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DLA PIPER’S GUIDE TO HONG KONG

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Page 1: DLA PIPER’S GUIDE TO HONG KONG/media/Files/Other/2014/DLA...3 DLA Piper’s Guide to Hong Kong WELCOME TO HONG KONG Hong Kong is a city of contrasts. To some, Hong Kong means commerce,

DLA PIPER’S GUIDE TO HONG KONG

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DLA Piper’s Guide to Hong Kong2

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO HONG KONG 3

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY TO HONG KONG 4

THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE 5

6GETTING AROUND HONG KONG

7PLACES TO MEET AND GREET

8WINING AND DINING

10THE BEST OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON

12OFF THE BEATEN TRACK – HIKING

13ISLAND HOPPING

14FURTHER AFIELD

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WELCOME TO HONG KONG

Hong Kong is a city of contrasts. To some, Hong Kong means commerce, sky scrapers, designer brands, fine restaurants and the general glitz and glamour that comes with being home to more Rolls Royce® cars per capita than anywhere else in the world. To others, Hong Kong means beautiful countryside, wild buffalo, golden beaches and some of the best street food in Asia.

Although it’s likely your time in Hong Kong will largely be devoted to business, attending a plethora of meetings and other events, Hong Kong is a truly fascinating place and we hope you also find some time to see the “real” Hong Kong.

With information regarding travel, dining options, meeting locations, things to see and do and details regarding DLA Piper’s office location, we hope this guide helps you get the most out of Hong Kong.

If there is anything that we can do to assist you, please contact us at businessdevelopment.asia @dlapiper.com

Steeped in history and rich in culture, Hong Kong is where East truly meets West. The result... one of the most unique, vibrant, dynamic and diverse places on earth!

BACK TO CONTENTS

Kevin Chan Hong Kong Office Managing Partner

T: +852 2103 0823 E: [email protected]

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PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY TO HONG KONG

VISAS

Nationals of most countries can enter Hong Kong visa-free, staying for periods from seven days to 180 days. If you haven’t been to Hong Kong before, we recommend checking whether you require a visa. Details of the visa application process and the list of countries whose nationals do not require visas can be found here.

LOGISTICS – GETTING FROM HONG KONG AIRPORT TO HONG KONG ISLAND OR KOWLOON

Airport Express

Whilst in Hong Kong you will likely be staying either on Hong Kong Island (where the main business district is located) or across the harbour in Kowloon. Hong Kong Airport is one of the best airports in the world, with a very fast and convenient Airport Express train. Trains leave the airport every 10 minutes and the train stops at both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, taking roughly 20 and 25 minutes from the Airport respectively. Both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Airport Express Stations have multiple onward travel connections available, the most convenient likely being a taxi direct to your final destination.

The cost of an Airport Express ticket is HK$100 (US$12) for one way and HK$180 (US$23) return. Tickets can be purchased at self-service machines or at the central tickets desk upon exiting the Customs Hall at the airport.

Taxi

A taxi from the airport may well be a better option if you wish to get to your destination directly. However, bear in mind that it can take twice as long as the Airport Express train depending on traffic.

A taxi fare from the airport costs approximately HK$250 (US$32) to Kowloon and costs approximately HK$350 (US$45) to Hong Kong Island.

When returning to the airport, you may like to use the “In-town check-in” facilities at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations. Most visitors choose to do this as it means you can drop off your bags at the station up to 24 hours before your flight, get your boarding pass at the same time and then simply hop on the train approximately 90 minutes before your departure time.

HANDY AIRPORT LINKS

Airport information

Airport Express information

In-town check in information

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THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

As many taxi drivers speak limited English, we recommend downloading the ‘Hong Kong Taxi’ app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store depending on which device you are using. This app. will translate any addresses you have into Cantonese and will also provide a handy “flash” card showing your address. Alternatively, you may wish to print the name of your hotel or destination in Chinese, prior to your arrival.

