Hong Kong Disneyland
As of 2005, Hong Kong now has its very own Disneyland, complete with all the traditional Disney rides and attractions (sans the Haunted Mansion). The use of Feng Shui throughout the design of the park makes Hong Kong Disneyland unique to all others. The 126-hectare park is located on Lantau Island, overlooking Penny’s Bay. Arrive at the Disneyland Public Transport Interchange (PTI) which serves as the arrival point for guests travelling by Mass Transit Railway (MTR), car, taxi, bus, or coach. Waiting areas for wheelchair passengers, tactile maps and tactile guide paths are available. Taxi pick-up and drop-off areas are provided for the convenience of people with special needs. MTR Sunny Bay Station.

Hong Kong Space Museum
Explore the final frontier - learn all about astronomy and space technology at the Space Museum. The museum is particularly renowned for its Space Theatre, one of the largest planetariums in the world, which features both Omnimax screenings and Sky shows several times daily. Location: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Complex, 10 Salisbury Road Tel +852 2721 0226

Hong Kong Science Museum
Learning has never been so much fun! The Science Museum showcases over 500 interesting exhibits, 80% of which are hands-on and offer an insight into a wide range of science-related subjects. The exhibition covers many areas of science and technology, including robotics, transportation, virtual reality and more. The focus of the museum is the 20-metre-high Energy Machine which, when activated, triggers a series of displays to produce spectacular audiovisual effects demonstrating various forms of energy. Location: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel +852 2732 3232

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
It is located on the northern slope of Victoria Peak and occupies an area of 5.6 hectares. Founded in 1871, the grounds are divided into two parts by Albany Road, but linked by a subway. The eastern part of the Garden is known as the Old Garden where a Children's Playground, Aviaries, Jaguar Enclosure, Green House and a Fountain Terrace Garden are found. The New Garden in the west is mainly the home of mammals and reptiles. Location: Albany Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2530 0154

Ocean Park
This is a must for the whole family. It houses "Water World", a huge complex of swimming pools and other water related activities. There are also thrill rides and sea mammal shows and exhibits. Don’t miss the Middle Kingdom show which includes traditional Chinese dance, juggling, and acrobats. It’s phenomenal! Take a gondola over the mountain to the main part of Ocean Park where you’ll see some fantastic views. To get there, take the MTR to Admiralty Station, or take the City-bus directly to Ocean Park. For more information, visit www.oceanpark.com.hk/

Dolphin Watching
The sight of wild pink dolphins playing in the waters north of Lantau Island is something that will stay with you long after you return to shore. Telephone (852) 2984 1414 for more information.

Victoria Peak
The whole family will enjoy the tram ride to the top and the fantastic views over Hong Kong. Keep your receipt from the tram in order to get a free return trip from the Peak Tram Station in Central to the Star Ferry terminal.

Beaches
Deep Water Bay/Repulse Bay Beach on the residential south side of Hong Kong Island is quiet on weekdays and offers facilities such as refreshment kiosks, toilets and a lifeguard service from April to October. Also on the south side are Repulse Bay Beach and Stanley Main Beach.

South Bay Beach, near Repulse Bay, is one of Hong Kong Island's best and most secluded spots for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. A short distance down South Bay Road, it's just out-of-the-way enough to discourage crowds. Facilities are good, with a food kiosk, changing rooms, toilets, umbrellas for rent and lifeguards on duty. A good choice for weekdays as you may have the beach virtually to yourself. Easily accessible by taxi from Deep Water bay, or you can walk from Repulse Bay down South Bay Road.

Beaches on Outlying Islands
Lo So Shing Beach on Lamma Island is perhaps the best beach on the island and the one that's closest to the second-largest village, Sok Kwu Wan. A cosy strip of sand with a row of shade trees at the back, it provides complete facilities. After a day of sun and surf, enjoy a seafood meal at one of the many restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan. Take a ferry from outlying islands ferry pier No. 5 in Central to Sok Kwu Wan(about 35 minutes). Once ashore, follow signs for the 30-minute walk to the beach.

Lantau Island has some very good beaches. Two of the best, in close proximity to one another, are Pui O Beach and Cheung Sha Upper Beach on the southern coast of the island. Along this 3.2-kilometre stretch of sand you'll find changing facilities, toilets, refreshment kiosks and accommodation. Bicycles for hire and beach campsites are also available. Take a ferry from the outlying islands ferry pier No. 7 in Central to Mui Wo/Silvermine Bay (35 to 50 minute ride). To Pui O, take No.7 bus; to Cheung Sha take No.4 bus from Mui Wo.

Surfing in the New Territories
If you want to find Hong Kong's best surf and a stunning stretch of wild beach surrounded by glorious hills, make the trek to Dai Long Wan Beach in Sai Kung Country Park. There are actually three beaches connected by walking trails. This is a favourite spot for the city's growing surfing community. There are no lifeguards or any accommodation other than camping facilities, but you will find restaurants in the area. MTR: Choi Hung Station. Take No.1A minibus to Sai Kung, then No.94 bus bound for Wong Shek Pier. Get off at the Sai Kung Country Park visitor's centre at Pak Tam Chung and follow the signs to the beach. It takes about three hours to get there, so pack light.

