Archive for November 28th, 2006
Join Hong Kong as it surges from strength-to-strength. World-class facilities, services and innovative programmes make Hong Kong an ideal destination for Conventions and Exhibitions, Corporate meetings and incentive groups. Visit this special section to discover the many venues, hotels, special activities and value-plus privileges, as well as services offered by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The Trade Tips and News and Trade Partners sections will help you establish or improve your business ties in the region. And the media newsroom and resources provide the latest updates on business, food, people and fashion.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has a long history of successful partnerships with organizations promoting the travel industry here, which are dedicated to improving the quality and variety of Hong Kong’s tourism facilities. To build a coherent and comprehensive travel trade partner network, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has developed its Partnernet Web site. Designed for travel professionals, the Partnernet Web site is loaded with easy-reference facts, figures, statistics and trends about Hong Kong. Search its extensive database for product inventory, information on Pearl River Delta development, breaking news and detailed market profiles.
- Make the most of Partnernet to find invaluable information, such as:
- Vital research information and detailed statistics
- An inventory of Hong Kong products, including places of interest, theme parks and restaurants
- Area-by-area market profiles
- Tourism products from the Pearl River Delta, the region that encompasses Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province
- Cruise markets, new attractions and special segments
source : www.asia-planet.net
November 28th, 2006
Hong Kong’s cuisine is renowned for its exotic fusion of Eastern and Western flavours along with a wide variety of culinary delights. Its cultural blend, proximity to mainland China and reputation for quality have made Hong Kong the world’s undisputed Gourmet Paradise. Discover the veritable smorgasbord of cuisine in the World of Dining from every Asian delicacy to the very best Western fare. In order to attract visitors, quality service is a must. The Hong Kong Tourism Board rewards local enterprises that provide exemplary service and help raise Hong Kong’s profile as a world-class city with the Hong Kong Awards for Services.
Hong Kong Awards for Services
The annual Hong Kong Awards for Services is a welcome opportunity to give official recognition to organisations whose outstanding achievements help raise Hong Kong’s profile as a world-class city with a trademark for excellence. Now in its sixth year, the Hong Kong Award for Services: Tourism Services is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board as part of the Awards scheme. This year, it attracted a record number of 71 entries from large, medium and small-sized companies providing services/facilities such as accommodation, food and beverage, retail, inbound tour co-ordination and other tourism-related services. Each and every entrant has made unfailing efforts to add fresh qualities to Hong Kong’s tourism product. The winners are recognised for their high service standards, providing visitors with a consistent quality of service and performance.
World of Dining
Hong Kong has a world of exquisite, mouth-watering dining options. As you would expect, good Chinese restaurants are found everywhere in Hong Kong. Some of the best can be found in major hotels and shopping complexes. Most specialise in one or more of the following: Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechuan, Peking, Shanghainese or Chinese Vegetarian. As an international city, many cultures and tastes are represented in Hong Kong’s world of dining. Enjoy fine dining or casual family-style meals in some of Hong Kong’s Eastern and Western restaurants. Day and night, Hong Kong’s gourmet delights are plentiful. Whether you want to pick up a snack or dress to a theme, the City of Life offers it all.
Chinese Food
The variety of flavours, aromas and textures of Chinese cuisine are sure to delight the palate. Some Chinese dishes are simple and others gourmet exotica, but all are designed to satisfy your senses. The most popular styles of Chinese cooking in Hong Kong are Cantonese, Chiu Chow and Shanghainese. Cantonese and Chiu Chow both originate from the same Chinese province of Guangdong but are vastly different in style and flavour. Many restaurants also specialise in vegetarian fare, famous Peking dishes and the zesty flavours of Hunan and Szechuan. For the ultimate experience, indulge in a bottle of Chinese wine. In flavour and distillation process, these wines are completely different and definitely worth a try.
How to use chopsticks - A quick lesson on how to use chopsticks!
1. Hold one chopstick still in your thumb joint.
2. Balance the other chopstick between your index and middle finger.
3. Use your thumb, first and index fingers to manipulate the top chopstick in a pincer movement.
Cantonese
The fresh, natural flavours of Cantonese cuisine are designed to tantalise the taste buds. Cantonese is the best-known style of Chinese cooking worldwide. Ingredients are purchased and prepared the same day and cooked just before serving, using few spicy seasonings. In many seafood restaurants, diners can choose fish from the tanks in which they are swimming. The price of the seafood is determined on a “pay by tael” basis. A tael is a Chinese unit of measurement, approximately equal to 1.2 ounces. Dried seafoods such as shark’s fin, abalone and conpoy, are often served.