Hong Kong weather is generally hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the mornings. Pack clothing that is light and made of natural fibres if possible, such as cotton or silk. In winter (November – February) you will need some additional layers. We suggest you also pack an umbrella. You may wish to download the ‘Hong Kong Observatory’ app, which will give you the most accurate weather information during your stay.

Ensure that you book any restaurants well in advance of your arrival as popular restaurants tend to get booked up quickly. Most restaurants have English-speaking staff but, if you have any difficulties making bookings, feel free to enlist our help by emailing: businessdevelopment.asia @dlapiper.com

Get some Hong Kong currency (Hong Kong dollars) and make sure you’ve alerted your bank to the fact you’ll be travelling to Hong Kong, so that all of your cards work during your stay.

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GETTING AROUND HONG KONG

MTR

You can easily get around Hong Kong by the MTR rail service. Traffic during the day can be very congested so we recommend the MTR as the most reliable way to get you to your destination on time. Click here to view the MTR map

Tickets

You will need to either buy a ticket for each journey at the station or purchase an Octopus Card. An Octopus Card is a stored-value smartcard which can be used to pay for most travel fares (ferries, trains, buses) and at various merchants including convenience stores and supermarkets. We strongly recommend purchasing an Octopus Card as this will make getting around much quicker and easier.

Basic Octopus Cards cost HK$150 (US$20), with HK$100 (US$13) credit plus a HK$50 (US$7) refundable deposit. The card can be ‘topped up’ at any MTR Station and most convenience stores. You can purchase (and return) the Octopus Card at the customer service station at any MTR station or the Airport Express Station at the airport.

GETTING TO THE DLA PIPER OFFICE

If you are travelling to our offices by MTR, please use Exit G at Central station.

If you are travelling to our offices by taxi, the best place to get out at will be the Landmark Mandarin Oriental.

Our full address is:

DLA Piper Hong Kong 17th Floor, Edinburgh Tower The Landmark 15 Queen’s Road Central Hong Kong China

T: +852 2103 0808

Our full address in Chinese is:

香港中環皇后大道中十五號

置地廣場公爵大廈十七樓

Click here for a map

TAXIS

Hong Kong taxis are extremely cheap compared to those in many other major cities. Taxis in Hong Kong are colour-coded according to their operating areas, with RED serving Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, GREEN serving the New Territories and BLUE serving Lantau Island. You will use mostly the red taxis whose meters start at HK$22 (US$3) for the first 2km, and a further HK$1.60 (US$0.20 cents) for every 200 metres thereafter. There are neither extra late-night charges nor peak-hour surcharges, but harbour crossings (Hong Kong Island to Kowloon or vice versa) incur toll charges. Generally speaking, you can travel anywhere around the Central area of Hong Kong for less than HK$50 (US$7).

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FOR BREAKFAST

IN CENTRAL AND IN WAN CHAI

Oolaa Petite $-$$Offers a good selection of options for both breakfast and lunch, with a full breakfast menu and lunches including salads, pizzas, pasta and burgers.

Where: Shop 12 , Regal Court, Star Street, Wan Chai. T: +852 2529 3823 Website

Classified $-$$Offering a good selection of traditional breakfast items from full English breakfast to smoked salmon bagels and muesli.

Where: G/F, 31 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai OR Exchange Square, 3rd fl., Shop 313, 8 Connaught Pl (Central) T: +852 2528 3454 (Wan Chai) and +852 2147 3454 (Central) Website

Marriott Café $$Offering a full breakfast menu. Given it’s a hotel, opening hours will be earlier than other cafe options in Hong Kong.

Where: Level 5, JW Marriott Hong Kong Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong T: +852 2810 8366 Website

Café Landmark $$Café Landmark is a good option for breakfast and lunch.

