Hong Kong City Guide

Victoria, the capital city of Hong Kong Island is a vibrant city with its sophisticated and metropolitan lifestyle that never cease to bring joyous experience to its visitors. It has the best of East and the charm of West, both ancient and modern taste.

Hong Kong Island, or known as Fragrant Harbor in Chinese, is a favorite tourist destination in South East Asia. It offers many delightful places of attraction. Enjoy the great beauty of the picturesque Victoria Harbor, Victoria Peak, the waterfront Causeway Bay, Zoological & Botanical Garden, Aberdeen and Repulse Bay.

Wander off to the heritage spotlight of Hong Kong, the Chinese relics and British colonial antiques. Visit the colonial gems of Hong Kong- the Noon Day Gun, the century old Museum of Tea Ware and the historical wonders that have been restored to their original splendor, the 18th century village Sam Tung Uk.

To the avid shoppers, Hong Kong has everything in abundance, from the open- air markets to classy malls. For bargain hunters looking for great deals and a great ambience, just head over to Ladies' Market, Temple Street Night Market and other open- air bazaars. There are great and classy malls that offer international brand- name items as well, like the factory outlets. Sale usually goes with the season; Summer and Winter sales, where shopping is an exhilarating experience for all!

Hong Kong also presents the best in its delightful cuisine, which makes eating a great gourmet treat. It is the right destination for food lovers, an experience of traditional to international cuisine. Among the signature dishes offered are the Seafood and melon- desert dishes. Hong Kong also hosts many gourmet promotions and events, like the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic and 'Eat Your Way Around Hong Kong' promotion.

Colorful culture festivals also delight the city; local and international spotlight include the Lantern Festival, Tin Hau Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and The Festival of Asian Arts. Hong Kong also hosts art and entertainment events, like the Events Capital of Asia that offers a mix of international and local art and entertainment, the French Modern Art and the Cirque du Soleil show.

Getting there and Moving Around

By rail

Two subway tunnels that connect the Island with the mainland. Railway service, the MTR or Mass Transit Railway is an efficient and inexpensive way of traveling. The Kowloon - Canton Railway (KCR) services frequent trains from Hung Hom (Kowloon) to the China border. There are store- value cards for both rail systems, called as the Octopus Card for faster and cheaper way to travel.

By trams

Trams only serve the north shore of Hong Kong Island from Shau Kei Wan in the east to Kennedy Town in the west. The service operates from 7 am to midnight.

By ferry

The Star Ferry connects Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with the Outlying Islands. The ferry services cross- harbor routes. The extensive ferry network also serves Macau and various ports in mainland China.

By road

There are only three roadway tunnels to connect the Island to the mainland. There are buses and taxis, by China MotorBus Company (CMB) services to various parts of the city to other districts.