Enjoy an old Cantonese custom, dim sum, which is inextricably linked to the Chinese tradition of yum cha or “drinking tea”. Dim sum (literally “to touch the heart”) are special Cantonese snacks chosen from steaming bamboo baskets of delectable dishes paraded past on trolleys. Hong Kong boasts the best international dim sum chefs, who prepare mouth-watering delicacies such as steamed pork spareribs, steamed buns with roast pork and har gao, shrimp dumplings with a translucent skin. There are usually three to four pieces per order, with each dish, plate or steamer basket having a different price. When getting your teacup filled, it is Chinese custom to tap your fingers on the table near your cup twice as a sign of reverence and thanks. Another style of Cantonese dining can be found at outdoor cooked-food stalls. These aromatic eating-places serve some of the best - but very simple - seafood, noodle and rice dishes - typically in an alfresco atmosphere.
Chiu Chow
Tantalising taste sensations and refined poultry dishes are the hallmark of Chiu Chow cuisine. The Chiu Chow flavours originated around the Swatow district of eastern Guangdong province and are now among the most popular in Hong Kong. Piquant sauces often enhance dishes, with tangerine jam for steamed lobsters and broad-bean paste for fish. Duck and goose are Chiu Chow favourites. Spicy goose is served with garlic and vinegar sauce. Many Chiu Chow classic dishes are light and tasty, with an abundant use of vegetables. Chiu Chow chefs are skilled vegetable carvers, creating fine flowers, birds, dragons and phoenixes from carrots and ginger. The region’s deluxe delicacies include shark’s fin and bird’s nest soups. The pungent Tiet Kwun Yum oolong tea served in tiny cups before and after a meal is a digestive aid.
Shanghainese
Experience the sensationally rich, sweet flavours of Shanghainese cuisine. Shanghai does not have a definitive cuisine of its own, but refines those of the surrounding provinces. Its flavours are heavier and oilier than Cantonese cuisine, featuring preserved vegetables, pickles and salted meats. Lime-and-ginger-flavoured “1,000-year-old” eggs are perhaps Shanghai’s best-known culinary creation. Beggar’s Chicken is a legendary dish wrapped in lotus leaves, covered in clay and oven-fired to steamy, tasty perfection - in olden times, it was baked in the ground. Other popular dishes include hairy crab, “eight treasure” duck, “drunken” chicken, braised eel and yellow fish. Dumplings, breads and noodles are served more often than rice.
Peking
Originated in the Imperial courts, Peking’s stylistic dishes are fit for an emperor. This mouth-watering cuisine is renowned for its use of the best ingredients. Its flavours are influenced by highly flavoured roots and vegetables such as peppers, garlic, ginger, leek and coriander (”Chinese parsley”). The food of this northerly city is substantial, to keep the body warm. Noodles, dumplings, and breads (baked, steamed or fried) are served instead of rice. The most famous dish, Peking duck, is usually prepared for a minimum of six people. To achieve the prized crisp skin, the duck is air-dried, then coated with a mixture of syrup and soy sauce before roasting. The skin is deftly carved at the table and the slivers of skin are wrapped in thin pancakes with spring onions or leeks, cucumber, turnip and delicious plum sauce. Popular, too, are “sizzling” plates of seafood or meat, and succulent beggar’s chicken. A whole chicken is stuffed with mushrooms, pickled Chinese cabbage, herbs and onions, wrapped in lotus leaves, sealed in clay and cooked slowly. Usually, the guest of honour breaks open the clay with a mallet, allowing a fragrant aroma to escape and revealing a chicken so tender that it can be pulled apart with chopsticks.
Szechuan & Hunan
The fiery flavours of Szechuan and Hunan are renowned for their intensity. Landlocked Hunan’s chilli-rich cuisine is similar to that of western China’s Szechuan province. Chilli, garlic and the unusual “strange sauce” enliven many dishes. Mustard sauce complements duck’s tongues, and minced bean paste forms a pungent and powdery coating for fish or scallops. Honey sauces are favoured for desserts such as water chestnut or cassia-flower cakes. Hunan’s range of soups includes noodles in soup, mashed pigeon in consomme and a salty, thin version of the West’s pea soup. Although rice is Hunan’s staple, northern-style bean-curd “bread” rolls or dumplings and savoury buns are also popular. Bursting with flavour, Szechuan food includes some of the spiciest dishes in China, so check the chilli content on the menu. The zest of dishes is flavoured with star anise, fennel seed, chilli, coriander (”Chinese parsley”) and other spices. Chillied bean paste, peppercorns and garlic are also widely used. Chicken, pork, river fish and shellfish are popular ingredients, and noodles or steamed bread are preferred to rice.
Not all Szechuan cuisine is spicy. Common cooking methods include smoking and simmering, which allow peppers and aromatic seasonings time to infuse food with unforgettable tastes and aromas. Traditional dishes include crispy beef, deep fried with tangy kumquat peel, and duck, the premier Szechuan specialty. The duck is flavoured with peppercorns, ginger, cinnamon, orange peel and coriander, marinated in Chinese wine for 24 hours, steamed for two hours, then smoked over a charcoal fire with camphor-wood chips and red tea leaves added.
