http://www.geschaeftsreisekontakt.de/content/img/cms/854/HK-2006DHKYlogo.jpg

I started this thread cause I would like promote my city to every SSC forumer.

Anyway, Hong Kong is one city in Asia that I would recommend for you to visit. More than just the skyline, it is Asia's World City with a vibrant economy, streetlife, culture and lifestyle. It is also one of the best places to shop, dine and enjoy. It's a city for all ages and it offers alot of attractions for everyone to enjoy.

For more info about HK, please visit this site :)

http://www.discoverhongkong.com

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/mustknow/images/mk_inde_intr.gif

From the website

Q & A


Q: When is the best time to visit Hong Kong?
A: Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination. It enjoys a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February, while the weather from May to mid-September is rather warm and humid. Eighty per cent of Hong Kong's precipitation occurs between May and September, with August registering the highest rainfall. For a detailed weather forecast, please visit Hong Kong Observatory website.


Q: Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong?
A: Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.


Q: Where is the best area to stay?
A: Hong Kong is compact, so visitors are never too far from shopping and major sights. Hong Kong also has an excellent transportation system so visitors can easily reach other areas, no matter where they stay. Most hotels are located in the heart of the city, in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. There are also a growing number of resort-style hotels in the New Territories that offer relaxing alternatives.


Q: Is local transportation easily accessible?
A: Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efficient, relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers extension areas of Hong Kong with signs in English and Chinese.


Q: Will I be expected to pay tips?
A: Most restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service charge but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10 per cent tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.



Q: Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Hong Kong?
A: The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment.The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong.


Q: Where can I get Internet Access in Hong Kong?
A: Most hotels have Internet access. You can also access the Internet for free at many coffee shops, large shopping malls, major MTR stations and public libraries in town. For people bringing their laptops to Hong Kong, Wireless Broadband service is common at major shopping malls and coffee shops. If you use a modem, note that the BT system using in Hong Kong will gradually be replaced by the RJ system. If you are still using the BT plug, you can buy a BT–RJ adaptor in Hong Kong to solve the connection problem.


Q: Is Hong Kong safe for the visitor?
A: Yes, Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world even at night, when people may walk alone with confidence.


Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Very widely spoken. There will be no problems in communicating with people in most hotels, restaurants and even some taxis.

Hong Kong's Lesser Known Attractions

It's easy to get a list of the same popular attractions over and over again from travel guides and the tourism boards. Here are some of the less unique attractions in Hong Kong that may interest architecture fans and urban planners.

1. Hong Kong International Airport
Designed by Sir Norman Foster, it is currently the world's largest airport terminal building. I suggest leaving more time for check-in so you can explore the terminal once you pass immigration. If you're an aviation fan, leave about an hour to walk around the length of the terminal to spot airplanes. HKIA is a popular destination for mainland carriers, and there are a lot of long-haul jets from Europe, North America, Africa, and the rest of Asia.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20050926/SEPT26-142.jpg

2. Tram Ride to the Residential Areas
While the tourism board and numerous guidebooks will recommend taking a tram ride as part of any typical Hong Kong trip, I suggest taking the tram further out from the CBD to the residential areas to the west and east. Start with the west - trams to Kennedy Town. You will pass a corridor in Western district that specializes in selling traditional Chinese herbs and foods called 'hoi mei'.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051012/OCT12-S03-010.jpg

There is a lot of grit in this area as well.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051012/OCT12-S02-186.jpg

3. Riding the Bus
Hong Kong gets quite hot in the summer - it is very humid and walking outside gets very uncomfortable. Instead of walking to see the city, take a bus instead. On Hong Kong Island, Route 2 runs along the tram line, 6 goes to Stanley, and definitely take 15 to the Peak. In Kowloon. take 8 for a west-east tour of Tsim Sha Tsui, and most of the other single-digit routes run along Nathan Road from the Star Ferry terminus.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051012/OCT12-S01-070.jpg

Hong Kong's bus companies have bought a lot of new buses in the past few years. Bus spotting is a popular hobby in Hong Kong. Perhaps you'll see a youngster with a tripod on the street snapping pictures of your bus passing through.

4. Fishing Villages
There are a lot of fishing villages around Hong Kong. Some of the big ones are Tai O and Lei Yue Mun. However, these are tourist traps and prices are quite high. I recommend going to Po Toi O, which is a little far away but much quieter and smaller.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051001/OCT01-S01-006.jpg

5. Hiking
Hong Kong has a lot of hiking trails. For a good exercise, try the one linking Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island. It takes about an hour and a half and has a good mix of level and hilly terrain. If you want to take a break in between, the trail passes by a beach. I notice a lot of Westerners living and hiking on this island.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051011/OCT11-S01-065.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051011/OCT11-S01-092.jpg

6. Grit
For all those who love to see grit, Hong Kong has a lot of them, but quiet a few won't survive as redevelopment pushes through. If you're in Hong Kong in the near future, visit Lee Tung Street in Wan Chai, otherwise known as Wedding Card Street. It was set up a few decades ago as a bunch of printing houses specializing in wedding card production, but has been earmarked for redevelopment. You will see the Urban Renewal Authority's signs on most of the buildings but residents have plastered banners and signs of protest.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051018/IMG_2549.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051018/IMG_2557.jpg

See it before it gets torn down.

