For these of us longing to see into a vibrant kaleidoscope of historical past and to expertise a pulsating explosion of tradition, Hong Kong excites all of the senses, and much exceeded my expectations.

Situated on the south coast of China and enclosed by the South China Sea and the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong is known for its pure harbour and beautiful skyline. With seven million individuals jostling for place on 426 sq. miles, Hong Kong is without doubt one of the world’s most densely populated areas and due to this fact the fixed hustle and bustle of native life will enthral probably the most ardent traveller.

In 1839, following the primary opium battle, Hong Kong Island turned a colony of the British Empire and, because of widened boundaries in 1860, Kowloon Peninsula was included, adopted by the New Territories in 1898. Hong Kong was occupied by the Japanese through the Pacific Warfare and Britain regained management till 1997 when China resumed sovereignty.

Hong Kong is an awesome expertise and presents guests an in depth vary of sights, first-class resorts, glorious eating places, energetic bars and it’s actually a client’s paradise. Within the phrases of His Majesty King Charles III, ‘Hong Kong has created one of the crucial profitable societies on Earth’.

On arrival, I checked in on the Mandarin Oriental, positioned on Connaught Highway Central. The personal check-in process was swift and extremely environment friendly, my baggage was handled in a jiffy and I used to be escorted to a luxurious harbour view suite, measuring 72 sq. metres and with spectacular views over Victoria Harbour. Sumptuously furnished with tender carpeting, a plump snug sofa and a king measurement mattress swathed in cool white linens, I succumbed to a deep slumber with ease.

Up with the larks and I headed for the plush Mandarin Membership, which is an all-day retreat providing privileges together with breakfast, afternoon tea, night cocktails and complimentary espresso, tea and tender drinks for friends residing in suites.

Following my morning feast I emerged onto the road, bathed within the heat glow of the sunshine, and headed for some retail remedy at Cat Avenue in Sheung Wan, the best spot to flick through vintage cash and watches and exquisite stone carvings. I then jostled politely with the maelstrom of crowds on the frantic Girls Market in Tung Choi Avenue and used my persuasive haggling abilities for luggage, costume jewelry, and informal clothes.

Temple Avenue Night time Market is one other delight for buyers as it’s full of rows of stalls providing digital devices, CDs, extra costume jewelry, trinkets galore and a unending stream of meals stalls creating probably the most scrumptious array of aromas wafting by way of the air.

I spent fairly a while wandering round Yau Ma Tei, which is thought for its martial arts dens, busy tea rooms, mah-jong parlours and a lot extra and, in fact, I had my fortune informed by a chook! Stanley Market is the place to view Chinese language art work, silks and an abundance of treasures. I’m not ashamed to say that I parted with a considerable sum of Hong Kong {dollars} in trade for some actual bargains.

For designer items, there’s a variety of buying malls with excessive finish merchandise to entice probably the most resistant. I like to recommend The One, which hyperlinks buying zones alongside Canton Highway and Tsim Sha Tsui Central. The 29 storey mall is the tallest advanced in Hong Kong and presents over 400,000 sq. ft of outlets stocked with luxurious gadgets. Make sure to examine your bank card restrict is additional beneficiant!

I wanted a breather after such a splurge and made my technique to Ginseng and Fowl’s Nest Avenue the place I sampled the ginseng, which, utilized in Chinese language medication for hundreds of years, is believed to be important for a good complexion, longevity and vitality. As soon as rejuvenated, I dropped off my baggage within the protected palms of the receptionist at my lodge after which made my technique to the harbour the place I launched into a mini voyage, crusing on the Star Ferry, which is certainly one of Hong Kong’s hottest sights.

Every night at 8pm, the Symphony of Lights, a mesmerising multimedia extravaganza, unfolds. The world’s largest sound and lightweight present, as recorded within the Guinness World Information, options over 40 skyscrapers illuminated on each side of Victoria Harbour. While the laser beams dance throughout the inky black Hong Kong skyline, me and my fellow passengers sipped on chilled wine and admired the present. I joined in with the spontaneous applause with gusto and it was completely thrilling, in actual fact it was the spotlight of my journey.

And, in fact, for one more day of enjoyable and journey I visited Disneyland Hong Kong, which is far smaller than the Florida or California parks, so you’ll not be pressed for time. I like to recommend The Mickey and Associates Avenue Celebration and the Pageant of the Lion King stage present, which each had the viewers enthralled, and the sight of Mickey, Minnie Mouse and Pluto surrounded by star struck youngsters and grown-ups is simply great. I admit to being caught up within the second and laughed with delight after I noticed Goofy strolling down the street.

All too quickly my journey got here to an finish and again at my lodge I headed for the Captain’s Bar, ordered a zingy cocktail and mirrored on my explorations. I held my glass excessive within the air and made a toast to Hong Kong, a real explosion of tradition and historical past and a merely unforgettable expertise.

Factbox

Prime Tip – Go to Disneyland Hong Kong through the forthcoming Chinese language New 12 months in February when the Disney characters proudly show their Chinese language costumes and there are celebrations galore.

Flights – Fly to Hong Kong in fashion direct from London Heathrow with Cathay Pacific. For extra data go to cathaypacific.com

Lodging – For extra particulars of the featured lodging go to mandarinoriental.com

To do – Go to the Hong Kong Tourism Board at discoverhongkong.com