Vegetarian
Hong Kong’s vegetarian cuisine is well regarded for its healing and nutritional qualities. The soya bean, processed into bean curd (tofu), is the prime ingredient of vegetarian cuisine. The curd is prepared to taste similar to roast duck, barbecued pork, salted chicken, scallops and delicacies. China’s treasury of mushrooms and other types of fungi add variety to the vegetarian cuisine.
Festive food
Symbolic food plays a crucial role in celebrations throughout the Lunar calendar.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year represents new beginnings. Richly flavoured cakes, called nin go, are extremely popular during this time because to the Chinese they represent success. Nin in Cantonese means “year” and go, “high”, so to eat these foretells a successful year ahead. Lotus seeds in a sweet soup, called lin chi, is also popular. It is offered to newly married couples because the name, lin chi means “every year a son”, urging couples to have children soon.
Dragon Boat Festival
Entwined in the mythology of the Dragon Boat Festival is zongzi, a tasty glutinous rice dumpling. Some believe that when poet Qu Yuan committed suicide in 278 BC by jumping in a river, locals threw rice into the river as a sacrifice to their dead hero, and to nourish his spirit. In a dream, the poet revealed the fish were eating the rice and requested it be bundled and wrapped in silk to protect it. In another version, the rice packets were meant for the fish, in an effort to keep them from devouring Qu Yuan’s body. There are many different types of zongzi. Hong Kong’s favourite dumpling features pork soaked in soy sauce or bean paste in the middle of the glutinous rice. Zongzi come in many shapes, but are most commonly triangular or pyramid shaped.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is held on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year. These mooncakes can be found in any bakery before the festival in all shapes and sizes. They may be filled with an assortment of ingredients including dates, nuts, lotus seed paste, bean paste and even pork or Chinese sausages.
Chinese Wines
The distinct flavours of Chinese wines are designed to perfectly complement your meal. Unlike Western wines, Chinese wine is distilled from rice, millet and other grains, as well as herbs and flowers. A wide variety of tonic wines are made with traditional ingredients. The popular rice-based Xiao Qing, Yellow Wine, is best served warm. It tastes similar to medium-dry sherry and goes well with a wide range of Chinese cuisine, especially during the cool season. Gao Liang and Mao Tai are fiery, millet-based distillations with an alcoholic content of 70 per cent. These are definitely best sampled after a hearty meal. Wu Jia Pi, is a sweet herbal wine believed to have medicinal qualities.
source : www.asia-planet.net
November 28th, 2006
Hong Kong is knoEvents
wn as the Events Capital of Asia. Throughout the year, we offer spellbinding film and arts Festivals. Concerts by famous international artists and local Canto-pop singers create dynamic experiences. Theatre productions include dramas, Broadway musicals, contemporary and Chinese Dance, as well as ballet. The calendar also features thrilling Sports, including horseracing, rugby, golf and soccer. Click on any of these links to find out more about your favourite event in Hong Kong plus information on the many Performing Companies which feature homegrown talent that Hong Kong is rightly proud of.
Festivals
Hong Kong offers up eclectic festivals that will whet the appetite of visitors and locals alike. Cinephiles will enjoy the offerings of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. Equally pulsating entertainment comes from the Hong Kong Arts Festival, one of the best such events in the Asia-Pacific region. Cultural offerings with a decidedly more Asian flavour can be found at the Legends of China festival (Oct/Nov 2003) and the New Vision Arts Festival (Oct/Nov 2004), which are held in alternate years. Hong Kong also boasts the finest celebration of French culture in Asia with Le French May. Continuing in a European vein comes a celebration of all things Italian with Italy 2003: Quality & Lifestyle.
Hong Kong International Film Festival
From international award-winning movies to avant-garde indies, this 16-day extravaganza in April screens nearly 300 films from around the world. It is a premier cultural event that never fails to entertain. Popular categories include Hong Kong Panorama and a retrospective from the Hong Kong Film Archive. For more information about this event, please visit their website.
Hong Kong Arts Festival
Tickets sell at a record clip for this three-week arts feast held annually in February and March. From world-class ballet to stunning symphonic offerings; from grand theatre to the giants of modern music, performers from around the globe descend upon Hong Kong for an all-star cultural extravaganza. For more information about the festival, visit their website. In 2004, look for the Komische Oper Berlin, Sir Colin Davis with the London Symphony Orchestra, Campañia Nacional de Danza from Spain and The Art of Cheng Yanqiu: 100th Anniversary.
Legends of China
One of the largest festivals of its kind, Legends of China runs from mid-October to mid-November 2003. This biennial festival showcases the best Chinese arts and culture with world-renowned artists and ensembles from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and overseas Chinese communities. You can see stage performances, workshops, seminars, outdoor shows and exhibitions. The rich tapestry of Chinese history, literature and legends are brought to life during this unique festival that promotes the understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and history.
New Vision Arts Festival
Part of Hong Kong’s vibrancy is fuelled by the city’s fusion of Eastern and Western elements. The New Vision Arts Festival highlights this connection with a month-long cultural bonanza featuring artists from Asia and the West. It could be modern dance or Chinese opera, theatre or ballet, and everything in between. Stories are told in refreshingly different ways that highlight the synthesis of East and West. This festival is a biennial event and will be held again in October and November 2004. For more information visit their website.
Le French May
This annual festival of French arts and culture enhances the European flavour within Hong Kong. Elite French symphonies provide stunning music led by world-famous conductors. Jazz musicians improvise perfection. Cutting-edge theatre transforms old themes. Complementing these performances are displays of French art, cuisines to savour and wine to whet the palate. For more information on Le French May, please visit their website.
Italy 2003: Quality & Lifestyle
Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population. The Italian community in Hong Kong celebrates all their country has to offer with Italy 2003: Quality & Lifestyle. Fine Italian food, fashion, films and Ferraris are just some of what this annual festival of excellence has to offer. To find out what in store at this year’s Italian festival, visit their website.
Concerts
The music scene in Hong Kong is brimming over with activity offering fans of every stripe the musical moments that they will cherish forever. Home-grown Canto-pop stars create unique music that is distinctly Hong Kong. Among those performing in the past year were Kelly Chen, Sammi Cheng, Jackie Cheung, Andy Hui, Aaron Kwok, Leon Lai and Andy Lau.
Theatre
Hong Kong people love big, glitzy Broadway musicals and have been swept away by the likes of Singin’ In The Rain, the beloved Hollywood musical starring Gene Kelly. Fame - the Musical was a hit as were Les Misérables, CHICAGO - The Musical and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash-hit Phantom of the Opera.
Dance
The eclectic world of movement exists in many shapes and forms within Hong Kong, from classical ballet to contemporary Chinese dance. Hong Kong boasts a variety of homegrown dance companies and plays host to dance companies from North America, Europe and the rest of Asia.
Sports
Horseracing, rugby, cricket, golf, tennis, soccer, marathon running and dragon boat racing are just some of the exciting attractions Hong Kong has lined up sports fans from around the globe. The action never stops in Hong Kong.
Horseracing
Horseracing is the sport that defines Hong Kong: fast paced, a field of international competitors, vast amounts of money and a favourite of all. From September to June, on most Wednesday evenings and weekends, hoofs pounding down the stretch can be heard at the two glittering racetracks: Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island and Sha Tin in the New Territories. Don’t miss the prestigious international horse races like the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Hong Kong International Races when world-class horses and jockeys fly into Hong Kong to compete for the world’s richest purses. Check the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s website for the latest horseracing information.
Rugby
Hong Kong comes alive as the famous Seven’s fever grips the city in March. Twenty-four of the world’s top seven-a-side teams compete in this dynamic event while enthusiastic spectators revel in the action. In addition to the Hong Kong Sevens, the weeklong celebration also includes a RugbyFest, the Hong Kong Tens and a Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens & Asian Championships.
Cricket
The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes provides a wonderful weekend for cricket fans with some of the best cricket you are likely to find in these parts featuring teams from India, Pakistan and South African and Hong Kong. For more information about the event click on their website.
Golf
Hong Kong Open routinely attracts some of the world’s best players vying for the top prize. In past years, the tournament has attracted Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam. The Hong Kong Open features 60 players from the Davidoff Tour and 60 players from the European Tour. For more information on the golf tournament, please visit the Asian PGA website.
Tennis
Tremendous tennis action takes place at Centre Court in Victoria Park during the annual Hong Kong Ladies Challenge every January. Top ranked world stars like the Williams sisters and Monica Seles have dazzled Hong Kong audiences with their athletic artistry. For more information on the event please visit their website.
Soccer
Hong Kong is soccer crazy and there is no better time to catch the fever than during the Chinese New Year football tournament. This two-day, round-robin international tournament pits three of the world’s elite teams against a select group of Hong Kong all-stars. Games are played on Chinese New Year Day with the championship decided on the fourth day of Chinese New Year. To find out more about this great tournament, click here.
Marathon Running
With more than 18,000 participants in 2003, the Hong Kong Marathon is the biggest sporting event in the city. Runners from around the world and Hong Kong compete in the event’s marathon, half-marathon and 10-kilometre run. They follow a demanding course that takes them from the heart of Kowloon, up to the awe-inspiring Tsing Ma Bridge and over to Hong Kong Island. To learn more about this exciting event, visit the marathon’s website.
Dagon Boat Racing
Dragon boat racing is held to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng) and is one of the most exciting sports you’ll ever see in Hong Kong. With their crews straining on their paddles, these 15-metre-plus (50-foot) craft slice through the water with incredible speed. Local teams usually compete on Tuen Ng Festival Day (early June) and you can catch the action if you go to Aberdeen, Stanley, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Cheung Chau and Lantau Island.
Others
The action is fast and furious around the streets of Macau during their Grand Prix weekend in November. The Grand Prix not only offers gripping Formula Three racing, but also spellbinding motorcycle action. To learn more about this event, click here.