The heart of Kwun Tong has just been earmarked for redevelopment. This area is very gritty, and has some really old buildings.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051005/OCT05-S01-015.jpg

Walk along the streets and notice the abundance of street level activity. Kwun Tong is still a very vibrant residential community.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051005/OCT05-S01-110.jpg

7. Lunch at Hopewell
Hopewell Centre offers cheap lunches at their top-floor revolving restaurant. Don't expect too much from the food, but for the price you're paying, it's cheaper than paying to go up an observation deck in another Western city.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051018/IMG_2425.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051018/IMG_2522.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051018/IMG_2515.jpg

8. Commuter Ferries
Other than the Star Ferry and ferries to the outlying islands, try either the Kwun Tong - North Point or Kowloon City - North Point ferries. They give a nice perspective to the skyline on the east side of Victoria Harbour.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051019/IMG_2950.jpg

9. Skylobbies
Bank of China and Central Plaza have skylobbies that are open to the public. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority's libary at 2 IFC is also open to the public. For 2 IFC, register on the street-level lobby first to get a tag. For the others, you can go straight up to the skylobby.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051004/OCT04-S02-103.jpg

Another is taking bus 6 from Central to Stanley. It's a roller coaster like ride :D

I love your posts...

i wanna go to hong kong so bad :-[

I love your posts...
Is it difficult to find a job in art domain?
Have you any informations about postgraduate schooling in H.K. in Fine Arts
drawing,printmaking and painting for foreigner students?
Please,any information would be useful...
I finished The Academy of Fine Arts in my country.
Postgraduate? Work?
Thank you :)
I dream it could be Hong Kong!!!

Hong Kong is one of the most creative places in Asia for visual communication and there are alot of jobs in this city for you field. I happen to be in the same field as well ;)

There are several colleges that offer fine arts for post graduates but I would recommend The Hong Kong Polytechnique University or The University Of Hong Kong.

Here are their websites

University of Hong Kong (Fine Arts Department)
http://www.fa.hku.hk/index_flash.html

Hong Kong Polytechnique University School Of Design
http://www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/

very nice ;)
great honk kong

I love your posts...
Is it difficult to find a job in art domain?
Have you any informations about postgraduate schooling in H.K. in Fine Arts
drawing,printmaking and painting for foreigner students?
Please,any information would be useful...
I finished The Academy of Fine Arts in my country.
Postgraduate? Work?
Thank you :)
I dream it could be Hong Kong!!!
Hong Kong's art industry is small. However, there are opportunities in fashion design. There is a push to make Hong Kong a major fashion design centre since it is already a major clothing exporter.

Fashion Design : http://my.tdctrade.com/more.asp?group_id=P009
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts : http://www.hkapa.edu/

Thank you so much friends :)
What do you do in life?

Pleasant to see these nice shots , and hope this thread to spread.....

great pitures

Culture & Heritage Celebration - An 18-Day showcase of Ancient Chinese Festivals in Hong Kong

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/chc.jhtml

A non-stop culture and heritage celebration awaits you in Hong Kong from 20 April to 7 May 2006. So come and experience a lifetime of Chinese traditional culture packed into one visit, with festivities at every turn!

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/images/chc/photo_04.jpg

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/images/chc/title_04.gif

The patron of seafarers, Tin Hau has over 70 temples dedicated to her in Hong Kong. Thousands of worshippers turn out at the biggest temples for the colourful birthday celebrations, giving thanks for the past year and praying for safety, security, fine weather and full nets during the coming year.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/images/chc/photo_01.jpg

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/images/chc/title_01.gif

You can participate in the bathing rituals celebrating the Birthday of Lord Buddha, when thousands of followers flock to the Po Lin Monastery in the shadow of the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/images/chc/photo_02.jpg

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/images/chc/title_02.gif

The week's festivities culminate with spectacular processions (on 5 and 6 May) in which youngsters dressed as mythological figures, and held aloft on hidden rods, appear to float above the heads of the crowd. The parade ends at a temple where men and women clamber up a tower covered in buns to grab as many 'lucky' ones as possible off the top!

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/images/chc/photo_03.jpg

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/mega/images/chc/title_03.gif

Another deity revered by seafarers, Tam Kung has a following unique to Hong Kong. A colourful parade is a feature of the birthday celebrations.

Whenever you visit during this period, you'll find all the festivals fully explained in a fascinating recreation of an ancient Temple Fair, located alongside the Central Ferry Piers on Hong Kong Island. Some celebrations can be reached by ferry, while nearby transport links can get you to the others.

What trip in HK would be without checking out the Symphony Of Lights :)

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/lighting/images/st_mega_sol.jpg

A Symphony of Lights

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/showtime/lighting/index.jhtml

This spectacular multimedia show, already named the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, has been expanded to involve 33 key buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

The brand-new show creates an all-round vision of coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronised to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

There are five main themes - Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and the finale, Celebration. On festive days, special pyrotechnic displays launched from the middle of the harbour add extra sparkle to the show.

For the best view of A Symphony of Lights, take a harbour cruise or head to the waterfront promenades on either side of Victoria Harbour*. The show, organised by Tourism Commission, is a must-see event on any visit to Hong Kong.

A Symphony of Lights*

This spectacular multimedia show, already named the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, has been expanded to involve 33 key buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.
The brand-new show creates an all-round vision of coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronised to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

There are five main themes - Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and the finale, Celebration. On festive days, special pyrotechnic displays launched from the middle of the harbour add extra sparkle to the show.

For the best view of A Symphony of Lights, take a harbour cruise or head to the waterfront promenades on either side of Victoria Harbour*. The show, organised by Tourism Commission, is a must-see event on any visit to Hong Kong.

