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.

Forteleza do Monte

These walls bounded the original Portuguese settlement in Macau, a well-stocked fort, which its inhabitants boasted could withstand years of siege. The sternest test came in 1622 when the Dutch, who had been coveting Macau for years, made their move, only to be decisively beaten. The Portuguese military were based here up until 1966, at which point Portugal decided it was more politic to be administrators of Macau rather than gun-toting colonialists.
Fortress

If you’re after electronic goods and baffled by the sheer number of shops around TST, chain store Fortress is a good bet. Other shops may advertise cheaper prices, but not all dealers are honest.
Fringe Club

Hong Kong’s alternative arts venue offers a respite from Lan Kwai Fong’s rowdier beer halls.
Gaddi’s

Impeccable French cuisine, irreproachable service and famous patrons. Gaddi’s has earned its reputation as one of Asia’s finest restaurants.
Gaddi’s

Royalty, Hollywood stars and heads of state have dined here by the worshipful score, for in terms of French cuisine east of Suez, Gaddi’s is unquestionably the holy grail. Expect the big-budget works: from the aristocratic menu to stratospheric service levels. If you like ithaute , you’ve found your heaven (see Gaddi’s).
Gage Street

This one is worth a peek if you happen to be in Central but hardly worth a special visit. Lots of blood and guts, especially for early birds. Trucks disgorge fresh pink pig carcasses as squawking chickens ponder their final hours.
Gai Jaht

Chicken and ham wrapped in soya bean sheets, served in rich sauce.
Galleries

Several en route, many specializing in the bright new wave of Chinese art.
Garden Hotel Guangzhou

The cavernous lobby gives some sense of the size of this imposing 1,000-plus room hotel, boasting its own up-market shopping mall and good eating and drinking options.
Garden View International House

Very competitive long-stay deals start at two weeks’ duration. But décor is tired 80s, and the rooms smallish. Long stayers benefit from maid service, free local calls and Central shuttle bus.

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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
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under HK$500
- HK$500-$1,000
- HK$1,000-$2000
- HK$2000-$2,500
- over HK$2,500