Destination



Hong Kong, China Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel When the city transferred from British colonial status to part of mainland China, many thought that the Hong Kong- noted for shopping and food - would lose some of its charm. However, with its East-meets-West attitude, Hong Kong remains a paradise for shoppers and those eager to explore Asia. Shopping has expanded, offering an even larger selection of Asian goods and luxury products. Hong Kong is still showing the rest of China how to market and sell to the world's most aggressive shoppers. For visitors who wish for the bargaining experience, check out the crowded Temple Street Night Bazaar or the Bird Garden with its beautiful display of exotic birds and animal wares. While other tourists may frequent in these areas, visitors here will also catch a glimpse of the locals in their native setting. In contrast to the haggling, luxury shopping is abound in Hong Kong, everywhere from Nathan Road on the peninsula side, to Times Square on Hong Kong Island, and able to satiate the hungriest shopper's appetite. The Star Ferry still offers some of most amazing views for those who commute between Kowloon and Hong Kong. It is still also "a city of contradictions" because there are skyscrapers along side bamboo huts, and Rolls-Royces sharing roads with bicycles. The culinary scene is another reason to make Hong Kong a stop on any Asian itinerary. Traditional Chinese cuisine fused with Western delights has not only influenced many of the prominent chefs here, but has inspired others to open new and exciting restaurants that tempt the traveler to rediscover this amazing city. Activities Hong Kong Art Museum 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Tel. 852.2721.0116 http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Arts/en_US/web/ma/home.html The Hong Kong Art Museum is filled with historical prints, photos and art from all around Hong Kong and Canton region. Check out the antiques during your visit here. Temple Street Night Bazaar Temple Street http://www.temple-street-night-market.hk/opening-hours.html#.VRgke2ctHnI Opening every night at 11:00 PM, Temple Street Night Bazaar is the perfect spot to hunt down knick-knacks and people watch. Bargain with vendors and sample the eats, in this crowded Chinese experience. Bird Garden Yuen Po Street http://www.bird-garden.hk Bird Garden is great place to see the locals. Consisting of a collection of courtyards, Bird Garden hawks everything from grasshoppers to exotic birds. It is also close to a flower market and daily street fair. Cheung Chun Island www.nwff.com.hk (Ferry Schedule) There are no cars on one of Hong Kong's smallest islands, instead, there are sidewalk cafes, beaches with beautiful views, and the best seafood restaurants to wander to and through. It's what Hong Kong used to be like and only 45 minutes away on the fast ferry. Museum of Coastal Defense 175 Tung Hei Road Tel. 852.2569.1500 www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Coastal Enjoy walking paths and views of the eastern entrance to the harbor as well as historical exhibits. Also, only a fifteen-minute taxi ride from here is the beach at Big Wave Bay. This is the island's cleanest and nicest beach. Hong Kong Museum of History 100 Chatham Road South Tel. 852.2724.9042 http://hk.history.museum everything from a Chinese junk to a dock and street, which shows Hong Kong exactly as it was more than a century ago. Peak Tram It's touristy, but an essential stop when in Hong Kong. This trolley car starts in central city and climbs steep, 117 year old tracks for seven minutes past skyscrapers and through tropical jungle to an upper terminal where you can walk to close by cafes and shops. Dining Aberdeen Street Social 35 Aberdeen Street (Central) Tel. 852.2866.0300 http://www.aberdeenstreetsocial.hk Two story bar and restaurant exudes Hong Kong's British heritage. It's a joint venture by Jason Atherton (Michelin starred chef and Jenn Wong, a Singaporean heiress and hotelier) The terrace is casual with goood gastro-pub food. Upstairs is whole different experience. More formal with fine wines French speaking waiters. Ammo Restaurant & Bar 9 Justice Drive (Admiralty) Tel. 852.2537.9888 www.ammo.com.hk The name Ammo stands for Asia, Modern, Museum and Original. This unique and beautiful restaurant is all that and more. Twenty six foot ceilings with glass on three sides affords tranquel views of the green forest outside. The food to is also very special. Langoustine wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper and basil is just one of many different main courses and tapa style plates. Fook Lam Moon 53-59 Kimberley Rd. Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel. 852.2366.0286 www.fooklammoon-grp.com Great for Dim Sum, the traditional Chinese afternoon lunch and tea, or dinner, Fook Lam Moon has an older decor and traditional Chinese food ranging from abalone to shark’s fin with crabmeat, as well as the less exotic crispy chicken and pan-fried lobster bars. Hutong 1 Peking Road, 28th Floor Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) Tel. 852.3428.8342 www.aqua.com.hk Traditional alleyway courtyards, hutongs, symbolize old Beijing, while steel and glass skyscrapers symbolize Hong Kong. Together they symbolize Hutong, a hot spot for dinner and an aperitif on the 28th floor of 1 Peking Road. The drunken raw crab comes highly recommended. Top Deck Shum Wan Pier Drive (Aberdeen) Tel. 852.2552.3331 This restaurant is in the middle of the harbor with junks and yachts, offers one of the more scenic dining experiences available. The Peak Lookout Cafe 121 Peak Road Tel. 852.2849.1000 At the top of the Peak Tram, this restaurant offers a view of the backside of the island, as well as good western dining. Reservations are essential. Grissini 1 Harbour Rd. Wan Chai, Wan Chai Tel. 852.2588.1234 ext. 7313 www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com A spectacular Northern Italian restaurant in Hong Kong, Grissini offers gorgeous views of the harbor in addition to its ever-changing menu options. Try anything from marjoram risotto with scallops and pork cheeks to baked duck with chestnuts at this treat tucked away in the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Victoria City Seafood Wan Chai (Sun Hung Kai Center) 3 Harbor Road Tel. 852.2827.9938 Not much on ambiance but this is where you will get superb Chinese food. Victoria City Seafood is noted for the stuffed crab legs and large shrimp sauteed in garlic, so be sure to taste those dishes. Shopping PMQ Complex www.pmq.org.hk This complex of a 100 plus shops in the SOHO neighborhood is new center for art and culture. French bistros and other restaurants are next to art galleries. The revitalization of this area cost 400 million Hong Kong dollars (50 US) and now is one of the most popular scenes in town. Teresa Colman Fine Arts 79 Wyndham Street Tel. 852.2526.2450 www.teresacoleman.com Not for the faint of pocket: Teresa Colman Fine Arts offers luscious vintage imperial robes, silk jackets and fans that are worthy of an art gallery. Though textiles are the specialty here, customers might also find fine paintings, rugs and, occasionally, furniture. Sogo 5 Hennessy Rd East Point Centre, Causeway Bay Tel. 852/2833 8338 www.sogo.com.hk A 12-story building filled with everything from luxurious clothing and make-up to furniture to household good and to toys, Sogo is a paradise for those looking for a little retail-therapy. While across the street is another quirky mall, packed with tiny stores that offer clothing to the trendiest teenagers in Hong Kong Resorces HKTB Online http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/shop/index.jhtml The Hong Kong Tourism Board has one of the best sites for info on events and activities in Hong Kong. Nightlife in Hong Kong: http://www.hkclubbing.com/ U.S. Consulate General 26 Garden Rd., Central Tel. 852.2523.9011 www.usconsulate.org.hk A good resource for US residents traveling to Hong Kong. Listing of Hospitals in Hong Kong, in case of emergencies: Prince of Wales Hospital (30-32 Ngan Shing St., Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2632.2211). Princess Margaret Hospital (2-10 Princess Margaret Hospital Rd., Lai Chi Kok, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2990.1111). Queen Elizabeth Hospital (30 Gascoigne Rd., Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2958.8888). Queen Mary Hospital (102 Pok Fu Lam Rd., Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2855.3838). Ruttonjee Hospital (266 Queen's Rd. East, Wanchai, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2291.2000). New World Ferry Services Ltd http://www.nwff.com.hk/english/nwff100000.asp First Ferry offers nine different routes from Central to the outlying islands. Nightlife Star Ferry Harbor Tour www.starferry.com.hk/harbourtour Classictravel.com usually does not recommend something that sounds too touristy but this is an exception. This hour-long tour of the harbor can be done in the day, but night is when you want to do it. It's a great way to start the evening in Hong Kong. Sugar 32/F East 29 Taikoo Shing Road Tel. +852 3968 3738 www.sugar-hongkong.com Beautiful space with beautiful views. They describe themselves as a slinky roof top bar and deck with original cocktails, international sharing platters and dj's. They also suggest making Reservations. Dragon-I Centrium Building 60 Wyndham Street Tel. 852.3110.1222 www.dragon-i.com.hk Dragon-I is a consistent favorite noted for its tropical bird aviary. A prime spot to mingle with Hong Kong’s beautiful people, Dragon-I is the perfect spot for dancing the night away. Ping Ping 129 129 Second Street, L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun www.pingpong129.com Gin is the drink of choice here. 120 types from all over and many from Spain as that's where the owner of the trendy club is from. The art you'll see here is by Hong Kong most graffiti artist whose known by everyone as the King of Kowloon. Excursions Dragon's Back https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon%27s_Back This five mile hike starts in the city from Tei Wan Village and ends at Taii Long Wan beach. The hike is not a difficult one and affords impressive views of fishing villages, bays and pristine beaches.

