"Though the sky isn't blue enough..." Hong Kong by backpackerbaby

Clarification
I like to introduce myself, "I'm from Hong Kong."
The most typical response I get is: "Oh, Chinese!"
Some funny people would even say, "Oh, so you're from China! Which part is it?"
However, I'm from HK or you can call me a HKer if you like. Please don't try to communicate with me in Madarin though I know it.

'Hello! Welcome to Hong Kong! Have fun here!' If you're standing among the crowds at the New Year Parade and hear a girl shouting these words out loud to different performers all the time, come to say hi. That's me. Being a HKer, I feel happy when foreigners come to visit HK.

HK is a magical place. Despite its size is just as small as a dot on the world map, HK has lots to offer. Many foreigners think that HK is just a city for shopping and perhaps eating, even some guidebooks say so but I'm telling you that they are wrong and please throw those books away. Many people, even locals, just carelessly overlook the beauty of the nature in HK, which is a real pity. HK has a hilly terrain, which means that you can find a nice hiking trail easily. Not joking, you can go hiking on a lovely trail or a country park after shopping in the city centre. There are lots of routes with different degrees of difficulties all over HK, not just in the New Territories or the islands. The most famous is the Dragon Back Trail on eastern HK Island, linking up To Tei Wan and Tai Long Wan. When you hike along the Dragon Back, you're actually hiking on the top of a ridge, overseeing Shek O Beach on one side with Tai Tam Reservoir on another. With its easy accessibility, the Dragon Back Trial is a must for all visitors who enjoy the nature, no matter how short they're staying in HK. If you've more time and wanna explore a bit more, head to Sai Kung, where you can find the best beach in HK. What's better than jumping into a pool of refreshing clear water after a 5 hour hiking trip? If you know the way, you'll come across some spectacular waterfalls, you'll understand that Victoria Harbour is not the only photo spot of HK.

Don't worry if you're not the outdoor type. It's quite difficult for you to get bored in HK anyway. One important part of travelling is to learn something local. What's better than a visit to a history museum or a cultural museum? People always criticize HK as a culture-desert, which I can't quite agree with. We've some nice museums here, which provide valuable information regarding different subjects to visitors. There are some high standard exhibitions on display occassionally too. One good point about the museums in HK is that, unlike in other countries, the admission fees are quite low. You can even get free access to all goverment-run museum on Wednesdays. Apart from those run by the government, some private ones also worth a visit. My latest recommendation is the University Museum and Art Gallery at HKU on western HK island, which charges nothing but displays great stuffs. Its recent exhibition of old HK photos was so impressive.

Who'd go to bed at 11p.m. when away home? Especially when you're in HK - a city that never sleeps. Unlike other big cities, the nightlife in HK is more than pub/bar/disco/sex. If you like singing, go to a karaoke box and sing till your throat sores at 6a.m.. Wanna go shopping? No problem! Most shops in the shopping districts close after mid-night and recently, there is one 24-hour shopping mall launched in Kwun Tong. You can really shop the whole day here, just bring enough cash/cards. Wanna fill your stomach? No problem! I won't ask you to go to a convenient store for a microwave dim sum or a cup noodle as the choices of food are still more than enough, even it's 2a.m.. This is what real night life should be!Who says after dark is scary? You'll never be in the dark in HK, as I can say, the best street lamp system can be found here. Street lamps are glowing over the night everywhere, even in a small lane or a back alley. This makes people feel safe, this makes me feel HK is a real city - a sparkling city.

so peaceful...

HK has always been regarded as a shopper's paradise. You can find very attractive shopping opportunities here. If you're running out of time, simply a fast walk in a large department store in Causeway Bay will make you come out with two hands full. If you're a bargain hunter, there are lots of small shopping centres in Mong Kok, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui searching for nice stuffs) and time, shopping at Fa Yuen Street market will be a truly treasure hunt. You can change your look/style very easily even at tight budget.offering updated fashion at very reasonable prices. Of course, if you can stand with the crowds and the heat while you've unlimited patience (in

BUT hey, please: Don't keep on asking me about where to buy cheap yet good quality FAKE designer handbags. If you're really that into brandname/designer items, buy a genuine one. Don't create any unnecessary opportunity to get embarrassed.

so green...

Apart from shopping, eating is another major activity you will definitely enjoy here. HK is a place where east meets west, you're not going to find only Chinese cuisine here. Dim sum has been a must for travellers. Locals like dim sum too but a dim sum meal is mostly for a family or a friend gathering. You seldom see locals eating alone at a dim sum restaurant. Locals like eating at small local restaurants (known as "cha chaan tang") for a fast meal or at a street-stall (known as "dai pai dong") for a dinner gathering with friends. Won Ton noodles, roasted geese, roasted pork, clay pot rice...etc are always popular among locals. Wanna try some exotic cuisine? No problem. Head to Kowloon City which is actually a little Thailand. Tom Yum Kung, curry crabs, satays, coconut sticky rice with mangoes... be prepared to lose some weight afterwards! Not spicy enough? How about some Indian curry? I won't ask you to go to a hotel to take an all you can eat buffet but to go to Chung King Mansions in Nathan Road, TST. I'm not joking. Being regarded as one of the most complicated places in HK, the building is occupied by several good indian restaurants. The curry is simply brilliant! Ah, don't forget to order a Mango Lassi to cool your tongue down! Suddenly home sick? SOHO and NOHO in Central, Knordsford Terrace in TST and Stanley are filled with restaurants specialized in different cuisines - Russian, Spanish, German, Italian... you name it.

It's time for dessert. Recently, mango dessert has been very popular among foreign travellers. There are some other desserts that are must-try items too. How about a cold coconut sago? It's much more original!

(to be continued)

After eating so much, it's time for some sports. A day out to Sai Kung for hiking or to Tung Ping Chau for snorkelling will definitely help burning some fat away. Wanna be a bit closer to the city centre? Ok, hike up to the Peak from Central! Taking transportation up to the Peak is of course more convenient but hiking up the Peak will be a totally different experience and you'll definitely see more.




Don't miss:
The Hong Kong Story by SCMP
Spend some time on reading the stories and get a better idea of Hong Kong!

• Pros:lots to offer
• Cons:too high API
• In a nutshell:It's magic!