Hong Kong is divided into four main areas - Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are on a peninsula of the Chinese mainland, on the northern side of Victoria Harbour; Hong Kong Island is on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon; the Outlying Islands simply refers to any of the other 234 islands. The New Territories has a 20km (12mi) land border with China.

Every visitor to Hong Kong Island makes the trip to Victoria Peak, which has one of the most spectacular views in the world. It’s also a good way to orient yourself to Hong Kong’s sometimes confusing geography. Another major tourist attraction is Aberdeen, on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, where 6000 people live or work on junks anchored in the harbour. Sampan tours of the Aberdeen Harbour are definitely worth the expense. The other major draw is the floating restaurants.

The most popular beach is Repulse Bay, also on the southern side of the island, but it gets extremely crowded on weekends. Stanley, with its laid-back atmosphere, is another good spot for escaping Hong Kong's hustle and bustle. City attractions include the Central Market which visitors will have no trouble finding (just sniff the air), the old Man Mo Temple and the Zoological & Botanic Gardens.

Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, is the territory’s tourist ghetto. It consists of one sq km of shops, restaurants, pubs, topless bars and camera stores. However, Kowloon is also home to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum, the famous Peninsula Hotel and the Museum of History. The Promenade, in East Tsim Sha Tsui, is a great place for a stroll, and has wonderful views of Victoria Harbour, particularly at night. The liveliest night market in the territory is on Temple St in Yau Ma Tei.

There are 234 outlying islands, many of them little more than uninhabited rocks. However, Cheung Chau (2.5 sq km) has 20,000 residents and is fast developing into a mini Honolulu, although there is no motorised traffic. Lantau, the largest of the islands (142 sq km) has a population of 30,000, a 933m peak, and a 70km walking trail, but has avoided many of the development excesses of other islands. It is home to several important monasteries, including Po Lin Monastery with its enormous bronze Buddha. Thanks to the new airport development, Lantau is now connected by bridge to the mainland. Other islands worth visiting include Lamma, Peng Chau, Poi Toi and the uninhabited Tung Lung Chau.

There are plenty of bike paths in the New Territories, and it's also easy to rent a bike, especially around Tolo Harbour. If you like fishing, there’s plenty of people who’ll take you out on a boat, or you can dip your rod in one of the city’s reservoirs. You’ll need to be cashed up to play on one of Hong Kong’s five golf courses - if you’re not, try hiking in Country Parks. Lantau Island the MacLehose Trail in the New Territories are also good for a leg stretch. There are good beaches everywhere except Kowloon and the north side of Hong Kong Island - the best ones are on the Outlying Islands. Windsurfing and sailing are both extremely popular, and there are several yacht clubs and outlets where you can rent boards or small craft.

Use of the Western calendar and the Chinese lunar calendar can make trying to determine the exact date of festivals a bit tricky. The Lantern Festival takes place in January or February. Lanterns are lit in homes, restaurants and temples. The secular Hong Kong Food Festival, billed as Asia’s premier culinary event, is usually held in March. The Tin Hau Festival is a Taoist festival falling around late April. Junks are decorated and sail in long rows to Tin Hau temples to pray for clear skies and good fishing. The Dragon Boat Festival is held in June, with dragon boat races taking place in Hong Kong and Outlying Islands.

The Festival of Asian Arts is a major international event and usually occurs in October or November.

For General Information contact: tbj@lehman.cuny.edu || Last modified: March 27, 2002
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