Performing Companies
Hong Kong offers sophisticated performances by dynamic local companies that explore new artistic concepts while perfecting traditional styles. Whether your interests run from classical music to contemporary dance, you’ll discover performances that are sure to please.
HONG KONG BALLET
“Hong Kong Ballet is considered a rising star on the international dance circuit.”
- The Globe and Mail - Toronto, November 2001
Founded in 1979, the Hong Kong Ballet has grown in stature to become one of the foremost classical ballet companies in Asia and has built an international reputation with successful tours to North America, Europe and Mainland China. The company presents a broad-based repertoire, covering both classical works as well as new works with a Chinese theme, such as The Last Emperor, The White Snake and Mu Lan.
HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY
Established in 1981 with the aim of promoting Chinese dance, the Hong Kong Dance Company has a repertoire that covers traditional and folk dances, dance dramas as well as original works based on Chinese and specifically Hong Kong themes. Since its establishment, the company has staged over a hundred productions choreographed by local, mainland and overseas choreographers to critical acclaim.
CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY
Founded by Willy Tsao in 1979, City Contemporary Dance Company is a Hong Kong-based professional dance company that endeavours to rally the best of Chinese talents to create dance in the contemporary context of China. Every year, the company reaches 100,000 people around the world with the distinctive style of its diverse range of programmes.
HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (HKPO)
As Hong Kong’s oldest, largest and most active orchestra, the HKPO’s mission is to present classical music of an international standard, enriching the community’s quality of life. In its 29th season, the orchestra will present about 200 performances for about 200,000 people. Frequent radio and television broadcasts as well as recordings attract an even larger audience. The orchestra also tours overseas and 2003 marks its European debut.
HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1977, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is Hong Kong’s only professional Chinese orchestra. Under Music Director Yan Huichang’s baton, the 85-musician orchestra has undertaken the promoting of Chinese music as its mission. Its repertoire includes both traditional folk music and contemporary full-scale works.
HONG KONG SINFONIETTA
HONG KONG SINFONIETTA Founded in 1990, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta is a 58-member professional orchestra supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Under the leadership of Music Director Yip Wing-sie, the orchestra collaborates regularly with renowned artists and groups, and participates in the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Le French May and the Saint-Riquier Festival in France.
source : www.asia-planet.net
November 28th, 2006
Accommodation
Hotels are situated on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, in the New Territories and on the outlying islands. You can stay among the big city lights, in the verdant countryside or by the beach - the choice is yours. No matter where you stay, all of Hong Kong’s attractions are close at hand. The excellent public transport system means you are only a short journey away from the bustle of the city or the tranquillity of the outlying islands. Many of Hong Kong’s luxury hotels are among the best in the world. All the major international chains are represented, along with a dazzling array of local and regional hotels. What’s more, there are a multitude of hostels and guesthouses to satisfy the budget-conscious traveller.
Be Our Guest Hotel Offers
Get in on these great hotel offers! From now until 30 September, book two night’s accommodation and you’ll get a third night absolutely free! This offer is part of the Be Our Guest promotion offered by more than 70 participating Hong Kong hotels. For a list of participating hotels and their special offers, click here.
General Information
Keen competition and the laws of supply and demand have ensured that Hong Kong’s hotels maintain the highest standards. They also regularly introduce new facilities and invest in ambitious renovation programmes. This means there is no need for an official star rating system. An additional 3 per cent government tax and a 10 per cent service charge are charged except where stated otherwise. With a wide selection of locations, facilities, rates and styles, Hong Kong’s hotels offer you unprecedented choice.
Hotels
The hotels listed offer modern design and facilities, as well as full air-conditioning. Most provide 24-hour room service. There are telephones and power points in all bedrooms, and every bathroom has a universal-type power outlet for electric shavers. Other facilities available in many hotels include: refrigerator; minibar; colour TV; multi-channel bedside radio; same-day laundry, dry cleaning and valet services; IDD or hotel operator-assisted international telephone calls; secretarial services; fax, Internet and cable facilities; local and overseas postage (letters and parcels); safe deposit boxes; travel arrangements (including onward bookings confirmation and ticketing); tours counter; and hotel transportation and car hire.
Hotel Transportation
Reaching your hotel couldn’t be easier. Visitors with hotel transportation reservations can meet hotel representatives at hotel pick-up counters in the Meeters and Greeters Hall at Hong Kong International Airport. The efficient Airbus service provides modern, convenient and inexpensive transport to the most popular districts. Please contact our Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Information & Services Centres for details. Airbus tickets are available at the commercial service counter in the meeters and greeters area of the Arrival Hall if you need assistance or have incorrect change. On-board announcements help you locate your choice of hotel or destination.
Taxis to almost anywhere in Hong Kong are readily available. The taxi staging area can accommodate 530 vehicles. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, green taxis serve the New Territories and blue taxis serve Lantau Island. Details of all charges are listed on the inside of the backdoor on yellow tariff stickers. Rounding off to the nearest dollar is a customary practice.
