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Giant Buddha
Few statues anywhere in the world have such a powerful pull on the imagination as the Big Buddha gazing serenely on the Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery from its hillside site at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. The eyes, lips, incline of the head and even the right hand raised to deliver a blessing to all, combine to lend great depth of character and dignity to this extraordinary statue, whose very glance brings calm and introspection to those who look into those seemingly all-seeing eyes. The majestic figure of the seated Buddha (or Tian Tan) is 26.4 metres high, was cast in China and took 10 years to complete. Weighing 220 tonnes, it was unveiled in 1993 amid deep religious ceremonies. Besides attracting Buddhists from all over Asia, the magnificent figure with its compelling presence almost instantly transformed the remote Po Lin Monastery with its devout monks into a must on tourist schedules. Besides studying the massive statue there is also much to see and do at the monastery itself with its various figures of Gods and other colourful manifestations of aspects of the Buddhist religion. If you dare, place in your hands a bamboo cylinder containing a mass of fortune sticks, and by shaking it carefully, one numbered stick will finally and tantalisingly fall to the ground. Match it with the relevant printed Fortune Paper and learn what the Fates have in store for you. Good luck! Lantau (aka Big Fish Mountain) is almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island and as far back as the Northern Sung Dynasty (AD 960-1127) was famous for producing salt, then a highly valuable commodity.
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Happy Valley Racecourse
Happy Valley Racecourse was built on reclaimed marshland, and the first races were held here in 1846. They have been extremely popular ever since. Today, the track is ultra-sophisticated with computerised betting and races broadcast live on gigantic screens. Night racing was introduced at Happy Valley in 1973 and was an immediate success. The extra revenue raised was used to build Hong Kong's second racecourse at Sha Tin in the New Territories, which opened in 1978.
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HongKong shopping
Hong Kong is a great shopping destination for all types of Asian arts, crafts and antiques.
Valuable Chinese antiques, such as delicate vases, imperial embroidery and ancient pots can all be unearthed, as well as traditional silk garments, centuries-old opium pipes and historical photographs. Many shops can arrange to insure, pack and ship your goods safely back home.
Hong Kong is the ideal place to make major purchases of antiques and artifacts. For a wide variety of goods, such as porcelain, silk garments, musical instruments, seals and handicrafts, Chinese department stores offer a wide range and make good one-stop shops.
You may wish to consider an expert's appraisal and the customs duty regulations in your home country before buying. |
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Hong Kong's designers have taken the world by storm in the past few years, proving how serious fashion is in the City of Life.
Chic local brands and international design houses rub shoulders in exclusive outlets throughout the territory and chain stores bring the styles to the streets.
Renowned Hong Kong designers, such as Vivienne Tam, William Tang and Walter Ma, have stylish boutiques, while cheap and cheerful styles can be found in outlet stores. There is something for every fashion finder's budget and plenty for those who want to make a style statement all of their own.
For something unique, why not have an outfit custom-made at one of the many reputable and famous tailors. Suits, shirts, skirts and evening gowns can be created to suit the most elaborate or sedate of tastes. A figure-hugging traditional cheongsam (Chinese dress) might make the perfect gift for yourself or someone special. Hong Kong's tailors also boast a wide range and high quality of wedding garments. Besides, furs bought in Hong Kong are often of higher quality but are much cheaper than in most Western cities.
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Hong kong zhi ye
Hong Kong has a world of exquisite, mouth-watering dining options.
As you would expect, good Chinese restaurants are found everywhere in Hong Kong. Some of the best can be found in major hotels and shopping complexes. Most specialise in one or more of the following: Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechuan, Peking, Shanghainese or Chinese Vegetarian.
As an international city, many cultures and tastes are represented in Hong Kong's world of dining. Enjoy fine dining or casual family-style meals in some of Hong Kong's Eastern and Western restaurants.
Day and night, Hong Kong's gourmet delights are plentiful. Whether you want to pick up a snack or dress to a theme, the City of Life offers it all.
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