HONG KONG, , Feb 29th and FEB 1st, 2008 FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Best of Hong Kong

Set out to discover the best of Hong Kong with a visit to the Bird Market, where an amazing array of artistically crafted bamboo birdcages are on display, and the warbling competitions must be heard to be believed. Walk along Flower Market Street, with row upon row of shops and stalls selling cut flowers and potted plants from all over the world. The Jade Market is a great place to browse and pick up souvenirs. To the Chinese, jade is the most important stone, as it is said to have great spiritual value and to represent wealth, good fortune and power. A quick ride on the Peak Tram funicular brings you to the top of Victoria Peak to enjoy the panoramic view of Hong Kong and the Kowloon Peninsula spread out far below. Lunch is served at Café Deco—an art-inspired restaurant atop Victoria Peak. It commands spectacular views of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula. Continue on a drive past Repulse Bay to the south side of the island. Take in panoramic views of one of Hong Kong’s most popular and beautiful beaches, along with the colonial hotel that has long been a landmark here. Proceed to Aberdeen where fishermen and their families live on thousands of junks and sampans. You’ll take a short sampan ride, and stop briefly at one of the city’s jewelry workshops. A 30-minute coach ride brings you to Stanley—one of Hong Kong’s oldest settlements. It is a fishing village nestled picturesquely on the sandbar of the Stanley Peninsula, on the southeast coast of Hong Kong Island. A century ago, it was notorious for pirates and their smuggling activities. Today, it is best known for its markets that specialize in sports shoes, clothing and Chinese handicrafts. It offers brand name clothing as well as excellent faux brands, hand-painted porcelain and souvenir items that overflow from the shops in the bustling market’s narrow lanes. Shopping in Stanley is always fun and there are many bargains to be found.

 Hong Kong Highlights

Depart the pier for Hong Kong Island and cross under Victoria Harbour by tunnel. Head up to Victoria Peak by funicular tram for a breathtaking view of the harbor and Kowloon. You’ll drive past Repulse Bay to the southern side of the island, with panoramic views of one of Hong Kong’s most popular and beautiful beaches, along with the beautiful hotel that has long been a landmark here. Next, you will continue to Aberdeen where fishermen and their families live on thousands of junks and sampans. Enjoy a short sampan ride here, and a brief stop at one of the city’s jewelry workshops for you to see the wonderful craftsmanship of the goods. Refreshments are offered in the exclusive showroom. Continue to the small village of Stanley and Stanley Market, famous for its clothes, furniture, souvenirs and great, inexpensive knock-offs of designer goods.

Notes:

ALSO A TASTE OF H-K DINNER AT PRIVATE CLUB NEAR THE WATER?

AND WALKING TOUR OF OLD AND NEW H-K