Hong Kong Top 10 Places to visit

1. Disneyland Hong Kong

Disney's latest theme park opened in the lush setting of Lantau Island in September 2005. Visitors are invited into the legendary fairytale kingdom that celebrates the spirit of fantasy, the world of tomorrow and a forever-young sense of adventure. Exclusively designed for Hong Kong, Mickey Mouse will welcome you to the happiest place on Earth complete with attractions.

Families visiting the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will have magical journeys through four themed lands, namely Main Street U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland, plus two Disney-style hotels.

Hong Kong Disneyland will offer a diverse range of food at various restaurants in the park. In addition there are specialty stores selling Disney memorabilia and souvenirs in each themed land and at the two hotels.

2. The Old Clock Tower

The old Clock Tower near the Star Ferry concourse at Tsim Sha Tsui is a landmark of the bygone era of the Age of Steam. Trains used to arrive here with passengers who weeks before had embarked from London on the world's longest railway journey.

The Clock Tower is an ideal starting place for a Heritage Walk in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Cultural Centre is highly interesting both out- and inside. Look for the unusual golden statue of a winged figure on the side facing the [Star Ferry], an avant-garde gift from France.

3. Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley Racecourse was built on reclaimed marshland. The first races were held here in 1846 and they have been extremely popular ever since. The track is ultra-sophisticated with computerised betting and races broadcast live on gigantic screens. In 1973 night racing was introduced at Happy Valley and was an immediate success.

Sha Tin Race course

In 1978 extra revenue raised was used to build Hong Kong's second racecourse at Sha Tin in the New Territories.

Once a tiny village on the shores of a shallow inlet, Sha Tin is now a bustling new town. Again, built almost entirely on reclaimed land, Sha Tin Racecourse is more than just a modern racetrack.

4. Lantau Island

Almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island, Lantau is the largest outlying island in Hong Kong. Its tranquil and green environment makes it an excellent spot for nature lovers and hikers. The majority of Lantau Island has been designated as Country Park area.

The 34-metre-high Giant Buddha at Ngong Ping is the world's tallest, outdoor, seated, bronze Buddha statue sits on a lotus throne above a three-platform altar and weighs 250 tonnes. Open 10am - 5:30pm daily. Visitors can purchase admission tickets which includes the price of a vegetarian snack or meal at the staircase in front of the Giant Buddha.

The nearby Po Lin Monastery, set amid spectacular mountain scenery on the 520-metre-high Ngong Ping plateau, includes a large vegetarian restaurant that caters to hungry visitors. The temple is open daily 9am to 6pm.

5. Lan Kwai Fong & SoHo

Lan Kwai Fong was known as "fringe Central" about 20 years ago as business was mainly focused on the waterfront. Today it's the most popular loose-tie, hair-down dining and entertainment area on Hong Kong Island.

The young and stylish flock to Lan Kwai Fong to sample specialties from around the globe - Middle Eastern, Italian, Mexican, French and American to name but a few. Many restaurants open onto the cobblestone streets, providing the luxury of alfresco dining.

6. Ocean Park

Ocean Park first opend in 1977 and is one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions, providing an exciting mix of entertainment, education and conservation facilities. The 80-hectare (200-acre) park is situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island and features rides, exhibits and facilities around a hillside. A cable car system links the lowland and headland sections, offering spectacular views en route.

Ocean Park works to promote and support animal conservation in Hong Kong and throughout the Asia region. It has, in co-operation with other conservation organisations, launched various conservation programmes for a number of endangered species, including whales and dolphins. In addition, it has successfully bred rare species of birds, sharks and butterflies.

7. Stanley Market

Stanley Market is the place to look for silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costume jewellery, souvenirs and a host of fantastic bargains. After the shopping you can relax at one of the area's pleasant beaches set in sheltered, sandy coves.

This is in fact one of the favourite destination for Hong Kong's windsurfers. Stanley village also offers an appetising range of restaurants and snack bars.

Whilst on your trip here visit Stanley Plaza. This is a six-storey shopping centre featuring shops and restaurants.

Right next to it is Village Square which serves as a multi-functional outdoor performance venue. Adjacent to that is Murray House - a former British army officers' quarters and the oldest example of Western architecture. It was dismantled in 1982 and put back together again - brick by brick.

Another colonial building worth a visit is the Old Stanley Police Station, one of the oldest surviving police stations in Hong Kong. This landmark was built in 1859. In the area you'll also find the Old Stanley Fort and a cluster of historic military sites.

Other sightseeing attractions include an interesting 18th century Tin Hau Temple, huddles of charming cottages and palatial country homes on the village slopes.

8. Star Ferry

Star Ferry was founded in 1898 as a key communication route between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It is Hong Kong's most scenic and inexpensive mode of travel across Victoria Harbor and still is chosen frequently over the subway by the local residents simply because it is a terrific way to cross Victoria Harbor.

Star Ferry is very inexpensive, runs every few minutes, only takes about ten minutes, and the short trip is truly quite wonderful because you can enjoy the magnificent architecture on both banks of Victoria Harbor.

From the ferry, you are able to see the uniquely designed Commerce Tower, the Bank of China building that resembles a very sharp file, the geometric designs of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, the Exchange Square of Bond Center and Stock Exchange, as well as the Victorian Era design of the Legislative Council Building. While traveling on Star Ferry, you will be struck by the stunning beauty of both of the skylines that grace the harbor and you will be glad that you chose Star Ferry.

9. Tsim Sha Tsui

Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui offers numerous department stores and shopping centres. Each with their up-to-the-minute fashion items, are a pleasure to roam around. Be sure to visit the factory outlets along Granville Road for bargain buys.

Quality dining options such as the Szechuan and Cantonese restaurants can be found in the Miramar Shopping Centre on Kimberley Road. Close by Knutsford Terrace and Knutsford Steps are an international dining oasis and a sensational experience in this bustling neon shopping district.

The Harbour City is the area's largest and most famous shopping and entertainment complex. Here you will find the Ocean Terminal, where visiting cruise liners berth. Further along, is Star House, where it's possible to pick up the most up-to-date computer equipment. The terminal buildings are connected to Kowloon Park by a pedestrian bridge.

Nathan Road also known as the famous "Golden Mile" bustles with shoppers day and night. It's renowned for its dazzling array of brightly-lit, neon-decorated shops, hotels, restaurants and nightspots that flank the wide thoroughfare.

10. Victoria Peak and tram

Victoria Peak is Hong Kong's premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbour and city views. Visting late afternoon enables you to experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the harbour, Kowloon and the hills beyond.

The Peak is served by a modern funicular railway called the "Peak Tram". The sturdy carriages seem to assume near-perpendicular angles as they giddily whisk passengers up to the top. For those less adventurous, you might prefer to take a taxi up the twisting road through the Mid-Levels or a No 15 bus from Central.