Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas A massive wall surrounds the Man Fat Temple at the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Sha Tin in Hong Kong's New Territories. Many life-size figures dominate the temple courtyard, including those of the benevolent Goddess of Mercy (Kwun Yum) and her protectors.

Bird Watching "Walking the bird" is a special custom that the visitor can see almost anywhere in Hong Kong neighborhoods and parks.

Golf Golf enthusiasts in Hong Kong can play at exclusive clubs, or enjoy the recently opened public facilities at scenic Kai Sai Chau.

Finance - Banks and Banking The striking Bank of China Tower, designed by American Chinese architect I.M. Pei, is a 70-storey landmark in Hong Kong.Topped by 63-metre masts and covered with a blue glass "curtain wall", the bank's headquarters is one of Hong Kong's most photographed buildings.

HKCEC Extension Freshly finished for the handover of Hong Kong in July 1997, the new extension of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre features the world's highest plate glass window/wall and a gently curved roof like gull's wings. Celebratory lights illuminate the Wan Chai harbourfront.

Horse Racing - Shatin The state-of-the-art Sha Tin Racecourse is the venue for meetings from September to June. Racing is the king of sports in Hong Kong, which holds the world record for highest per capita gambling turnover Hong Kong thrives on horseracing. The average betting turnover per race is estimated to be around HK$100 million. Races are held most Wednesday evenings, and Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons between September and mid-June. The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club runs the territory's two racecourses at Sha Tin in the New Territories and Happy Valley. The Jockey Club also operates more than 125 off-course-betting centres throughout the territory, as well as a telephone betting service. And they're off! Horse racing is perhaps the single most popular pastime among Hong Kong residents, at least among the male population. And the territory boasts two world class racecourses, Happy Valley Race Course on Hong Kong Island and the Shatin Race Course in the New Territories. Visitors can take part in the Sport of Kings by joining the HKTA's Come Horseracing Tour which is available from September till mid-June. The excitement of horseracing is one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions and the weekly meetings always attract capacity crowds of around 50,000 to the territory's two racecourses at Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island and Sha Tin in the New Territories. Horseracing is definitely a passion in Hong Kong, with more than 125 off-course-betting centres and a comprehensive telephone betting service. It is estimated that the Hong Kong people bet up to US$6 billion a year at the races, which are held on Wednesday evenings, and Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons from September to mid-June.

Jewellery Hong Kong is recognized as one of the great shopping experiences of the world. From traditional arts and crafts, jewellery and precious antiques to the latest and most up-to-date in electronic gadgetry, Hong Kong shops have it all

Jade Jade figurines like these, fashioned after gods, goddesses, fairies and other Chinese mythological characters, are sold in Chinese Arts & Crafts shops in Hong Kong.

Kam Tin Walled Village Part of the Kam Tin Walled Village built in Hong Kong's New Territories during the 1600's. The brick walls and moat were built to protect the villagers from pirates and bandits.

Kam Tin River Landscapes The rural New Territories are a dramatic counterbalance to the frantic modernity of Hong Kong's bustling Central District, where banks and finance houses are concentrated.

View from Victoria Peak Like a diamond-studded snake, Victoria Harbour dazzles at night with the reflections from the Harbour traffic and buildings on either side of the water. Seen from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon glow like a halo.

Peak Tower The new Peak Tower high atop Victoria Peak, on Hong Kong Island, offer visitors a host of interesting restaurants and unusual shops. Its futuristic design has been compared to a huge rice bowl being offered to the heavens.

Peak Tram - Historical The famous Peak Tram, inaugurated before the turn of the century, initially provided a link to Central district for the colonial elite who lived on Victoria Peak. Today it is modernised and computerised, and lesser mortals can thrill to extraordinary harbour views during its eight-minute ascent.

Po Lin Monastery Characteristic of the buildings of the Po Lin Monastery on Hong Kong's Lantau Island are the colourful ceramic roofs; one is featured on the main building of the monastery. Hikers can approach the Monastery from various points, while getting to Lantau Island is easy, due to a regular ferry service from Central District.

Rickshaw A spare moment to read the newspaper while this rickshaw man waits for his next customer to barter for the fare for a short ride.

Antiques and Curios Finding good quality genuine antiques takes time, money and word-of-mouth recommendations. Hong Kong is home to many fine dealers with reputations to match. Many of their shops, boutiques and galleries are located on Hollywood Road in Central District.

