Insight Guides - Insight Guides Explore Hong Kong (Travel Guide eBook)

How To Use This E-Book

This Explore Guide has been produced by the editors of Insight Guides, whose books have set the standard for visual travel guides since 1970. With top-quality photography and authoritative recommendations, these guidebooks bring you the very best routes and itineraries in the worlds most exciting destinations.

Best Routes

The routes in this book provide something to suit all budgets, tastes and trip lengths. As well as covering the destinations many classic attractions, the itineraries track lesser-known sights, and there are also excursions for those who want to extend their visit outside the city. The routes embrace a range of interests, so whether you are an art fan, a gourmet, a history buff or have kids to entertain, you will find an option to suit.

We recommend reading the whole of a route before setting out. This should help you to familiarise yourself with it and enable you to plan where to stop for refreshments options are shown in the Food and Drink box at the end of each tour.

Introduction

The routes are set in context by this introductory section, giving an overview of the destination to set the scene, plus background information on food and drink, shopping and more, while a succinct history timeline highlights the key events over the centuries.

Directory

Also supporting the routes is a Directory chapter, with a clearly organised AZ of practical information, our pick of where to stay while you are there and select restaurant listings; these eateries complement the more low-key cafs and restaurants that feature within the routes and are intended to offer a wider choice for evening dining. Also included here are some nightlife listings, plus a handy language guide and our recommendations for books and films about the destination.

Getting around the e-book

In the Table of Contents and throughout this e-book you will see hyperlinked references. Just tap a hyperlink once to skip to the section you would like to read. Practical information and listings are also hyperlinked, so as long as you have an external connection to the internet, you can tap a link to go directly to the website for more information.

Maps

All key attractions and sights mentioned in the text are numbered and cross-referenced to high-quality maps. Wherever you see the reference [map] just tap this to go straight to the related map. You can also double-tap any map for a zoom view.

Images

Youll find lots of beautiful high-resolution images that capture the essence of the destination. Simply double-tap on an image to see it full-screen.

2019 Apa Digital (CH) AG and Apa Publications (UK) Ltd

Table of Contents

Recommended Routes For...

Architecture

Architectural highlights on ).

Alex Havret/Apa Publications

Art buffs

Artistic highlights include the galleries around Hollywood Road ().

Alex Havret/Apa Publications

Beaches

In need of a break from the city backdrop? Some of the areas most accessible beaches are on the Southside ().

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Dining out

There is great regional Chinese cuisine available everywhere and good international options in Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo ().

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Family

Animal-lovers should visit the pandas, dolphins and other creatures at Ocean Park ().

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Night owls

Bars and restaurants open late across the city, but good starting points for night-time action include Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo ().

Alex Havret/Apa Publications

Shopping

There are traditional stores in Sheung Wan () in Kowloon.

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Temples and monasteries

Of the many fine temples in Hong Kong, among the best are the Man Mo ().

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Explore Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and also one of the most straightforward and safe to explore. Signposts are in English as well as Chinese, while inexpensive public transport and taxis make it easy to get around.

Covering 1,104 sq km (426 sq miles) Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, at the nations southernmost tip, can be divided into three parts: Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories (including numerous outlying islands).

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island, where the earliest British settlements were established, is dominated by futuristic buildings housing the big banks and lavish hotels. Glamorous shops and restaurants rub shoulders with earthy establishments, and life moves at a breathless pace. Amid the awe-inspiring contemporary architecture, this is also the place to find some of Hong Kongs rare colonial buildings and the oldest street market in the city.

A highlight on Hong Kong Island is The Peak, home to a number of magnificent old residences. Gazing down from these rarefied heights reveals just how crowded the city below really is. Pollution and weather permitting, take in the contrasts of skyscrapers, hills and islands and the tiny size of the territory.

In Lin Heung Teahouse

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

Capturing the classic skyline

Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications