| |
7th
July 2008
EXPERIENCE HONG
KONG FOR A SONG THIS SUMMER!
Hong Kong is one of the world’s best-loved and most glamorous getaways.
From its spectacular harbour and city skyline to its world-class restaurants,
bars and shops, this Asian gem oozes style, sophistication and class.
But if you’re thinking that sounds expensive, think again - the
savvy visitor can find plenty of spots to pick up a bargain, while many
of the most interesting things to do and see cost nothing at all! Here’s
our guide to experiencing Hong Kong for a song…
When to go
Go in summer to take advantage of low-season hotel rates and traditional
summer sales in the shops.
At this time of year, all over Hong Kong you can find substantial discounts
in outlets of every size, shape and style. High-end designer gear and
budget clothing, accessories, electronic goods, cosmetics, jewellery,
traditional Chinese goods - there are savings to be made on them all.
This year some of the main shopping malls, department stores, attractions
and restaurants are also taking part in the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s
Summer Temptations promotion, combining the traditional seasonal discounts
with an array of special privileges, ‘2 for 1’ offers and
gifts. High standards of quality are guaranteed by the Tourism Board’s
Quality Tourism Services (QTS) sign, so look out for that.
There’s also an extra-special buzz this summer, as Hong Kong plays
host to the Olympic Equestrian events (9-21 August) - just one more reason
not to delay your trip.
Where to stay
While hotels are good value during the summer, if you’re determined
to keep costs as low as possible, try a hostel or guesthouse. Rates start
from as little as £7 for a private room in a Kowloon hostel - visit
www.HostelBookers.com for more details.
Alternatively, try a Tourism Board-approved guesthouse, where rates start
from about £26 per night for a single room with en-suite facilities.
Check out the Tourism Board’s QTS Visitor Accommodation Scheme at
www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/mustknow/accommodation/qtsaccom/index.jsp
for options.
Getting around
Public transport is THE way to get around Hong Kong, especially if you
avoid the rush hours (around 8-9am and 6-7pm). What’s more, it’s
great value: the famous Star Ferry provides unforgettable views of the
harbour and is priced from just HK$2.20 - about 15p. A journey on one
of the city’s distinctive double-decker trams is just HK$2, regardless
of distance. And the MTR underground system is much more efficient and
affordable than its London counterpart.
What to do and see for free
Immersing yourself in Hong Kong needn’t cost a penny. Start your
day with a tai chi class on the Kowloon side of the harbour, or learn
the basics of fung shui, the rituals of Chinese tea making or even kung
fu. All options are part of the Tourism Board’s Cultural Kaleidoscope
programme and are free of charge.
Get out and explore on foot: www.DiscoverHongKong.com, the Tourism Board
website, offers a choice of six themed urban self-guided walks you can
download and follow to experience Hong Kong’s sights, sounds, history
and culture. Or ride the world’s longest covered escalator system,
climbing 135 metres, in Central district.
The bustle of Kowloon’s Temple Street Night Market and Ladies’
Market are evocative Hong Kong experiences (and you don’t have to
spend to enjoy the buzz) - then make your way promptly at 8pm to the harbourside
at Tsim Sha Tsui for ‘A Symphony of Lights’, a spectacular
fusion of beams, lasers and music illuminating 44 buildings on both sides
of the harbour.
Finally, there’s the classic view of the city skyline from Victoria
Peak. OK, it’ll cost you HK$48 (about £3.10) for a return
ticket on the 120 year-old Peak Tram and a visit to the Peak Tower Sky
Terrace, but once you’re there the awe-inspiring view is something
money just couldn’t buy.
Eating and drinking
Hong Kong is rightly renowned for its cuisine, and even if you’re
working to a budget you can enjoy some great food. Head towards the Mong
Kok district in Kowloon or Wing Wah Lane on Hong Kong Island for excellent
value authentic local restaurants. If you’re looking for a quick
drink or two happy hours are the norm in Hong Kong’s bars, and can
start as early as mid-day and finish as late as 9pm - Wan Chai, Lan Kwai
Fong and Knutsford Terrace are the happening areas. For up-to-the-minute
news on Hong Kong nightlife, check out www.bcmagazine.net.
Shopping
There are bargains to be found all over Hong Kong, and the first place
to head for is one of the famous markets. In addition to Ladies’
Market (great for cheap accessories) and Temple Street Night Market, a
real favourite is Stanley Market on the southern tip of Hong Kong Island,
where smart buys include Chinese arts, crafts and silks.
For cheap clothes, there’s excellent value on offer in chains like
Giordano and Bossini, which compete to be Hong Kong’s answer to
Gap, and six floors of tiny stores selling heavily discounted clearance
designer wear at the Pedder Building in Central. On your way back to the
airport be sure to visit Citygate Outlets on Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s
only outlet mall, with year-round discounts between 30 and 70 per cent
on such well-known brands as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Laura Ashley, Nike
and Timberland.
- Ends -
For media information, please
contact
David Ezra at david@saltmarshpr.co.uk
or
Tom Panagos at tom@saltmarshpr.cvo.uk
Tel: 020 7928
1600
Fax: 020 7928 1700
The Saltmarsh Partnership
The Copperfields
25 Copperfield Street
London SE1 0EN
|