Golf
The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course (852) 2791-3388, which is inexpensive, boasts a stunning island location and was designed by Gary Player. Other courses are located at Discovery Bay (852) 2987-7273, Deep Water Bay (852) 2812-7070, Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club (852) 2719-1595, and The Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling (852) 2670-1211. Most venues are open to visitors on weekdays only. The Hong Kong Open Golf Championship draws top players in November/December for those interested in viewing this sport rather than playing, and makes for some exciting competition.

Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in Hong Kong offers excellent adventure opportunities with amazing views. The numerous trails, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, can be found throughout the natural mountainous terrain of Hong Kong. With a network of trails within easy reach, it's a great place to hit the dirt.
Lantau Island is a fantastic place to mountain bike with everything from the very technical rocky trails of Chi Ma Wan to the gentler water catchment trail that is ideal for beginners and keen cyclists.

Cycling
Cycling enthusiasts will find the Tolo Harbour Cycling Track, which runs from Sha Tin to Tai Po, safe, easy and full of pleasant scenery (bikes can be rented near KCR stations).

Spectator Sports
Hong Kong hosts exciting sporting events that now enjoy an international following. The Dragon Boat Festival Races held in June/July originate from a traditional Chinese celebration. The fast-paced Hong Kong Sevens (rugby) tournament in March is the biggest sporting spectacle of the year. However, the most popular spectator sport among locals is horseracing - from September to June on Wednesday nights and weekends, thousands of people place their bets. The minimum bet is HK$10, and purses often reach the millions. For information, call The Hong Kong Jockey Club hotline: 1817.

Horse Racing
Horse racing is the only legal form of gambling. Betting on horse racing is the number one recreational pastime within Hong Kong. The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club organizes races on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at one of two sites: Happy Valley or at Shatin.

The minimum bet is HK$10, and purses often reach the millions. For information, call The Hong Kong Jockey Club hotline: 1817

Tai Chi is an ancient martial art with numerous benefits for the body and mind. Whether you want to participate or just observe, the best places to go would be Kowloon Park and Victoria Park at Causeway Bay in the early morning or late afternoon.

Hong Kong has a world of exquisite, mouth-watering dining options. Hong Kong's cuisine is renowned for its exotic fusion of Eastern and Western flavours along with a wide variety of culinary delights. Its cultural blend, proximity to mainland China and reputation for quality have made Hong Kong a Gourmet Paradise.

As you would expect, good Chinese restaurants are found everywhere in Hong Kong. Some of the best can be found in major hotels and shopping complexes. Most specialise in one or more of the following: Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechuan, Peking, Shanghainese or Chinese Vegetarian.

As an international city, many cultures and tastes are represented in Hong Kong's world of dining. Enjoy fine dining or casual family-style meals in some of Hong Kong's Eastern or Western restaurants.

To maintain high standards of quality, the Hong Kong Tourism Association (HKTA) has developed a regulated system called Quality Tourism Services (QTS). Look for their logo on approved restaurants and shops.

According to Hong Kong law, any restaurant with seating for more than 200 people must provide a non-smoking section for its patrons. People wishing to smoke must only sit in the smoking section. If you are a non-smoker, you can request to be seated in the non-smoking section.

Although the HKTA advises against eating at hawker stalls, if you want to sample hawker food, the Street Market on Hong Kong Island, near the Macau Ferry Terminal is popular. At night the place really comes alive with hawkers cooking up a storm.

In Kowloon, head for Hau Fook Street and the Temple Street Night Market. The variety of foods available will keep you choosing for hours. The most popular foods are Cantonese and other Asian foods though western cuisine and regular ‘fast food’ outlets can be found in abundance as well.

A trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without spending some of your time in the city, shopping. The variety of merchandise has to be seen to be believed. There is something for every taste and budget. All goods, other than alcohol and tobacco, are tax-free. This makes Hong Kong one of the world's most attractive shopping destinations.

To help you shop ‘till you drop, the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) has published a handy pocket-sized booklet called "Shopping" with a list of recommended shops and basic advice. It is recommended that you go to several shops to compare prices and patronise those shops displaying HKTA's distinctive red logo symbolising good service and reasonable prices.

Enjoy discounted shopping in Hong Kong with the Hong Kong VIP Card. Issued by the Hong Kong Tourist Association, the VIP card gives visitors discounted privileges similar to those issued by stores to their best customers. Please check with your hotel concierge or HKTA Visitor Information & Services Centres for a card and a list of participating outlets.

Department stores and chain stores clearly label their products. Smaller shops and street market stalls often do not mark product prices providing a great opportunity to practise your bargaining skills.

Hong Kong has two major sales a year - the Winter Sale (end-December to February) and the Summer Sale (July to September). These are popular seasons for shopping as discounts up to 70% and more occur as the sales progress.

