DK Travel : Hong Kong : Places of interest

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Convention and Exhibition Centre

The building looks a bit like the Sydney Opera House might if its roof had just been swatted by a giant hammer. The designers, however, maintain that the flowing lines are meant to evoke a bird in flight. It’s certainly a study in contrast with the upthrust towers scratching the sky all around. There was a race against time to finish stage two of the $5 billion complex in time for the 1997 Handover ceremony. Britain’s loss and China’s gain is commemorated with a big black obelisk. The venue also hosts occasional raves and pop concerts.
Cultural Centre

This elegant building was designed and put up in time for the December 1999 Handover to China. In fact, the actual ceremony took place behind the centre in a temporary structure designed to look like a giant Chinese lantern. The centre is the focal point for the Macau Arts Festival each March. The only mystery is why there is what appears to be a ski-jump on the roof.
Cultural Centre

With a peerless view beckoning across the water, the geniuses in charge decided to build the world’s first windowless building, and covered it for good measure in pink public toilet-style tiles. Wander around and marvel at one of the great architectural debacles of the 20th century. That said, it hosts some good dance and theatre.
Deep Water Bay

There’s an almost Mediterranean air to the lovely beach and waterfront of Deep Water Bay, a popular place for beach lovers and the well-to-do who settle in the Bay’s upmarket housing. The smallish beach is protected by lifeguards and a sharknet, and the water is usually clean. As with most beaches in Hong Kong, it gets crowded in fine weather.
Diamond Casino

Tucked away on the first floor of the Holiday Inn, the smallish Diamond casino has a relatively classy crowd.
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 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.
Exchange Square and Two IFC Tower

As the name suggests, Exchange Square houses Hong Kong’s red-carpeted financial engine room, although the stock exchange is not open to visitors. However, the peaceful square outside it, dominated by a large fountain, is a great place to eat or drink outside. Near the fountain are sculptures by Henry Moore and Dame Elizabeth Frink. The square’s newest building, Two IFC Tower (see Modern Buildings), is a striking addition to the island’s already impressive skyline.
Fat Jong Temple

Although it is one of the most famous Buddhist sites in Hong Kong, the Fat Jong Temple is little visited by foreigners. Making it well worth the journey to see is the striking colour scheme – with red pillars standing out from the white walls – ornate decorations and magnificent Buddha sculptures. The temple somehow manages to be be both busy and serene at the same time.