Bird Show at Ocean Park Cockatoos who walk a tightrope and chatty macaws are just two residents of Ocean Park's Bird Theatre. The Park, a 73-hectare amusement complex on Hong Kong's south shore, features one of the world's finest oceanariums, a zoo, botanical gardens, an Ocean Theatre with diving acts and leaping dolphins, and the hair-raising roller coaster, the Dragon.

Boating With over 230 islands and hundreds of quiet and coy coves, Hong Kong offers easy escapes for water lovers. Traditional motorised junks are often hired by local residents for parties, or company outings, which combine a delightful day of sunbathing, swimming, and on-board buffets. This couple is enjoying a romantic afternoon at Repulse Bay on the sunny south side of Hong Kong Island

Cable Cars at Ocean Park One of the most popular attractions at Hong Kong's Ocean Park is the cable car ride, which transports visitors from the main entrance and lowland area to the headland area. The 10-minute ride affords some stunning views of Hong Kong's coast, the South China Sea and outlying islands. Ocean Park, a 73-hectare amusement park, is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island.

Kowloon Canton Railway Hong Kong's Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation operates trains between the city and the rural New Territories, including to the border with China. Hong Kong's Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) provides quick, convenient and comfortable transportation from Kowloon Station in Hung Hom up to the border with China at Lo Wu. Major stops along this scenic route include urban Mongkok, suburban Shatin (with a stop at the Shatin Race Course on race days), and the Chinese University, as well as the booming market towns of Tai Po, Fanling and Sheung Shui.

Cheung Chau Cheung Chau Island is one of Hong Kong's most popular and populated islands. Fishing and boat building continue as major sources of income and employment. The island was once home to a notorious Chinese pirate, Cheung Po Tsai, whose weapons and treasures are supposedly buried on the island. One of the territory's oldest settlements, it is a favourite getaway for hikers who explore its temples and craggy landscape, while, most weekends, windsurfers flock to the island to take advantage of its favourable wind and sea conditions. Every May, Hong Kong's sleepy fishing island of Cheung Chau erupts for the unique Bun Festival. The Festival is held to pacify the spirits of islanders believed massacred by pirates or killed by plagues that befell the island centuries ago. Of Hong Kong's 235 outlying islands, Cheung Chau is the most popular and populated. Its rugged beauty is a great attraction for both local residents and visitors. Cheung Chau (meaning "Long Island" in Cantonese) is a combination village, boat-building community and getaway weekend destination. Cars are not permitted on the island and the main source of employment is fishing, with about 10 per cent of its population living on boats. It is the most popular - and most populated - of Hong Kong's 235 outlying islands, particularly for hikers, who take advantage of its charming and rugged scenery. Windsurfing competitions are often held in the waters off Cheung Chau.

Chinese New Year Parade Festive floats, marching bands, balloons, bunting and colorful costumes characterize the annual Chinese New Year Parade, held each January or February.

Museum of History The Hong Kong Museum of History, which is situated in Kowloon Park on Haiphong Road in Kowloon, was established in 1975. It offers visitors a good glimpse of materials ranging from archaeology and history to ethnography and natural history.

Discos, Night-clubs, Karaoke Bars The dazzle of nighttime neon is a famous Hong Kong attraction, both on the Island and in Kowloon. Restaurants, nightclubs, discos, bars, clubs and karaoke bars - and shops - shout their temptations in a veritable rainbow of light.

Dragon Boat Festival During the annual Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place in June, the waters of Hong Kong come alive with both local and international competitions. Colourful, proud dragon boat prows lead the way, as teams furiously paddle towards the finish lines guided by the incessant beating of each boat's drummer.

Fireworks Hong Kong's night-scape is already spectacular. But when fireworks light up the sky during special occasions the city takes on a magical quality.

Windsurfing Cheung Chau (meaning "Long Island" in Cantonese) is a combination village, boat-building community and getaway weekend destination. Cars are not permitted on the island and the main source of employment is fishing, with about 10 per cent of its population living on boats. It is the most popular - and most populated - of Hong Kong's 235 outlying islands, particularly for hikers, who take advantage of its charming and rugged scenery. Windsurfing competitions are often held in the waters off Cheung Chau.

Jetfoils to Macau The jetfoil to Macau leaves several times a day from the Macau Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island. The comfortable ride takes only fifty minutes.

