Chapter 7
Family Fun Hong Kong is a place where families can enjoy adventures and a wide range of activities. There is no shortage of amusement, entertainment and sightseeing opportunities for the young and old alike, especially on the weekends and during the many holidays throughout the year.
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7 With the number of shopping malls, high-class restaurants and high-rise office buildings dominating the urban landscape, it is easy to overlook Hong Kong’s many festivals, arts events, museums, zoos, theme parks, gardens and urban parks. All these are perfect for a nice family outing. Facilities for family fun have undergone massive expansion and improvement in the last few decades across the city. Whether it’s strolling through the magnificent gardens found within the Zoological and Botanical Gardens on Hong Kong Island, or hiking around Sunset Peak on Lantau Island, there is always something a family can do in very economical ways. It is easy to make plans for some quality time together. For those who are tech-savvy, planning could not be easier. Discover Hong Kong has several free Apps that can be downloaded onto a mobile device, giving users panoramic virtual tours of some of the top attractions, including Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Stanley, The Peak, Ngong Ping 360, Hollywood Road and Happy Valley Racecourse. www.discoverhongkong.com
Hong Kong Urban Parks There are basically two kinds of parks in Hong Kong: the vest-pocket parks, which are small, pleasant sitting-out areas, with perhaps a small playground for the children and exercise equipment for the adults; and the large, multipurpose grounds, such as Victoria Park, Kowloon Park and Hong Kong Park, which are maintained by the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
Hong Kong Park Hong Kong Park is situated off Cotton Tree Drive and behind Pacific Place in Queensway,
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and is accessible by pedestrian walkway. It covers around eight hectares and features Hong Kong’s largest aviary, a greenhouse, an artificial lake, waterfall and fountains, a viewing tower, a restaurant and a large children’s playground. It also houses the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, the Visual Arts Center, a marriage registry and an aviary support center. It is one of Hong Kong’s most popular urban parks, offering a relaxing and natural atmosphere for tourists and locals alike. For sports enthusiasts, it also offers a sports center and a squash center.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens The oldest public garden in Hong Kong and one of the oldest in the world, the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens on the northern slope of Victoria Peak was opened to the public in 1871. After a large increase in commitment
to zoological exhibits in 1975, it was renamed as the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Overlooking the Central district from Mid-Levels (just five to 10 minutes above the heart of Central), and at no charge, the gardens are a quiet haven for a pleasant walk, rest or a picnic lunch. The Zoological and Botanical Gardens is home to many species of mammals, birds and reptiles. It has over 1,000 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants, most of which are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. These are sectioned into nine different gardens, including the Bamboo Garden, Camellia Garden, Magnolia Garden, Palm Garden, Bauhinia Garden, Azalea Garden, Herb Garden and the greenhouse. The American Flamingo, Red Crowned Crane and Hawaiian Goose are magnificent birds
found in the zoo today. Mammals, including the Borneo Orangutan, Buff-cheeked Gibbon, Ring-Tailed Lemurs and other primate species, and reptiles, such as the Chinese Alligator, Spurred Tortoise and Burmese Python, are sectioned in well maintained enclosures. The Zoological and Botanical Gardens also has a number of other features. These include an exhibition center where a number of zoological and horticultural classes are offered. There are year-round guided tours of the park, a memorial arch, a small children’s playground and a pleasant fountain area. It is recommended to visit either in the early morning or early evening, as in the heat of the midday sun, most of the animals retreat inside their cool, concrete houses. Nevertheless, admission is free, and the garden is perfect for a relaxing stroll at any time of the day. www.lcsd.gov.hk
Kowloon Park Kowloon Park, situated on the corner of Nathan Road and Haiphong Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, is an oasis in the middle of the city. It is smaller than Victoria Park and was originally the site of Whitfield Camp barracks for the Kowloon West Battery II of the British forces, which was redeveloped in 1970. The park includes an indoor sports center, a large aquatics center featuring four indoor heated swimming pools, and three outdoor irregular shaped swimming pools linked with waterfalls. As one of the most well equipped swimming facilities in Hong Kong, it is the only venue in Kowloon suitable for hosting major swimming events. Other than this, it also has a large indoor games hall for squash, badminton, table tennis and dancing. Other facilities and attractions include a Sculpture Walk and Sculpture Garden,
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7 which exhibit permanent and temporary works by local and international artists. Stalls providing arts and crafts, paintings, photographs and sketches by local artists are set up every Sunday and on public holidays. The Kung Fu Corner is set up on Sundays where lion/dragon dances and various martial arts are demonstrated. One of the park’s favorite attraction is Bird Lake, where you can see colonies of Pink Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Swans, Mandarin Ducks and many other species of birds. The Aviary on site comprises seven enclosures that accommodate over 100 birds of 29 species, including the Blue & Yellow Macaw and Red-sided Eclectus Parrot.