Dates: Nightly
Time: 8 pm

*Vantage Points:

1. Along the Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade
2. On the waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai
3. Aboard a harbour cruise**

Enquiries: +852 2508 1234
Website: http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony

Notes: Spectators can listen to the show's music and English narration live at the Avenue of Stars and the promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night, and on radio every night on 103.4FM along the harbour front or by calling 35 665 665 (usual service charges apply).

# When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.3 or above or Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued at or after 3pm on the Show day, the Show will be suspended. No show will be staged even if the Signal is removed before 8pm on that day. The show may also be suspended in emergencies without prior notice.

** For ferry tours, contact a travel agent, hotel tour desk or the HKTB multilingual Visitor Hotline 2508 1234.

Sha Chau & Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park
http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newmarine/event/scmarine/eng/index.html

http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newmarine/event/scmarine/eng/images/02/photo02.jpg

http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newmarine/event/scmarine/eng/images/04/a/map.jpg

http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newmarine/eng/Oparks_info/images/map.jpg

Hong Kong is located on the eastern edge of the Pearl estuary. The yearly average river discharge is 326,000 million carrying 94,550 tonnes of sediment with an average of 0.12-0.13 kg discharge. As such the water quality in western Hong Kong is strongly influenced by the Pearl River.

The hydrology of the estuary varies seasonally. In the dry season it is typically uniform around the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, with salinities in the range 25 - 32 parts per thousand (ppt). In the wet season, however, the waters around the Marine Park have lower salinity (10 - 24 ppt).

This estuarine environment is an important nursery ground for coastal and oceanic fish and shellfish, as well as an important feeding ground for the Chinese White Dolphin.

The Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park is situated in the open waters of the western part of Hong Kong, north west of the International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. It covers a sea area of about 1,200 hectares. The marine boundary is demarcated by five marker buoys whilst the landward boundary follows the high water mark along the coastline of the three islands.

http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newmarine/event/scmarine/images/04/a/p01.jpg

The western waters of Hong Kong, especially Sha Chau, Lung Kwu Chau and North Lantau, are important habitats for the Chinese White Dolphin. The distribution of the dolphins is related to the freshwater input from the Pearl River. The majority of dolphin sighting appears to be on the eastern coast of Lung Kwu Chau; at the northwest and southwestern tips of Lung Kwu Chau; in the waters between these points; and near the north east and south west coast of Sha Chau. The estimated abundance of dolphins in Hong Kong waters ranges from 88 in spring to 145 in summer with an average group size of 4.

The oldest Chinese White Dolphin found in Hong Kong was 33 years old. They are born at about 100 cm in length and grow to a maximum of about 270 cm. The colour pattern of the Chinese White Dolphins varies with development stage. Calves are dark grey in colour which lightens with age. Adult female dolphins are usually pink while adult males may retain some grey spots. The pink colour is due to the proximity of blood capillaries to the body surface.

I hope to come in H.K. in september '96.
...can't wait :carrot: :okay:

I hope to come in H.K. in september '96.
...can't wait :carrot: :okay:

I would recommend visiting HK between the last week of September and the second week of October. You got National Day and Mid Autumn Festival :)

National Day? Avoid these holidays. There are a lot of mainland Chinese swamping Hong Kong's tourist attractions. The last thing you want is to wait in line for everything. Come during the non-peak season.

National Day? Avoid these holidays. There are a lot of mainland Chinese swamping Hong Kong's tourist attractions. The last thing you want is to wait in line for everything. Come during the non-peak season.

I was more thinking about the fireworks than the no. of mainlanders :D

Well if not, National Day, Mid Autumn Fes. is more recommendable :)

I was more thinking about the fireworks than the no. of mainlanders :D

Well if not, National Day, Mid Autumn Fes. is more recommendable :)
The Disneyland fiasco is still fresh in people's minds. It's not worth competing against the deluge of tourists during the week-long holidays in China. It already costs more to book hotels, let alone risk wasting time in line trying to see the attractions.

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/2000/largepic/p11_05.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/2000/largepic/p11_02.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/1999/largepic/p14_02.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/1999/largepic/p14_09.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/1999/largepic/p16_01.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/1999/largepic/p16_05.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/1999/largepic/p16_06.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/2002/photo/big/p-marine-01.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/2002/photo/big/p-marine-03.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/2002/photo/big/p-marine-10.jpg

http://www.info.gov.hk/yearbook/2002/photo/big/p-marine-07.jpg

The place looks absolutely awesome! :drool:

Hong Kong is beautiful, wonderful, magnify, I love Symphony Of Lights!!!!

I congratulate them to have the best skyline in the world!!!!

:cheers1:

I highly recommend the Tram, but it is important to get a seat up front on the top level, or you miss most of the view.

I highly recommend the Tram, but it is important to get a seat up front on the top level, or you miss most of the view.

Good suggestion but if you want a bigger chance of getting the front seat on the top level, I suggest taking it in Kennedy Town :D :D :D

Anyway, there are still the old trams that you can rent which are specially for tourists or private functions. You don't just the top level but you have alot of privacy.

http://www.hkcba.com/Graphics/Forum_galleries/2003/gallery02/images/Tram%202.jpg

The trams are usually not crowded outside the rush hours and around lunch. It's easy to get a front row or back row seat with a window view outside the main downtown areas.

I highly recommend the Tram, but it is important to get a seat up front on the top level, or you miss most of the view.

Not neccesary. I got some good views from the far rear at the top of the trams. I took this video from the back of one:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1445491107138421730

Another thing worth mentioning are the monkeys that you can see on Victoria Peak.

More often than not if you take a stroll around the Peak, there will be mountain monkeys that will greet you.

