Visit Hong Kong - Pearl Of The Orient

Hong Kong, also referred to as the 'Pearl of theBuddha, which is the largest in the world. In addition
Orient,' is perhaps the most popular tourist destinationto Buddhist shrines, the place also consists of several
in the Southeast Asia. Until the arrival of the British inother popular shrines such as St John's Cathedral,
1842, it was just a typical small village.which is considered to be the oldest in the Far East
In 1997, Hong Kong was handed over to China, underand Shelley Street Mosque, which is noted for its
the policy 'one country, two systems.' The city hasminaret of green and white colors.
now become one of the vibrant as well as s soughtA visit to Hong Kong would be incomplete without
after destinations not only in Asia but also in thetaking a tour to many of its fascinating museums,
world.showcasing unique art and antiquities representing
Bordered by the South China Sea and Sea, Hongseveral aspects of the place such as its history, film
Kong, al though a part of China, is different from restindustry, space and science, and coastal defense.
of China. With its own government, stamps, and lawsSome of the most visited museums in the region are
and regulations, the city consists of four geographicFlagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong
areas, such as, the New Territories, Hong KongFilm Archive, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences,
Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the Outlying Islands, allHong Kong Racing Museum, Hong Kong Planning and
of them packed with a plethora of attractions andInfrastructure Exhibition Gallery, and Hong Kong Visual
facilities.Arts Centre.
It also consists of more than 200 islands, whichAttractions also include a continuum of beautiful
consist of both small and tiny islands. In addition, Hongbeaches, including Repulse Bay, the most spectacular
Kong is much famed for its superb deep wateramong the city's beaches; Deep Water Bay, which is
harbors. According to the survey conducted by theconnected by a pathway to the Repulse Bay Beach;
World Tourism Organization, the city has been rankedTurtle Cove, a tranquil beach; Golden Beach, the first
among the 15 most preferred tourist destinations inartificial beach in Hong Kong; and Hung Shing Yeh - a
the world.marvelous beach on the Lamma Island.
An incredible city blending the best from the East andAlso, the gastronomy of the place is amazing, with
West, Hong Kong's attractions, among many others,specialized areas for enjoying remarkable delicacies,
are Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre withlike, SoHo with a variety of restaurants serving
its unique curved three-tier roof and glass walls; theinternational cuisine; Gage Street, dotted with an
covered Central-Mid level Escalator, which is thearray of stalls, from where one can enjoy the best
longest in the world; and Hollywood Road, packedof Hong Kong style cuisines comprising noodles,
with a range of antique and curio shops selling Buddhasoups, pastries, and herbal teas; and floating style
statues, Japanese specialties like ikebana baskets,restaurants found in Aberdeen.
Chinese furniture, and snuff and perfume bottles.Apart from this, excellent options are available for
Despite these attractions, perhaps the most famedshopping, with areas like Lyndhurst Terrace packed
attraction of the city is Victoria Peak, from whosewith shops selling ancient paintings and maps; Stanley
summit you can gaze down to enjoy the wonderfulStreet, considered a paradise for shopping cameras
vistas of skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor. Duringand film accessories; and Li Yuen Streets, dotted
nights, the sights from the peak become morewith shops selling knick-knacks, leather items, and
dazzling.casual wear.
Also, of special significance are the temples of theWith these fabulous attractions and options to enjoy
region. Since Buddhism being the most popular religiona variety of activities, tourists flock to Hong Kong all
of the place, Hong Kong has to its credit more thanyear round. No matter you want budget or luxury
400 temples, each of which is regarded as not to beaccommodation, the city has options to cater to all
a missed tourist attraction.types of tourists. Majority of the hotels and resorts
One of the most prominent Buddhist shrines is theare located within the heart of the city, and hence
Chi Lin Nunnery, located in Kowloon. Considered aare within easy reach of almost all top tourist
living museum of the Tang Dynasty, it has beenattractions.
stunningly renovated in the traditional Tang-eraNowadays, many of the hotels, both budget and
architecture with several magnificent Buddhist halls.luxury accommodation, have their own sites on the
Another popular Buddhist shrine is Po Lin Monastery,web, which in turn enables the visitors to check price
whose focal point is a bronze statue of the Lordand room as well as make bookings in advance.