Hong Kong,The Olympic city of Hong Kong

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Hong Kong

Hong Kong

The Olympic city of Hong Kong (Equestrian Events)

Whether arriving by day or night you cannot fail to be impressed with the spectacular arial view of this enormous city. Spread out among stunning island scenery and soaring up toward you, it seems that you could almost reach out of your plane and touch it. With a mixture of modern commerce and historical past you will be surprised to find beautiful Chinese temples and parks dotted among the seemingly enormous sky-scrapers. Peoples’ washing flutters precariously 70 floors above the street from their balcony while workmen climbing high on scaffolding made from bamboo canes build the next tower block. Certainly it is a city of huge contrast and one you will never forget!

Hong Kong which is a Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China , has humble origins as a small fishing village which has transformed over time into one of the largest banking and trading centres in the world. It is situated in the Southeast corner of China and its population reaches a staggering 6,970,000 people! Cantonese is the main dialect with Mandarin growing in popularity and English is widely spoken. Most road signs and many other public areas are in Cantonese and English so travelling around is not difficult.
Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands are the 4 parts that make up this fabulous city. For shopping and entertainment Northern Hong Kong Island is the place to go whilst the East of Hong Kong Island is the residential area. For sea and sand Southern Hong Kong is the place to head. Kowloon is another busy and thriving area and for peace and natural environment then The New Territories and Outlying Islands are the place to be.

Hong Kongong is known as one of the world’s safest cities and day or night tourists will feel secure. It is a blend of cultures living harmoniously together preserving the values of Confucianism whilst accommodating traces of British culture left over from the colonial days. All aspects of society, business, residential, affluent and common people exist together in this amazing city.

Attractions

Of the many attractions in Hong Kong these are three not to miss

Ocean Park

Hong Kong Ocean Park can be found at the south end of Hong Kong Island. Split into two section the larger section is on the headlands of Mount Nanlang. The other section is in the lowlands of Huang Zhu Keng Valley. Encompassing an area of 170 miles, Ocean Park is one of the largest ocean parks in the world. Its two entrances (Tai Shue Wan Entrance and Main Entrance) are connected by cable-car.

Starting at the lowland section from the Middle Kingdom from the Tai Shue Wan Entrance. visitors can see many ancient structures such as temples, pavilions and streets. As you walk through the Middle Kingdom you meet the Hong Kong Jockey Giant Panda Habitat, where two adorable pandas, Anan the male, and Jiajia the female can be watched eating and sleeping.

Following the Panda habitat we arrive at the 'Dinosaur-Now and Then' area. Here tourists will see amongst others models of the ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex while learning how the dinosaurs became extinct about 65 million years ago. Also included are the Chinese Alligator and Chinese Giant Salamander.

Continuing to the Dolphin Breeding Centre, visitors will learn about dolphins' daily living habits and why we must protect these intelligent maritime mammals. 8 bottlenose dolphins can be seen. The aim of the exhibits is to emphasise the importance of wildlife conservation and protection and further exhibits include the Butterfly House and the Goldfish Pagoda.

For those who love water parks then Water Paradise is sure to be a delight as one of the most well-equipped aquatic entertainment centres in Asia. Here you can slide down a huge slide or jump in from a diving platform and swim through the zigzag watercourse.

To get to the headland section we take the cable car where you will have an unparalleled view of Hong Kong Island and the South China Sea beyond. From this point you can take in the view of the expanse of the marvellous maritime landscape comprising of Atoll Reef, Shark Aquarium, Ocean Theatre and Ocean Park Tower. Roller Coaster in Hong Kong

Through thick glass windows visitors can view a variety of fish at Atoll Reef which is shaped like a several storied elliptical fishbowl. The collection includes sharks, tropical fish and nautilus as well as morays, groupers, turtles and over 400 kinds of maritime animals living in the Pacific Islands and the South China Sea. Corals and cays are also exhibited.

For those who have visited this type of aquarium before it will come as no surprise to see Black Tip Reef Shark, Pygmy Swell Shark and other kinds of sharks approaching you as if you were swimming in the sea with them.

The Ocean Theatre is a popular open-air theatre where dolphins and sea lions provide a wonderful performance in a huge pond. Their theatrical show is under the guidance of trainers of course.

At a height of 72 metres, Ocean Park Tower is another excellent way to see the whole park from its revolving cabin.

For thrills of a different kind you might enjoy the rides. The latest ride is the Abyss Turbo Drop, which moves vertically on a 185 foot tower. As the platform slowly ascends, riders have an overall view of the ocean park before stopping briefly at the top. The following abrupt drop willtake your breath away! Flying Swing is another ride where tourists are swung in chairs as high as seven meters through a gyrating wave. When it begins to swing, it seems riders will be thrown off. The park also boast the longest Roller Coaster in Hong Kong, twisting and turning with a maximum speed of 77 kilometres per hour.

A day at Ocean Park is a day you will never forget and will surely want to repeat. You can visit the park from Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00am to 6.00 pm and 11.00 pm in summer. Cost is 185 HK$ and 85 HK$ for children aged 3 to 11.

