<p>H, a college prof, will be working in Hong Kong this summer living in an apartment, and I’ll be spending 3 weeks there in July. More than likely, we’ll never get there again.</p>
<p>Please give advice about things to do, particularly things that will help us understand the culture. Keep in mind that we will be on a penny pinching budget.</p>
<p>H has never been to Asia before. I went to Japan for about a week about 25 years ago.</p>
<p>My favorite thing when I was in Hong Kong was a visit to the Tian Tan Buddha at the Po Lin Monastery. It was amazing.
If you want to go on the cheap just ask about the bus the locals use. It was very cheap and a thrill in and of its self LOL
We were the only Americans on the bus and were hard pressed to find an English speaker to help us with our stop- so make sure you know exactly where you want to get off LOL You could easily spend several hours there and there are some great photo ops. If you do some research ahead of time you will get much more out of the visit. Be advised - it is not a tour bus type thing and a little frightening on some of the narrow roads even! Have fun!</p>
<p>Hainan is a tropical island. This might be nice if you like beaches. Sanya is a resort that hosted the Miss Universe show.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the tips. I’m Buddhist and I love to take pictures. </p>
<p>Also, I am black. Do you know if the Chinese have any feelings pro or con African Americans? I’ve found that being African American is a big plus in France, but I also know that there are places in which it can be a minus.</p>
<p>Lan Tao island is also great, take boat, great open fish retaurants and great culture! </p>
<p>Do not miss the midnight markets, for fun cultural items, great jewlery!</p>
<p>Northstarmom a few of my favorite (cheap) things to do include the bird and flower markets (walking distance to one another - Yuen Po Street & Flower Market Road), the women’s market (Tung Choi Street), definitely the Tian Tan Buddha (on Lantau Island…take the Star Ferry, then a bus), Hollywood Road for antique browsing, and Nathan Road (Kowloon) for people watching almost any time, but especially fun at night (there’s even a GREAT $1 store there, where I bought all my friends silk purses, eyeglass cases, and more). If you wear prescription glasses, bring your latest prescription, eyeglasses are cheap (and excellent quality) in HK. Take the Peak Tram funicular up to Victoria Peak for one of the most amazing views ever, consider going up around sunset to enjoy both daylight and nighttime views…breathtaking (buy a round trip for the best fare break ~ $4.50 us, r/t); open until midnight…romantic) </p>
<p>It will be hotter than you know what in July, so dip a washcloth in cold water, and store it a ziplock bag in the fridge; carry the ziplock with you when you go out, you’ll appreciate the cool on your neck and face as you wander around. Drink lots of bottled water (cheap in Hong Kong, and plentiful).</p>
<p>Right now a US dollar = about 7.80 HK dollar. Make a small currency chart so you can quickly analyze and see how resonable (or not) something is. (<a href=“http://finance.yahoo.com/currency?u[/url]”>http://finance.yahoo.com/currency?u</a>)</p>
<p>You have PLENTY of time to research and make some excellent plans. HK is a beautiful place and a lot of fun.</p>
<p>Two things I like the most about Hong Kong:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Food; you can get pretty decent and yummy food with even under 4 bucks in many places and there are TONS of restaurants everywhere. The density of resturants within many areas is amazing. On the other hand, if you want expensive ones, there are also plenty of those. Last time I was there, our bill was over $100 per person in one of the fancier Chinese restaurants.</p></li>
<li><p>The ease of getting around–the public transit that makes NYC’s system looks inefficient and slow. It’s very neat and clean (don’t eat within the subway or you can be fined for $600).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Couple more things:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Be aware that air pollution could potentially be a problem. HK has okay standard in restricting pollution but the cities up north in mainland China has pretty lax standard. So even the industry in HK has been primariy service and finance oriented for quite some time (most manufacturing operations had been moved to China in the 90s because of much cheaper labor cost), its air pollution has gotten worse.</p></li>
<li><p>It’s okay not to tip in most places. I got used to tipping here so when I went back, I often left the coins on the table but many locals didn’t leave anything. Some fancier restaurants automatically add 10% service charge. There’s also no sale tax.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>July in HK - humid!</p>
<p>I would take the tram on HK island to go up to Victoria Peak and walk at least once around. You will get to see the whole island and the Kowloon side (across the harbor).</p>
<p>Take a trip to Macao. That can be a day trip. (It used to be a Portugesse colony as HK was British. It definitely has a different flavor.) Hainan Island is a little far and you will need to fly there.</p>
<p>Take a ferry to the larger outer islands, e.g., Lantau.</p>
<p>Ride the double decker buses and electric rail cars. Taxis are all over the place too. Riding the Star Ferry is about as cheap as you can get for some cool sea breezes.</p>
<p>Eat at the hole-in-the-wall shops/restaurants - won-ton & noodles, congee, etc. Buy some fresh squeezed sugar cane juice. Go for a dim sum lunch. Tea at Maxim’s. You can eat cheaply if you are adventurous.</p>
<p>You mentioned that you are a Buddhist. Are you vegetarian as well? If so, there are many vegetarian restaurants. When I was young (years ago), there were a few (samll) vegetarian restaurants that served what I remember as Buddhist fare (mock duck, pork, oyster, chicken, etc., plus the usual vegetable dishes.) and I enjoyed visiting them once in awhile. The last time I visited in '97 there were some really fancy ones now that are more gourmet restaurants than not.</p>