Kowloon Walled City Park Kowloon Walled City Park was first built as a fort in 1810 and was expanded when the British took over in 1841. Before opening to the public in 1995, there was a long and intriguing story behind its location in Kowloon City, as it stands on the site of a former walled city that was outside colonial jurisdiction and home to triad gangs. Historical items and other relics are displayed inside, and there are eight scenic zones, or Floral Walks, each named after a different flower within the park, covering altogether around 3.1 hectares.
Victoria Park Victoria Park is the largest of its kind on Hong Kong Island. It was opened in 1957 and named after Queen Victoria. It has a plantation of more than 5,500 trees over 19 hectares. The main entrance of the park features a statue of a seated Queen Victoria. Each year, the park plays host to the Lunar New Year Fair as well as the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo, and the Hong Kong Flower Show.
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The park, which borders Causeway Bay and Tin Hau, has tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, basketball courts, a skating rink, a bowling green, a jogging track and a pleasant sitting out area with a small playground. It has plenty of soccer pitches. Victoria Park hosts many sporting events and activities and is the site of the finish line for the Hong Kong Marathon. Victoria Park Swimming Pool has two heated indoor pools and a spectator stand that can seat more than 2,500 people.
Parks, Zoos and Gardens in Hong Kong Although those listed above are among the most popular in Hong Kong, there are parks, zoos and gardens scattered throughout the city and New Territories. The LCSD website has details on all of these. www.lcsd.gov.hk
Hong Kong Island • Chai Wan Park • Hong Kong Park • Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens • Quarry Bay Park • Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park • Tamar Park • Victoria Park
Kowloon • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jordan Valley Park Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park Kowloon Park Kowloon Tsai Park Kowloon Walled City Park Kwun Tong Promenade Lai Chi Kok Park Nan Lian Garden Ngau Chi Wan Park Po Kong Village Road Park Shek Kip Mei Park Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
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7 New Territories • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Central Kwai Chung Park Ma On Shan Park Ma On Shan Promenade North District Park Po Hong Park Po Tsui Park Sha Tin Park Shing Mun Valley Park Tai Po Waterfront Park Tin Shui Wai Park Tsing Yi Park Tsing Yi Northeast Park Tseun Wan Park Tseun Wan Riviera Park Tuen Mun Park Tung Chung North Park Yuen Long Park Hong Kong Velodrome Park
Nature Parks There are other parks managed by NGOs and other organizations. These focus on Hong Kong’s natural and agricultural heritage, flora and fauna.
Territories shows the diversity of the Hong Kong wetland ecosystem. It is an educational venue with a visitors’ center, exhibition galleries, a theater, an indoor play area and a resource center. The galleries feature displays that explain the importance of the biodiversity of wetlands and the importance of conservation. There is a Butterfly Garden planted with various species of food and nectar plants to attract butterflies and visitors to see them.
The Mangrove boardwalk offers a close look at animals and plants that inhabit the mangrove, such as fiddler crabs and aerial Hong Kong Geopark roots. Wild birds and animals frequent the The Hong Kong Geopark includes sites park. One permanent resident is “Pui Pui,”a throughout Hong Kong where the oldest and saltwater crocodile found abandoned in a youngest rock formations (ranging from 400 river in Hong Kong. Her origin is unknown, but million to 65 million years old) are found. The she eluded capture for seven months while Geopark offers boat tours to remote locations swimming around in the New Territories. The with unique geological features such as crocodile was finally caught, given a name those on High Island and Ninepin Island. and moved into the park in 2006. She has a The Geopark Visitor Center promotes greater purpose-built outdoor enclosure to swim in interest in earth sciences while the Volcano and regale visitors. www.wetlandpark.gov.hk Discovery Center, in Sai Kung Waterfront Park, introduces visitors to the geological Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens history of Hong Kong and tells the story of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens is how ancient volcanoes shaped the landscape another eco-friendly attraction located on of the territories. www.geopark.gov.hk Hong Kong’s highest mountain, Tai Mo Shan.
