Holiday Systems International User Group
Hong Kong:
Hong Kong was just a collection of fishing villages when claimed by Britain in 1842 following the First Opium War with China. This failed attempt by the Ching Dynasty to stop the British trading in opium led to Hong Kong being ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking that year. The Kowloon Peninsula was handed over in 1860 and a 99-year lease on the New Territories, comprising the area north of Kowloon up to the Shenzhen River plus 235 outlying islands, was granted in 1898.
Today's Hong Kong is complex. On the surface it seems that every building is a sculpture of glass and steel and every pedestrian is hurrying to a meeting. But look past the shiny new surfaces to the ancient culture that gives the city an exotic flavor and its citizens a unique outlook.
Cultural Immersion starts at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which chronicles the city's history, from village life to booming new towns. A Chinese art collection and an interactive Cantonese opera exhibit are two more reasons to come here before experiencing the many other cultural sights. Shopping is a religion here. Antiques fill windows along Hollywood Road, from Central to Sheung Wan, where herbalists peddle exotic remedies. Designers monopolize Central's malls. At Kowloon's street markets, clothes, electronics, and ticky-tack compete for space with food carts.
Today's Hong Kong is complex. On the surface it seems that every building is a sculpture of glass and steel and every pedestrian is hurrying to a meeting. But look past the shiny new surfaces to the ancient culture that gives the city an exotic flavor and its citizens a unique outlook.
Cultural Immersion starts at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which chronicles the city's history, from village life to booming new towns. A Chinese art collection and an interactive Cantonese opera exhibit are two more reasons to come here before experiencing the many other cultural sights. Shopping is a religion here. Antiques fill windows along Hollywood Road, from Central to Sheung Wan, where herbalists peddle exotic remedies. Designers monopolize Central's malls. At Kowloon's street markets, clothes, electronics, and ticky-tack compete for space with food carts.
Victoria Peak. Its Chinese name, Tai Ping Shan, means Mountain of Great Peace, and the viewing point atop Hong Kong's highest hill certainly inspires hushed awe. Spread below you is a glittering forest of skyscrapers; beyond them the harbor and—on a clear day—Kowloon's eight mountains. The Peak Tram is the world's steepest funicular railway. Before it opened in 1880 the only way to get up was to walk or take a bumpy ride in a sedan chair up steep steps. Grab a seat on the right-hand side for the best views.
Stanley Village Market. Although Hong Kong's most famed bargain trove no long has the best prices around, combing through the stalls still leads to deals on sportswear, casual clothing, and linens. Dozens and dozens of shops line a main street so narrow that awnings from each side meet in the middle, and on busy days your elbows will come in handy. Weekdays are a little more relaxed.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum. There's lots of ground to cover at Hong Kong's largest: prioritize the New Territories Heritage with its history exhibits; the T. T. Tsui Gallery with its antique Chinese glass, ceramics, and bronzes; and the Cantonese Opera Halls with its costumes and demonstrations.
Stanley Village Market. Although Hong Kong's most famed bargain trove no long has the best prices around, combing through the stalls still leads to deals on sportswear, casual clothing, and linens. Dozens and dozens of shops line a main street so narrow that awnings from each side meet in the middle, and on busy days your elbows will come in handy. Weekdays are a little more relaxed.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum. There's lots of ground to cover at Hong Kong's largest: prioritize the New Territories Heritage with its history exhibits; the T. T. Tsui Gallery with its antique Chinese glass, ceramics, and bronzes; and the Cantonese Opera Halls with its costumes and demonstrations.
