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.

Hotel Lisboa

Casino mogul Dr Stanley Ho’s flagship looks like a UFO crossed with a wedding cake, and remains one of Macau’s most bizarre landmarks. Expect loan sharks and grim-faced gamblers in rumpled clothes.
Hotel Miramar

A high-quality hotel in every respect. Despite the Nathan Road location, noise won’t be a problem as the rooms are well sound-proofed. The gym and pool are modern and impressive and there’s a good selection of restaurants.
Hotel Royal Macau

The Hotel Royal is one of Macau’s oldest hotels and shows it. That said, it is clean and well run, although the rooms offer little more than the basics. It has an indoor pool, gym (with some ageing equipment) and sauna. It’s also close to the heart of town and within sight of the pretty Guia Lighthouse.
HSBC Building

Sir Norman Foster’s striking, Bladerunner-esque edifice cost a whopping HK$5.2bn, making it the world’s priciest pile when it opened in 1985. The headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation are reputed to have some of the best feng shui around – the building sits on a rare confluence of five “dragon lines” and enjoys unimpeded harbour views. The soaring atrium feels like a cathedral, which might explain why on Sundays the ground level is taken over by chattering Filipina maids.

HSBC interior
Hua Lin Temple and Jade Market

An extensive jade market surrounds the small Buddhist temple of Hua Lin, which is also worth a quick visit. The jade on sale is cheaper than in Hong Kong, although you’ll need to be an expert if you want good-quality, unpigmented examples. Several antique stores and jade and amber sellers can be found west of Kangwang Zhonglu, and north of Changshang Xilu.
Hungry Ghost (Yue Laan) Festival

From the 14th day of the seventh moon, Chinese believe the gates of hell are thrown open and the undead run riot on earth for a month. Lots more “Hell money” goes up in smoke, as do various hillsides. Not a good time for hiking.
Hutong

Updated Northern Chinese classics in theatrically lit tower-top restaurant.
Hyatt Regency Macau

A great, family-friendly resort-style hotel. Lovely Portuguese-style rooms, all with sea views and featuring minimalist décor with Oriental touches. Fantastic pastries and desserts are baked on the premises.
Ice Skating

The most accessible rink is at Taikooshing, a big shopping centre and housing estate on the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. Once in, you can skate for as long as you like on weekdays. The skating school takes over on weekends.
IKEA

Even those who are not normally fans of the Swedish chain will find the wide array of made-in-China products attractive.

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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