Kwai Chung / Tsing Yi Island State-of-the-art equipment, efficient transport and communication networks, and access to one of the world's busiest harbours make Hong Kong's Kwai Chung container terminal one of the best in the world. A container ship needs, on average, less than fifteen hours at one mooring to unload

Kwun Yum Temple The Kwun Yum Temple on Lantau Island represents one of Hong Kong's most architecturally beautiful temples still in a pristine environment.

Lamma Of the 235 outlying islands that make up the territory of Hong Kong, Lamma, Lantau, and Cheung Chau are the most well-known and popular. This scene features part of the rocky coastline of Lamma.

Lei Yue Mun This busy fishing village on Hong Kong's Kowloon peninsula is home to many of the territory's fish markets, selling the best and freshest seafood. Visitors to the village can shop for live seafood at any of the more than forty stalls. Vendors will then often suggest a specific restaurant where shoppers can take their catch and have it prepared the way they want. Night or day, Lei Yue Mun is a feast of colourful activity for the eyes, ears and palate

Mui Wo - Haiker's Paradise A hiker's paradise, Lantau, the largest of Hong Kong's 235 outlying islands, offers trails for every level of hiker. Among the popular sites scattered throughout the island is the Po Lin Monastery, which is home to the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. Lantau Island is also a popular residential choice for many Hong Kong people. Alone among all Hong Kong's outlying islands, traffic is permitted on Lantau, which has its own bus network and fleet of taxis. The Island's main port is Silvermine Bay, also known as Mui Wo.

Maiden's Rock Many young girls go to Maiden's Rock on Bowen Road in Hong Kong's Mid-Levels to pray for a good husband.

Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road The Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road is Hong Kong's oldest shrine. Literally, "man" means "civil" and "mo" means "martial". The temple is dedicated to two gods - the King Emperor Man and Holy King Emperor Kwan Mo (Gods of Martial Arts or War). Both deities are believed to protect the well being of man and are worshipped, particularly, by policemen.

Man Shek Tong The Man Shek Tong ancestral hall is a tribute to one of the deepest tenets of Chinese religious life, ancestor worship. The hall is one of the stops on the Hong Kong Tourist Association's "Heritage Tour".

Mid Autumn Festival Mid Autumn Festival Mooncakes are the culinary staple during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. The cakes are filled with lotus seed or red-bean paste, various seeds and a preserved duck's egg yolk that symbolizes the full moon.

Middle Kingdom Walk through Hong Kong's Middle Kingdom and catch a glimpse of the architecture, lifestyle, achievements and costumes of each of China's thirteen dynasties

Water World Hong Kong's summer season is when visitors and residents alike flock to Water World at Ocean Park. This watery complex offers swimmers and daredevils the opportunity to try out Giant Water Slides, a Rapids Ride, various swings and trapezes, and a variety of inviting pools, including the Wave Pool, which creates 3-foot high breakers for body surfing. The 73-hectare Ocean Park complex, Southeast Asia's largest, is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island.

Discos, Night-clubs, Karaoke Bars Night owls need never rest in Hong Kong. Whether they come to enjoy music - from live Big Band sounds, jazz, Canto pop, rock and roll, disco or the sound of their own voice in state-of-the-art karaoke facilities - or to dance the night away in discos, clubs, pubs and bars, there is never a shortage of venues. Most clubs and dance venues stay open into the early hours, while some simply never close!

Noon Day Gun Firing the "Noon Day Gun" is a Hong Kong tradition that dates back to the 19th Century. The gun, which is located opposite The Excelsior Hotel and the World Trade Centre in Causeway Bay, can be fired by anyone willing to make a donation to the Community Chest of Hong Kong, the territory's largest charitable organisation.

The Peak Nighttime is a blaze of lights. Hong Kong, viewed from Victoria Peak, stretches into the distance.

The Dragon" at Ocean Park "The Dragon", the fearsome roller-coaster which loops and turns high over the South China Sea at Ocean Park, is not for the faint-hearted.

Open Top Bus Tour Visitors to Hong Kong can get a fascinating glimpse of the many bustling areas of Hong Kong Island on tours aboard either antique trams or open-top buses. Many of these tours include a dim sum lunch or an evening dinner. There are also night tours

Peak Tram Hong Kong's cable-operated Peak Tram (a funicular railway) takes the visitor from Central District to the crown of Victoria Peak, the 552-metre (1,911 foot) mountain that dominates Hong Kong Island. The Peak Tram station can be reached easily from Central District's main thoroughfares and there is also a free shuttle bus to the station from the "Star" Ferry terminal. The trams run approximately every 15 minutes.

