China

A city museum, the likes of which are rare in the world! Models, architectural reconstructions, ships... etc. allow visitors to retrace the history of Hong Kong from its beginnings in the Stone Age up to the end of the 20th century in an exciting, stimulating way. Thematic highlights are the glorious Han Dynasty with a reconstructed, true-to-the-original burial chamber, sea trade in the South China Sea, the era of the Opium Wars and the unequal treaties in the 19th century, the Japanese occupation in World War II and the economic boom of the post-war years. Those interested in supplementing their knowledge of art and the history of art with knowledge of the natural sciences only have to go next door to the Hong Kong Science Museum. Hundreds of exhibits, many of which are hands-on and can be tried out, make a visit fun not only for children. more

Nathan Road was built at the beginning of the 20th Century by the British governor, Sir Matthew Nathan,... in what was countryside at the time. Today it is Hong Kong`s most prominent shopping street and promenade for window shoppers and is particularly impressive at night thanks to the countless coloured neon lights. From Salisbury Road at Victoria Harbour small shops and gigantic sales emporia stretch northwards for miles. These emporia have every imaginable luxury in stock and, even if the budget only allows for window shopping, they are well worth a visit for their interior decoration and furnishings alone. The Kowloon Park offers a refuge to recover from the hustle and bustle on the streets. The Jamia Masjia, the largest mosque in the city, is on the east side of the park. In this park, artists show their sculptures and mazes, bird ponds and children's playgrounds amuse the little ones. more

The 554 m high Peak, known to the Chinese as Tai Ping Shan ("Mountain of Great Peace"), is the highest... elevation on Hong Kong Island. From this Peak, there is a unique view over the metropolis, the harbour and the South China Sea with the islands of Lamma and Lantau. Those seeking refuge from the hectic atmosphere of the city can forget the turmoil in the beautiful parks, restaurants, shops, pavilions and cafés such as the famous Déco in the Peak Galleria. The British colonial rulers also appreciated this peace and quiet in their day and built their beautiful villas on the slopes of the Peak. The journey to the Peak has a double reward: the first by day, the second by night with the breath-taking view of the sea of twinkling lights below. You can reach the Peak by bus or the much more enjoyable time-honoured Peak Tram: the funicular railway was first out put into use in 1888. The tram takes eight minutes to travel the 1.5 km up the Peak, surmounting a difference in elevation of 367 m. more