Recently in Hong Kong Category

Hong Kong's Amazing Science Museum

Monday March 8, 2010

Hong Kong Science Museum Photo.jpgHong Kong is a high-energy city, pulsating with activity at all hours, but if you want to learn the secrets behind what powers this modern metropolis, make your way to the Tsim Sha Tsui East neighborhood. There, the Hong Kong Science Museum will help you unravel the mysteries of energy, aviation, robotics, computers, and dozens of other fields of exploration. The museum is filled with about 500 exhibits related to science and technology, and it's a great place to spend a relaxing and educational afternoon learning about the forces that control the world. An interactive Virtual Reality exhibit, for example, will amaze you with just how realistic a computer-generated world can be. An exhibit on biodiversity in China, meanwhile, illustrates the amazing depth and breadth of nature in the world's most populous country. But the biggest star of the museum is energy itself. The museum's 22-meter-high twin-tower energy machine can be triggered to come alive and produce a series of fantastical effects that illustrate the various forms of energy, how they are created, and how they can be transformed. It's a metaphor for Hong Kong itself. Starwood has three hotels in Hong Kong: the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, Le Méridien Cyberport, and the stylish W Hong Kong.

[image via lcsd.gov.hk]

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Peter Foreman is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur and thelobby.com's expert on Asia.

On your next visit to Hong Kong, I strongly recommend that you cross over the harbor from either Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers or the W Hong Kong to enjoy sensational views of the city from The Terrace at Sevva (Level 25, The Prince's Building).  The Terrace wraps itself around the rooftop of The Prince's Building and offers 360 degree views of the skyline.
 
You get to sit (or stand) outside, so it is weather dependent, but the views of Central, the Kowloon skyline and the harbor are impressive.  This is an ideal spot to enjoy Hong Kong's 'Symphony of Lights' which is played out nightly at 8pm from both sides of the harbor.  Sevva also offers a taste bar, lounge and restaurant - which I did not try and there are mixed reviews when you search online.  For three of us, we paid just HK$561 (US$75). Whatever you decide, I suggest you reserve in advance.  

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Ping Shan Heritage Trail.JPGWith its soaring towers and cutting-edge technology, Hong Kong is one of the world's most futuristic cities, but one area has managed to maintain its rural charms throughout the years. The Tin Shui Wai neighborhood was once renowned for its many productive rice farms, which provided residents with a standard of living that was the envy of the city. The fields are long gone, but visitors can catch a glimpse of what life was like for the farmers and merchants with a walk along the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. The one-kilometer trail winds through three villages - Hang Mei Tsuen, Hang Tau Tsuen and Sheung Cheung Wai - which contain some of the most historically valuable buildings in the New Territories.

The trail begins near the West Rail Station, and walkers are greeted with Hong Kong's only ancient pagoda, Tsui Shing Lau, a tri-level structure that dates back over 600 years. Further along the trail, visitors will encounter several altars, shrines, and temples, such as the Yeung Hau Temple, with ornate statues of Taoist deities such as Hau Wong, and the Tang Ancestral Hall, one of the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. Even if you don't know exactly what you're looking at, you'll enjoy some of the finer details of the walk, from the stone walls surrounding the villages (designed to protect them from raiders), to the intricately-tiled roofs that are always adorned by figures and traditional artwork. It's a rare glimpse of the Hong Kong of yesteryear. Starwood has three hotels in Hong Kong: the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, the W Hong Kong, and Le Méridien Cyberport.

[image via hkoutdoors.com]

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Everything feels big in Hong Kong, and that includes the temples and monasteries that dot the city. Among the grandest is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, which is located on a mountain behind Shatin Pai Tau Village. It's a steep climb to the top, but once you make it, you're rewarded with one of the most striking temples in China, as well as a panorama of Hong Kong that's simply breathtaking. The temple isn't very old, dating only to 1957, but the pagodas, halls, and pavilions represent a perfect rendering of ancient architectural styles, and to see robed monks wander the carefully manicured grounds is to witness a tradition that dates back thousands of years. As for the Buddhas, that 10,000 figure is actually an understatement, as the temple boasts about 12,000 statues of the Buddha, each in a different pose representing a different facet of life. It would take forever to inspect them all, so just focus on those that match your current spiritual state and go forth in peace and tranquility. It will be an experience that will stay with you forever. Starwood has three hotels in Hong Kong: the W Hong Kong, the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, and Le Méridien Cyberport.

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hongkongintlairport.jpgThe latest layover in our occasional series "Airport Food" is Hong Kong International. If you're flying in here to stay at Le Méridien Cyberport, you're in luck: there's a lot to choose from in either terminal, whether you're looking for a snack or something more substantial.

Terminal 1 is where most flights leave from, as only two airlines fly out of Terminal 2, so chances are you'll be hungry and searching for food there. Congee, a rice porridge, is one of Hong Kong's favorite morning meals, and there's plenty of it; try King's Palace Congee & Noodle in the East Hall, or Precious Congee in the West Hall. For lunch or dinner, Cafe Deco is a good bet, if you've got time to sit. If not, Lost City of Snacks offers small bites to go. If you're craving a sandwich, try Panopolis.

Terminal 2 features a large shopping plaza containing several restaurants, including Sarangchae, a Korean barbecue, and Chao Inn, a traditional Hong Kong Chinese place. Wong Chi Kee is another good option for wontons and congee. One thing is certain: if you're at Hong Kong International, you won't go hungry.