Hong Kong Wetland Park This 61-hectare park in the middle of Tin Shui Wai New Town development in the New
The aim of the gardens is to educate people about sustainable living and agricultural practices as well as to conserve native animal and plant life. Visitors can take a look at their
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7 “eco-garden” where organic vegetables and flowers are grown, as well as the “Da Hua Bai” – a special breed of pig – which are bred by the facility. Wild animals including flamingos, reptiles and birds of prey can also be seen here, as well as plenty of butterflies and dragonflies in the Butterfly Gardens. The center also conducts educational tours and workshops, including an art workshop that is suitable for all ages. www.kfbg.org
opening hours of all the museums and art galleries under their management. www.lcsd.gov.hk In addition, the LCSD offer Museum Passes which offer a range of benefits. www.museums.gov.hk
• Hong Kong Heritage Museum • Hong Kong Railway Museum • Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery / Heritage Trail Visitors Center Mai Po Marshes • Sam Tung Uk Museum This wetland is a protected area managed by • Sheung Yiu Folk Museum the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong • Hong Kong Film Archive (WWF). It is the resting and feeding place for • Hong Kong Museum of Art (Will be closed more than 300 species of migratory birds, until 2018/ 2019 for renovation) including the rare Black-faced Spoonbill. • Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware Other wildlife such as butterflies, otters, • Hong Kong Museum of History leopard cats and other mammals have been • Law Uk Folk Museum seen there. Visitors who enjoy bird watching can join a guided tour organized by the WWF. • Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum The tours, led by a nature interpreter, follow a • Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense • Hong Kong Maritime Museum designated trail that explores shrimp ponds, • Hong Kong Science Museum natural habitats of wildlife and various • Hong Kong Space Museum (Will be closed bird hides – camouflaged shelters used until March 1, 2016 for renovation). for wildlife observation, that allow visitors • Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre and photographers to watch the birds at close quarters. Tours are available yearround. Specialist tours are also available for members of the WWF Hong Kong, overseas naturalists and academics. Tour bookings must be made in advance. The best time for bird watching is in spring and autumn. Mai Po Marshes is accessible by bus or taxi. www.wwf.org.hk
Museums and Galleries Hong Kong boasts many galleries that are reasonably priced and provide a good day or afternoon of entertainment for the family. The Discover Hong Kong website has a calendar of events for museums and galleries. www.discoverhongkong.com The LCSD website has details, locations and
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7 • The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre • The Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum • Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery • Oi!
Aviation Discovery Center Located at Terminal 2 of the Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island, the Aviation Discovery Center (ADC) is the world’s first ever aviation-themed multimedia center. With more than 20 multifaceted special infotainment zones on the theme of aviation, the ADC is filled with aviation exhibits and graphics, including a Cockpit Simulator, SkyDeck, Airspace, The Way We Travel, HKIA Sky Journey, a 4D motion ride and more. The SkyDeck offers an open-air panoramic view of the Hong Kong International Airport from its highest point in the airport runway area, where visitors are treated to a superb view of Lantau Island. They also get a glimpse into the intricate workings of the airport system, with busy take-offs and landings left, right and center. HKIA Sky Journey gives another view of the workings of the Hong Kong International Airport with a 220-degree super-wide projection screen. It features exciting footage on the evolution of the airport, from its beginning years at Kai Tak to its wondrous and sophisticated present. There is even an interactive Airport Quiz game, which tests you on your knowledge of the airport. At a moderate price, adults and children alike will be truly amazed by the 4D motion ride, the world’s first full motion plane cabin ride simulator, equipped with 4D special effects for an in-flight adventure not to be missed. www.hongkongairport.com
Themed Parks Hong Kong Disneyland Hong Kong’s Disneyland is located at Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island. Though small compared to Hong Kong’s Ocean Park or to its sister theme parks around the world, it is currently the only other Disneyland in East Asia, offering reasonable accommodation and ticket packages for overseas visitors, as well as a convenient location. Hong Kong’s Disneyland is made up of six distinct “lands,” each with its own themed rides, shows, restaurants and decorations, and two themed hotels. Past the main entrance, visitors will find themselves in Main Street USA, the first of the six lands, which also serves as a center point for other parts of the park. On the left, City Hall is where you will find information about the park, pick up maps or make dining reservations. On the right, the Art of Animation and Animation Academy is fun for the entire family. Learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters from a real Disney artist at scheduled times throughout the day. Main Street Vehicles can be hired to explore
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7 the rest of Main Street, all the while riding on early 20th century transportation. Other attractions include Flights of Fantasy Parade and various street entertainments, such as the Muppet Mobile Lab. Main Street USA is also the best place to watch the nightly fireworks display. Disney Paint the Night is a parade at the park that illuminates the streets every night to highlight the numerous floats featuring characters from Monsters Inc, Cars, Toy Story and other beloved Disney stories. Exploration is the key to having fun at Adventureland. Climb the branches of Tarzan’s Treehouse, accessible via jungle themed rafts, where kids will have a blast while conducting scientific experiments and learning the story of this human child raised by gorillas. Alternatively, a trip on the Jungle River Cruise will delight you with beautiful scenery, a humorous captain and a few jungle themed surprises. A colorful pageant of music and dance awaits you at the Festival of the Lion King not too far away.