Victoria Peak

Hong Kong is particularly impressive at night with its myriad lights and where better to enjoy the view than Victoria Peak. Located on the West part of the island Victoria Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong at 554 meters above sea level.

By taking the Peak Tram tourists will have a pleasant ride ascending the mountain. In the tram’s one hundred years of operation it there has never been an accident. After your eight minute journey to the summit you will see a seven storied building in the shape of a ship. This is the Peak Tower in housing such attractions as Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Odditorium, and the Peak Explorer Motion Simulator.

This branch of the famous Madam Tussauds museum exhibits over 100 waxworks of celebrities from all walks of life from the middle ages to the present day, President Hu Jintao included. Occupying the second and third floors of the Tower is a museum called Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium is a collection of more than 450 bizarre exhibits from all over the world. On the fourth floor the Peak Explorer Motion Simulator is located equipped with high-tech projectors, sound system and motion chairs. Looking at the images on screen, visitors will feel that they are actually there and witnessing what happens around them.

The panoramic vista of Hong Kong at night is not to be missed so visit to the Lion Pavilion on the peak .Standing upon the pavilion and overlooking the Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula, the spectacular view will take your breath away. From here you can see the busy Victoria Harbour , one of the world's busiest harbours while row upon row of skyscrapers stand prominently on the Central District, Hong Kong's financial and economic centre. Among the most spectacular are the Bank of China Tower and the Central Plaza at 72 and 78 stories respectively.

The whole city is swathed by glittering neon lights along the banks of Victoria Harbour. If you fancy a night time stroll the Peak Garden is for you where can walk among fragrant flowers, butterflies and birds while enjoying the spectacular view.

Aberdeen

Two hundred years ago you would have found mainly pirates at Aberdeen which later became a fishing village. Located on one of the southern tips of Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen is the largest satellite town and home to 60,000 people. Recent high-rise building developments have modernized the area, and now it has become a vibrant waterfront resort for people from metropolitan Hong Kong.

Modernization aside the tradition of fishing continues and hundreds of junks and sampans, old-fashioned boats serve as floating homes for thousands of people. This is where the two worlds meet as they crowd in the narrow harbour, juxtaposed against modern high-rise buildings that spread up the nearby hillsides. If you are lucky, warm-hearted fishermen might invite you onto their boat homes, from where you can glimpse the life of the boat-people. If not then why not take a sampan ride yourself – licensed operators only of course.

If you are feeling hungry then tasty seafood is on at two magnificent floating restaurants. "Jumbo Floating Restaurant" and the "Tai Bak Seafood Boat" are anchored in the Aberdeen Harbour, where guests can take a free ferryboat shuttle to reach before enjoying a delicious seafood feast. You can get to Aberdeen by taking the bus numbers 7 and 70.

Time to Eat

Whatever your tastes you are sure to find the answer in Hong Kong. Luxury restaurants, friendly tea houses and dessert houses all exist side by side with dai pai dong (Street-side food stands). Many Chinese and other nationalities foods are available including Beijingese, Shanghainese, Sichuan and Indian, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai or even Japanese and Italian. The choice is yours but of course it would be a shame while here not to try traditional Hong Kong Food!

If you are a tea drinker then you will be especially pleased as tea drinking is an important part of life. The famous Chinese Tea Ceremony, Hong Kong Yum Cha and British Afternoon Tea are all popular here. Yum Cha (tea drinking) is not to be missed and if you like Dim Sum which is the highlight of the ceremony you will be spoilt for choice. The tea offered will probably be oolong, purer or a lovely scented jasmine. A traditional Hong Kong food Congee is also served and consists of a thick porridge made from rice and flavoured with meat, eggs, fish, chicken seafood or vegetables.

When it’s time for dinner traditional Hong Kong food is a good choice being always fresh and strongly influenced by Cantonese food which is a unique member of the 8 Chinese cuisines. Soup is always on the menu in Hong Kong as a cultural symbol being known as good for health and beauty. Chinese medicines like ginger are added and can give a medicinal quality to the soup. As a City with a large natural harbour sea food is available to those who wish to try it.

For dessert you might be tempted to try sweet soups which are offered in teahouses, restaurants and dessert houses. Delights such as ginger milk pudding, steamed egg, tortoise jelly, sago dumpling and tofu pudding with fresh fruit await the connoisseur.

Places to try include:

Maxim's Palace Chinese Restaurant: (Mong Kok) 8^th Floor, Grand Century Place, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Tai Woo Restaurant: (winner of the best culinary award several times) Causeway Bay Branch, 27, Percival Street, Causeway Bay, Shau Kei Wan Branch192-198, Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho Central. Branch 92 & 100 Caine Road, Central. Tsim Sha Tsui Branch 14 - 16, Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Yung Kee Restaurant: 32 - 40, Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong opens from 11:00 to 23:30 (daily). Average cost per person about HK$ 200. Dim Sum Dining 14:00 to 17:30 (Mon. to Sat.) 11:00 to 17:30 (Sun. & Public Holiday). Chinese cuisine

Kam Fung Restaurant: Wan Chai Branch Ground floor, 41, Spring Garden Lane, Wan Chai.Average cost per person about HK$ 40, Mong Kok Branch Ground floor, 102, Lai Chi Kok Road, Mong Kok. Average cost per person about HK$ 40 to HK$ 100.