Edit: It's true. I have not gone crazy/

A certain spot if you want see monkeys are the Lady Maclehose camp in Sai Kung.

A certain spot if you want see monkeys are the Lady Maclehose camp in Sai Kung.

Isn't Maclehose a trail? The only camp I know in that area is Po Leung Kuk.

Anyway, there's a hiking trail in the peak near Tsing Yi and I saw some monkeys there. The trail is by the road that goes from Shatin to Tsing Yi.

Wonderful place

Hong Kong's Trails
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/parks/trails/Eng/hiking/index.htm

would it be difficult for us if we cant speak guangdong hua?

ngo m chi toe hohoho ^^

English is an official language in Hong Kong. Communication shouldn't be a problem. It might be hard to speak to seniors in English, but the younger generation is aware of the language since it is a language of instruction in schools.

Isn't Maclehose a trail? The only camp I know in that area is Po Leung Kuk.


Yea that's probably it - I always knew it as the Maclehose camp....

From the website

Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Very widely spoken. There will be no problems in communicating with people in most hotels, restaurants and even some taxis.

It's true that it's widely spoken, but in a funny Cantonese way ;) And the British influence in their English accent is minimal, instead most people their prefer American accents or Canadian accents. Rural British accents--- never heard from Asian but some Middle-class older Brits still speak like those in Britain.

English is an official language in Hong Kong. Communication shouldn't be a problem. It might be hard to speak to seniors in English, but the younger generation is aware of the language since it is a language of instruction in schools.

It's strange that as a former British colony, those younger generation are speaking English more like Americans rather than Brits.

Not really. There are a lot of British-educated students in HK. Traditional British hobbies are still alive and well, such as horse-racing and bus spotting. Many senior civil servants speak with a British accent.

WANCH, i love this post. I'm including HOng Kong as my possible destination this coming holidays. Is June or July a good time to visit?

WANCH, i love this post. I'm including HOng Kong as my possible destination this coming holidays. Is June or July a good time to visit?

It's ok. Alot of kids will be out of school by then.

It's really humid in June and July. The handover anniversary is also a busy travel time so avoid that (around July 1).

i love HK and have many friends from HK :)
but one question
many people say Mainland China is very dangerous, and i tend to agree (no offence)
is HK also dangerous?

i love HK and have many friends from HK :)
but one question
many people say Mainland China is very dangerous, and i tend to agree (no offence)
is HK also dangerous?

HK is one of the safest cities in the world and we do have a low crime rate. Also, we have a very efficient police force who are helpful in case of problems. But it's better to be alert and streetwise.

many people say Mainland China is very dangerous, and i tend to agree (no offence)

It is true in many major cities and especially in the large railway stations, bus terminus and some tourist attractions. Anyway, DO cautious in those places and DON’T be fouled with the scams for cheap transportations and accommodations, where those people usually wondering in railway stations and bus terminus. :|

It is true in many major cities and especially in the large railway stations, bus terminus and some tourist attractions. Anyway, DO cautious in those places and DON’T be fouled with the scams for cheap transportations and accommodations, where those people usually wondering in railway stations and bus terminus. :|

In The Mainland, yes but in HK it's not much of a problem. Though there are cases of pickpocketing especially in crowded areas.

HK is one of the safest cities in the world and we do have a low crime rate. Also, we have a very efficient police force who are helpful in case of problems. But it's better to be alert and streetwise.
thanks ;) i want to go :cry:

I think people in this forum are 'hong-kong' crazy!
:badnews:

^^ because it's worth being crazy about.

:tongue2:

People here aren't crazy about HK but we do have some of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.

It's ok. Alot of kids will be out of school by then.

when's the wet/typhoon season? what bout December- January? when's the school holiday in HK? I don't wanna jostle with them at HK Disneyland. I think i might have to reschedule my plans to the end of the year.

It can get quite cold in December and January, and usually it's fairly dry. Temperatures can dip to around 10C, so bring a jacket. The Christmas holidays might not be too busy since many HKers get out of town. But do avoid the Chinese New Year holiday for sure (many mainland tourists visit around that time).

It can also get quite hazy in the winter months. The tradeoff is walking around on the streets is actually possible for the entire day because of the cooler weather.

But what about the Christmas atmosphere in HK! Simply dreamy... I could think of it all day. :cry: If you want to see amazing lighting schemes this is the time to go!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/ate130/wholeview.jpg
:cheers:

i love HK and have many friends from HK :)
but one question
many people say Mainland China is very dangerous, and i tend to agree (no offence)
is HK also dangerous?

Hong Kong has a lower crime rate than London but Mainland China (especially Shenzhen) is very unsafe. Beware of pickpockets in HK though, even when there are lots of CIDs hanging around watching you.

Hong Kong has a lower crime rate than London but Mainland China (especially Shenzhen) is very unsafe. Beware of pickpockets in HK though, even when there are lots of CIDs hanging around watching you.

Pickpocketing is usually a problem in crowded areas especially in the MTR during rush hour or in major shopping centres like Causeway Bay or Mong Kok.

Just be cautious if the place is crowded.

I think people in this forum are 'hong-kong' crazy!
:badnews:
because its a skyscraper heaven :drunk:

because its a skyscraper heaven :drunk:

HK is a heaven for many things, not just skyscrapers.