Where: 107-108,1/F, The Landmark (Atrium), 15 Queen’s Road, Central T: +852 2526 4200 Website

FOR COFFEE / A QUICK BITE

IN CENTRAL

Fuel $Perfect spot for a quick, quality coffee in Central. Fuel also serves pastries and cakes.

Where: 3rd floor, IFC Mall (8 Finance Street, Central) OR Basement of the Landmark (15 Queen’s Road, Central) T: +852 2869 9019 (IFC) or +852 2295 3815 (The Landmark) Website

Caffé Habitu $A nice choice for coffee as well as a quick bite to eat. It offers a wide range of food including sandwiches and cakes.

Where: G/F, 10 Queen’s Road East,Wan Chai T: +852 2527 8999 Website

Cova $A casual but smart café offering coffee, cake and more substantial items for lunch.

Where: Shop 134-135, 1/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central OR Shop 203, 2/F, Alexandra House, Central T: +852 2869-8777 (Prince’s Building) or + 852 2522-1833 (Alexandra House) Website

Simply Life $A casual café in the Landmark basement offering a good selection of fresh salads and sandwiches, along with pastries and cakes.

Where: Basement of the Landmark (15 Queen’s Road, Central) T: +852 2978 3929 Website

FOR COFFEE / A QUICK BITE

IN WAN CHAI

The Coffee Academics $Earning two places in the Coffee Review’s list of highest rated coffees, The Coffee Academics is a great place for a coffee on-the-go.

Where: 35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai T: +852 2154 1180 Website

Dressed Salad Bar $A great place to grab a custom made-to-order salad in a hurry.

Where: Shop 3, B3, Three Pacific Place, 1 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai T: +852 25274848 Website

Chez Patrick Deli $$A gourmet eatery and a fine grocery counter offering hearty French cuisine and tapas style food.

Where: 3 Star Street, Wan Chai T: +852 2527 1408 Website

Garden Café $A variety of options including seafood and both Western and Asian favourites, with indoor or outdoor dining options.

Where: The Conrad, 88 Queensway Road, Pacific Place, Admiralty T: +852 2521 3838 Website

FOR AFTERNOON TEA

Clipper Lounge, the Mandarin Oriental $$Conveniently situated at the heart of Central, this café offers exceptional afternoon teas. Its scones are among the best in Hong Kong!

Where: Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central T: +852 2825 4005 Website

The Lobby, the Peninsula $$$Probably the most iconic hotel in Hong Kong, many say that its colonial style afternoon tea is a must-try in Hong Kong.

Where: The Peninsula, 19-21 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui T: +852 2696 6772 Website

Tiffin, Grand Hyatt $$Situated just next to the Convention Centre, this is afternoon tea “Grand Hyatt style”.

Where: Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai T: +852 2584 7722 Website

The Lounge, Four Seasons $$A decadent afternoon tea option, also able to cater for various dietary requirements, such as gluten free options.

Where: Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central T: +852 3196 8888 Website

PLACES TO MEET AND GREET…

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WINING AND DINING

DRINKS

Armani Aqua $$Stylish and elegant lounge club and roof terrace located in the heart of Central.

Where: 2F Landmark Chater, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road, Central T: +852 3583 2828 Website

Sevva $$$Sevva has a stylishly appointed terrace with a spectacular city view. The cocktails are refreshing and well-made.

Where: 25/F Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central T: +852 2537 1388 Website

Mo Bar $$A sophisticated bar with a nice atmosphere. A good place to people watch!

Where: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road, Central T: +852 2132 0077 Website

Captain’s Bar $$Captain’s Bar is a Hong Kong institution and the traditional watering hole for Hong Kong business people.

Where: The Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central T: +852 2825 4006 Website

Café Gray Deluxe $$$Superb cocktails and jaw-dropping views from the 49th floor.

Where: L49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty T: +852 3968 1106 Website

The Waterfall Bar $$An outdoor poolside lounge featuring a fine collection of champagnes, wines and spirits, deluxe snacks and Cuban cigars.

