitors.
To ensure consistency in
the overall framework of research for Hong Kong Superlatives 2002, and
to encourage diversity and liveliness of information, the following
principles have been applied in its compilation:
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entries are of
international or
regional significance
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entries relate to Hong
Kong obtaining world recognition in a specific sphere
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entries reflect the
"Best of Hong Kong" in every community and across all social
strata
The Hong Kong Tourism
Board thanks the many individuals and organizations whose co-operation
has made these web pages possible. Although the content of these pages
is by no means exhaustive, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has endeavoured
to include all relevant information as far and as accurately as
possible as at end of March 2002.
ROMANTIC HOLIDAY
Whether you are planning your wedding, celebrating an anniversary or
second honeymoon, or simply getting to know one another, Hong Kong has
the magic to make memories for life. This stunning city of ceremony
and diversity is perfect for an unforgettable romantic getaway. With
its perfect marriage of East and West, Hong Kong's picturesque
cityscape forms a glorious backdrop for those in love. The glamour of
Asia's most international city offers lovers the chance to stay in an
attractive hotel, enjoy romantic seafood dinners on the waterfront and
indulge themselves shopping for exclusive designer goods.Why
not dance the night away in each other's arms, explore the chaotic
colour of backstreets and temples, hike up hilltops or stroll on the
beach at sunset? The territory is so compact and easy to get around.
MATURE
PERSPECTIVE
With its intriguing blend of East and West, with its Chinese roots and
British colonial heritage, and its ultra modern sophistication and
ancient traditions, Hong Kong is one of the most diverse and exciting
cities in the world. What's more, it's also one of the most convenient
and comfortable destinations for mature visitors. In survey after
survey, Hong Kong's hotels frequently top the list of the world's best
accommodation. Whether you're treated to hand-made chocolates in your
room or greeted by a doorman in impeccable white gloves and pillbox
hat, the city's deluxe hotels offer a style and service
second-to-none. English-speaking front-line staff provide useful
information about how to spend your days here. And when you go out
you'll discover a world full of wonders - old and new. Restaurants
will tempt you with the dishes you love and many you've never tried.
Well-preserved country parks invite you to stroll around green and
serene hills. You can buy souvenirs and antiquities from street
markets for family members back home. Or simply take in the sights
with convenient organized tours.
WITH THE KIDS
Hong Kong is a wonderland
packed with fun and adventure for children of all ages. From the
world-famous thrills of the roller coaster and dolphin show at Ocean
Park to the educational Hong Kong Science Museum - where inquisitive
young ones can tug, push, twist, press and pummel more than half of
the hands-on exhibits - there is an amazing range of attractions and
activities in Hong Kong to keep them smiling.
Whether it is just a
few hours of
Play Time
or a whole
Day Trip,
Hong Kong has a range of activities and attractions to enthuse both
the young and the young-at-heart. There is also a wide range of
Food Fun
with theme restaurants and delicious meals aplenty. Parents are
advised to check out the
Useful
Tidbits section. This makes travelling with
kids an effortless dream.
PLAY TIME
Hong Kong is packed with fun attractions to keep children amused,
excited and occupied for hours on end. You can pack your itinerary
with as many as you want, or just slot a few into the whole family's
day to keep everybody happy and interested. As a parent, the choice is
yours.
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Ocean
Park
Ocean Park, one of the largest leisure parks in Southeast Asia, tops
the agenda. Here the children can marvel at the two giant pandas, An
An and Jia Jia. The park's simulated coral reef is set in one of the
largest aquariums in the world. The performing sea lions and dolphins
top the bill, along with the gravity-defying Dragon roller coaster.
There are also numerous rides and attractions that will thrill the
kids and keep them busy for hours.
Location: Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Enquiries: +852 2552 0291
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Closed
on Monday.
Website: http://www.oceanpark.com.hk
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Teddy Bear Kingdom
Welcome to the Teddy Bear Kingdom home to more bears than you could
possibly ever imagine. The revered bear is featured in a great museum
featuring over 400 animals. The kids will also enjoy Teddy's Cyber
Universe, the Teddy Bear Picnic Place and the Dr Teddy Playhouse. And
they won't want to miss the Teddy Bear Jazz Band!
Location: Levels P1-P2, The Amazon shopping mall, 12 Salisbury
Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Enquiries: +852 2130 2130
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm, daily
How to Get There: Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E, walk two blocks
south towards the harbour and then take the underground subway near
the Peninsula Hotel.
Website: http://www.teddybearkingdom.com.hk
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Hong Kong
Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a real oasis.
The gardens enjoy a reputation for breeding endangered species and
there are usually a couple of baby orangutans or a few gibbons to
admire. The exotic bird aviary is also fascinating. Here you will
find a kookaburra living beak to beak with flamingoes, ibises and
parakeets.
Address: Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Albany
Street, Central, Hong Kong.
Opening Hours: Daily 6:00am-7:00pm.
How to get there: From Hong Kong Island Star Ferry pier
take bus number 3 or 12.
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Snoopy's World
Lovers of the cuddliest beagle will adore Snoopy's World. Split
into six different "fun zones", this magical world contains a canoe
ride, a baseball dugout, a big yellow American school bus as well as
60 popular Peanuts figures. The amazing giant Snoopy that sits
reclining on top of his famous doghouse is the largest outdoor model
Snoopy in the world. Regular live shows.
Address: Snoopy's World, L3 podium, New Town Plaza, Shatin.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am-10:00pm
How to get there: Take the KCR to Shatin Station.