If you're a shopaholic, a businessman, banker, movie actor then HK is the place for you :D

The Hong Kong Experience
Besides skyscrapers, shopping, and the tourist activities, try out some of the following activities to get to know what life in HK is like :

Wet market
Many HKers buy their groceries at these wet markets. There are outdoor ones such as the one depicted in the photos below, but there are also a lot of indoor air-conditioned markets as well. Every residential area has such a market in addition to the Western supermarkets.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051002/OCT02-S02-0231.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051002/OCT02-S03-285.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051002/OCT02-S03-287.jpg

Try some seafood
HK has many fishing villages that offer fresh seafood where you pick them live from tanks and they'll cook them for you right away. Sai Kung and Lei Yue Mun are two of the popular tourist traps. However, there is another one that is a bit more off-beat and not as crowded with tourists in Po Toi O near Clearwater Bay (further south from Sai Kung).

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051001/OCT01-S01-097.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051001/OCT01-S01-006.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051001/OCT01-S01-013.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051001/OCT01-S01-065.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051001/OCT01-S01-073.jpg

There are some things you should avoid eating. First is oysters from Lau Fau Shan. They're cheap, but the bay where they're grown is not very clean, especially with Shenzhen on the other side. Avoid large reef fish, as there have been incidents of poisoning lately. Make sure you have Hepatitis shots before eating shellfish as well.

The Hong Kong Experience ... Continued
Besides skyscrapers, shopping, and the tourist activities, try out some of the following activities to get to know what life in HK is like :

Bus Ride
It can get quite hot from spring to autumn. Walking on the streets for even 30 minutes may be very painful especially with HK's high humidity. Why not take a bus to tour the streets instead? On Hong Kong Island, route 2 follows the tram line, and you can sweep the main downtown areas and the residential districts to the east. In Kowloon, most of the single-digit routes follow Nathan Road, the busiest corridor stretching from Tsim Sha Tsui up to Mongkok. For the skyscraper fans, route 8 will take you from the Star Ferry pier to the Union Square development at Kowloon Station.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051002/OCT02-S02-0055.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20050923/SEPT23-S01-035.jpg

Also be aware of the route numbering system. 100-series routes go across the harbour via the Cross Harbour Tunnel. 900-series routes cross the harbour from the Western Harbour Crossing. Hong Kong Island has its own local routes (single and double digits) while Kowloon and the New Territories have their own local routes also with single and double digit numbers. The two sets overlap, so be sure you get the location of the routes.

See the original settlement
The British landed in Hong Kong around where present-day Possession Street stands. It is now a few blocks inland from the water. There are a lot of street markets and antique shops in the Sheung Wan district. I recommend taking the Central-Midlevels escalator up to around Hollywood Road then randomly picking a few streets to go downhill. Make sure you visit Pottinger Street, which is a cobblestone road downhill back to the city.

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20051020/IMG_3279.jpg

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Take the starferry trip from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central!!!

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All shot by myself! :)

I've been to Hong Kong once and my favorite part was the FOOD!!

I've been to Hong Kong once and my favorite part was the FOOD!!

Oh man I love the food there. And they really cook it well :)

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Said to be a hundred years old, every year in May all people on the island go on a vegetarian diet for three days, and on the last day, hundreds of young men climb three bun towers, tear off the buns, and hand them to the crowd. The bun tower climbs have recently resumed.

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Have any of you gone to see the "Wishing Tree"? The one where you write something, tie it to an orange and throw the whole thing onto the tree? ;)

I've been there.

Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/hkiidistricts/ta_dist_taip6.jhtml

An unexpected delight in Tai Po is the Wishing Trees outside the Tin Hau Temple in Lam Tsuen.

These two famous banyan trees are a favourite with local villagers who come to burn joss sticks and incense papers hoping their wishes will come true. During Chinese New Year, many Hong Kong people make a pilgrimage to this spot to make their Chinese New Year wishes. Participate in this tradition and your wish may come true.

The Tin Hau Temple near the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree was built around the time of Emperor Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty and is the largest temple of its kind in Tai Po. The temple's main hall is dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of Heaven, while on either side of the main hall stand, respectively, a Hall dedicated to both the God of Literature and the God of War (the Man Mo Hall) and the Temple for Justice, built in honour of 12 noble-hearted men who protected the Lam Tsuen villages in the past.

Take the Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR) to Tai Po Market Station and look for a minibus to Lam Tsuen.

The bus terminus in Sai Kung (taking the bus from Tiu Keng Leng...forgot what bus number :() .. .right outside it there's a bunch of seafood restaurants.

Fcuking awesome...I recommend it!

The bus terminus in Sai Kung (taking the bus from Tiu Keng Leng...forgot what bus number :() .. .right outside it there's a bunch of seafood restaurants.

Fcuking awesome...I recommend it!
That's 792M by NWFB.

Wetland Park will be opened on May 20! You may refer here (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/environment/060503/html/060503en04004.htm) and here (http://wetlandpark.com/). ;)

That's 792M by NWFB.

Yea think so ... tried the food there?

guys where's southpacific and metro park hotel?...are they on a handy location?...would they offer nice views of the city?

guys where's southpacific and metro park hotel?...are they on a handy location?...would they offer nice views of the city?

The South Pacific Hotel is in Wan Chai near the border with Causeway Bay while The Metro Park Hotel is in

South Pacific Hotel, 23 Morrison Hill Rd, Wanchai. Hong Kong

http://www.southpacifichotel.com.hk

Metro Park Hotel, 148 Tung Lo Wan Road, Causeway Bay Hong Kong

http://www.metroparkhotel.com/

The Metro Park Hotel provides a better view of HK than South Pacific.

Yea think so ... tried the food there?
I had Sai Kung seafood almost 10 years ago. Since then, I preferred the smaller fishing villages such as Tai O and Po Toi O.

--

I started this thread cause I would like promote my city to every SSC forumer.

