Hong Kong

When you are on the island of Hong Kong you get to explore, close-up, the skyscraper postcard scenery made famous throughout the world. At the heart of the very chic "Central" district, you can mingle with high-flying bankers and admire the contours of the Bank of China's tower, designed by Pei, and those of the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporations, designed by Foster. This almost futuristic 'towering' city has nevertheless kept some traces of the British Empire, as seen in the ancient supreme court and St-John's Cathedral. In this part of the island, you make your way from one level to the next thanks to gangways that link huge shopping malls and residential buildings. If shopping is your thing, you will go absolutely wild here; the choice is incredible, especially at Causeway Bay, which is as busy in the day as it is at night, with its neon-lit atmosphere. There are many of these temples dedicated to retail in Hong Kong, but in between these districts, the small streets of Wan Chai offer a more authentic picture of the island. On Des Voeux Road, the incessant passage of imperial trams makes for a perfect snapshot. When you make your way further inland, you have to climb numerous stairways that lead to the very trendy district of Soho and Lan Kwai Fong, where the expats congregate. Antique dealers are found in the charming and winding Hollywood Road. Alternatively, let yourself be carried away by the longest escalator in the world, the "Mid-Levels" named after one of the most luxurious residential districts in the city. If you want to reach the highest point on the island, take the famous Peak cable car, built according to the design of the first 1888 model! From here, you can see the bay of Hong Kong as you rub shoulders with skyscrapers. On the other side you will be able to admire huge green parks where you can enjoy pleasant walks and hikes. If you feel like taking a dip, you should join other bathers and flock to the southern tip of the island on the beaches of Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. In Aberdeen's harbour, sampans take you to floating restaurants where delicious seafood is served. If you're a fan of horse racing, or even if you're not, visit Happy Valley where you can witness the local passion for horse racing and gambling.