Guesthouses and Hostels
The facilities available at guesthouses are comparatively more limited than at hotels. Those available at the YMCA and YWCA hostels are, on the other hand, quite comprehensive.
Hong Kong Hotels Association
Visitors arriving at the Hong Kong International Airport can receive assistance at the Hotel Reservation Centres inside the Buffer Hall located after the Customs Area. The desk is open daily from 6:00am to 1:00am. For those arriving without a hotel booking, the Centres can arrange accommodation, at no extra charge, at any hotel that is a member of the Hong Kong Hotels Association (HKHA) on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon or the New Territories. Transportation can also be arranged to HKHA hotels as well.
Important : We strongly recommend visitors to make hotel reservations before departing for Hong Kong
source : www.asia-planet.net
November 28th, 2006
Scratch the surface of Hong Kong’s rich culture and heritage and you’ll be amazed at the diversity.
Culture and heritage is what sets Hong Kong apart from the rest of Asia - indeed the world. Hong Kong is a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures where the old and the new live side by side. Its incense-filled temples, glass and steel skyscrapers and noisy festivals have made Hong Kong the premier tourist destination in Asia.
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Cultural Kaleidoscope Programme : Let a cultural connoisseur introduce you to their Hong Kong.
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Festivals : Join the throngs to celebrate the colourful kaleidoscope of Chinese festivals.
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Museums : Whether you want to visit the earliest days of Hong Kong or explore the frontiers of science, Hong Kong’s museums offer great exhibits with fun for the whole family.
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Heritage Tours : Out and about for a fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong’s still vibrant past.
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Declared Monuments : From timeless temples to colonial buildings and more.
source : www.asia-planet.com
November 28th, 2006
Following a Faith
Hong Kong is a multicultural city with a multiracial population living in harmony. Tolerance for the customs and traditions of all religions and ethnic groups is part of the city’s cosmopolitan philosophy. It is only natural that facilities exist for all in this peaceful and eclectic city. In Hong Kong, everyone is free to openly worship according to their own beliefs. As most of the world’s religions have places of worship here, any religious group with special dietary requirements is easily catered for in Hong Kong.
Along with Hong Kong’s 80,000 followers of Islam, Muslim visitors can continue their daily rituals in any of the city’s mosques. The Jewish Community Centre, meanwhile, has an extensive programme of activities and associated organisations.
The Roman Catholic Church is also well served in Hong Kong. Indeed, it even has its own Web site where churches and services are listed in both Chinese and English. Other denominations of Hong Kong’s Christian community are also well represented, as are Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus and Sikhs.
Isalam
Muslim Community
As a Muslim travelling outside your own country, you may have concerns about how to perform your daily religious duties and maintain a correct diet of halal food. Don’t worry - you’ll have no problems in Hong Kong. So you can enjoy all the city has to offer. There are some 80,000 followers of the Islamic faith in Hong Kong. Most are Chinese - Arab traders introduced the faith to China several centuries ago - but there are also nationals of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Muslim countries of the Middle East and Africa. Recognised by the Hong Kong Government as the governing body of local Islamic affairs, the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong has its offices in the Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the management and maintenance of mosques and cemeteries, arrangements for the celebration of Muslim festivals - including eid el-Fitr and eid el-Adhha - and the supervision of charitable work.
Mosques
Hong Kong’s first mosque was opened soon after the Islamic faith was introduced locally in the early 1850s. Shelley Street Mosque, with its green-and-white minaret, was built in 1915 and still stands on the original site in Central. Two other mosques have been constructed in recent years. The Masjid Ammar on Hong Kong Island, which forms part of the Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, is named after a Hong Kong Muslim who helped to finance the project. Because of site limitations, this eight-storey building departs from traditional Moorish design in that it has a single minaret but no dome. In addition to the mosque, the complex has a community hall, a library, conference rooms, a clinic, a youth centre, a canteen and offices.
The third mosque is the HK$26-million Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. This three-storey building, with a handsome dome and four minarets, is highlighted by marble grille work and decorative arches. The mosque is located on the edge of leafy Kowloon Park.
Dining
The same warm welcome you’ll receive in Hong Kong’s mosques awaits you in the many local restaurants that cater to Muslim visitors. Every rule that governs authentic halal food preparation is strictly followed. Not all items on the menu may be halal, however, so it is always best to enquire before ordering. Most of the restaurants listed below are operated by individual Muslim families who regard such standards as a matter of honour. Or try Chinese vegetarian cuisine that uses bean curd and various delicious vegetables to create exciting and mouthwatering menus. Chinese vegetarian restaurants also serve no meat, dairy products or alcohol. Look out for the Buddhist swastika symbol or lotus blossom on restaurant signs.