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Tomorrowland is a place of space adventures for all ages. Take a ride on your very own jet rocket and look over the rest of Tomorrowland on the Orbitron. Blast off through the deepest and darkest space at an indoor roller coaster ride at Space Mountain, or experience the pure driving pleasure of the highway of tomorrow at Autopia. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is a must play attraction, where you join Buzz in the battle against the evil Emperor Zurg from Disney/Pixar animated film, Toy Story. Fantasyland is where children’s storybook characters and settings come to life. It is also the place in Disneyland that offers the highest concentration of attractions. Families will surely enjoy the fabled castle home to Sleeping Beauty, and rides on the Cinderella Carousel, Mad Hatter Tea Cup, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, as well as the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, to join everybody’s favorite cuddly bear in search of “hunny.” At the far end, the “It’s A Small World” ride
is a trademark show of Disneyland and must see for any visitor. Fantasyland also offers a selection of superb shows, such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic, an immersive 3-D attraction starring Maestro Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and friends. However, one cannot travel to Fantasyland without witnessing the spectacular music extravaganza The Golden Mickeys paying tribute to favorite Disney films. Fairy Tale Forest the newest attraction, is a whimsical garden featuring classic Disney fairy tales as living storybooks. Visitors may come face-to-face with Tinker Bell, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast and many more.
for bumps in the night as light, sound and animatronics take you on a wild and unforgettable ride not for the faint of heart. Other attractions at Mystic Point are an outdoor live show as well as the Explorers Club restaurant which serves Japanese, Korean and South-East Asian dishes. There is also a children’s playground with impressive sculptures of mythical creatures. Getting to DisneyLand By MTR: Take the MTR Tung Chung line to Sunny Bay Station, then onwards to Disneyland Resort Station only 10 minutes from the airport, 21 minutes from Kowloon Station and 24 minutes from Hong Kong Station.
Toy Story Land includes Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, Slinky Dog Spin, and RC Racer, a thrill ride straight out of the movie, where a replica of Andy’s speedy toy car races along a 27 meter-high U-shaped coaster. Other attractions include the Toy Soldier Boot Camp and Barrel of Fun where you can meet and take photos with some of the characters from the Toy Story films.
By road: Guests can make their way to the Disneyland Public Transport Interchange by car, taxi, public bus or coach. Day-rates are available for parking.
Grizzly Gulch is a “Wild West” themed adventure with attractions that include Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, which is a wild roller coaster ride on board a mine car exploring the maze of a gold mine. The Welcome Wagon Show, a lively musical performance by the Mayor, townsfolk and the Sheriff and Geyser Gulch, a part of the township that was “accidentally” built on an active geyser and where unsuspecting visitors will experience surprising periodic blasts of water and steam.
Ngong Ping 360
Mystic Point and its main attraction Mystic Manor, take visitors on a tour of Lord Henry Mystic’s haunted mansion along with his faithful pet monkey, Albert. Be prepared
Visitors can ride in a standard, “crystal” or private cabin. The crystal cabin has a clear bottom where you can see the view right under your feet, giving you the feeling of
Ticket are available as a one-day pass, twoday pass as well as a year pass with special fares for children and seniors. www.hongkongdisneyland.com
Opened in 2006, Ngong Ping 360 is a tourist attraction that combines a spectacular cable car journey to the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Giant Buddha on Lantau Island with a visit to the beautiful themed village of Ngong Ping. The visually spectacular 5.7km, 25-minute cable car journey offers refreshing views of the Hong Kong International Airport, South China Sea, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue and the undisturbed natural ecology of North Lantau Country Park.
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7 through a variety of themed scenes and activities. Monkey’s Tale Theatre is a light-hearted parable, a multimedia show inspired by the famous Buddhist Jataka stories (known in English as “Journey to the West”) suitable for all ages. It is presented in a magical courtyard under the branches of a majestic Bodhi tree, on a panoramic film screen with surround sound to immerse the audience in the Monkey’s Tale, a story of three monkey friends, as they travel on a journey of greed, gluttony and friendship.