Where: 11/F, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai T: +852 2584 7722 Website

UPMARKET LOCAL CUISINE

Peking Garden Restaurant $$-$$$A quality Beijing cuisine restaurant in the heart of Central. With live noodle making demonstrations and authentic ‘Beggar’s Chicken’ being smashed open at the table, dinner here truly is an event. ‘Beggar’s Chicken’ (chicken steamed in lotus leaves and a clay crust for 12 hours) and the traditional Peking duck are ‘must try’ dishes, but must be ordered 24 hours in advance.

Where: Shop B1, Basement 1, Alexandra House, 16-20 Chater Road, Central T: +852 2526 6456 Website

Cuisine Cuisine $$$-$$$$A good place for dim sum and Cantonese style cuisine. Besides quality food, it also offers a harbour view facing the Kowloon side.

Where: Shop 3101, 3/F, IFC Mall, 1 Harbour View Street, Central T: +852 2393 3933 Website

Yung Kee Resturant $$$A quality Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong with world famous Cantonese style roast goose, right in the heart of Central.

Where: 32-40 Wellington Street, Central T: +852 2522 1624 Website

Lung King Heen $$$$ - $$$$$The only Chinese restaurant which has three Michelin stars. Truffle dumpling, braised abalone, crispy suckling pig... all with a harbour view.

Where: Podium 4, Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central T: +852 3196 8880 Website

Island Tang $$$Some say it offers the best barbecued pork with honey (“Cha Siu”) in Hong Kong. The old-fashioned décor is also a highlight.

Where: 2/F, The Galleria Plaza, 9 Queen’s Road Central T: +852 2526 8798 Website

The Chairman $$$ - $$$$It’s everyone’s recommendation. Probably the most famous dish, and rightly so, is the steamed flower crab with aged Shaoxing wine and chicken

oil. Other favourites include the soy sauce chicken, slow-cooked pork spare ribs and smoked baby pigeon.

Where: G/F, 18 Kau U Fong, Central T: +852 2555 2202 Website

Tien Yi $$$Tien Yi translates as “The Pinnacle of the World”. This traditional Chinese restaurant is known for specialty dishes such as bird’s nest (bird’s nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years, most commonly as the base of a soup), dried abalone, along with classic items like fresh seafood, BBQ meat and dim sum. They also offer an extensive wine list.

Where: Lower Ground 1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Central T: +852 2918 9889 Website

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‘REAL’ LOCAL CUISINE

If you are looking for a feast fit for a king on a shoe string budget, Hong Kong is the place for you. For those who want to experience the food local Hong Kong people eat day-to-day, we have set out below some suggestions. However, be prepared to share a table with strangers, use kitchen paper as a napkin and sit on plastic seats!

Ser Wong Fun $One of the oldest local restaurants in Hong Kong, Ser Wong Fun has been in the same family for generations. With local roasted meats and fresh fish, plus an array of other traditional Cantonese dishes this is a must try for any food lover. The sliced Garoupa with vegetables and the Hong Kong Sausage and Char Siu with rice come highly recommended by the DLA Piper team!

Where: G/F, 30 Cochrane Street, Central - just near the bottom of the escalator T: +852 2543 1032 Website

Wang Fu $Run by senior citizen Madame Wang, Wang Fu serves authentic dumplings and Beijing crepes. Madame Wang is a real character and notorious for encouraging you to eat quickly so she can maximise profit and serve the queues of people often waiting for a table outside. The daily specials should always be sampled, along with the pork and chive dumplings!

Where: 65 Wellington Street, Central T: +852 2121 8089 Website

Dumpling Yuan $Recommended by the Michelin Guide as ‘the’ place to try fried dumplings. As the name suggests, this restaurant only sells dumplings but they are not just any old dumplings, they are simply the best in town. Members of the DLA Piper team can often be spotted enjoying the mutton and spring onion dumplings whilst avoiding their personal trainers!

