Fodor's Hong Kong 2000

by FODOR'S

• ISBN13: 9780679003588
• ISBN10: 0679003584
• Edition: Map
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2000-01-04
• Publisher: Fodor's

Summary

Fodor's Hong Kong 2000"Fodor's guides are always a pleasure."- The Chicago Tribune "Teeming with maps and loaded with addresses, phone numbers, and directions."- Newsday Experienced and first-time travelers alike rely on Fodor's Gold Guides for rich, reliable coverage the world over. Updated each year and containing a foldout Rand McNally map, a Fodor's Gold Guide is an essential tool for any kind of traveler. Insider info that's reliable and smart Local experts show you all the things to see and do -- from top sights to off-the-beaten-path adventures, from sports to shopping, from nightlife to recommended walks. Hotels and restaurants in all price categories From B&Bs to luxury hotels, from casual eateries to elegant restaurants, we list hundreds of detailed reviews that show what is distinctive about each place. Practical info that's completely up-to-date Useful maps and background information; key contacts; how to get there and get around; when to go; what to pack; local do's and taboos; costs, hours, and tips by the thousands. We've compiled a helpful list of guidebooks that complementFodor's Hong Kong 2000. To learn more about them, just enter the title in the keyword search box.Fodor's Southeast AsiaFodor's Citypack Hong Kong: A full-color pocket-size guidebook and a full-size color map, all in one sturdy plastic sleeve.

Table of Contents

On the Road with Fodor's

Don't Forget to Write Smart Travel Tips A to Z Destination

Hong Kong From China to China

What's Where Pleasures and Pastimes New and Noteworthy Fodor's

Choice Festivals and Seasonal Events Exploring Hong Kong Island Kowloon

The New Territories

The Outer Islands Dining Lodging

Nightlife and the Arts Sports and Outdoor Activities

Shopping Side Trip to Maca Exploring Dining Lodging

Nightlife Outdoor Activities and Sports Shopping Macau A to Z Side Trips to South China

Exploring South China A to Z Portraits of Hong Kong

"Impacts and Images,"

"Food and Drink in Hong Kong and Macau,"

"Doing Business in Hong Kong,"

"A Shopper's Paradise,"

Books and Periodicals

Index Maps

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Destination Hong Kong

When you fly to Hong Kong, try to get a window seat, as the landing will take your breath away.

When the plane begins its descent, you will probably still be out over the gray South China Sea. As you approach the coast of China, you'll see a few small, rocky islands, tiny fishing boats, and sailboats in the channels leading into Hong Kong Harbour---the most spectacular harbor in the world.

Hong Kong is Cantonese for "fragrant harbor," a name inspired either by the incense factories that once dotted Hong Kong Island or by the profusion of scented pink Bauhinias, the national flower (whose representation has recently replaced colonial insignias). Beneath the modern veneer of skyscrapers and high fashion, Hong Kong is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese traditions -- more so, in many ways, than China, which destroyed much of its heritage over the three decades following the Communist revolution. For these reasons, the Hong Kong Chinese feel a mixture of pride and wariness about unity with the mainland.

Hong Kong is a dazzling melee of human life and enterprise. From the harbor the city's latest architectural wonders stand against a green-mountain backdrop, while on the other side of the island beaches and quieter villages slow the pace considerably. Moving clockwise, beginning with the harbor districts, Western and Central are two of the liveliest areas, full of markets, other shopping, restaurants, businesses -- you name it. South of these, Midlevels, with its agglomeration of apartment towers, and Victoria Peak rise above the din of downtown. Wanchai, the next district east, was once of ill repute but now the preferred locale for an upscale night on the town. After that is Causeway Bay, another shopping haven. North Point is on the northeast corner; its principal tourist offerings are a market and a ferry pier. Shek O lies at a distant remove on the southeastern peninsula, a pleasant village with a beach for an afternoon's escape.

There are splendid beaches all over the area, some of which are well maintained by the government and served by lifeguards. Repulse Bay is a sort of Chinese Coney Island. Around the corner is the smaller and less crowded Deep Water Bay; Turtle Cove is isolated and beautiful; Shek O's Big Wave Bay has a Mediterranean feel; and among New Territory and Outlying Island beaches, Pak Sha Chau has lovely golden sands, while Lo Sho Ching is popular with local families.

Hong Kong has the best shopping in the world, if you work at it. Although the thought of crowded streets, mind-boggling choices, and endless haggling can be daunting, no place makes big spending easier than this center of international commerce. Even self-declared nonshoppers are tempted to part with their money, and some have admitted to enjoying the experience. The variety of goods is astonishing: international designer products, expensive treasures, handcrafted folk items from all over Asia. Just as remarkable is the physical array of places to shop, from sophisticated boutique-lined malls to open-air markets and shadowy alleyways.

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Excerpted from Hong Kong 2000: Expert Advice and Smart Choices, Completely Updated Every Year, Plus a Full Size Color Map
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.