floating on air. The private cabin needs to be booked in advance and comes with entry to the Walking with Buddha attraction upon purchase of the ticket. On arrival, adjacent to the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal, you will find several major attractions: Walking with Buddha, Monkey’s Tale Theatre, and the Li Nong Tea House, all found within an architecturally designed mini village reflecting the spirituality and culture of the Ngong Ping Area, which offers a diverse array of retail, dining and entertainment. Walking with Buddha is a walk-through multimedia attraction allowing visitors to physically travel through various stages of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the man who became Buddha. Visitors follow Siddhartha’s story through seven scenes that correspond with each stage of Siddhartha’s path to Enlightenment. The experience ends with a stroll along the “Path of Enlightenment”, revealing the origins of Buddhism and the essence of its teachings
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Ngong Ping Garden Restaurant specializes in Guangdong and Chiu Chow delicacies. The restaurant operates on two levels and is a good choice for guests wanting to savor authentic Chinese food while visiting the village. Other Asian and Western outlets provide for a wide variety of foods, such as noodles, sandwiches, pizzas, desserts and drinks. A trip to Ngong Ping will be an unforgettable experience, as there is much to see and explore. And for those who are capable, a hike along the Ngong Ping trail and the Lantau Trail is highly recommended to fully experience the beauty of the island. A short walk from the cable car and situated within the Po Lin Monastery, home to devout monks, is the Giant Buddha, set on a spectacular plateau of Lantau Island. The monastery offers details about the Buddhist religion and a vegetarian lunch for visitors. Known as “The Sacred Place of the Buddha in the South,” it was established in 1906 and is the first of four popular monasteries in Hong Kong. It is a renowned attraction and holy Buddhist ground in Hong Kong, and is definitely worth a visit for those interested in the learning of Buddhist worship or who want
to experience the beauty and magnificence of the monastery’s architecture. Tickets may be reserved and booked in advance. Ticket prices vary depending on the package. Their 360 Fun Pass package include a round trip on Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car and one-off admission to various attractions. www.np360.com.hk
Noah’s Ark Noah’s Ark in Ma Wan Park is set up to promote family values and teach love, social harmony and care for the environment. Its attractions include a 4D theater that shows the amazing power of nature, a collection of ark models from all over the world, the largest meteorite exhibit in Hong Kong and the microscopic animal kingdom. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance, as the programs and facilities have a limited capacity. The main transport to Noah’s Ark is by ferry service from Central Pier No. 2 to Park
Island. There is also a ferry service from Tsuen Wan to Park Island, buses from the airport, and a shuttle from Grand Century Place in Mong Kok. Ticket prices vary, and there are different packages that will allow access to different venues and exhibitions. Additional charges may apply to some facilities, and reservations are required for the High Event Rope Course. Tickets may be purchased online via the Noah’s Art website. www.noahsark.com.hk
Ocean Park Open year-round, the Ocean Park complex houses one of Southeast Asia’s largest aquariums and theme parks. Some of the most popular attractions at the park are the Giant Panda Adventure and the Panda Village. The park has long been known for its dolphin and sea lion performances, as well as walk-in aquariums where visitors can view sharks, tropical fish and jellyfish. In the
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7 last few years, many new attractions have opened, including Aqua City, Amazing Asian Animals, Ocean Express, Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium, Yangtze Exploration, Sea Life Carousel, The Flash and The Rainforest, as well as Polar Adventure. Attractions at the Waterfront include Aqua City, home to over 400 marine species and 5,000 individual animals. The Grand Aquarium provides visitors with a view of the sea from all angles. The viewing dome, the world’s largest, provides an unusual perspective of looking up to the water’s surface from below and at marine life underneath their bellies. The Ocean Gallery features a panoramic 13-meter viewing panel, offering a seamless view into the aquatic environment. The Cove Classroom, inside the Grand Aquarium, allows students enrolled in courses offered by the Ocean Park Academy close encounters with marine life, enhancing the park’s educational resources,
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while the Rainforest Classroom offers ground-level learning experiences. For small children, Whiskers Harbour will be worth a visit before going over to the Summit. There are many attractions and activities suitable for the young, such as the merry-go-round, Whiskers Harbour Playground, Bouncer House, Frog Hopper and the Balloon Up-up-and-away. Panda Village is close by at the Amazing Asian Animals exhibit, which also includes the Gator Marsh and Goldfish Treasures. There are also educational shows and plays at Whiskers Theatre or simple spelling and skill games at Interactive Shadow Play. Via cable cars, visitors reach Ocean Park’s Summit, which features the Dragon, an 842meter thrilling roller coaster ride boasting itself as Hong Kong’s ultimate roller coaster experience. Similarly, the Abyss Turbo Drop’s 20-floor free-fall provides adrenalinboosting fun. Other rides here include the Crazy Galleon, the Ferris Wheel and
Flying Swing. A little farther uphill is a wide selection of food and drink stalls and picnic tables, along with carnival-like skill games, where you can win stuffed toy prizes.
excitement during Halloween. Its Halloween Bash Party has become a major annual event for the park, attracting thousands of tourists from Mainland China every year.
At Thrill Mountain, challenging rides such as the Flash (a bottomless pendulum-style ride with a G-force of 3.9G and a top speed of 60km/hour), Whirly Bird and the Bungee Trampoline are sure to appeal to those with the guts and the will to step up and try them out.
Getting to Ocean Park Ocean Park is only accessible by road, with buses available from Admiralty, Kowloon and the New Territories. Alternatively, private parking and taxi hire are available. An extension to the MTR is planned and expected to open in late 2016 with driverless trains for the route to Ocean Park.