Anyway, Hong Kong is one city in Asia that I would recommend for you to visit. More than just the skyline, it is Asia's World City with a vibrant economy, streetlife, culture and lifestyle. It is also one of the best places to shop, dine and enjoy. It's a city for all ages and it offers alot of attractions for everyone to enjoy.

I would consider Tokyo as asia's world city. Anyways that is one nice site. One of the best sites for a city in Asia! Busan's is also great.

HK Shopping Festival! ;)
From news.gov.hk:
7,500 outlets to run in shopping festival (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/businessandfinance/060612/html/060612en03001.htm)

I would consider Tokyo as asia's world city. Anyways that is one nice site. One of the best sites for a city in Asia! Busan's is also great.

Yes but Tokyo isn't as "international" as Hong Kong. Anyway, that's all, don't wanna turn this to a c vs c :)

Yea think so ... tried the food there?
I tried Sai Kung seafood years ago, but I think it's too touristy these days, so I go for lesser-known places such as Po Toi O further down the coast.

I didn't see any tourists when I was eating there...

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g75/iyah_lujille/Hong%20Kong/snoopysworld.jpg

Snoopy's World in HongKong

_________________________________

http://www.travel-guideonline.com/hongkong/

^^ tacky?

Isn't Snoopy World in some mall? I think I came across there at some point. Anyways, here is a typical street scene. Notice the "ding-ding" tram on the road, sandwiched inbetween the towering skyscrapers.

http://static.flickr.com/49/167614980_b190a2142e_o.jpg

Experience the activity of Hong Kong
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/cityguides/hongkong/worthdoing.htm?csp=34

Hong Kong is a place of contrasts — geographically, socially and economically. Although many Asian cities claim to be where East meets West, the former British Crown Colony, whose largely Chinese population was ruled by Europeans for 156 years, is probably the closest the world comes to the genuine article.
Perched precariously on the edge of China, Hong Kong has been battered by geopolitical forces for centuries. Thanks to its strategic deepwater harbor and proximity to Asia's most populous nation, the city profited as the capitalist gateway for the communist giant to the north. What was once a fishing village became one of the world's busiest international ports and business centers.

Scratch the cosmopolitan, high-tech surface, however, and you'll discover an old China lying just below the city's modern urban facade and, in some cases, right alongside it. Residents invariably live in two worlds: Skyscrapers and enormous shopping malls sit next to narrow alleys crowded with traditional vendors' stalls. Businesspeople use cell phones to consult fortune-tellers before making important decisions. Taoist priests exorcise evil spirits from buildings, even from the city's racecourses. In sleepy walled villages, farmers tend their crops in the same way they have for generations.

Hong Kong is a city of levels. At the top is Victoria Peak, on Hong Kong Island, from which mansions of the super-rich look out over the high-rise apartments of the merely affluent. Farther down the mountain are alleys and old tenements dotted with colorful balcony gardens. Living on the water itself are Hong Kong's boat people — fishing families who spend most of their lives on their boats. Across the water on the mainland are Kowloon and the suburban New Territories, which were once Hong Kong's vegetable garden.

Although the popular image of Hong Kong is a place where every square inch of land is crammed with high-rise apartments and office buildings, in reality, 38% of all land in Hong Kong is parkland or undeveloped greenery.

Must-do view — A visit to Victoria Peak (generally referred to as the Peak) is a must-do on any itinerary, offering unrivalled views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbor and Kowloon. The Peak is Hong Kong's most fashionable address — and priciest real estate — where, during the colonial period, taipans (foreign businesspeople) had summer homes to escape the heat below.

The trip up begins with a ride in one of the world's steepest funicular railways. Some say it's best to go in the daytime, while others say the night view is more spectacular. We suggest going up in late afternoon, taking a 40-minute stroll around Lugard Road, watching the sunset and then looking down upon the lights of the city. (Check the weather before you set out. If you can see the top of the mountain before you board the tram, you'll probably have a good view. If it's shrouded in mist, you may want to delay your trip until clearer weather.) The Peak Tower, which offers the best view, has ice-cream shops, a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops.

The Peak Tram starts from St. John's Building on Garden Road. (You can take a free open-topped bus from the Star Ferry pier in Central to the Peak Tram terminal in the Mid-Levels on the Peak.) HK$20 one way and HK$30 round trip for adults. It leaves daily approximately every 10 minutes, 7 a.m.-midnight. Take a seat on the right-hand side. The tram makes several stops along the way. St. John's Building, Garden Rd., Central; 852-849-7654.

A cruise you can use — Almost everyone's favorite memory of Hong Kong is a trip on the Star Ferry. The ferry line plies several routes and is one of the most pleasant ways of getting from Hong Kong Island to the Kowloon Peninsula, especially during the cooler seasons. The main terminals are at Central, Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui. Ferries from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui run every 5-10 minutes 6 a.m.-11:30 p.m. and leave Tsim Sha Tsui for Wanchai every 10-20 minutes 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. The fare for the first-class upper deck is HK$2.20; views from the second-class deck aren't as good. Central pier; 852-2367-7065.

Closer to the divine, Hong Kong-style — The Big Buddha on Lantau Island is the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha, built by the Chinese Space Agency and opened officially in 1989. Work up an appetite by climbing 268 steps to the top of the Buddha (110 feet) and later have a vegetarian lunch at the Polin Monastery. Lantau Island (take the ferry from the Outlying Islands piers, Central, to Mui Wo and then board Bus 2 to the monastery).