Buddhism
Buddhist Community
Buddhism plays an important part in everyday Hong Kong life. There are more than 400 Buddhist temples in Hong Kong and these smoky shrines, laden with incense and offerings of fruit and flowers, can be seen everywhere. Hong Kong’s Buddhist temples often share both space and gods with Taoism. Both are traditional Chinese religions and have large local followings. The temples are busy every day of the year, with devotees giving offerings to the gods in exchange for luck, health and wealth. The most popular is Tin Hau, Queen of Heaven and Protector of all Seafarers. She reflects Hong Kong’s long dependence on the sea. Other favourites include Kwan Tai - the God of War, Pak Tai - Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven and Hung Shing - God of the South Seas and a weather prophet. The most important day in the Hong Kong Buddhist calendar is Buddha’s Birthday. In the lunar calendar, the day is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth moon (normally in May). The day is a public holiday in Hong Kong and activities celebrating the date can attract more than 300,000 people.
Temples
There are more than 400 Buddhist temples in Hong Kong’s and the larger ones should be regarded among Hong Kongs not-to-be-missed sightseeing attractions. Magnificently renovated in traditional Tang-era architecture, the Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon is considered a must-see. No nails were used in this multi-million dollar renovation, only wooden dowelling and brackets. The 3.2-hectare site, comprised of various Buddhist halls, is a living museum to the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907). Situated on Lantau Island is Po Lin Monastery, home to the largest, seated, outdoor, bronze Buddha in the world. The statue was welded together from over 200 individually cast bronze plates. It weighs 202 tonnes and stands - or rather sits - 26 metres high and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong.
Dining
Buddhists can eat conveniently in Hong Kong. Devotees will have no problem savouring excellent vegetarian food all over Hong Kong, including at the restaurant inside Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island. There are many excellent Chinese vegetarian restaurants that serve no meat, dairy products or alcohol. Chinese vegetarian cuisine is famous for transforming bean curd, a variety of mushrooms and fresh vegetables into exciting taste sensations. They are located everywhere - just look for the Buddhist swastika symbol or lotus blossom on restaurant signs.
Christianity
Christian Community
Hong Kong is home to a lively Christian community. Dating back more than 150 years, Hong Kong Christianity boasts an active practicing base of more than 500,000 people. Visiting worshippers will have no problems finding regular services, as well as numerous community events and activities. The Protestant community is made up of more than 1,300 congregations with more than 50 denominations represented, the largest of which are the Baptists. Other major denominations represented in Hong Kong are Adventist, Anglican, Christian Missionary Alliance, Methodist, Pentecostal and Presbyterian. All sectors of the Christian church play a prominent role in the Hong Kong community, running schools, colleges, hospitals and social centres. Religious services are conducted throughout Hong Kong in Cantonese and English.
Churches
The impressive St John’s Cathedral is believed to be the oldest Anglican church in the Far East. Situated on Garden Road, in the heart of Hong Kong’s financial district, the cathedral was built in 1847. Originally built in a Gothic style, the structure has undergone considerable additions and renovations. Today, the cathedral remains both a peaceful downtown haven and one of Hong Kong’s main centres of Christian worship. The Catholic Cathedral on Hong Kong Island’s Caine Road is the physical and spiritual home of Hong Kong’s Roman Catholic community. It sits dwarfed by a plethora of towering skyscrapers. Despite the surrounding buildings, the other-era magic of the place can be seen and felt today. Built in 1888, the building is an imposing Gothic-style structure and home to the Bishop of Hong Kong.
source : www.asia-planet.net
November 28th, 2006
Romantic Holiday
Whether you are planning your wedding, celebrating an anniversary or second honeymoon, or simply getting to know one another, Hong Kong has the magic to make memories for life. This stunning city of ceremony and diversity is perfect for an unforgettable romantic getaway. With its perfect marriage of East and West, Hong Kong’s picturesque cityscape forms a glorious backdrop for those in love. The glamour of Asia’s most international city offers lovers the chance to stay in an attractive hotel, enjoy romantic seafood dinners on the waterfront and indulge themselves shopping for exclusive designer goods. Why not dance the night away in each other’s arms, explore the chaotic colour of backstreets and temples, hike up hilltops or stroll on the beach at sunset? The territory is so compact and easy to get around.
Romance All Around
Lovers are spoilt for choice in Hong Kong. Romantic days might start with a champagne breakfast in a luxurious hotel room or suite with a view to take your breath away. Many establishments offer special honeymoon packages that include little luxuries such as limousine service, flower and fruit baskets and much more. All guests are tempted to take advantage of deluxe amenities such as en suite jacuzzis, 24-hour room service, elegant and intimate restaurants and electrifying nightclubs, health spas and swimming pools. And later in the day? Imagine the two of you relaxing on the deck of a cruiser, watching the sun set over world-famous Victoria Harbour. Or strolling along a white-sand beach bounded by lush green mountains and the South China Sea. You might wish to have your fortune told in the pavilions of serene, incense-filled temples. Hong Kong’s remarkable scenery and attractions mean you’ll never run out of romance.
Together you could…
Stroll around the Peak at sunset for stunning city views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and islands sparkling in the South China Sea.
