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.

Regal Riverside Hotel Bar

Up-scale watering hole overlooking Sha Tin’s Shing Mun River. A good retreat after a shopping marathon in New Town Plaza.
Rensuke Isogai

In 1941 the military commander begins his barbaric reign as Japan’s wartime governor of Hong Kong.
Replay

A samples and warehouse shop with limited stocks of casual clothes, but great discounts, often around 80 per cent.
Repulse Bay

Another popular destination, Repulse Bay’s beach is clean and well-tended, if sometimes over-crowded with thousands of visitors. Eating and drinking choices range from small cafés on the beach to the Verandah , a classy restaurant run by the same group as the Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. Try afternoon tea here. The Hong Kong Life Guards Club at the far southern end of the beach is also worth a look for its scores of statues of gods and fabulous beasts.
Rice Bar

Pioneering the trendification of this area, the Rice Bar is a natural pit stop. It has a gay vibe, but straights are welcome.
Rickshaws

There are just seven rickshaws left in all Hong Kong, their elderly drivers earning a living by charging tourists for photos. Don’t ask for a ride, unless you want richly-deserved abuse from passers-by: these old guys can’t make their way halfway down the road without collapsing in an exhausted heap.
Ride on a Junk

We’ve all seen that iconic image of the junk, blood-red batwing sails unfurled as the sun sets over Victoria Harbour. Unfortunately, it’s usually the same boat.The Duk Lingis one of the few masted sailing junks left.
Rise Commercial Building

It doesn’t look much from outside, but within you’ll discover a trendsetter’s utopia.
Ristorante Firenze

Generally packed, and when you try their pastas washed down with well-priced red wines you’ll know why. Good pizza too.
River Trips

Escape the fumes and look back on the city from the river. A number of operators offer cruises. Try an evening trip on theWhiteSwan, a lovely old masted yacht.

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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