China
A really chilled out restaurant in Wahchai. Great for Sunday brunch. Fabulous old building and close to Wanchai MTR.
62 Johnston Road, Hong Kong
+852 2866 3444
Google map: bit.ly/sEZ6NY
This Chinese Restaurant is in North Point, a stone's throw from Wing Hing Street and the public toilet and refuse tip, but don't let that put you off. It's in a side street and under a bridge and doesn't look much from the outside, but the food is terrific and cheap too. They serve decent wine that's not expensive and is full of locals. Try the beef with peppers and onions in black bean sauce.
9 Tsing Fung St Tin Hau
+ (852) 2571 0913
Google map: bit.ly/pg1D5Q
The views are amazing. It's on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton and although the prices for a glass of wine are London prices, you can nurse a glass all evening and enjoy spectacular views of Victoria Harbour as the sun goes down.
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/Dining/ozone/Default.htm
International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
+(852) 2263 2263
Google map: bit.ly/nPeS5I
This beautiful wooden nunnery, nestled up against lush green hills and looked down on by Hong Kong's ubiquitous tower blocks, was - apparently - constructed without using a single nail. It also serves up a mean plate of veggie noodles. Saunter round the immaculate gardens, keeping your eyes peeled for the waterfall. Find your way behind the cascades of water for a delicious meat-free set meal. Don't forget to seek out the gift shop before you leave, choc-full of nunnery produced goodies.
Chi Lin Vegetarian, Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon
+852 2329 8811
www.nanliangarden.org
Diamond Hill MTR station
Please get out beyond the shopping malls (which aren't even that cheap these days - HKers all go to Shenzhen!) - the new territories are a superb, rich, diverse habitat full of cultural heritage.
envirohk.wordpress.com/
Google map: tinyurl.com/388d3ud
A scenic tram trip to the top of the island, Coca-Cola, vegetarian food and serenity - all for a reasonable price.
Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Walk up if you're able or take the Ngong Ping 360 Tram.
www.np360.com.hk/
Google map: tinyurl.com/34x3uoa
Music, color, laser lights and all for free. wayfarersall.net/2010/07/13/the-symphony-of-lights-victoria-harbor/
8 p.m. every night
Best place to watch: Victoria Harbor, Kowloon
Google map: tinyurl.com/3yc2n8p
It's got a spectacular view of Kowloon - both by day and also at night - when the neon signs light up the Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district. Part of the top floor health club for guests, this is a great place to relax, unwind and keep fit when enjoying a visit to Hong Kong, and it gives a fresh perspective on the place.
8 Peking Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
hongkong.langhamhotels.com
Tel: (852) 2375 1133
Google map: tinyurl.com/32kacuf
I had seen this restaurant recommended for its crispy Peking Duck on the Grauniad website and in a couple of books. Went twice when I was in Hong Kong recently. Fantastic place with a great atmosphere and friendly staff and the duck really is to die for.
Full of locals which is generally a good sign. Advance booking recommended - turned up on spec one night and couldn't get in.
42 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Nearest MTR station Tsim Sha Tsui East)
Most visitors to Hong Kong would be forgiven for thinking that this "Special Administrative Region" of China is entirely urbanised. The New Territories actually make up the majority of the land area, of which vast areas are lush woodlands.
Sai Kung Town is located in the east of the region. It is famous for its seafood, which is impressively displayed outside the harbourside restaurants and on the small fishing boats, some of which offer paid fishing trips. The town has a much more laid-back feel than its urban cousin and is a welcome retreat.
Sai Kung region, New Territories
This hotel is in Shatin. An ideal place to relax and collect your thoughts. It is a long bus journey from the airport but one that is both direct and I believe cheapest to reach, unless you can afford the Regal airport hotel. If you book online and in advance, the early bird promotion is a good deal. You can take a healthy stroll by the river or visit the wide array of shopping centres networked together just over the bridge.
Regal Riverside Hotel
Tai Chung Kiu Road
Shatin
Hong Kong (A41 bus from Airport)
Regalhotel.com
Whether you're in Hong Kong for business or you're doing a stopover en route to Australia, a great way to soak up the Hong Kong vibe is to take a beginners Tai Chi class on the waterfront.
The class is in English and assumes no previous knowledge of Tai Chi. There are a few demonstrations first followed by lessons on how to do the most basic tai chi routines. All this in front of Victoria Harbour with the skyscrapers in full view. It captures the whole East-West fusion that Hong Kong is all about.
Best of all - the lessons are free.
The lessons take place in front of the Museum of Art on Salisbury Road by the waterfront. It is a five minute walk from the Star Ferry terminus on Kowloon. They start at 8am and run on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Ring the Hong Kong Tourist board on +852 2508 1234 to ckeck days before going.
The Chinese Arts and Crafts Shop in the China Resources building on Harbour Road in Wan Chai is a fantastic place for antique Chinese silk dresses, high quality authentic antiques and artefacts. They also stock a huge range of Chinese medicines. For ease - it's worth making this your first port of call for gifts.
For dining, Caprice is a sure-fire winner. The chef here is Vincent Thierry who used to run the famous Le Cinq in Paris and the food is always excellent. You also have pretty harbour views. It’s quite formal so is a good place to go with clients, but if you want somewhere a bit more laid-back, then try Di Vino on Wyndham Street, which also has an excellent wine list.
Forget the stuffy Mandarin Oriental and instead request its hip little sister – The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. It’s within walking distance of Central’s important commercial buildings and the hotel concierge will meet you at the airport. It also boasts the largest hotel rooms in Hong Kong and has all the facilities you’d expect; plus it has a superb spa if you get the time to use it!
Taxis are cheap and plentiful but getting to an exact address can be difficult unless your Cantonese is up to scratch. Use the underground (MTR) instead.
Each MTR station has lettered exits. There is always a map in the station and using this can help you find the correct exit. Or just ask the office you are visiting for the exit number. If you are revisiting, write the exit number on any business card you get - but not while you are in the meeting. It's a bit of an insult to write on a business card.
There is a bar and restaurant called Weinstube. I found it accidentally and was surprisingly welcomed after listening to the craic going on at the bar by some local expat regulars, while having some really good schnitzel!
Staff are not over-friendly and if you need to know anything they just want to help you, from shopping to directions, or other places to eat or drink! I travel regularly to HK and pop in every time I'm there as it’s like a home away from home for me...hope it’s the same for you!
Weinstube: First floor, Ashley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Kowloon (opposite the Gaylord restaurant).
If you want a break from the chain hotels, why not try a boutique hotel whilst in Hong Kong. Having stayed here previously, I found it a fantastic oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet, as it's located in Causeway Bay, you are in the heart of the action when you step out.
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
www.lansonplace.com
Would you like to avoid lugging your suitcase all the way to the airport? All you need to do is make use of Hong Kong's airport express train. Direct to Hong Kong Island/Airport in 25 minutes, you can also check in before departure at the train station. This becomes ideal when you have to check out of your hotel by 12 but you don't have a flight until the evening.
Dim sum is to Hong Kong as fish and chips (or perhaps a chicken korma) is to the UK. However, with countless restaurants in Hong Kong, where you do start? My recommendation would be at the dim sum restaurant (Lung King Heen) at the Four Seasons, Hong Kong. The dim sum served is of a different standard, each with its own twist on traditional classics. This delicous food is complimented with outstanding views of the harbour and impeccable service.
Situated on the first floor of the Four Seasons hotel. Make a reservation beforehand. Ask for a window view.
www.fourseasons.com/hongkong/dining/lung_king_heen.html
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