Hong Kong, China Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel

When the city transferred from British colonial status to part of mainland China, many thought that the Hong Kong- noted for shopping and food - would lose some of its charm. However, with its East-meets-West attitude, Hong Kong remains a paradise for shoppers and those eager to explore Asia. Shopping has expanded, offering an even larger selection of Asian goods and luxury products. Hong Kong is still showing the rest of China how to market and sell to the world's most aggressive shoppers. For visitors who wish for the bargaining experience, check out the crowded Temple Street Night Bazaar or the Bird Garden with its beautiful display of exotic birds and animal wares. While other tourists may frequent in these areas, visitors here will also catch a glimpse of the locals in their native setting. In contrast to the haggling, luxury shopping is abound in Hong Kong, everywhere from Nathan Road on the peninsula side, to Times Square on Hong Kong Island, and able to satiate the hungriest shopper's appetite.

The Star Ferry still offers some of most amazing views for those who commute between Kowloon and Hong Kong. It is still also "a city of contradictions" because there are skyscrapers along side bamboo huts, and Rolls-Royces sharing roads with bicycles.

The culinary scene is another reason to make Hong Kong a stop on any Asian itinerary. Traditional Chinese cuisine fused with Western delights has not only influenced many of the prominent chefs here, but has inspired others to open new and exciting restaurants that tempt the traveler to rediscover this amazing city.

Activities

Hong Kong Art Museum
10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel. 852.2721.0116
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Arts/en_US/web/ma/home.html
The Hong Kong Art Museum is filled with historical prints, photos and art from all around Hong Kong and Canton region. Check out the antiques during your visit here.

Temple Street Night Bazaar
Temple Street
http://www.temple-street-night-market.hk/opening-hours.html#.VRgke2ctHnI
Opening every night at 11:00 PM, Temple Street Night Bazaar is the perfect spot to hunt down knick-knacks and people watch. Bargain with vendors and sample the eats, in this crowded Chinese experience.

Bird Garden
Yuen Po Street
http://www.bird-garden.hk
Bird Garden is great place to see the locals. Consisting of a collection of courtyards, Bird Garden hawks everything from grasshoppers to exotic birds. It is also close to a flower market and daily street fair.

Cheung Chun Island
www.nwff.com.hk (Ferry Schedule)
There are no cars on one of Hong Kong's smallest islands, instead, there are sidewalk cafes, beaches with beautiful views, and the best seafood restaurants to wander to and through. It's what Hong Kong used to be like and only 45 minutes away on the fast ferry.

Museum of Coastal Defense
175 Tung Hei Road
Tel. 852.2569.1500
www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Coastal
Enjoy walking paths and views of the eastern entrance to the harbor as well as historical exhibits. Also, only a fifteen-minute taxi ride from here is the beach at Big Wave Bay. This is the island's cleanest and nicest beach.

Hong Kong Museum of History
100 Chatham Road South
Tel. 852.2724.9042
http://hk.history.museum
everything from a Chinese junk to a dock and street, which shows Hong Kong exactly as it was more than a century ago.

Peak Tram
It's touristy, but an essential stop when in Hong Kong. This trolley car starts in central city and climbs steep, 117 year old tracks for seven minutes past skyscrapers and through tropical jungle to an upper terminal where you can walk to close by cafes and shops.

Dining

Aberdeen Street Social
35 Aberdeen Street (Central)
Tel. 852.2866.0300
http://www.aberdeenstreetsocial.hk
Two story bar and restaurant exudes Hong Kong's British heritage. It's a joint venture by Jason Atherton (Michelin starred chef and Jenn Wong, a Singaporean heiress and hotelier) The terrace is casual with goood gastro-pub food. Upstairs is whole different experience. More formal with fine wines French speaking waiters.

Ammo Restaurant & Bar
9 Justice Drive (Admiralty)
Tel. 852.2537.9888
www.ammo.com.hk
The name Ammo stands for Asia, Modern, Museum and Original. This unique and beautiful restaurant is all that and more. Twenty six foot ceilings with glass on three sides affords tranquel views of the green forest outside. The food to is also very special. Langoustine wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper and basil is just one of many different main courses and tapa style plates.

Fook Lam Moon
53-59 Kimberley Rd. Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel. 852.2366.0286
www.fooklammoon-grp.com
Great for Dim Sum, the traditional Chinese afternoon lunch and tea, or dinner, Fook Lam Moon has an older decor and traditional Chinese food ranging from abalone to shark’s fin with crabmeat, as well as the less exotic crispy chicken and pan-fried lobster bars.

Hutong
1 Peking Road, 28th Floor
Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon)
Tel. 852.3428.8342
www.aqua.com.hk
Traditional alleyway courtyards, hutongs, symbolize old Beijing, while steel and glass skyscrapers symbolize Hong Kong. Together they symbolize Hutong, a hot spot for dinner and an aperitif on the 28th floor of 1 Peking Road. The drunken raw crab comes highly recommended.

Top Deck
Shum Wan Pier Drive (Aberdeen)
Tel. 852.2552.3331
This restaurant is in the middle of the harbor with junks and yachts, offers one of the more scenic dining experiences available.

The Peak Lookout Cafe
121 Peak Road
Tel. 852.2849.1000
At the top of the Peak Tram, this restaurant offers a view of the backside of the island, as well as good western dining. Reservations are essential.

Grissini
1 Harbour Rd. Wan Chai, Wan Chai
Tel. 852.2588.1234 ext. 7313
www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com
A spectacular Northern Italian restaurant in Hong Kong, Grissini offers gorgeous views of the harbor in addition to its ever-changing menu options. Try anything from marjoram risotto with scallops and pork cheeks to baked duck with chestnuts at this treat tucked away in the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Victoria City Seafood
Wan Chai (Sun Hung Kai Center)
3 Harbor Road
Tel. 852.2827.9938
Not much on ambiance but this is where you will get superb Chinese food. Victoria City Seafood is noted for the stuffed crab legs and large shrimp sauteed in garlic, so be sure to taste those dishes.

Shopping

PMQ Complex
www.pmq.org.hk
This complex of a 100 plus shops in the SOHO neighborhood is new center for art and culture. French bistros and other restaurants are next to art galleries. The revitalization of this area cost 400 million Hong Kong dollars (50 US) and now is one of the most popular scenes in town.

Teresa Colman Fine Arts
79 Wyndham Street
Tel. 852.2526.2450
www.teresacoleman.com
Not for the faint of pocket: Teresa Colman Fine Arts offers luscious vintage imperial robes, silk jackets and fans that are worthy of an art gallery. Though textiles are the specialty here, customers might also find fine paintings, rugs and, occasionally, furniture.

Sogo
5 Hennessy Rd
East Point Centre, Causeway Bay
Tel. 852/2833 8338
www.sogo.com.hk
A 12-story building filled with everything from luxurious clothing and make-up to furniture to household good and to toys, Sogo is a paradise for those looking for a little retail-therapy.
While across the street is another quirky mall, packed with tiny stores that offer clothing to the trendiest teenagers in Hong Kong

Resorces

HKTB Online
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/shop/index.jhtml

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has one of the best sites for info on events and activities in Hong Kong.

Nightlife in Hong Kong:
http://www.hkclubbing.com/

U.S. Consulate General
26 Garden Rd., Central
Tel. 852.2523.9011
www.usconsulate.org.hk

A good resource for US residents traveling to Hong Kong.

Listing of Hospitals in Hong Kong, in case of emergencies:

Prince of Wales Hospital

(30-32 Ngan Shing St., Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2632.2211). Princess Margaret Hospital (2-10 Princess Margaret Hospital Rd., Lai Chi Kok, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2990.1111). Queen Elizabeth Hospital (30 Gascoigne Rd., Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2958.8888). Queen Mary Hospital (102 Pok Fu Lam Rd., Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2855.3838). Ruttonjee Hospital (266 Queen's Rd. East, Wanchai, Hong Kong, China. Tel. 852.2291.2000).

New World Ferry Services Ltd
http://www.nwff.com.hk/english/nwff100000.asp

First Ferry offers nine different routes from Central to the outlying islands.

Nightlife

Star Ferry Harbor Tour
www.starferry.com.hk/harbourtour
Classictravel.com usually does not recommend something that sounds too touristy but this is an exception. This hour-long tour of the harbor can be done in the day, but night is when you want to do it. It's a great way to start the evening in Hong Kong.

Sugar
32/F East 29 Taikoo Shing Road
Tel. +852 3968 3738
www.sugar-hongkong.com
Beautiful space with beautiful views. They describe themselves as a slinky roof top bar and deck with original cocktails, international sharing platters and dj's. They also suggest making Reservations.

Dragon-I
Centrium Building
60 Wyndham Street
Tel. 852.3110.1222
www.dragon-i.com.hk
Dragon-I is a consistent favorite noted for its tropical bird aviary. A prime spot to mingle with Hong Kong’s beautiful people, Dragon-I is the perfect spot for dancing the night away.

Ping Ping 129
129 Second Street, L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun
www.pingpong129.com
Gin is the drink of choice here. 120 types from all over and many from Spain as that's where the owner of the trendy club is from. The art you'll see here is by Hong Kong most graffiti artist whose known by everyone as the King of Kowloon.

Excursions

Dragon's Back
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon%27s_Back
This five mile hike starts in the city from Tei Wan Village and ends at Taii Long Wan beach. The hike is not a difficult one and affords impressive views of fishing villages, bays and pristine beaches.