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Hong Kong Space
Museum
The
Hong Kong Space Museum is another "must see"
for youngsters. Sit back in your seat, plug in your headset and watch
the wonders of the universe unfurl before your eyes. The programme
changes regularly, so even on your second or third visit to Hong Kong
there will be something new to view. In addition, special exhibition
halls provide the adventurous with the chance to fly a space shuttle
or take a walk on the moon.
Address: Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Complex, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Tel: +852 27210226
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
1:00pm-9:00pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10:00am-9:00pm.
Closed Tuesday.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui station.
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Hong Kong Science
Museum
Learning is so much fun at the
Hong Kong Science Museum, where 500
interesting hands-on exhibits offer insights into a wide range of
science-related themes. The exhibition covers various areas of science
and technology, including robotics, transportation, virtual reality
and more.
Address: Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim
Sha Tsui East, Kowloon.
Tel: +852 27323232
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1:00pm-9:00pm; Saturday,
Sunday and public holidays 10:00am-9:00pm. Closed Monday.
How to get there: Take green maxicab number 1 from Tsim Sha
Tsui Star Ferry, get off at Science Museum Road.
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Stanley Market
The perfect shopping getaway for teenagers lies on Hong Kong Island's
south coast. At Stanley Market, teenagers can rummage through a
bewildering variety of jeans, shorts, T-shirts and swimwear, all at
exceptionally low prices. Let them loose with HK$300 and watch: they
will come back with a whole new outfit . . . as well as some change.
Address: Stanley Market, Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong
Kong Island.
Opening Hours: Daily.
How to get there: Take bus number 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from
Exchange Square bus terminal in Central. Or take bus number 973 from
Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon.
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Man Mo Temple
Take a few hours out for a cultural excursion to some of Hong Kong's
famous religious sites. Visiting a temple is just the thing for
children who fancy a little mystery and drama. One of the best is Man
Mo Temple on Hong Kong's Hollywood Road, where they can light joss
sticks and have their fortunes told.
Address: Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim
Sha Tsui East, Kowloon.
Tel: +852 27323232
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 1:00pm-9:00pm; Saturday,
Sunday and public holidays 10:00am-9:00pm. Closed Monday.
How to get there: Take green maxicab number 1 from Tsim Sha
Tsui Star Ferry, get off at Science Museum Road.
FOOD
FUN
Kids have a
special place in Hong Kong restaurants. Families regularly eat out
together and virtually all restaurants cater for young diners. High
chairs are provided for the smallest tots and hotel buffets have
special children's rates. Of course, all of the regular fast-food
faves are available, including McDonald's, Pizza Hut and Kentucky
Fried Chicken. What's more, you'll soon find that children enjoy the
simpler Cantonese dishes like fried rice, noodles and chicken and
sweetcorn soup. And they are sure to tuck into delicious desserts like
red-bean soup, sweet sesame balls and lotus-paste buns, as well as
healthy tropical fruits. For a special treat, take the kids to one of
Hong Kong's famous theme restaurants. They are guaranteed to keep
adults and kids entertained.
DAY TRIP
If the kids are
becoming restless, why not set an entire day aside just for them? Many
of Hong Kong's finest attractions are Asia's most thrilling and
spacious theme parks and countryside escapes perfectly suited to all
age groups. You may also be surprised to learn that Hong Kong boasts
dozens of sandy beaches and tranquil coves ideal for swimming and
sunbathing.
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Ocean Park
Ocean Park, one of the largest leisure parks in Southeast Asia, tops
the agenda. Here they will marvel at lakes, waterfalls and gardens, as
well as a panda exhibit, a bird theatre and an Adventure World of
rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks and other small animals that smaller
children find adorable. The park's simulated coral reef is set in one
of the largest aquariums in the world. But it is the performing sea
lions and dolphins that top the bill, along with the gravity-defying
Dragon roller coaster. Not forgetting, of course, the park's two giant
pandas, An An and Jia Jia and the latest attraction, Pacific Pier.
Address: Ocean Park, Aberdeen, Hong Kong.
Tel: +852 25520291
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Closed
on Monday.
Website: http://www.oceanpark.com.hk
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Wong Nai Chung
Reservoir Boating Park
Hong Kong country parks have picnic areas, playgrounds and barbecue
pits. On weekdays, when the parks are almost deserted, it is
impossible to imagine that a major world business centre is just a few
kilometres away. Not far from the Victoria Peak, adjacent Tai Tam
Country Park, is Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Boating Park. Rowing boats,
pedal boats and ducks share the lake amid landscaped surroundings.
Address: Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Boating Park, Tai Tam Country
Park, Hong Kong Island.
How to get there: Take bus number 314 from Stanley.
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Hong Kong Beaches
The bays on the south of Hong Kong Island are lined with the
best-known beaches, namely Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay, Chung Hom Kok
and Stanley. Another favoured destination for lovers of sun, sea and
sand is Shek O, a village on the east coast. For a modest price, the
whole family can hire bicycles to explore the surrounding area or play
a round of "crazy" golf. Stalls close to the beach sell kites,
ice-cream, frisbees and inexpensive bathing gear should you forget to
pack it.
How to get there: Take bus number 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from
Exchange Square bus terminal in Central to Deep Water Bay, Repulse
Bay, Chung Hom Kok and Stanley. For Shek O, take the MTR to Shau Kei
Wan Station and there take bus number 9.
USEFUL
TIDBITS
Travelling with
children need not be a chore. Hong Kong is ideally positioned with
everything to ensure both you and the children enjoy the holiday of a
lifetime. Many of Hong Kong's hotels can arrange for qualified nannies
and childminders so that you can enjoy a night on the town safe in the
knowledge that the little ones are secure and happy. Parents can rest
easy because Hong Kong's medical facilities are among the best in the
world. Ask your hotel's concierge.
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Information provided by
Hong Kong Tourism Board.
