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Hong Kong has long been synonymous with shopping bargains and touring
for people visiting Asia. However, for those familiar with Hong Kong,
they know that HK is not all about hauling out the credit cards and
testing your bargaining skills. It is also home to many exciting and
truly splendid spots to visit and spend leisurely days at exploring and
just generally having fun. Here are our top picks for tourist spots to
visit in Hong Kong:
 1. Victoria Peak
No visit to Hong Kong is ever complete without first having visited
Victoria Peak, or as it is more commonly called, “The Peak.” Nestled
high above Hong Kong Island on the 'back of the Dragon', Victoria Peak
is Hong Kong's premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbor
and city views.
The best time to come here is at late afternoon so you may be able to
experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the harbor,
Kowloon and the hills beyond.
Give it a few hours and you can take in the spellbinding, neon-dotted
skyline by night. There are also a whole lot of entertainment, shopping
and dining options to choose from at the Peak for those out to get more
than just beautiful scenery.
 2. Repulse Bay
Primarily a well-to-do residential area, sun-drenched Repulse Bay has a
relaxed resort-like atmosphere with the wide, wave-lapped beach being
popular with locals and visitors alike. A perfect place to spend lazy
afternoons with lazy strolls on the shore or enjoy a dip, Repulse Bay is
also located close to several interesting sights within walking
distance. Such places are the ornate Life Guard Club which is an example
of traditional Chinese architecture and its gardens dominated by the
towering twin statues of Kwun Yum and Tin Hau, both protectors of
fishermen.
3. Ocean Park
 One of Southeast Asia's largest oceanariums and theme parks, Ocean Park
enjoys top post in the itinerary of many visitors to Hong Kong -
especially those with children. It is recommended that you set aside a
whole day for this to see and enjoy everything the Park has to offer.
There are funfair rides and dolphin shows, scenic cable cars and sea
lions, magnificent shopping, great dining and so much more.
The Lowland Gardens are also a must-see, featuring the park's most
adored attractions - the giant pandas An An and Jia Jia. The animals
live happily in a 2,000-square-metre habitat that closely resembles the
natural living conditions of giant pandas in the wild. The project
provides an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about
this endangered species, the survival problems they face and how they
can be saved from extinction.
The undersea world
 and its inhabitants are the main feature at Marine
Land. Here visitors journey under water at the Atoll Reef to discover
more than 250 kinds and 2,000 fish, including an 80-year-old,
1.8-meter-long giant grouper can be seen swimming among the other reef
residents. The Atoll Reef also boasts the largest number of Giant
Napoleon fish to be found in any aquarium in the world.
The young and the young at heart can't wait to jump on Ocean Park's
Headland Rides. The Dragon is Hong Kong's largest rollercoaster that
flips riders at super high speeds through loops, twists and turns. The
Flying Swing lifts the daring as high as seven meters in a gyrating
wave-like motion. Adventure Land is another place for high-octane
thrills. You can ride down the Raging River in a boat, navigating
through swirling and narrow ravines.
For those aspiring to be astronauts, try out one of their training
rides, the hair-raising Space Wheel. There’s also the Mine Train, Ocean
Park's newest ride with 678 meters of twisting, climbing and dipping
exhilaration - definitely not for the faint of heart.
Open-Air Markets and Gardens
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
This delightful garden is the favorite gathering place of Hong Kong's
songbird owners and sellers, who carry their brilliantly plumed pets
around in intricately carved cages. All kinds of beautiful birds can be
seen here, as well as a host of stores selling traditional bird-keeping
paraphernalia. The market is located on Yuen Po Street in Mong Kok.
 Flower Market
One of Hong Kong's most colorful street markets, the Flower Market is a
jungle of exotic blossoms, luck-bringing houseplants and sweet scents.
You'll find this botanical treat on Flower Market Road, Mong Kok,
Kowloon.
Goldfish Market
Aquariums are believed to bring luck and natural beauty to many living
rooms in Hong Kong. This specialist market is the preferred source for
goldfish of every shape and hue, as well as tanks and aquatic ornaments.
Head for Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon.
 Jade Market
Collectors and jade lovers gather at this unique market, where small
stalls display everything from rare and valuable jade carvings to small
and inexpensive trinkets. They make great gifts for friends and loved
ones. If you are purchasing jade of significant value, it is advisable
to go with someone who is an expert. You'll find the Jade Market at the
junction of Kansu and Battery streets in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.
Temple Street Night Market
Hong Kong's most famous open-air market comes to life at dusk, with a
bustling array of stalls selling everything from watches and leather
ware to clothing and souvenirs. Other attractions include
fortune-tellers and occasionally, Cantonese opera singers. Temple Street
is in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.
Ladies' Market
Kowloon's most popular daylong street market is devoted to anyone with
an eye for bargain-priced clothing, toys, cosmetics and household
knick-knacks. The stalls making up this enjoyable market can be found on
Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon.
Stanley Market
The historic fishing lanes of Stanley on Hong Kong Island's picturesque
southern coast are packed with vendors selling Chinese artwork, silk
collectibles, clothing and curios a plenty. This most adored of all Hong
Kong's open-air shopping options is on Stanley Market Road.
Visit beautiful China today! |