<p>In the U.S., most of the Chinese restaurants serve mostly a mix of region dishes, unless you have a good sized Chinatown in a bigger city. In HK you will be able to visit restaurants that serves specific region cuisines, e.g., Cantonese (lighter sauces if any, fresh spices), Shanghainese (sweeter, heavier sauces), Pekingese (oilier, heavier sauces, great steamed bread) Fujian, Szehuan (hot spicy), etc.</p>
<p>Tiger Balm Garden, if it’s still there, has murals that show you the cycles of reincarnations and such. I remember thinking of it as the gaudiest place but the imagery of the suffering in the after life if I didn’t behave in this life made a very strong impression in my young mind.</p>
<p>When I travel, I like to sample one American eatery to see how they have adapted their menu to the local tastes. In Japan, I tried a seafood McD burger that we had never seen state-side. In HK, the McD was just like those in the States. Perhaps KFC would be a bit different. I would not waste more than one meal doing it.</p>
<p>HK is very much a cosmopolitan city - just think NYC but with Chinese being the majority. African Americans are not uncommon. Any foreigner would get stares and gigles if you wander off the usual downtown and touristy places.</p>
<p>HK is a shopping mecca. However, I would not buy jade without a trusted, knowledgeable guide or jeweler.</p>
<p>Sorry for the long post. If I can think of more, I’ll post again. Got to go.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Go on a diet NOW. You will not believe the tasty food in Hong Kong! Eating is the main pleasure in Hong Kong. If you are treated to dinners–you will find yourself bursting after the fifth or sixth course–so pace yourself through the early courses (very difficult).</p>
<ol>
<li>In addition to PA’s suggestions, be sure to take a harbour cruise.<br></li>
</ol></li>
<li><p>Be sure to walk through Kowloon at night. </p></li>
<li><p>Be sure to order Peking duck somewhere famous (Spring Deer is famous <a href=“http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hongkong/D44600.html[/url]”>www.frommers.com/destinations/hongkong/D44600.html</a> - 65k )</p></li>
<li><p>Be sure to go to have Dim sum EVERY weekend that you are there–try different restaurants and ask residents which is their favorite dim sum restaurant. The bigger the better. In fact, that’s a good way to open up all conversations–by getting restaurant recommendations.</p></li>
<li><p>If you want to adjust to the heat, try staying out of the super chilly aircon for a few hours. Cool down by rinsing your feet in cold water in the tub.</p></li>
<li><p>Visit the Flagstaff House of Teaware ( a division of the Hong Kong Museum) housed in an old colonial building.<a href=“http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/museums/mu_hk_0001.jhtml[/url]”>http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/museums/mu_hk_0001.jhtml</a></p></li>
<li><p>Visit the Botanic Gardens. <a href=“http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/hkzbg/en/index.php[/url]”>http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/hkzbg/en/index.php</a></p></li>
<li><p>Try to find a Tai chi class in the parks? Ask your husbands hosts…</p></li>
<li><p>The Chinese have a 5000 year old culture. Americans have a 200 year old culture. Below the surface, the Chinese feel there is no comparison–and will tell you so if you happen to inquire 
. That said, Hong Kong is wildly cosmopolitan–one of the truly global cities–and I do not think you will experience blatant racism. Dress up to get better service and respect–Hong Kong is a very wealthy, high fashion city.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Have fun!</p>
<p>Northstarmom, What a wonderful opportunity! I think you’ve received some sound advice so I’ll just touch on a couple of points:</p>
<p>Hong Kong is a fascinating place. It’s crowded, busy, polluted but at the same time very accessible for all budgets – good transportation, cheap eats, bargain shopping, plenty of sights, very safe. There are zillions of books and on-line advice sites that will give you tips, but just getting out and walking is very fulfilling.</p>
<p>This site is a good place for questions from the mundane to the philosophical: <a href=“Asia - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums”>Asia - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums;
<p>Where will you be staying? Basically the choices are Hong Kong island or the mainland part of Hong Kong known as Kowloon. Personally I like Hong Kong island but many of the more economic hotels are in Kowloon. Either way, it’s a compact place and you can easily get around by ferry or subway. The Star Ferry is an event in itself.</p>
<p>You won’t experience overt racism as there are plenty of people from all over the world in Hong Kong, but you may get stared at. Cantonese people are rather loud – it’s considered a good trait – and although they are excessively polite to friends and family, they can be rude and aggressive to strangers. Like New Yorkers, they move fast.</p>
<p>Despite the highrise ghettos, Hong Kong has a surprising number of parks and trails, holdovers from the days of British walkers. One I especially like is Bowen path in Midlevels. Or take the tram to the peak and walk the perimeter at sunset.</p>
<p>You can take a ferry to the outlying islands and still find some vestiges of culture. Try to get to China while you’re there. It’s fairly easy to find an organized tour.</p>
<p>“Culture” is a tricky concept in Hong Kong. The focus truly is making and spending money, with eating, shopping and gambling as adjuncts. </p>
<p>Chinese operas – both from Pekinese and Cantonese – are frequently performed. I couldn’t understand a word, but I loved the pageantry.</p>
<p>Sorry, duplicate.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the great advice.