Where: G/F, 69 Wellington Street, Central T: +852 2525 9018 Website

Central Hawker Market $Hawker markets where food is cooked on ‘Dai Pai Dongs’ (open air food stalls) are an age old tradition in Hong Kong. They are not for the faint hearted but the reward of steamed local fish with soy and spring onion makes the somewhat ‘gritty’ atmosphere worthwhile!

Where: Graham Street, Central

UPMARKET INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Alfie’s $$ - $$$A smart and cosy restaurant offering traditional British food. Also known for their killer martini cocktails.

Where: Shop M18-19, M/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central T: +852 2530 4422 Website

Café Gray Deluxe $$$Modern European cuisine served on the 49th floor of the Upper House Hotel.

Where: L49 The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty T: +852 3968 1106 Website

Caprice $$$$ - $$$$$A two Michelin star restaurant with superb views over Victoria Harbour, serving contemporary French cuisine accompanied by the finest French wines.

Where: Podium 6, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central T: +852 3196 8860 Website

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar $$$This traditional Italian restaurant serves exceptional Italian fare. The handmade pizza and the harbour view are definitely a highlight.

Where: 1/F, The Fleet Arcade, 1 Lung King Street, Fenwick Pier, Wan Chai T: +852 2511 8912 Website

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon $$$$ - $$$$$A tapas style French restaurant. Dining at this three Michelin star restaurant is an event in itself where the layout allows you to witness all aspects of the meal preparation.

Where: Shop 401, 4/F, The Landmark, 16 Des Voeux Road, Central T: +852 2166 9000 Website

Restaurant Petrus $$$$ - $$$$$This one Michelin star restaurant serves classical French food complemented by traditional French wine and décor.

Where: 56/F, Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty T: +852 2820 8590 Website

Zuma $$$A contemporary Japanese restaurant with a bar on the upper floor where you can enjoy the Central night view on the balcony. Also offers a great value ‘free flow’ champagne brunch on the weekend.

Where: 5/F, The Landmark,12-16 Des Voeux Road, Central T: +852 3657 6388 Website

8½ Otto e Mezze BOMBANA $$$$ - $$$$$The only three Michelin star Italian restaurant in Hong Kong, offering high quality authentic Italian food with an extensive wine list and impeccable service.

Where: Shop 202, 2/F, Alexandra House, 5-17 Des Voeux Road, Central T: +852 2537 8859 Website

SMART CASUAL INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Posto Publicco $$Authentic hand crafted Italian, living up to their motto of “we are not fine dining, we are premium eating”.

Where: 28 Elgin Street, Mid-Levels T: +852 2577 7160 Website

Press Room $$A charming bar and brasserie offering French-European cuisine, situated in the former space of the Chinese Daily News/Hua Qiao Daily newspaper.

Where: 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan T: +852 2525 3444 Website

Tango Argentinean Steakhouse $$Tango is the place to enjoy cuts of prime Argentine beef cooked over an open fired Parilla.

Where: 1st Floor, Carfield Building, 77 Wyndham Street, Central T: +852 2525 5808 Website

208 Duecento Otto $$A fantastic place to people watch in the heart of the trendy Sheung Wan neighbourhood whilst enjoying an authentic Italian feast.

Where: 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan T: +852 2549 0208 Website

Upper Modern Bistro $$A charming French inspired bistro with Asian influences, located in the heart of Sheung Wan.

Where: 6-14 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan T: +852 2517 0977 Website

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THE BEST OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOONTHE TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET

A popular street bazaar, named after a Tin Hau temple located in the centre of its main drag, and a place so steeped in local atmosphere that it has served as the backdrop to many a memorable movie. Trinkets, tea ware, electronics, watches, menswear, jade and antiques are scrutinised and haggled over, while claypot rice, seafood, noodles and other treats are consumed with gusto.

Where: Take the MTR to Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C, turn onto Temple Street at Man Ming Lane or Jordan Station, Exit A. Turn right onto Jordan Road and then take another right onto Temple Street.