Tsui Wah Restaurant: Causeway Bay Branch 493 -495, Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay.
Average cost per person about HK$ 40. Central Branch Ground floor to second floor, 15 - 19, Wellington Street, Central. Average cost per person about HK$ 40 to HK$ 100.

Sun Fat Restaurant: 1, Wu Kwong Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon Average cost per person about HK$ 40

Jumbo Kingdom (Seafood): Shum Wan Pier Drive, WongChuk Hang, Aberdeen, Hong Kong.

Rainbow Seafood Restaurant: 1A - 1B, First Street, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island. Average cost per person about HK$ 300

Tin Yu Seafood Restaurant: Ground floor, 59, Chi Lok Fa Yuen Commercial Centre, Tuen Mun, New Territories. Average cost per person over HK$ 100.

Kam Lee Loy Restaurant: 29 - 30, Block 9, Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate. Average cost per person over HK$ 100.

Hui Lau Shan (Desserts): A33, Sau Fu Street Yuen Long. Average cost per person about HK$ 50.

Chung Kee Dessert: Shop CB58, Smiling Plaza, 162 - 188, Un Chau Street, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon . Average cost per person about HK$ 50.

Yee Shun Dairy Company: Kowloon Branch Ground floor, 63, Pilkem Street, Kowloon. Hong Kong Island Branch Ground floor, 506, Lock Heart Road, Causeway Bay.

Australia Daily Company Ground floor, 47, Parkes Street, Jordan, Kowloon

European and American Styles

W's Entrecote, le steak house francais (French style): 6/F, 33, Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay. Average cost per person about HK$ 150 to HK$ 300.

Amaroni's Little Italy (Italian style): LG 1-32, Festival Walk, 80, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong. Average cost per person about HK$ 100 to HK$ 150.

New Little Flying Elephant Portuguese Restaurant (Portuguese style): 1, Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Average cost per person about HK$ 100 to HK$ 150.

Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill (American flavour): L2-28, Festival Walk, 80, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong Average cost per person about HK$ 100 to HK$ 150.

Taco Loco (Mexico style): G/F, 7, Staunton Street, Central. Average cost per person about HK$ 100.

Pret A Manger (British style): shop L11003B-1005, International Finance Centre, Central.
Cost per person about HK$ 100.

Night life

There is plenty of nightlife in Hong Kong and sure to be something for all tastes and ages.

If you like the idea of a tour at night then there is plenty to choose from. Lei Yue Mun SeafoodVillage Dinner Cruise is a 5 hour trip beginning at dusk with the flag lowering ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square (if time permitted) and followed by a stop at seafood bazaar at Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village. View Hong Kong from the runway of the old Kai Tak airport and then shop in the Temple Street Open Market after the delicious seafood banquet.

Also worth taking are the Star Ferry’s Harbour Tour and Tsing Ma Night Cruise.

If you are more in the mind for bars and pubs then head for East Tsim Sha Tsui, Lan Kwai Fong or Wan Chai. There is a wide choice of pubs, bars and restaurants in Hong Kong’s trendy nightlife area. Beer and wines from all over the world can be found here and if you like to while away your time with a game or two then Darts and Chess are available all accompanied by music bands of course. Popular with locals and tourists alike.

If you fancy a nightclub after your drinks then you have a choice of either Western or Chinese. Of course you will find the Western variety is full of tourists and other foreigners while the Chinese version features such entertainment as acrobats, folk dances, singing and Cantonese Opera.

Discos are available for those with enough energy left at the end of the day and the following are a few to try out: J J's at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Wan Chai, Cyber 8 Discotheque Pub at New Miramar Hotel Bldg., Tsim Sha Tsui, Club Ing at Shopping Arc HK Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

Cinemas
As one of the worlds largest film producers Hong Kong boast more than 100 cinemas. The latest films worldwide are shown so there is sure to be something to suit everyone.

The 2008 Olympics Equestrian Events

The Equestrian events will be held at the Hong Kong Sports Institute and Penfold Park in Shatian, Beas River Country Club and part of the adjacent Hong Kong Golf Club. Hong Kong has in place world-class equine care facilities and medical services for horses, and a group of professionals in the Equestrian events. Hong Kong also has recognized quarantine protocol arrangements with many countries. Besides, Hong Kong's Equestrian sport for riders with disabilities is well-established and takes a leading position in Asia.

Hong Kong, the site of the Olympic Cross-country event

Left: the site Hong Kong programmed for staging the cross-country event of the 2008 Olympic equestrian sport.
Right: the training field