Hong Kong Island 
Hong Kong's Central district houses many shimmering skyscrapers and marbled shopping atriums and malls. The contrast between the old world markets and designer boutiques provides variety and excitement to any shopping day. Scattered among the government headquarters and financial and banking houses are a wealth of opportunities for any shopper. The Landmark, The Galleria, Prince's Building, Alexandra House and the ifc mall are the main shopping centres, with designer shops and exclusive brand names in abundance.

Two parallel streets in Central known as "The Lanes", Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West are a riot of stalls hawking everything from inexpensive clothing, watches and costume jewellery to luggage and shoes. Situated between Queen's Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central, the market is open daily from 10am to 7pm.

Admiralty is also famous for its brand-name luxury goods. Pacific Place, one of Hong Kong's most popular malls, is the ideal place to go in this area. You'll find perfect gift ideas within its 130-plus outlets, including Marks & Spencer, Lane Crawford, Seibu and top designer labels. Pacific Place is connected to the Admiralty MTR Station.

Stanley Street is known for its range and reasonably priced photographic equipment. Hollywood Road winds above the Central business district and is Hong Kong's antiques row. Farther west towards Sheung Wan is a bustle of sidewalk hawkers on Central's stepped "ladder" streets.

Western Market in Sheung Wan is a handsomely renovated Edwardian building filled with Chinese handicraft stores and fabric shops. It is situated at the corner of Connaught Road and Morrison Street, Sheung Wan. The area to the west is famous for its small Chinese-style shops selling dried seafood and medicinal herbs.

Cat Street bazaar is best known for stalls and shops selling antiques, such as watches, old coins and stone carvings. The area is also home to many interesting Chinese herbal medicine stores.

Wan Chai's streets are steeped in history and offer an amazing range of shopping. Along Queen's Road East you can find a number of excellent rattan and Chinese furniture shops which will happily arrange to have your purchases sent home.

Spring Garden Lane is a great place to pick up clothes at very competitive prices. The market stalls exclusively sell products originally meant for export, meaning quality is high and prices are cheap . It also connects to local wet and dry markets, and so offers a multicultural experience in the heart of Wan Chai. Spring Garden Lane is in between Queen's Road East and Johnston Road.

Causeway Bay is known locally as "Little Japan" because of the major Japanese department stores in the area. Shops specialising in shoes, electrical appliances and fashion for young people are found in abundance. Taking a stroll through the many shopping malls, including Times Square, Caroline Centre, World Trade Centre, The Lee Gardens, Lee Theatre Plaza, Fashion Island and Island Beverley, reveals a strong focus on fashion and food. In Square, in Windsor House, is known for a wide range of computer products.

Kowloon 
Tsim Sha Tsui features Kowloon's numerous department stores, shopping centres and bargain street stalls. The factory outlets along Granville Road are a must for bargain shoppers.

The superb Harbour City is the area's largest and most famous shopping and entertainment complex, which includes Ocean Terminal, where visiting cruise liners berth. Further along, is Star House, where it's possible to pick up the most up-to-date computer equipment. The terminal buildings are connected to Kowloon Park by a pedestrian bridge.

Canton Road, opposite Harbour City, is the perfect place to pick up designer wear. Browse through some of the superb pieces from local and international designers. A one-block stroll away, Nathan Road's famous "Golden Mile" bustles with shoppers day and night. It's renowned for its dazzling array of brightly-lit, neon-decorated shops, hotels, restaurants and nightspots that flank the wide thoroughfare.

Yau Ma Tei offers a surprise at every turn. With neon lights illuminating the night sky, Yau Ma Tei's streets offer an assortment of jewellery and clothes shops. But Yau Ma Tei is more famous for its street markets. Take a stroll through the Temple Street Night Market, the Jade Market and discover the neighbourhood's charms.

Mong Kok is most famous for the hustle and bustle of its fascinating markets. The Ladies' Market on Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok, is Kowloon's most popular day-long street market devoted to shoppers seeking bargain-priced clothing, accessories and household knick-knacks. Many stalls also sell items for men and children.

Hung Hom's Factory District provides made-for-export, ready-to-wear fashion lines and jewellery sold in the factory outlets. More information can be found in the free leaflet, “Factory Outlets for Locally Made Fashion and Jewellery”, available from Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Information & Services Centres in Hong Kong.

Sham Shui Po is renowned for its electronic gadgets. In Sham Shui Po you'll be able to pick up virtually any computer products at a competitive price. Apliu Street, also in this area, is a market with an abundance of character. Focused on nearly-new electronic goods, it's a good place to soak up the Hong Kong market experience and maybe even pick up a bargain. To go there, take Exit C2 from Sham Shui Po MTR Station.

New Territories
Maritime Square in Tsing Yi is a fascinating combination of Hong Kong old and new. The Square features more than 200 shops, themed restaurants and a cinema. Its proximity to Hong Kong International Airport makes it a great stop-off for transit passengers.