by Tammy Lim

Created on: December 31, 2008   Last Updated: July 17, 2009

Hong Kong is an interesting metropolitan city that has a unique blend of Eastern and Western culture. It is Asia's World City and is a great place for shopping, dining, touring and nature walks. The night view of the city with all the lighted sky scrapers and tall buildings from the Peak is beautiful.

Hong Kong was a British Colony until 1997 when it is returned back to Chinese sovereignty. It is known as the Pearl of the Orient and also Jewel of Asia. It is a well developed city with many sky scrappers; it is also conducive for shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. Shops and eating houses are open till about 9 or 10 pm and are bustling with activities and customers even on week days and near closing time.

Spoken languages

The commonly used language amongst the people of Hong Kong is the dialect Cantonese. Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. Most workers in shops, hotels and restaurants are conversant in English.

Transportation

Hong Kong has a well developed transport infrastructure and travelling within this bustling city is very convenient. We travelled with ease via MTR (train system) as this system is efficient and links up most major districts in the territory including stops at the boundary of Mainland China. Besides the MTR, there are buses, trams and taxis for commuting within the city. Ferries travel between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and outlying islands from piers in Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Horn in Kowloon and Central and Wan Chai.

Hong Kong's tourist attractions

1. Peak Tram

We travelled up Hong Kong Island's tallest mountain by the Peak Tram. This is the world's steepest railway, 373 meters at an angle, tilting the tower blocks by 45 degree. At the top, there is the Peak Tower, Madame Tussauds, leisurely walks and gardens, restaurants and a beautiful view of Hong Kong scenery and sky scrappers.

Peak Tram, Garden Road, Central

www.thepeak.com.hk

2. Victoria Harbor

This "Fragrant Harbor" is bustling with activities; it divides Hong Kong Island from Kowloon Peninsula. Every few minutes, green and white boats depart and ferry passengers on short journey across this waterway.

3. Ocean Park

Ocean Park is Hong Kong's very own major theme park. There are many rides, a great dolphin academy, and walk-through shark tank, the largest aquarium in Asia, giant pandas and cable car ride down the steep mountain.

The dolphins are charming, very well-trained and gave a fantastic and beautiful performance with

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