"Life in the fast lane" Hong Kong by Andraf

Crowded and cramped, fast paced, vibrant and alive. Urban. Efficient and dynamic. Expensive. Commercial. Exotic and sophisticated. Cosmopolitan. Not very big in terms of tourist attractions but with enough sights to last you for a few days and even more. There's the sleek tall buildings, the occasional temple, a few green parks. Dramatic skylines, good and diverse food, a bustling nightlife. There is something for everybody in Hong Kong and even if you're the non-urban type you might enjoy it because of its beautiful landscape of forested mountains, bays, coves, beaches, all within easy reach. Some might also find it polluted, maddening crammed, too intense. But I think most will love it. As a former colony of the British Empire Hong Kong has a rich and interesting history. Nowadays it is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, having changed hands in 1997. This dual identity, a blend of British and Chinese created a unique place where the entrepreneurial spirit seems to flourish.

Street scene Hong Kong island

Hong Kong consists primarily of two islands, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, which are linked by subway, bus or the Star Ferry. This is where the tall buildings are and where most people in HK live and work. One of my vivid memories of the city was the realization that you are just one soul among million others. Granted, this was my first brush with Asia and maybe that's why I was so amazed by the crowds and the tall residential high rises which seemed to house thousands of people. There are other several islands forming the New Territories, which are greener and more tranquil than the main islands. Here, the nature lovers can escape the city and find some beautiful landscape. If there's one tourist attraction that is an absolute must see in Hong Kong that would be the Victoria Peak - or simply the Peak - with its tram and its panoramic postcard views of Hong Kong and Kowloon islands and the Victoria harbor.

Hong Kong island beach

A few words to help with planning:

Late September to February is considered to be the best period to visit HK, when the weather is at its best. I visited in early October and most of the time I felt the clothes clinging to my skin. I imagine the summer in HK to be quite unbearable due to the heat and the humidity.

Getting around Hong Kong is very easy. The public transportation system is excellent, possibly the best I've seen in my travels. It's cheap and safe, not to mention very clean. People queue for buses and trams in a very orderly fashion. Choices for getting around include the subway (the MTR, Mass Transit Railway), buses, taxi, electric tram (only on the HK island), minibus, ferries and of course, walking.

The food is good, no matter where you choose to eat. There are so many good eating places and restaurants around, it’s hard to know where to start. Restaurants range from inexpensive eateries to very expensive dining and there's a wide variety of foods from traditional Chinese and other types of Asian food to more Western choices (French, Italian etc).

The nightlife is great. If it is a party you want then head to the very lively (at night) Lan Kwai Fong, an area packed with bars, clubs and restaurants, which turned out to be lots of fun. As a warning, people like to dress well when going out at night so you might want to do the same.

I don't like to shop and I usually never shop when travelling (except maybe for a few souvenirs for the family back home). Before going I was told that Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise but somehow I failed to grasp that statement and I figured that, as always, I won't do any shopping. Well ... it didn't turn out that way. After a few days I gave in and ended up coming home with a whole new wardrobe. At times it felt like every path through the city starts and ends with a mall or a street market, or rather that Hong Kong is one giant shopping mall. I've read somewhere that Hong Kong is "the Mecca of shopping" and my overflowing suitcases on the way back can surely attest to that.

You can get by with English. Most signs are in both Chinese and English so getting around is not a problem.

In conclusion, if one has the means it's worth to experience Hong Kong's life in the fast lane at least once in your life. From my part it proved to be an enjoyable experience.

• Pros:Great nightlife, great shopping, modern, excellent public transport
• Cons:May be too crowded for some, humidity, I hated the barganing
• In a nutshell:Great place with something for everyone