H found an apartment in North Point across from Kowloon. It’s also a block or so away from where he’ll be working.
I had never dreamed of going to Hong Kong before, but now I’m so excited! I’m also relieved to find out that there are cheap things to see and do.</p>
<p>Northstarmom,</p>
<p>I’d say Hong Kong is fairly comparable to here in terms of cost. It’s not dirt cheap but less expensive than western Europe. The zero sale tax definitely helps espeically when you shop a lot. </p>
<p>Some more “Things To Do” websites:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Hong_Kong/Things_To_Do-Hong_Kong-BR-182.html[/url]”>http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Hong_Kong/Things_To_Do-Hong_Kong-BR-182.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://www.yourrooms.com/hongkong_hotels/things_to_do.htm[/url]”>http://www.yourrooms.com/hongkong_hotels/things_to_do.htm</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2761444-hong_kong_things_to_do-i;_ylc=X3oDMTFka28zOGNuBF9TAzI3NjY2NzkEX3MDOTY5NTUzMjUEc2VjA3NzcC1kZXN0BHNsawN0aXRsZQ--[/url]”>http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2761444-hong_kong_things_to_do-i;_ylc=X3oDMTFka28zOGNuBF9TAzI3NjY2NzkEX3MDOTY5NTUzMjUEc2VjA3NzcC1kZXN0BHNsawN0aXRsZQ--</a></p>
<p>Some pics of the skyline:
<a href=“http://www.dreamstime.com/hongkongskyline-image117650[/url]”>http://www.dreamstime.com/hongkongskyline-image117650</a></p>
<p>I would second the “bird market” recommendation. Amazing.</p>
<p>I would also second the Victoria Peak recommendation, but do it at night. The view across the harbor to the lights of Kowloon is really spectacular.</p>
<p>Get a hepatitis A immunization at least two weeks before you go. China is having something of an outbreak this year.</p>
<p>I lived in HK, tho ages ago when looking across the border into China was a tourist attraction! Such wonderful nostalgia from these postings…One of the first things to do is find your way on buses around HK island. Hope they still have the double deckers, where you can sit in front on top for a wild ride and great views. </p>
<p>It used to be possible to overnight at Po Lin, getting up to hike to the top of a nearby peak for the sunrise. The hiking trail system all over HK is admirable. I used to walk up the back of the Peak and take the tram down into Central for a mix of wild and urban. Lamma island has a nice little island hike with a seafood meal at the end. Start with a ferry from Central, end with a ferry to Aberdeen.</p>
<p>I second the poster regarding dressing elegantly. I moved there from rural Arizona, and had to learn fast! Unlike here, where we put money into houses and cars, in HK you wear your wealth. Or did, as I said, it’s been a while. Shopping can become a full time obsession, as there are bargains out there…in interesting street markets and out of the way alleys.</p>
<p>Good reminder about immunization, coureur.
NSM, you may need cholera vaccination, seeing how you are visiting in the summer months.</p>
<p>My daughter just arrived in HK recently. Although she’s been to China a few times, she had never been to HK. We heard from her recently, and she really seems to like it (and actually mentioned the double-decker buses, greatlakesmom). She did not get a cholera vaccination (nor was she advised to get that). Agree about the Hep A, though.</p>
<p>NSM- sorry this is off topic but I know that you have summered in paris and wondered how important air conditioning is in a hotel room or rented apartment in July?–Thanks.</p>