Not too far away, in Marine World, you will find the Ocean Theatre, which offers shows such as Sea Dreams; the Pacific Pier filled with sea lions and seals in a sunny Californian habitat; the beautiful Sea Jelly Spectacular; and a 20,000-squarefoot shark aquarium housing the unique Shark Mystique exhibition. Very close by is Adventure Land, accessible via the Ocean Park Escalator (the second longest escalator in the world), which features rides like the Mine Train roller coaster ride, Space Wheel and Raging River. At Polar Adventure a menagerie of polar animals such as walruses, spotted seals, northern sea lions, arctic foxes and snowy owls make their home and appearance as ambassadors of the north. At the South Pole Spectacular, species from the southern hemisphere are presented. Over 70 penguins of three species including the King Penguin; the world’s second largest, Southern Rockhopper penguin; and one of the tiniest, the Gentoo penguin, provide an expansive display. Visitors can view the penguins through glass-paneled floors, walkways and balconies where you are seemingly immersed and surrounded by penguins. Ocean Park is also a favorite “haunt” for young people who look for fun and
General admission tickets are good for a one day adventure at Ocean Park. Free admission is granted to children under 3 years old and local senior residents aged 65 years old or above with a Hong Kong Identity Card. Hong Kong residents with a Hong Kong Identity Card visiting on their birthday may enter Ocean Park FREE of charge. Holders of a “Registration Card for people with Disabilities” issued by the Labor and Welfare Bureau are free to enter Ocean Park and one accompanying guest can enjoy half price admission. A SmartFun Annual Pass, which entitles unlimited admission to Ocean Park for an entire year, is the best value. www.oceanpark.com.hk
Guided Tours Settling into your new home can be an alien, often frightening experience. If your knowledge of the area is limited, it’s a good idea to learn your surroundings. Knowing where to eat, where to shop and where to find entertainment is always useful information to have in Hong Kong. But getting to know the history, the culture and the way of life of the local Hong Kong citizens can also provide a world of insight, whether you’re staying for a short time or
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7 permanently. What better way to learn the lay Dolphin-watching Tour of the land than to sign yourself up for a few Hong Kong’s “pink dolphins” are few inexpensive local guided tours? in number, but still are a big attraction. Tours to see these lovely dolphins will take Hong Kong offers guided tours to almost approximately three hours and are available every nook and cranny of every street. It is up throughout the year. to you to decide which aspect of Hong Kong www.hkdolphinwatch.com you wish to explore. The Discover Hong Kong website offers numerous suggestions on Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tour tours. www.discoverhongkong.com Conducted by a well-traveled team of “foodie guides,” this is a 3.5-hour walking tour Here are some ideas: through Central and Sheung Wan. A feast for foodies, samplings will include Hong Kong’s Big Bus Tour most popular foods such as dim sum, wonton The big open-top bus takes visitors past noodles, BBQ pork rice, Chinese tea and the breathtaking views and excellent photo famous egg tart. In between each tasting, the opportunities. It is a hassle-free ride where streets, lifestyle and history of the historical you can hop on and off at various points districts of Hong Kong will be explored. along the route. Three routes are available. www.hongkongfoodietours.com The Hong Kong Island Tour spans the areas along the harbor from Tin Hau to Sheung Hong Kong Disneyland & Ocean Wan. The Kowloon tour travels from Yau Park Tours Ma Tei to Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. Half- and full-day tours to Ocean Park on the The Stanley Tour passes through Aberdeen, south side of Hong Kong Island, the iconic Ocean Park and Repulse Bay on the way to theme park of Hong Kong, as well as to Hong Stanley Market. For information, go to Kong’s Disneyland on Lantau are available. www.bigbustours.com www.grayline.com.hk
Boat Tours
Nature Tours
Boat tours to see the unique cultural and geographical landscapes of Sai Kung, or to have an evening meal while cruising around the harbor, are Hong Kong’s most popular boat tours.
Treks to the GeoPark or through old Hakka villages while hiking to white sandy and deserted beaches in Sai Kung East Country Park or to popular hiking trails such as Dragon’s Back are just some of the tours available. Also having a tour guide for hikes is safer and offers peace of mind.
Try out some of the following sites for tour packages and services: • Big Bus Hong Kong http://eng.bigbustours.com/hongkong • Gray Line www.grayline.com.hk • Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus www.rickshawbus.com • Tour 3.0 www.tour3g.com
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Outlying Islands Hong Kong’s many outlying islands and the unique communities on them make going on an outlying tour a must. Visit Cheung Chau or Lamma Island to experience the fishing heritage of Hong Kong, and do not leave without having a fabulously fresh seafood meal.
