Hong Kong

Acquired by the British in 1841 and formally handed over to China in 1997, this thriving metropolis mainly comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Many landmarks and historical sights can be found within the city as well as in the outskirts and outlying islands, from colonial buildings, Buddhist temples and statues to space-age skyscrapers. Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island offers sky- high views over the city and can be reached by the winding road or the peak tram. Around the island, a sampan boat trip takes you through Aberdeen harbour, with its crowded houseboats, junks and floating restaurants. The local people relax on the beaches of deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, where swimmers are protected by shark-proof nets.

Stanley market is a popular place to shop for clothing, crafts and souvenirs. Nathan Road in the Tsimshatsui district is a tree-lined avenue stretching from south to north right through Kowloon. Today, this is one of the busiest commercial roads in Hong Kong; the lower end of the road is known as the Golden Mile because of the plethora of storefront neon signs. A walk along Nathan Road will reveal a shopper’s paradise with many boutiques, camera shops, street markets and restaurants crammed in side-by-side. The daily language used among Hong Kong’s residents is mainly Cantonese (Guangdong dialect). The official languages are Mandarin Chinese and English