Charter a junk or yacht for the day, complete with crew. You can dine on board or tell the captain to set a course for a seafood feast at picturesque Sai Kung, Lei Yue Mun or tranquil Lamma Island. Alternatively, hire a sampan for a private tour of Sai Kung’s stunning bay and small islands.
Hire a helicopter for a thrilling ride over the territory, take a tram tour of Hong Kong Island, or an open-top bus along neon-lit Nathan Road at night. A chauffeured limousine is ideal for soaking up Hong Kong’s most spectacular night views.
Admire the richly embroidered and sequined red wedding outfits and ornaments in traditional Chinese wedding shops on Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei.
Relax on the beach in scenic Repulse Bay, where the movie Love Is A Many Splendored Thing was filmed. Then enjoy a romantic dinner in the charming colonial-style Repulse Bay Arcade overlooking the beach.
Enjoy drinks at the Regent, Mandarin Oriental, Grand Hyatt or at the ultra-stylish Felix at the top of the Peninsula hotel for a fabulous view of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour.
Wine and Dine
A table for two? Hong Kong offers many spectacular settings for romantic meals to remember. This is the culinary capital of Asia, where you will find superb cuisine from around the world and an infinite choice of restaurants. Day or night, you and your partner can enjoy magnificent views of Victoria Harbour from many hotel dining rooms across Hong Kong. Or why not take in the bird’s-eye view of the city from eateries on the Peak, or marvel at the 360-degree panorama from revolving restaurants. High tea in the afternoon offers a refreshing break from shopping and sightseeing. The SoHo area (’South of Hollywood Road’) on Hong Kong Island and Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui are two of Hong Kong’s most fashionable dining hotspots and perfect for a romantic meal. The gastronomic choices available in these compact, bustling areas of bars and restaurants are astonishing. French, Italian, German, Vietnamese, Spanish, Indian, Mongolian, Chinese - you’ll delight in this United Nations of unforgettable wining and dining.
Stanley and Repulse Bay, where delicious meals are served in charming colonial settings, provide echoes of the Mediterranean with sweeping beaches and shoreline promenades. By night, flaming torches set at the water’s edge provide all the light you need for a unique alfresco dining experience. And do try to explore the seafood restaurants on the traffic-free outlying islands. As the day’s last rays transform the sky in shades of pink and magenta, the moon rises over the South China Sea to complete an unforgettable evening of magic and romance.
Nightlife
Hong Kong offers a plethora of choices for after-dinner entertainment. Get cozy in a corner of one of the many swanky hotel lounges, which often offer marvelous views and live music. On Hong Kong Island, try the Harlequin Bar in the Mandarin Oriental, or JJ’s in the Grand Hyatt. In Tsim Sha Tsui, drop into Felix at the Peninsula or the Regent’s Lobby Lounge. Or serenade your sweetheart in a karaoke lounge. You can find bars and nightclubs to suit any mood, whether you feel like dancing all night or just gazing into each other’s eyes. An exciting concert or show is another way to spend a special evening in Hong Kong. Catch your favourite Canto-pop star in concert - you can even book tickets from overseas to make sure you get a good seat.
Other Hong Kong cultural mainstays are the major touring shows such as Les Miserables or Phantom of the Opera, international performers ranging from diva Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to rock star Sting, and the territory’s own acclaimed orchestras and dance companies. Traditional Chinese opera and cultural shows are also popular.
Suggested Five-day Itinerary
Day One
Arrival. Check into honeymoon suite. Take a walking tour of the city, then enjoy a sunset cruise with dinner on board. Later, visit the Temple Street Night Market for bargains. Don’t miss the street-side snacks.
Day Two
Take a Hong Kong Island tour with dim sum lunch. Go shopping in Stanley Market. In the evening, choose either the SoHo area of Central district or Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui for dinner. Both are packed with door-to-door restaurants offering a host of international cuisine - from Chinese and Italian to Mexican and Japanese. Here you can savour dishes from the Himalayas to the Louisiana bayou, from Malaysia to the Mediterranean.
Day Three
Visit the fortune-tellers at Wong Tai Sin Temple. Then go shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui, with afternoon tea at one of the hotels. Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade at sunset. Dine in neon-lit Causeway Bay, where shops stay open late. Finish the day with drinks in the atmospheric Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Or marvel at the magnificent city and harbour views from the sumptuous lobby of Grand Hyatt.
Day Four
Visit the world’s largest reef aquariums, see the performing dolphins and giant pandas, hit the rollercoaster and other rides at Ocean Park. Relax in your hotel’s health or beauty spa, and get ready for an elegant gourmet Chinese or Western dinner on the Peak or in a five-star hotel. Afterwards, grab a late-night coffee or cocktail in the Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district.
Day Five
Visit the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island, or explore tiny Cheung Chau Island by foot. For lunch, choose your own seafood from tanks and eat alfresco at a waterfront cafe. Return to Hong Kong Island via ferry. Depart in the evening.
source : www.asia-planet.net
November 28th, 2006