HONG KONG
A unique fusion of 150 years of colonial influence and 5,000 years of Chinese tradition, Hong Kong is a cultural crossroads of east and west. Matt Newbury lists his pick of the region's must-see highlights
THE PEAK
The Peak boasts one of the best city views on the planet, with the spectacular Hong Kong Island skyline below and Kowloon shimmering in the distance across the famous, fragrant harbour. Take the Peak Tram for a truly thrilling ascent. It has been in operation since 1888 and takes people up an incline so steep it looks as if the buildings are leaning at a 45-degree angle. Why not travel up close to sunset, so that you can enjoy the view in both daylight and then in all its twilight magnificence as a million lights glitter amid the skyscrapers below?
CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE
The Hong Kong Tourist Board has launched a programme of events to introduce visitors to the unique culture and traditions of the region, and best of all, many of the activities are free. Highlights include early morning Tai Chi classes with Master William Ng, which take place against the stunning harbour backdrop, Kung Fu demonstrations, Chinese tea appreciation classes and an architecture walk. The latter is particularly fascinating, shedding light as it does on the role of Feng Shui in the design of some of the urban centre's most breathtaking skyscrapers.
HAPPY VALLEY RACECOURSE
This famous course dates back to 1846, with the cityscape growing up around the track over the last 150 years. The resulting site is one of only a few city racecourses in the world, with the Wednesday evening, floodlit races making for a truly impressive sight. The people of Hong Kong love to gamble —and not just on the stock exchange — and even turf novices will find themselves caught up in the fervent excitement.
STANLEY MARKET
Few first-time visitors realise that Hong Kong boasts beautiful beaches, country parks and lush tropical vegetation. A great way to experience these natural riches is to take a bus journey to Stanley Market. You'll pass the crescent-shaped stretch of sand that is Repulse Bay along the way, before hopping off in Stanley, where you can hunt for bargains in the local market. Then take a stroll along the promenade before rewarding yourself with a coffee and an unforgettable sea view.
THE STAR FERRY
The ferry has been taking people across the harbour from the Central area of Hong Kong to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon since 1888. Although there are other ways of crossing the harbour, including the MTR underground, the boats remain the most scenic, charming and remarkably inexpensive way of reaching Kowloon. Land reclamation means that the journey is now much shorter than it was when William Holden met Susie Wong on the ferry in the1960 classic film The World of Susie Wong.
AVENUE OF STARS
The Avenue of Stars is a Kowloon waterfront promenade, which pays tribute to celebrities from the Hong Kong film industry, including a two-meter-tall statue of legendary Kung-Fu action star, Bruce Lee. It's the perfect place to take photos of Hong Kong Island across the harbour as well as the Symphony of Lights at night. This spectacular multimedia event is the largest permanent light and sound show in the world, covering over 40 buildings.
NGONG PING VILLAGE
Head out to Lantau Island and take a breathtaking ride on the cable car to the Ngong Ping plateau, with breathtaking views of North Lantau and the South China Sea below. At the top you'll discover a traditional-themed village, the Po Lin Monastery and the famous 34-meter-tall Tian Tan Buddha. It's also well worth taking a bus journey down to the village of Tai 0, a fishing community built on stilted houses and also known as the Venice of Hong Kong.
THE GAY STUFF
The gay scene in Hong Kong has been slow to develop, with many Chinese gays remaining in the closet due to family and cultural attitudes. That said, over the last couple of years, things have come on in leaps and bounds and some light research reveals a host of homo haunts. Why not start the night at the gay Friday Happy Hour at Club 97in Lan Kwai Fong, or the well-hidden ThirtySevenPlus in Soho for the girls? Then hit one of the clubs on Hollywood Road, such as Propaganda or Volume