Nothing much has changed in Hong Kong since it was handed back to China by the British in 1997. It is still busy and bustling, full of hotels, stalls, cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and lots of shops with tempting merchandise.
Hong Kong certainly isn't as cheap as it used to be — it isn't the place for Asia's cheapest electrical goods anymore, but there are still some good buys there.
Harbour City Estate at the Ocean Terminal is an enormous place and one of the main tourist attractions in Tsim Sha Tsui. It has around 700 shops, 50 restaurants, two cinemas and three hotels.
It has fashion brands such as Blumarine, Escada and Moschino, Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy, KidX, SportX and Faces and LCX. KidX has the largest Toys "R" Us shop in Asia and Disney and Chickeeduck stores. SportX has all the sporting favourite labels.
Temple Street Night Market is Hong Kong's most famous open-air market, coming to life at dusk, with a bustling array of stalls, selling everything from watches and leather-ware to clothing and souvenirs. Other attractions include fortune-tellers and occasionally, Cantonese opera singers.
Jade Market is a must for collectors and jade lovers. Small stalls display everything from rare and valuable jade carvings to small and inexpensive trinkets.
Aqua Spirit is a hot new bar with walls of silks, grooved floors with tiny irrigation channels of running water and Hong Kong Island lying in front of you through soaring walls of glass. The restaurants are expensive by any standard, but it is a treat to enjoy a post-shopping cocktail there.
The Peninsula is arguably Hong Kong's best-known hotel and landmark. It was built in the glamorous 1920s and was known as the Grande Dame of the Far East and is long-hailed as one of the world's finest hotels offering timeless elegance.
It starts with a celebrated fleet of Rolls-Royce limousines and helicopter shuttle service from the rooftop helipad. A difficult decision to make when it comes to airport transfers! The Mass Transit Railway is less than a minute's walk away, and you can be on Hong Kong Island is under ten minutes.
Rooms are stylish and comfortable and all have advanced technology. They are among the most spacious in the city and guests may stay in the historic main building or in the more contemporary Peninsula Tower.
Restaurants and bars at are elegant and exclusive. High Tea in the hotel's lobby is an institution and is a charming experience. Gaddi's offers Hong Kong's most elegant dining experience and the Philippe Starck-designed Felix is a most chic and stylish rendezvous. For a little colonial nostalgia, The Verandah is the place to go and Spring Moon serves excellent Cantonese cuisine.
The fitness centre has a Roman-style pool, opening onto the sun terrace with views over Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.