You will have to climb 431 steps to reach the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, but the reward is 12,800 statues of Buddha. A mummified holy man embalmed in gold leaf is also on display inside. Daily, all day. Donation requested. Above Sha Tin railway station (go by Kowloon-Canton Railway), 852-2691-1067.

A handsome building, St. John's Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in East Asia (built in 1849). Daily until 6 p.m. Admission is free, but there are collection boxes for donations to help with upkeep. On Garden Road in Central, 852-2523-4157.

A bit of colonial history — The Legislative Council Building was built in 1903 and is one of the few old colonial buildings left. It was once the Supreme Court. The building is generally open to organized tours (by appointment) and council sessions. Wednesday afternoon it is open to the public. 8 Jackson Rd. (next to Statue Square), Central; 852-2869-9399.

A bit of old China — Kat Hing Wai (also known as Kam Tin Walled Village), is the original 10th-century homestead of the Tang clan, the first of the Cantonese "Five Great Clans" to migrate to the New Territories. The village may be modern inside, but it's still surrounded by a moat and walls with four corner guardhouse towers. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has information centers at the Star Ferry terminals and in The Centre (99 Queen's Rd., Central) that can help you arrange to join a local tour. Contributions to the donations box are expected, as are handouts to the costumed Hakka women, before you can take any photographs. (Begin bidding at HK$10 and hope for the best.) Kam Tin (take the MTR to Tsuen Wan Station, then Bus 51).

Museum mania — The Hong Kong Museum of History offers an historical overview of the city, focusing on pirates, wars, economic growth and hardships, and an excellent collection of local photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday and public holidays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. HK$10 adults. 100 Chatham Rd. S., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; 852-2724-9042; www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/History/english/index.html.

Hong Kong Heritage Museum provides a look into the arts and cultural offerings of Hong Kong, with displays ranging from Chinese art to the world of comics to Chinese opera. Monday and Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. HK$10 adults. Free admission Wednesday. 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin (take Kowloon-Canton Railway to Sha Tin or Tai Wai in New Territories; it's a 15-minute walk from the station); 852-2180-8188; www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk.

Lei Cheng Uk Branch Museum is a Han Dynasty tomb dating back some 2,000 years; it's the oldest historical monument in Hong Kong. It also displays artifacts found in the tomb and presents exhibits on the life and culture of the Han Dynasty. Monday-Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 2-6 p.m, Sunday; public holidays 1-6 p.m. Free. 41 Tonkin St., Sham Shui Po, Kowloon; 852-2386-2863; www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/History/leicheng/English/index.html.

The Hong Kong Science Museum has hands-on exhibits that will interest adults as well as children. The Space Museum also houses a planetarium, which has about seven shows a day (offered in English or with English translations). Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. HK$25 adults, HK$12.50 children. Free Wednesday. Extra charge for some special exhibits. 2 Science Museum Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon; 852-2732-3232; www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Science/indexe.htm.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art, located in the Hong Kong Cultural Center, contains more than 2,000 Chinese antiques. Open Friday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. HK$10 adults. 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; 852-2721-0116; www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkma.

Escape the concrete jungle — With space at a premium, busy Central district has little in the way of public parks. Hong Kong Park is a rare exception, offering a magnificent aviary, a children's playground, ponds, waterfalls, a small amphitheater and an open-air restaurant. 19 Cotton Tree Dr., Central.

About a 10-minute walk west of Hong Kong Park, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are a welcome change from the noise and crowding in Central. Animal lovers won't be impressed by the zoo, however, which confines orangutans and leopards in small cages. Gardens open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m., zoo open daily 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Albany Road, Mid-Levels; 853- 2530-0154.

For the young and young at heart — Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom are two adjoining amusement parks. Ocean Park features rides, including a roller coaster and scenic cable car, as well as a water park and marine displays. Don't miss the Shark Aquarium and the huge Atoll Reef Aquarium. Middle Kingdom is a living-history museum that charts 5,000 years of Chinese civilization with replicas of temples, pagodas and street scenes, as well as exhibits and demonstration stalls. Traditional Chinese acrobats perform in the courtyard in front of the giant Buddha statue or in the Empress Theater. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission to both is HK$180 adults, HK$90 children. A round-trip transportation and entry fee package is a good value at HK$204 for adults and HK$102 for children. Ocean Park Road, near Aberdeen (take Citybus 269 from Admiralty MTR station); 852-2552-0291; www.oceanpark.com.hk.

^^^
that's a pretty good guide,
m currently working on a project identifying how the western culture has influenced Hong Kong so yeah that fits in quite well

Discovering Hong Kong makes me fat!!! :eat:
I went there last month for only 5 days and I gained 1 kg/day!! :ohno:

A high-seas hero in Hong Kong
25 June 2006
Sunday Telegraph

Paul Etherington's speedboat always draws a crowd. When he pulls in to pick up passengers at the fishing town of Sai Kung, east of Kowloon, the locals come and stare.

That's no great surprise, for many Hong Kong residents remember this monster of a craft from the days when police used a fleet of them to pursue Chinese smugglers.

Last time I'd ridden one was as a reporter for the South China Morning Post about 15 years ago. Back then, we were chasing a team of smugglers carrying cigarettes, drugs and people into Hong Kong from China.

It was a terrifying ride -- a real cops-and-robbers chase that Hong Kong's very own action hero, Jackie Chan, would have relished.

We weaved between myriad islands with blinding speed, and for heart-stopping seconds were completely airborne.

This time, I was just chasing some fun.

"Hang on," said Etherington as he powered up the engines that left Sai Kung behind us in a heartbeat. Sea spray revealed split-second rainbows as we bounced over the waves.

