hong kong

[missylu]

has anyone been? whats it like..? whts the shopping like?? im going in jan... xx

[heathfield]

Dress as you would for the UK. Mean temperatures are 65 to 56 degrees (F) in January.

[jno]

shopping's pretty good, especially for electronics (though the USA is even better as the dollar is so poorly). Quite crowded, bustling place with less English spoken these days since China took it back. Take a Star ferry trip across the harbour or the cable car up to Victoria Peak for striking views. It should be rather warmer than the UK at the same time.

[filthiestfis]

I guess that 1 week is sufficient time to see Hong Kong?

[jno]

plenty. Actually, I was there for a week last February and took the opportunity to go to Shanghai for a couple of days in the middle.

[VillageVicar]

If you�ve not been there before, I think you will love it. There are bargains galore, but also be aware, there are �knock-off�s� galore as well. And from time-to-time, customs officials do sweeps to confiscate knock-offs. So caveat emptor!

I'm an old romanticist! My two favourite hotels in Kowloon are the Peninsula Hotel and the Intercontental. (Formerly the Regent). Truthfully, I prefer the IC, because I'm rather addicted to having a midnight snack as I watch the light show on Hong Kong Island and waking up to the juxtaposition of Chinese Junks and Modern Ocean Liners coming into the harbour.

Be sure to take the Star Ferry at night. It�s romantic and provides a beautiful sight of both HK Island and Kowloon. Also, be sure to take the tram up the mountainside to �the peak� and take the quiet circle walk. It provides a panoramic view over Hong Kong.

http://www.thepeak.com.hk/full/en/index.php

Whilst it�s truly the quintessential tourist thing to do, you once in your life must dine on �JUMBO� the floating restaurant in the harbour. It always has mixed reviews�but it�s the kitsch factor that makes it so interesting. I�ve had good food nights and not so good food nights�but if you�re taking a date who has never been to HGK..then it�s a must!

Continued

[VillageVicar]

Part 2
On the Island I stay at the Mandarin. It�s smack in the centre of shopping and just above the Star Ferry. It provides a lovely romantic view of the harbour. Interestingly, as many flight crew stay at the Mandarin, there�s a jeweller there who has developed a long-standing reputation for providing honest quality at good prices. They are recommended by many flight crew around the world!

Oh�and an unusual warning..if you�re going to visit mainland china, be sure to read up on some of the ins and outs of travelling there�

Have a great trip!

Fr Bill