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.

Pousada de São Tiago

The beautiful hotel (see Pousada de São Taigo)overlooking the bay began life in the 17th century as a Portuguese fort hewn from the rock.
Practise Tai Chi

Turn up at the clocktower (see Clocktower) near the Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui at 8am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and you can enjoy an hour’s free instruction in this gentlest of martial arts.
Protestant Cemetery

More interesting than it sounds – indeed, you might find yourself spending hours wandering this grave-dotted grove, reading inscriptions to plague-doomed sailors and colonial adventurers. Those at rest include painter George Chinnery (the Mandarin Oriental’s bar in Hong Kong is named after him) and Robert Morrison, the first Protestant to venture to China in search of converts.
Put Your Feet Up

Fans rave about the traditional Shanghai pedicure at the Mandarin Oriental.
Qing Wa Ju

By far the best of the city’s Korean restaurants, with three floors, and a roof top from where you can look out over Dong Feng Park.
Railway Tavern

A welcome little watering hole near the Railway Museum in Tai Po. Just the ticket after a hard day’s rural meandering.
Rainbow Seafood, Lamma

One of Lamma’s better places for a full seafood splurge with a harbour view. The locals love it, and so will you.
Reclamation Street Market

If you haven’t seen a Hong Kong produce market in full swing, you could do worse than wander down Reclamation Street. This predominantly fruit and vegetable market will provide some good photo opportunities. The squeamish, however, may want to avoid wandering inside the municipal wet market building where livestock is freshly slaughtered and expertly eviscerated on the spot.
Rednaxela Terrace

So named because a 19th- century signwriter wrote “Alexander” from right to left, in the Chinese manner. Uncorrected to this day.
Regal Airport Hotel

Hong Kong’s largest hotel links directly to the airport terminal and features large rooms with avant-garde interior designs. Ten restaurants and bars provide a choice of cuisine.

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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