Audley in Hong KongHong Kong makes a great start or end to atrip to China or elsewhere in the region.Having been a British territory for well over a hundred years, street signs are all in English,and most taxi drivers and shop assistantsspeak at least some English. This, combinedwith the outstanding public transport systemmeans that we rarely arrange scheduledexcursions. Instead we will make suggestionsas to what to do with your time in HongKong, and give you guidance on how to useHong Kong's transportation. We have spenttime finding some of the best markets andshopping districts, away from the main touristdrag, which will allow you a glimpse into theeveryday life of Hong Kong's inhabitants. To describe Hong Kong as the crossroads ofAsia is something of a cliché, but it's an aptdescription. There are regular, direct flights tomost major (and plenty of minor) cities inmainland China, Southeast Asia and Japan.Hong Kong is also a major hub for flights toAustralia and New Zealand. It's thereforepossible to spend a few days in Hong Kongas a part of itineraries to any of these places.For China, Hong Kong makes a great start orend to a Classic China trip, and is also thegateway to Yunnan province.AccommodationHong Kong's accommodation options areexhaustive, with a range of hotels to suitevery taste and budget. There is very little inthe way of characterful or boutiqueaccommodation in Hong Kong, however,there are several iconic and well establishedhotels on both Kowloon and Hong KongIsland, which boast rooms with views overthe harbour. Whether you choose to stay onthe island or Kowloon depends very muchon personal preference, but if you do want aspectacular harbour view from your roomthen we recommend staying in Kowloon.Find out more For suggested itineraries including HongKong, please see any of our China itineraries,on pages 17, 27 and 37.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Chinaspecialists 01993 838 220?Hong Kong3948 hours in Hong KongWe'd suggest a stay of at least 48 hours toexperience Hong Kong, although there isplenty to see and do over the course ofseveral days (see the following page forfurther suggestions if you have longer). Agreat place to start your explorations is totake in some of the classic views of theharbour on one of the old Star Ferry cruises,which date back to the 1800s. Then, do aspot of shopping at one of the Chinesemarkets along Nathan Road, stopping for adim sum lunch in one of the many street sidestalls. Later, take the tram up to Victoria Peakand watch as the sun sets over the skylineand the glittering lights of the skyscrapersbegin to illuminate the night sky. On your second day try an early morning Tai Chi class, provided free of charge by theHong Kong tourist board. After breakfastventure a little further afield to Stanley, aport town on the beach front, with a relaxedand friendly atmosphere. Return to Kowloonfor afternoon tea in the lobby of the iconicPeninsula hotel and then end your time inHong Kong by watching the daily light showat the harbour front.Market stallholders, Hong KongChinese medicine, Hong Kong marketsTrams, Hong Kong IslandSt John's Cathedral, Hong Kong IslandStar Ferry, Hong Kong

THELANGHAM, KOWLOONConsidering the level of service, range of facilitiesand location, the Langham offers surprisingly goodvalue for money. The flagship property of thisinternationally renowned chain, it exudes elegantEuropean style and provides a refreshingsanctuary with superb facilities and a distinctlycontemporary flair. The charming Mediterranean-themed rooftop pool area has a fully equippedhealth club and range of massage treatmentsproviding the perfect opportunity to unwind. It issituated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui - one ofthe liveliest and most popular areas of the city,with a vast array of shopping, entertainment anddining opportunities right on your doorstep. TheStar Ferry terminal and an MTR station are lessthan five minutes walk away for easy access toHong Kong Island.METROPARK, HONGKONGISLANDA good value hotel in an expensive city, thisbrightly decorated hotel is well-located, about fiveminutes walk from Victoria Park in the CausewayBay area. Tin Hau MTR stop is a two minute walkaway, giving excellent access to the rest of HongKong. As is usual with hotels in Hong Kong therooms are small, but they are well decorated andcomfortable. The rooftop pool provides anexcellent area to relax with nice views of the cityand the bay. 40Peak tram, Hong KongAnother day in Hong KongThe outlying islands surrounding HongKong offer a tranquil escape from thefrenetic pace of the city and make for agood day trip. Lantau Island is home tothe giant Bronze Buddha, reputedly thelargest seated Buddha in the world andis a good place for walks. Youngervisitors will be pleased to know it's also home to Hong Kong Disneyland!Lamma Island has a small population of fishermen and expats and is a greatspot for fresh seafood, fine beaches and countryside walks.Macau is just an hour from Hong Kongby jetfoil yet feels a whole world away.A relaxed blend of Portuguese colonialarchitecture and cobbled streets, Macauis famed for its cathedral ruins, superbfood and extensive casinos. Coveringjust 18 kilometres in total, the territoryhas always had a distinctively differentatmosphere from Hong Kong, withpublic squares, outdoor cafes offering alfresco dining and swaying palm treesgiving a cosmopolitan, southernEuropean ambience.Fruit market, Hong KongThe Langham