We passed fishermen clinging to cliffs, and flashed past bobbing junks as they ploughed on through the building seas -- destination unknown.

As we rounded a headland, we were hit by the full force of a roaring oceanic wind barrelling in from the South China Sea, bringing a 2m swell with it. With the last hint of civilisation out of view, we began to explore a very different Hong Kong.

With this boat, Etherington -- British-born, but a long-time Hong Kong resident -- has become a pioneer, opening up the region's wild and unexplored places to wide-eyed tourists. It's a timely move, as 2006 is officially Discover Hong Kong Year.

"Most visitors to Hong Kong think there's just Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and the Star Ferry sailing between them every few minutes -- and that's it," Etherington yelled at me over the roar of the engines and the wind.

"In fact, Hong Kong has more than 200 outlying islands, some of them havens for nature and wildlife. There's so much more to explore out here. You'd never believe you could do something this dramatic, natural and exciting in Hong Kong, yet it's easy. We're an hour at the most from the city centre."

Etherington's company, Kayak-and-Hike Ltd, takes guests out on speedboat adventures to remote and uninhabited islands where they can snorkel or kayak.

Some kayak trips are leisurely affairs, paddling through easy channels and stopping off at fishing villages or empty, white-sand beaches for lunch. The more adventurous head out on open water to negotiate dramatic natural sea arches.

That afternoon, in my bright green kayak and with more than an ounce of trepidation, I lined myself up for a stab at entering the Wang Chau Arch.

I stayed nose-on into the waves for as long as possible before making a swift left turn and, now broadside to those ominous walls of water, sprinted forward to take cover in the arch.

Inside, all was calm. We rose and fell gently for a few minutes on our kayaks, listening to the echoing of lapping water, before emerging back into the sunlight on the other side and paddling furiously to escape the dreaded sucking of the rock eddies.

After successfully negotiating such a thrilling high-seas adventure, there is little more fitting for a celebratory Jackie Chan hero than checking in to a luxury hotel with a killer spa.

At Kowloon, we headed for the InterContinental Hong Kong and its multi-awardwinning I-Spa -- the first in Hong Kong to incorporate the ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui. By pure coincidence, the spa's feng shui expert (or "master") was one Jackie Chan -- no relation, he assured me, to our Hong Kong hero.

Every element of the spa is designed and placed with minute detail to ensure harmony.

Settle into your private suite and ease your bruised knees and aching arms with the Ancient Rituals Of The Orient treatment, a blissful mix of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indian disciplines designed to balance your yin and yang.

The InterContinental Hong Kong also boasts that it offers the city's best views.

Its harbour-view suites have two picture windows, 3m wide, that frame almost the entire skyline of Hong Kong Island, and the width of Victoria Harbour. It's a mesmerising sight, day and night.

Even the lobby (also carefully feng shui-ed so Kowloon's famous invisible dragons have access to the harbour) offers a stunning city backdrop. Most hotel lobbies are places to check in and check out, but the InterContinental's is one you never want to leave.

If you're staying on Hong Kong Island, the recently opened Landmark Mandarin Oriental's Oriental Spa is an underground oasis dedicated to pampering and decadence.

Its wide-ranging treatments are available to all, but there are distinct male and female areas for certain experiences.

The girls get to access the Amethyst Crystal Steam Room, a Laconium (an ancient Roman sweat bath), and a Moroccan Rasul, where therapeutic mud draws out impurities.

The boys aren't left out -- they get to try Tropical Rain Saunas and a traditional hamam (Turkish sweat house).

Between treatments, anyone can take a trip in the Zen Relaxation Room, where silence and dusk lighting make for a blissful retreat.

FACT FILE

DETAILS: Kayak-and-Hike: www.kayak-and-hike.com , paul@kayakand-hike.com

InterContinental Hong Kong: www.intercontinental.com , www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com

Landmark Mandarin Oriental: www.mandarinoriental.com

HK launches largest ever shopping festival

HONG KONG, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Tourism Board launched the 2006 Hong Kong Shopping Festival Saturday evening, with a record participation of more than 7,800 outlets.

The two-month festival, running until August 31, will highlight six different facets of city's diverse shopping experience.

At the Launch Ceremony of 2006 Hong Kong Shopping Festival, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Henry Tang said the shopping festival showcases Hong Kong's strength as a destination -- the astonishing diversity, the cutting-edge style and the amazing value that can be found everywhere in the city.

He said that with more mega events still to come, a kaleidoscope of culture and heritage waiting to be explored, there really is something for everyone in 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year.

He said Hong Kong has long prided itself as a premier tourism destination in the region. Last year, the visitor arrivals reached another new record of 23 million, with total inbound tourism expenditure exceeded 13.5 billion U.S. dollars.

More than 300 leaders of the global travel industry and media guests participated in the launch ceremony.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed the premiere of Aqua Fantasia, the festival's another event. The outdoor multimedia show featured colorful images and an ever-changing water curtain, synchronized with music.

The images and scenes include new tourism spot as Wetland Park as well as Micky Mouse from Hong Kong Disneyland.

The HKTB will once again organize the ever-popular Grand Lucky Draw, which will feature an unprecedented number of prizes.

Altogether, 113 prizes worth 2.7 million HK dollars (about 346, 000 U.S. dollars) will be available for the lucky winners, with the Grand Prize being an Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars watch valued at 590,000 HK dollars (75,641 U.S. dollars).

At the end of August, the winners will travel to Hong Kong for the final round of the contest. Apart from discovering Hong Kong's diverse shopping experience, they will enjoy the new and hidden attractions in the city.