Are there many things for children to do in Hong Kong? We have two teenagers and we would rather they didn't spend time in one of these computer game arcades and were hoping there were other more out-door related activities for them to do, while we are attending various business related functions?

Concerned Mum, Brisbane, Australia

There are a number of activities that I'm sure your teenagers will enjoy. Check out our Activities for Children pages as follows:  http://www.hoteltravel.com/hongkong/guides/activities_sports.htm and from there link to our Activities and Sports pages which lists further pastimes to keep them busy.

We intend visiting Hong Kong in August 2003. Are there any festivals on at this time that we shouldn't miss?

Korky Pandry, Manila

The following are festivals held during August; Maidens (Seven Sisters) Festival, a celebration for young lovers and girls! During the festival young women offer fruit and burn joss sticks and incense in the open air or at Lover's Rock on Bowen Road in Wan Chai, where they can scan the night skies for the two stars that represent the cowherd and the weaver maid and pray for a good husband.

Hungry Ghosts Festival when it is said that ghosts are set free from the underworld roam the world every year for a lunar month. During this festival you can see small roadside fires, where believers burn paper money and offer food to appease the restless spirits. Local celebrations feature Chinese operas as well.

Liberation Day is an excuse for a public holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival held anytime from late August to early September, is celebrated throughout the Territories with beautifully decorated lanterns, in a variety of shapes, ablaze with light and color. Victoria Peak is a popular venue on this night. Special 'Moon Cakes' are eaten during the festivities. For more festival information check out our Festivals Page as follows: http://www.hoteltravel.com/hongkong/guides/festivals.htm

Can I bring my dog on holiday to Hong Kong? She always gets pitifully thin as she pines so much while I'm away and I don't want to leave her behind on my next visit. I will be in the country for a week but don't know what quarantine regulations are?

Dog-lover, New Zealand

I don't think it would be a good idea to take your dog with you. Not only will you cause problems for other people and the hotel on arrival, you will still have to quarantine your dog on your return to New Zealand. I don't think your dog will starve completely while you are gone. Get someone you (and the dog) knows to take care of her while you are gone and think how thrilled she'll be on your return! Nothing in the world can make up for the greeting you'll receive...a wagging tail and a happy face is more than you could wish for. If you do decide to take her you will need to get a permit from the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department before you arrive. You can email them on: icpafd@netvigator.com for more info.

Is there anything in particular that we should be aware of in Kowloon in regards to safe travelling in the area as well as Hong Kong itself? We have never travelled before and the lifestyles and habits of things Asian can be odd to westerners? Have you any inside tips?

Michael Steer, Margate, South Africa

There shouldn't be too much to worry about as both Hong Kong and the surrounding areas such as Kowloon are used to westerners. (Hong Kong, if you remember was part of the United Kingdom until a couple of years ago.) But to help ease your fears why not click on our Hong Kong Tips pages as follows and read through some of our suggestions regarding travel etc in the area: http://www.hoteltravel.com/hongkong/guides/travel_tips.htm

Is there an ice rink in Hong Kong? The reason we need to know is that my son, who will be travelling with us needs to keep up his practice for ice hockey and was hoping to train while away.

Mrs Chiara, Milan, Italy

Yes, there is a rink at the City Plaza Shopping Centre in Quarry Bay. Ice skates and blade sharpening is available on-site, but you are advised to bring your own 'speed skates' for ice hockey training as the ones for hire are intended for figure skating.

Do you have any information on the history of Hong Kong? I am going to be doing a project for school about it (as my Dad's taking me there on holiday) and I need lots of information.

Mark Junior, Boulder USA

Do you know anything about a special 'shopper's card' in Hong Kong? I have been told it's worth getting?

Christian Moodley, India

The Hong Kong VIP Card available to all Hong Kong visitors is a privilege card similar to those issued by stores to their best customers. During non-sales periods the card will give tourists discounts normally reserved only for valued VIP clients. Look out for promotional decals and tent cards in participating stores or simply ask shop sales staff.