Peninsula Hotel - 1934 Rolls Royce Hong Kong's five-star hotels are known the world over for luxurious facilities and impeccable service. Doyenne of them all is The Peninsula, opened on the tip of Kowloon peninsula in 1928.

Tsui Shing Lau The Tsui Shing Lau, or Pagoda of Gathering Stars, is the only ancient pagoda in Hong Kong.

Rugby Each spring, Hong Kong hosts "The Sevens", an international seven-a-side rugby competition sponsored by Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank. More than twenty top teams from all over the world compete in a weekend of fast-paced sport that is also highlighted by parties, fans in outrageous costume, reunions and all manner of ceremonies and antics

Shadow Boxing In Hong Kong, the early riser can catch groups of people making slow, graceful movements in parks, gardens and other open spaces throughout the territory. These "exercisers" are Hong Kong residents going through the ritual of tai chi chuan (shadow boxing). A form of exercise for mind and body, tai chi chuan takes years of practice to perfect the movements - slow, graceful and sequential - that promote health and flexibility and are also a form of meditation

Shark Aquarium at Ocean Park A wide variety of species of shark are on display at the Shark Aquarium at Hong Kong's Ocean Park.

Shatin Many years ago, Hong Kong's rural New Territories was considered too remote a place to live in for people who worked on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon. But that has changed, with improved transport links and a variety of housing choices, especially in the areas of Shatin, Sai Kung, Clearwater Bay, Yuen Long and Tai Po.

Sidewalk Restaurant at Stanley Market Hong Kong claims to have over 3,000 restaurants. They can range from five-star Continental eateries, complete with flickering candles and the finest wines, to simple, sun-dapple cafes by the sea. But either way, you are guaranteed a great time in the food capital of Asia. This particular scene is at one of many oceanfront restaurants in Stanley.

Space Museum The Hong Kong Space Museum is located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, adjacent to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Its Omnimax shows are especially popular with both visitors and local residents

Stanley Market The village of Stanley on the south side of Hong Kong Island was named after Lord Stanley, the 19th Century Secretary of State for the Colonies. However, the village is perhaps better known today for its inexpensive and fun shopping experience. Stanley Market is a collage of shops, stalls and vendors selling everything from T-shirts and watches to handicrafts from all over Asia, fresh food, brass, rattan, Chinese products and sport shoes. Along the village waterfront street is a string of pubs, bistros and restaurants facing the harbour. Hong Kong is quite rightly known as a shopper's paradise and visitors soon discover that anything - made anywhere else in the world - can be bought in the territory and often at a better price than in the country of origin.

Tai Fu Tai Tai Fu Tai is one of the finest examples of an opulent 19th Century stately home. It is located in Hong Kong's New Territories.

Tai Mo Shan Tai Mo Shan, the highest point in Hong Kong, offers serene views of the rural New Territories.

Tap Mun The main settlement on Tap Mun Island is still a fishing village. A remote island at the entrance of Tolo Harbour in Hong Kong's New Territories, it is a popular year-round weekend destination for hiking and barbecues. Two daily ferries link Tap Mun and Tai Po Kau.

Museum of Teaware The Museum of Teaware is housed in gracious Flagstaff House, built in 1846, the oldest colonial-style building in Hong Kong.

Trams Hong Kong's characteristic trams are an inexpensive and efficient form of transport and a charming antidote to Hong Kong's fast-paced modernity as they trundle in a leisurely fashion from East to West along the foreshore of Hong Kong Island.

Tsing Ma Bridge The world's longest suspension bridge carrying road and rail traffic, the 2.2 kilometre Tsing Ma Bridge is one of Hong Kong's newest landmarks. Crossing the busy Ma Wan channel, connecting Ma Wan and Tsing Yi islands, the bridge has many impressive statistics. The total length of wire used (160,000 kilometres) could circle the world four times.

Kowloon Walled City Park Once a notorious warren of tenement buildings, the Kowloon Walled City has been demolished to make way for the recently opened Kowloon Walled City Park, which includes reconstruction's of historic buildings and traditional Chinese gardens.