DK Travel : Hong Kong

“A dream of Manhattan, arising from the South China Sea.” For succinctness, modern travel writer Pico Iyer’s description of Hong Kong has yet to be bettered. From opium port to Cold War enclave to frenetic financial capital, Hong Kong has never been boring. This is the hedonistic engine room of cultural fusion: East meets West in high style, and the results astonish and delight. Prepare to experience one of the most dramatic urban environments ever conceived.

Dolphin Watching

Be quick, because the sorry state of Hong Kong waters is fast killing off the rare Chinese white dolphins, which, by the way, are really pale pink.
Dom Pedro Theatre

The first Western-style lyric theatre in the East, the Dom Pedro opened in 1858. Recent renovations have seen it again hosting plays and performances after years of neglect. The hike up the hill is worth it for a look at a piece of theatrical history.
Dong Jiang Hai Xian Da Jiu Lou

Occupying a full five floors, a great place to go on a seafood adventure.
Dong Men District

If you have the energy to tackle it, a vast expanse of clothes shops awaits you in the sprawling Dong Men district. Remember that clothes such as men’s shirts will be cut for the Asian figure, meaning cuffs coming up to your elbows, so try before buying. At the eastern edge of Dong Men is a footbridge leading to another huge fabric market, located above a food market. There is no English signposting here, though, so be sure to have the destination written down in Chinese.
Dr Sun Yat-Sen

The reformer blasts China as “chaotic and corrupt” during a lecture at Hong Kong University in 1923. Economic boycott of the colony follows.
Dragon Boat (Tuen Ng) Festival

Drums thunder and paddles churn the less-than-pristine waters of Hong Kong as garish craft vie for top honours. The festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a 3rd-century poet-statesman who drowned himself to protest against corrupt rulers.
Dragon Centre

Soaring glassy mall in the midst of Sham Shui Po’s grime and dust. Good food hall, computer stuff and a terrifying rollercoaster.
Dragon Culture

Antiques shop with pottery from most dynasties, bamboo carvings and snuff bottles.
Dragon-i

The most happening club in Central, where models, movers and shakers, and celebrities from Jackie Chan to Sting, have been spotted.
Dragon-i

Stunning interior design in mixed Chinese and Japanese style but with lots of New York thrown in across two completely different rooms. The Red Room dining room becomes a VIP lounge for the famous as the evening progresses, with everyone else sinking into the booths in the bronze and mirrored Playground, drinking powerful cocktails, Be stylish, or be somewhere else (see Dragon-i).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal) and extra charges.
- under HK$100
- HK$100-250
- HK$250-450
- HK$450-600
- over HK$600