Hong Kong
Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a city that's full of surprises - forty percent of the land is devoted to natural habitats - sandy beaches, woodlands and mountains.
Ride the ferries - The green and white Star Ferry has been in operation for over a hundred years, chugging back and forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The trip doesn't take long, but you get a great view of the harbor, junks, hydrofoils, sampans, and barges. You can also pick up a ferry to go to Lantau, Lamma or Cheung Chau Islands.
Victoria Harbour light show – Every night at 8pm along the harbor is a laser light show with music, "Symphony of Lights," visible from both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Go down to the river promenades, Avenue of Stars on Kowloon side, Expo Promendade (Golden Bauhinia Square) on Hong Kong Island. Kids can run around while watching the show.
Dolphinwatch Cruise - Take a cruise to look for the very endangered pink dolphins in the waters around Lantau Island. The pink dolphins (they really are pink) only live in the waters around Hong Kong and their existence is threatened by boat traffic and polluted waters.
Tin Hau Temples - Look for Tin Hau (Queen of Heaven) temples all over Hong Kong. Tin Hau is the goddess of the sea who watches over seafarers. She is one of the most beloved goddesses in Hong Kong and there are many temples in her honor. At the Tin Hau Festival (April or May), people sail colorfully decorated boats on Hong Kong's waterways and pray in the temples. Tin Hau temples are at these locations: Hong Kong Island - Causeway Bay, Repulse Bay, Wan Chai, Aberdeen; Kowloon - Market Street; New Territories - Joss House Bay, and on the islands of Peng Chau, Lamma, Cheung Chau.
Tip: Use public transportation in Hong Kong to get around - it's varied and fun. The subway is the easiest way to get between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Take the double decker buses and trams for a bird's eye view of the city. To get to the New Territories, there is a good bus system. Ferries are a must. The shortest ride is the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong. For a day trip, take the ferries to the outlying islands.
Fun food
Dim Sum restaurants in Hong Kong are fun food for kids. You can stop into Dim Sum restaurants at all hours. It is invariably busy, noisy and full of families. After you've sat down at a big round table, wait for ladies to come around wheeling carts with different dishes. As they come by, point at dishes you want. The ladies pluck the food off the cart and plunk it down on your table. Keep requesting dishes until you're stuffed!
Shopping
Hong Kong has many shopping areas, but a good bet is the Jade market in Kowloon. Here you can find jade earrings and jewelry, plus carved animals, such as tigers and dragons. Some jade may not be genuine, so unless you are knowledgeable, look for less expensive pieces.
