This is not a paid post.
I wondered what the queue was for as I approached a line of people on a busy Saturday afternoon in Hong Kong. It was the line to join if you wanted to cross the road.
It was a pleasure to see that this former British colony and
now Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, still
maintained the best of British politeness.
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| Hong Kong Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board |
The place had changed dramatically since I was last there, before the Hong Kong
Handover on July 1 1997. It had morphed into a city of construction. Its
crowded skyline was punctuated by even more glitzy skyscrapers than I
remembered. It seemed as if as soon as you turned your back another great piece
of architecture rapidly emerged out of the dust. Although you heard languages
spoken from all over the world, today’s Hong Kong had a distinctly Chinese
flavour which just added to its charm.
As I stood by the fabled Victoria Harbour, I still felt a
frisson of excitement. Gritty and edgy interwoven with romance and beauty
melded with a smattering of the old combined with the new, Hong Kong felt more
exhilarating than ever. While some of the place names such as Connaught Road,
Stanley Market and Victoria Peak remain the same, this was a brand-new city.
I started my day with the familiar, a trip on the Star Ferry
from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hong Kong Island. A crossing is one of the highlights of a trip here. For first time
visitors, another prerequisite is to visit the Peak from where you will get
jaw-dropping views of the Harbour and the concrete jungle below as well as a
glimpse of the green hills of the New Territories.
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| Hong Kong at night Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board |
What a changed place Hong Kong Island proved to be. Where
once you bartered for bargains in small shops filled with electronics or
fashion knock-offs and glanced at stalls displaying fake handbags and watches
or went to a tailor’s workshop where you could get something made in an
instant, stood shopping malls full of ubiquitous international brands.
After sauntering round the bustling ifc mall, a great place
for a combination of shopping and stunning water views, I boarded a rather
familiar-looking double-decker bus and headed to the south of Hong Kong Island
to the touristy Stanley Market. The stalls may be awash with tacky souvenirs but there is always a chance of
finding a bargain, especially if you like Chinese arts and crafts.
However, it is getting there that makes a trip unmissable.
You pass through such gorgeous scenery including the beautiful Repulse Bay that
it is really worth the bus ride. Stanley itself is a delightful village. There
are plenty of eateries along the seafront where you can relax after a bartering session at the market.
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| Browsing for bargains Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board |
The Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok Kowloon (it gets its name
comes from the fact that it sells so much women’s wear) was recommended to me
by the concierge of The Peninsular. (Regarded as the grande dame of hotels,
this is the place to go for a traditional afternoon tea.) The lady wrote down
the address in Chinese as well as English. Despite the fact that this was once
a British colony, many people only speak Chinese.
On route, I walked down Nathan Road, the main thoroughfare
in Kowloon, which has become a quirky mix of museums, religious
buildings and a diverse range of mid-market shops.
Tourists and locals flock to Ladies’ Market in search of a good deal. Fakes are no longer
displayed as the government has cracked down on counterfeit. But, that does not
stop people trying to tell you that they have “copy bags” for sale.
While temples, abundant lush greenery, and a nightly show
that lights up Hong
Kong’s skyline, are draw cards of this 24-hour city, a gastronomic
adventure has to be up there too.
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| Climbing up the Peak Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board |
You can have a full English breakfast, however Hong Kong’s
own cuisine is Cantonese, so, why not start your day with dim sum for a change?
Whatever your taste in food, you should find something to please at Hong Kong’s
incredible selection of 5-star restaurants through to intimate diners and food
stalls. When you see a place buzzing with locals, you will know that you have
hit upon a gem.
If you fancy a bit more retail therapy as an entrée then
head to Harbour City. It is
the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong. While
there are plenty of designer boutiques to mooch round you will also find around
50 restaurants to tempt you.
Hong Kong is addictive. However long you are there it never
seems to be enough time to soak up all the city has to offer. Which is why you
have to keep going back.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Cathay Pacific has five flights from Heathrow using 777-300s. There are daily flights
from Gatwick using its new A350. Ensure when you are booking that it is Cathay
Pacific operating the flight, so that you can experience its excellent inflight
service. For best fares and rates visit cathaypacific.com or visit trailfinders.com
Stay at Harbour
Grand Kowloon. A lovely hotel overlooking the harbour. Room was large. Service
good. It is not near the centre but there is a regular shuttle bus to take you
there
I booked
through Trailfinders. For more information visit trailfinders.com