NAN LIAN GARDEN

This 35,000-square-metre garden built in the style of the Tang dynasty (618–907) style is defined by its characteristic timber structures, water ponds, unusually shaped rocks and charming old trees.

Where: Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2 and follow the signs.

SIK SIK YUEN WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

The Wong Tai Sin Temple’s claim to ‘make every wish come true upon request’ might have something to do with its popularity. Home to three religions (Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism) its natural setting and beautiful ornamental buildings make it as much a scenic attraction as an important religious centre.

Where: Take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin Station, Exit B2 and follow the signs.

TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE

Starting at the colonial Clock Tower and stretching all the way to Hung Hom, a stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) Promenade takes you past the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Avenue of Stars.

Where: Take the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai. The Promenade is right next to the Star Ferry pier in Tsim Sha Tsui.

LADIES’ MARKET

With over 100 stalls of bargain clothing, accessories and souvenirs, the Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street provides a one-kilometre stretch on which to practise your haggling skills. Though the name suggests it’s only relevant for women, there is a huge array watches, cosmetics, bags, home furnishings, CDs and trinkets for both women and men alike.

Where:

Take the MTR to Mong Kok Station, Exit E2. Walk along Nelson Street for two blocks.

Take Bus 1, 1A, 2, 6 or 9 from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry pier and get off at Nelson Street station.

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THE BEST OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON

THE PEAK

An absolute must for any first time visitor to Hong Kong. The Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, and has been the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times.

Where: Take the Peak Tram from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road (reach it by taxi or walk from MTR Central Station, Exit J2 and follow the signs). You can also walk up the Peak, but be prepared to sweat! To walk, you can go up to the top of the Escalator and follow the signs, or else jump in a taxi!

THE STAR FERRY

The Star Ferry is an institution as well as being a spectacular mode of transportation across Victoria Harbour. A trip across provides terrific views of both sides of the harbour. It is particularly stunning at night. A trip takes approximately 7-8 minutes.

Where: Head to Central Ferry Pier No.7. You can either go via the walkways from Central, or jump in a taxi.

SOHO & THE MID-LEVELS ESCALATOR

The Central Mid-Levels Escalator cuts through the Mid-Levels (a popular residential area half way up the Peak), running from Central to Conduit Road. It allows people to travel quickly between these two places, compared with travelling by the winding roads up the mountain. At 800 metres (2,600 ft), it is the longest outdoor Escalator in the world. It was opened on 15 October 1994. The Escalator runs downhill from 6am to 10am every morning and uphill from 10:30am to midnight every day. Pedestrians travelling in the opposite direction make use of the adjacent stairs and footpaths. An excellent place for people watching and to catch a glimpse of every day Hong Kong life!

Where: The Escalator runs from Queen’s Road Central to Conduit Road.

HAPPY VALLEY RACES

An outing at the Wednesday night races is a quintessential Hong Kong activity (and an absolute bargain at just HK$10 for entry). The first horse races were held here in 1846.

Where: Happy Valley Sports Ground, 2 Sports Rd, Happy Valley. 7pm-10:30pm every Wednesday from September to June.

FOOT MASSAGES

Hong Kong is famous for its foot massages – there’s no better place to relax after a long day!

We recommend Happy Foot in Central.

Where: 19th Floor, Century Square, No.1 D’Aguilar Street, Central T: +852 2522 1151

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OFF THE BEATEN TRACK – HIKING

LANTAU ISLAND WALK STAGE 9 OF THE LANTAU TRAIL

To enjoy the DLA Piper Team’s favourite hike in Hong Kong, which skirts beautiful barren coast, follow the directions below. Detailed information is available here.

1. Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo (35 minutes by fast ferry).

2. Directly opposite the ferry pier in Mui Wo is the bus station. Take the No.1 bus heading towards Tai O or get a taxi (the taxi stand is within the bus station).