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Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers 200.jpgIf you're in the process of planning a winter getaway, give some thought to Hong Kong. The weather is sunny and warm, the city's cultural scene is in full swing, and you can get a great rate on one of the city's best hotels. That's right, the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much to enjoy one of Asia's most exciting cities. Art lovers might appreciate an exhibit entitled No Frontiers: the Art of Ding Yanyong at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, which is just steps from the hotel. The world famous Star Ferry is also nearby, an affordable and most romantic ways to travel across Victoria Harbor from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. For those feeling lucky, the Happy Valley Racecourse is a mile away, offering world-class horse racing in an environment that evokes the grandeur and majesty of days gone by. When it's time to dine, head back to the hotel and choose from its seven bars and lounges, which range from the Celestial Court Chinese Restaurant to the Sky Lounge, with its unparalleled views of Hong Kong and beyond. The Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the latest deals.

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Hong Kong's Spectacular Big Buddha

Monday December 29, 2008

As the story goes, the spiritual teacher known as Buddha gained enlightenment after sitting under a Bodhi tree and meditating for 49 days. Statues and images of the Buddha in his meditative pose can be found throughout Asia, but there are few more impressive than the Big Buddha on Hong Kong's Lantau Island. Located at the Po Lin Monastery, the Tian Tan Big Buddha graces the top of Muk Yue Peak, and visitors who climb to the top of the three-story exhibition hall to its pedestal are rewarded with a spectacular panorama of Hong Kong as well as the benevolent protection of this 2,500-year-old ascetic. In addition to the Buddha, the monastery has several historic and culturally rich buildings, including the Ancestral Hall, the Lotus Pagoda, and the tantalizingly-named Diamond Cave. You won't find many actual diamonds there - it's the place where Buddhist ceremonies are held - but isn't enlightenment worth more than a diamond? Of course it is. Guests at the W Hong Kong or any of Starwood's Hong Kong properties will enjoy an afternoon exploring this spiritually charged destination.

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Delectable Lounging in Hong Kong

Friday December 26, 2008

whongkong1.jpgThe newly opened W Hong Kong is creating buzz not only for its snazzy architecture, including a stunning mural overlooking the rooftop pool, but also for its restaurants, Fire and Kitchen. Fire serves up innovative fusion cuisine in a chic setting, while the Kitchen offers diners a pan-Asian comfort food menu, but with interesting touches: food is served buffet style in a working kitchen, and there's a communal table for singles dining alone.

Moving beyond the hotel, SEVVA has been garnering a lot of attention as the latest project of HK socialite/restaurateur Bonnie Gokson. It boasts a 360° view of the skyline, and is about as chic as it gets. The food and service may be hit-or-miss, though: Time Out Hong Kong's review was sour, yet it still received runner-up in for their 2008 best new bar.

Another option isThe Pawn, it's more relaxed, but still a place to see and be seen. A four-story gastropub and lounge in an 1888 building formerly occupied by a pawn shop, you can get a taste of the old Colonial days with steak and kidney pie and a pint of Guinness -- or step up to the rooftop garden, which has its own bar and unique ambiance.

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Starpick the W Hong Kong

Thursday October 9, 2008

W Hong Kong 200.jpgWhile Hong Kong has centuries of history behind it, it's a city that's constantly reaching for the future. But its glimmering glass towers and mesmerizing neon signs belie a gentler vision of tomorrow, where the latest technology and modern style comes comes together in harmony to create an atmosphere that's at once inspiring, invigorating, and relaxing. The new W Hong Kong is such an atmosphere, and if you'd like to see it for yourself, there's no time like the present. That's because it's one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. So head on over to Hong Kong for a few days of fun and excitement, secure in knowing you're getting a great deal on one of the city's sleekest hotels. Set amid the shops and offices of Kowloon, the W Hong Kong is close to the city's greatest attractions. Take a stroll to the famous Star Ferry, search for bargains at Elements shopping mall, and take in the tantalizing aromas of the Temple Street Night Market. But save some time to explore the hotel as well, because there's a lot to see. The very first Bliss Spa in Asia has nine luxurious treatment rooms and lounges so luxurious you might not ever want to leave. And when it comes to indulging your cravings, be sure to pay a visit to one of four restaurants and lounges on the property, including the romantic FIRE steak and seafood restaurant and sexy Living Room lounge, where the W cocktail list will ensure your stay has plenty of flavor. As you savor your drink and marvel at the Hong Kong skyline, you can begin to plan your next Starpicks adventure.

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Peter Foreman is the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Sheraton Haikou Resort in China and thelobby.com's expert on the region.

Being a Sydney-sider, I miss, in my opinion, the world's most beautiful harbour, Sydney Harbour. However, on my frequent visits to Hong Kong I am always mesmerized by the evening skyline of Hong Kong and I never tire of the Symphony of Lights show. Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour comes alive with this nightly show that has been awarded by Guinness World Records as the world's largest permanent light and sound show. Laser beams, colored lights and searchlights beam from no less than 44 buildings on both sides of the harbour creating an unforgettable evening. The show is staged to music, vantage points are along the waterfront promenades of Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon) or the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island). For the best seats in town, I reserve a Harbour View Room at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers or visit the Sky Lounge on the top floor of the hotel. Arrive early for the window seats and enjoy cocktails and the show together! Cheers!

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