Self-Guided Tours For those who want flexibility and a schedule that doesn’t rush, you can organize your own tour simply by looking up your destination and the available transportation. There is a bus, minibus or taxi that will go to where you want to be. The MTR system is easy to navigate and good value for money. If adventure is what you seek, you will find it here.
Temple Treks Various temples around Hong Kong are open daily for visitors. Typically no admission is charged. Information about each temple can be found on the Discover Hong Kong website. Grab a city map and your walking shoes and go. www. discoverhongkong.com
Che Kung Miu
Mun. Now it is located in the heart of Tuen Mun’s residential development. On one side of the main entrance, there is a cast iron bell with a circumference of about five feet. All large monasteries in ancient China rang such bells at daybreak to wake the monks and nuns for a day of work in the fields. On the other side is a huge drum used to call the workers back in the evening. The temple also contains many valuable ancient treasures, including lanterns from Beijing’s Imperial Palace and traditional Chinese gardens featuring miniature bonsai trees and lily ponds.
Chi Lin Nunnery Chi Lin Nunnery was founded in the ’30s to provide religious, cultural, educational and elderly care services to the Hong Kong community. Reconstructed in the ’90s in the style of Tang dynasty monastic architecture
Che Kung Miu, in the Sha Tin district, is one of two famous temples built to worship General Che Kung, a historical figure of the Sung dynasty, who protected the last emperor of Sung to Hong Kong before his death. After his death, Che Kung was given the status of a deity, and people began to worship him for his courage. The original temple was built at the end of the Ming Dynasty but has since undergone a number of renovations. The main hall contains a giant statue of Che Kung, as well as a fan-bladed wheel of fortune, said to bring good luck when turned three times. Many worshipers go to the temple on the second day of the Lunar New Year to wish Che Kung happy birthday. Many fortune tellers are located in the complex.
Ching Chung Koon Ching Chung Koon is a popular Taoist temple complex that was founded in 1961 in what was then a rural retreat in Tuen
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(AD 618-907) by skilled artisans and craftsmen in China, and then reconstructed here like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, the complex was built without nails. It combines ancient building techniques and modern technology through a system of wooden doweling and brackets. The main hall was modeled after the Foguang Monastery in Shanxi Province, while the doubled-eaved Hall of Celestial Kings was designed after the 11th century Phoenix Hall outside Kyoto, Japan.
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The nunnery features beautiful gardens and grounds, with lotus ponds, sculpted bushes and bonsai trees, as well as statues of the Goddess of Mercy, God of Medicine and others. Just across the street, connected to the nunnery by a bridge is Nan Lian Garden, a garden styled like the famous gardens in Suzhou, with ponds, a waterfall, a hexagonal-shaped pavilion and a variety of trees and shrubbery sure to delight any visitor. A vegetarian restaurant and teahouse are open to the public.
Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery, located in Tuen Mun, is decorated with an assortment of Buddhist sculptures and paintings and is renowned throughout South East Asia as a center of Buddhist learning. The building itself is magnificent, with a height of 21 meters. A pair of spectacular 20-meter columns carved with dragons guard the entrance. The interior is decorated with thousands of Buddha images and paintings and features three 4.8meter tall gold-plated statues of Buddha.
Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Giant Buddha The hike to the Giant Buddha is up a dazzling flight of 268 steps. A breathtaking sight that instills a sense of serenity and calmness, it is the world’s largest outdoor bronze statue and one of the “Ten Engineering Wonders in Hong Kong.” The Giant Buddha sits atop the 482m Muk Yue Shan, allowing visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of Lantau and the South China Sea from the podium. Similarly, Wisdom Path is also worth the short walk; it features an arrangement of 38 giant wooden columns measuring eight to 10 meters, which showcase calligraphy by the master of Chinese Studies, Professor Jao Tsung-I, and a replica of the Heart Sutra, a revered prayer. The wood columns are arranged in an “∞” shape to symbolize the idea of infinity.
Chuk Lam Shim Yuen
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Chuk Lam Shim Yuen or “Bamboo Forest Monastery” is one of the many wellestablished monasteries in the wooded foothills above Tsuen Wan. Founded in 1927 and adorned with lovely traditional Chinese architecture, it is home to three “Precious Buddha” statues, dwarfed only by the “Big Buddha” on Lantau Island. There is also a fine “Four-Faced Buddha” shrine attracting many worshipers daily.
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Tse) was founded by Reverend Yuet Kai in 1949. The walls are bedecked with 12,000 Buddha statues, all slightly different and built over the course of 10 years. On the other side of the hall is a nine-story pagoda. The gilded body of the founder is also on display. Located on the mountain behind Sha Tin Pai Tau Village, Man Fat Tse is not an actual monastery, as there are no resident monks.