3. Get off the bus / out of the taxi at Shek Pik Reservoir. If you get a bus, be vigilant to press the stop button as you cross the Shek Pik Reservoir (it will be on your right). Alight at the bus stop and walk back across the Reservoir to find the start of Stage 9 on your right.

To get back to Mui Wo

1. Stage 9 ends in the village of Shui Hau. There is a bus stop on the main road, where you can get the No.1 bus back to Mui Wo. Otherwise you can take a taxi.

2. If you’re looking for lunch after your hike,

get off the bus / out of the taxi at Lower Cheung Sha Beach to find the beachside restaurants, including ‘The Stoep’ which is very popular. If you take a bus, be sure to press the ‘stop’ button as you pass the fire station on your left.

3. To get back to Mui Wo from Lower Cheung Sha Beach, you can get back on the No.1 bus or take a taxi.

THE TWIN PEAKS STAGE 1 OF THE WILSON TRAIL

Warning... this is a strenuous walk, but well worth it for the amazing views! Take a taxi and ask to be dropped at ‘Parkview’, (this is about 20 minutes from Central and will cost approximately HK$60 / US$8). The start of the Wilson Trail is well marked at Parkview.

Once you reach the end of Stage 1, drop down to the main road and flag a taxi to take you into Stanley village for lunch. We can recommend the Boathouse for a nice lunch with a good view.

To get back to Central, you can either take the number 5 bus from the bus terminal or (we recommend after your difficult walk!) get a taxi (it will cost approximately HK$200 / US$25).

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ISLAND HOPPING

LAMMA ISLAND

From a traditional Chinese fishing village to a laid-back multicultural community, Lamma’s blend of Western and Chinese island life creates an atmosphere that has proved irresistible for Hong Kong’s busy residents. Some live here, but many come here as day-trippers, enjoying lunch at one of the many great seafood restaurants.

Directions:

Get the ferry from Central Pier 4 to the island. The ferry from Central to Lamma Island’s main village, Yung Shue Wan is about 20 minutes. Once there, head on the path towards Hung Shing Ye Beach and then onwards to follow the signs to Sok Kwu Wan. Once in Sok Kwu Wan, you can choose from a selection of authentic local Chinese seafood restaurants.

GIANT BUDDHA ON LANTAU ISLAND

Visit the Giant Buddha Exhibition Hall at Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery. Ride a cable car from Tung Chung to enjoy spectacular views of Lantau Island, the Ngong Ping Plateau and the South China Sea.

Directions (there are a few different options here):

Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take Ngong Ping Cable Car, which takes around 25 minutes. Then walk for around 10 minutes to the Monastery.

Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take New Lantao Bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre, which takes around 45 minutes. Then walk for around 8 minutes to the Monastery.

Catch the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take the New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village, which takes around 40 minutes.

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FURTHER AFIELD

MACAU

Macau is famous for casinos and its Portuguese architecture. Make sure you remember your passport!

Directions:

Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, located at: Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan or the China Ferry Terminal, located at: 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Ferries run from the both the Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island and from the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) in Kowloon. First Ferry runs the operation from TST, and Turbojet runs ferries from Hong Kong Island. Cotaijet runs ferries to the Taipa ferry terminal that offer easier access to Macau’s major casinos and hotels on the Cotai Strip.

CHINA

Hong Kong is the undisputed gateway to China. Depending on which part of China you plan to visit, trains and flights may be equally viable as travel options. You will probably require a visa to enter into China, which can take at least a week to obtain so it is best to get one before you arrive. Shenzhen is just over the border and is a good place to start your visit.

Directions to Shenzhen:

From East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station on Kowloon side you need to take the East Rail Line (the only line available) to Lo Wu, which is on the Hong Kong/Chinese border. Here, you will exit at the Hong Kong side, go through the border, and immediately on the other side find the Shenzhen metro service. The Chinese side is referred to as Luo Hu.

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