http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18938 This is actually most people's arrival point, as Hong Kong's new airport was built on an artificial piece of land that was added to accommodate the huge structure.

The island is home to some amazing little fishing villages (Tai O), where locals go at weekends to buy their dried fish, as well as Big Buddha, the biggest outdoor buddha in the world. Next to the Big Buddha temple, is a monastery, where its possible to eat some fantastic vegetarian food, with beautifully decorated and ornate surroundings.
A great afternoon out, and the chance to be outside of the polluted areas like Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18938 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4536
HK has wilfully forgotten the very people whose hard work and labour allowed it to prosper. It is important for people living in HK as well as those visiting to realise that the much publicised shopping malls and expensive hotels, eateries, and clubs that service expatriates and the local elite do not represent the HK the majority of residents recognise.

HK's majority are, amazingly, all too often the forgotten people. It certainly puts into perspective the shopaholic culture and the trend towards excess that characterises what was once the heart of HK: Central district. A heart does not distinguish between those who are a part of the hang send economy (those with property) and the vast majority who are not.

Shek Kip Mei is one of several such districts visitors hardly venture. In some ways it is a gem as these are the only districts of HK that advertisers don't bother to smother.

Visitors wanting to understand the real HK, or those who really believe HK has found, or more correctly found but lost, that elusive form of capitalism that seems to work for all, ought to take a trip down to Shek Kip Mei.

HK does show that Chinese capitalism (whatever that means) can work and can be fun for the cream. I wouldn't taste the milk.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4536 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4336
Incense burns everywhere, with gifts of flowers and fruit to Buddha left on tables outside the temples and pagoda. There is a vegetarian restaurant and a small souvenir stall.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4336 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4572
The walk to the house takes you along a path through ancient woodlands, in which can be found many of the indigenous plants and herbs used by the Hakka community for a huge variety of purposes,
medicinal, culinary and practical. Entry to the house is free, and you can wander around the rooms and defences at your leisure.

Farming implements and many of the accoutrements of Hakka life have been built solely for this site. Close to the house is an original lime kiln and jetty for bringing in coral: relics of the cement industry that provided an important source of income to the Wong clan.

There are few of these types of heritage site in Hong Kong, and Sheung Yiu receives few visitors - which is part of the attraction.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4572 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4517
Chi Lin nunnery is a beautiful Buddhist building entirely made of wood - no steel or nails. Peaceful gardens and lily pools and few people other than nuns and gardeners. There’s sweet souvenirs too - all proceeds go towards the upkeep of the complex. Out of central Hong Kong, but a great place to find peace and quiet as well as a little culture.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4517 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4506 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4506 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3056 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3056