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7 Tsui Sing Lau Tsui Sing Lau, Ping Shan Pagoda was built in the 14th century and is the only surviving pagoda from ancient times. Its hexagonal structure is 10 meters wide. Built to encourage scholarship, it was originally seven stories high. It is thought that typhoon damage wrecked the upper stories, each of which had its own name. The pagoda was built with geomantric influences believed to ward off evil influences from the north.
Wong Tai Sin Temple Wong Tai Sin Temple, first brought to Hong Kong in 1915 before being moved to its current location in Rosy Garden on the southern side of Lion Rock, is one of the most famous shrines in Hong Kong. It is a very popular temple for worshipers of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. The halls of the temple grounds are dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy and to Confucius. Within the temple complex, there is also a Good Wish Garden, an artificial waterfall and a replica of the famous Nine
Dragons relief (of the Beijing Imperial Palace), as well as various pavilions. It is well known that worshipers come to Wong Tai Sin for fortune-telling. The fortune-tellers are all housed in a complex below the main temple, and some of them speak English.
Hiking Hiking is one of the least expensive and most readily available leisure activities for the whole family. Many hiking trails are well managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which also oversees the country and marine parks. Their hiking website, Enjoy Hiking, provides details on trails and updates on weather conditions, maps and useful guides for a safe and enjoyable family fun journey. http://hiking.gov.hk
Popular Hiking Trails The Peak Circle Walk is a popular hike. An easy, family-friendly walk of about 3.5 km, you can see magnificent panoramic views from the highest point in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Trail spans five country parks and is divided into eight sections that are graded in order of difficulty. This popular trail also has campsites and barbecue areas. The MacLehose Trail goes from Sai Kung and is part of the famous route of the Oxfam Trailwalker event.
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There are a few groups and associations that do organized hikes in Hong Kong, which are very popular with both locals and expats and a great way to meet new people.
You can find film schedules of different cinemas on their websites or in the newspaper. Here are the links to a few major cinemas and online movie ticket sellers for new releases in Hong Kong:
These include: • The Hong Kong Hiking Meetup www.meetup.com/hongkonghikingmeetup
• AMC Cinemas www.amccinemas.com.hk
• The Hong Kong Hikers http://hongkonghikers.org • Hong Kong Trampers www.hktrampers.com
Going to the Movies Watching films is a very popular activity in Hong Kong, and there are cinemas all around town. Movies range from the latest Hollywood productions to films from the Asian region, especially productions of the local industry. Whereas the cinematic experience is largely the same as anywhere else, there are some local norms to watc h out for. There are several ways to buy your ticket: at the cinema website or by telephone, paying by credit card with a minimal service charge; or at the cinema’s box office. Unlike some other countries, you cannot sit anywhere you like in a Hong Kong cinema. When you buy a ticket, you must choose a particular seat and stick to it in most cases. Remember to take into account the different sizes of screening rooms when choosing, as it will affect your viewing experience. The lack of snacks and concessionary items at Hong Kong cinemas is a surprise for those used to enormous selections and portions in North American cinemas. Salted buttered popcorn is not the norm. Be aware that many cinemas serve sweetened popcorn as their standard fare. Do not expect free refills for sodas or popcorn.
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• Grand Cinema www.thegrandcinema.com.hk • Broadway Circuit www.cinema.com.hk • UA Cinemas www.uacinemas.com.hk • CityLine www.cityline.com 3D movies are attracting audiences who are willing to pay extra for the special effects and for the funny glasses needed to watch the films. Most cinemas have 3D films among their lineups of feature movies. UA IMAX Theatre@Airport supports the largest IMAX screen in Hong Kong. The theater shows IMAX 2D or IMAX 3D movies with crystal-clear images and laser-aligned digital sound. The theater is designed to maximize the field of view from each seat. www.hongkongairport.com In addition to box office hits, the Agnès B Cinema at the Hong Kong Arts Center shows a range of art house from independent to revival films. www.hkac.org.hk
The Hong Kong Film Archive The Hong Kong Film Archive collects and shows a range of vintage and classic movies as well as old Chinese and Hong Kong produced movies. Themed screening programs include 100 Must See Hong Kong Movies, the French Cinepanorama and Restored Treasures. www.lcsd.gov.hk
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Suppliers for Family Fun
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Saffron Cruises 5/F Foo Sang Building 69 Wing Lok St., Sheung Wan Tel (852) 2857 1311 (852) 6493 2650 Fax (852) 2524 5097 Email paco@saffron-cruises.com Web www.saffron-cruises.com Contact Paco Goetschalckx Saffron Cruises has the largest fleets of junk boats in Hong Kong and are ideal for all occasions, from the three red sails of our Chinese sailing junk floating in Victoria harbour to our 98ft motor cruiser yacht Flagship.
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