15th International Conference of
the Asian Academy of Preventive Dentistry

Discovering Hong Kong

Leisure and Sightseeing

As an Asian metropolitan city, the traveling experience to Hong Kong is like no other! East meets West in this city of great contrasts. From shopping, food and entertainment to nature and heritage, Hong Kong offers an extraordinary experience.

Sightseeing and Attractions

Hong Kong had a 150-year-long colonial history with its Chinese roots and current status as one of the special administrative regions of China. This fact permeates its architectural styles and traditions (Chinese and Western) and the very fabric of life in Hong Kong. Therefore, in this city of contrasts, it may not be surprising that most nature activities can be reached within one hour of urban areas. You can hike up hills and mountainsides in nature reserves or walk on sandy beaches since beautiful natural scenery is easily accessible. As a matter of fact, almost 70% of the territory’s land mass is made up of forests, rural mountains, and outlying islands that made up the unique scenery of Hong Kong among all other metropolitan cities in the world.

Hong Kong offers many marvellous attractions such as Stanley, Victoria Harbour, the Peak, Ocean Park Theme Park, Lamma Island, Disneyland, Tai O the fish village and cable car rides with breathtaking views. Rickshaw Sightseeing Buses are one of the many ways to see the city. Guided tours and self-guided walks are also available.

“The Culinary Capital of Asia”

Hong Kong is a Shangri-La for food lovers. It especially bridges the gap between oriental and western cuisine. With over 10,000 restaurants, Hong Kong is a gourmet spotlight. Although it is boasting some of the best Cantonese-style cuisines in the world, Hong Kong also offers outstanding restaurants highlighting other regional cuisines of China. There are also excellent Japanese, Thai, Korean, French, Italian and Spanish restaurants, among others.

Sights Recommended by Members of LOC
1. Scenic bus ride to and from Stanley

See one of the most beautiful views in Hong Kong on the bus and have a round trip depart from the Central to Stanley, the southern part of Hong Kong Island.

2. Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O is a tourist spot for both foreigners and residents of other parts of Hong Kong, It is also known as the "Venice of Hong Kong". The pang uks, a kind of stilt house, built right over the waterway is still quite scenic. For a small fee, some residents will take tourists out on their boats along the river and for short jaunts into the sea. Many tourists come to Tai O specifically to take these trips to see Chinese white dolphins, also known as "Pink Dolphins". It is also a good place to see the sunset.

3. Star Ferry at night & 8 pm light show on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront

See one of the most famous skylines in the world accompanied with music and a laser light show across the harbour.

4. The Peak on a clear day/night

Get a 360-degree view of Hong Kong Island by taking a 2-hour walk around one of Hong Kong’s peaks. The city will light up on a clear night.

5. Hong Kong Palace Museum

The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to become a leading institution in the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing the dialogue between world civilizations.

6. West Kowloon Cultural District

The West Kowloon Cultural District is a new vibrant cultural quarter located on a dramatic harbour-front site in the heart of Hong Kong.

7. Ocean Park

Ocean Park Hong Kong is a theme park that combines fun, education and conservation, from a world-class aquarium and lovely giant pandas to polar expeditions and exciting thrill rides.

8. The Hong Kong Museum of History

See interesting, original artefact and learn about Hong Kong and South China’s history, natural histories, ethnography and so on.

9. Ladies Market and Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon

Shop for women’s clothing and accessories in an open-air market and souvenirs, toys, and a multitude of goods in a night street market.

10. Sai Kung scenery and seafood

Stroll on the seaside and eat fresh seafood in Sai Kung in northeastern Hong Kong.

11. The Outlying Islands

Experience a more tranquil side of Hong Kong by taking a ferry (depart from piers at the Central) to these islands: Lantau or Lamma Islands, Peng Chau, Cheng Chau or Discover Bay, etc.

12. Hong Kong Cultural Centre (Performing Arts Centre) or Hong Kong City Hall for a performance

Take in a world-class concert at one of these venues.

Tax-free Shopping

All goods, except for tobacco and alcohol, are tax-free, so a visit to Hong Kong is imperfect without some shopping! From high-end fashion, shoes, bags and authentic Chinese gifts to electronics or cosmetics, you can find all of these in Hong Kong. Local markets include the Ladies’ Market and the Bird Market in Kowloon. Chinese wet markets which offer local produce, fish, and meat may also be interesting sights. Most of the shopping centers/malls are air-conditioned which offers a welcome respite from the heat, and most shopping centers have websites with store directories and floor maps if you are looking for specific types of goods.