Hong Kong Travel Guide

After a full day following the "The Best of Hong Kong in 1 Day," you'll find yourself packing in the activities for Day 2 as well, starting with some shopping at chic Shanghai Tang and a Central street market before heading to the colorful Western District with its traditional Chinese shops, Hong Kong Island's oldest temple, and the city's best antiques district. Next it's on to Aberdeen, famous for its floating junk population, where you'll dine aboard a floating restaurant before heading to Stanley Market, a fun destination for inexpensive clothing and souvenirs. End the day on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for the nightly Symphony of Lights extravaganza. Start: MTR or Star Ferry to Central.

1. Shanghai Tang

This classy shop revolutionized traditional Chinese clothing with mod cheongsams, Chinese jackets, and other fashionable wear in eye-popping colors. It also sells home accessories, purses, and funky goods.

2. Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West

These two parallel pedestrian lanes between Queen's Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central are packed with stalls selling clothing and accessories, both Western and Chinese.

3. Western District

West of Central, this colorful neighborhood features traditional Chinese shops selling ginseng, herbal medicine, preserved foods, and funeral goods, concentrated on Wing Lok Street, Des Voeux Road, and Queen's Road West.

Take a Break

It's nothing fancy, but Sammy's Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant and one of the few serving Western food in the Western District, has been dishing out inexpensive Western and Chinese fare since 1970. A throwback to older days in decor and atmosphere, it's also good for breakfast, lunch, or simply a refreshing drink. Located at 204-206 Queen's Road West. tel. 852/2548 8400.

4. Hollywood Road

This long street stretching through the Western District to Central is lined with shops selling high-end Chinese antiques and furniture, as well as curio stores selling snuff bottles, old postcards, and bric-a-brac.

5. Cat Street

A pedestrian lane parallel to Hollywood Road, it's lined with street vendors and shops selling antiques, junk, and reproductions.

6. Man Mo Temple

Located on Hollywood Road and dating back to the 1840s, Hong Kong Island's oldest temple makes for a picturesque stop.

Take a taxi to Aberdeen's waterfront promenade, on the south side of Hong Kong Island.

7. Aberdeen

Although now surrounded by high-rises, Aberdeen is still known for its fishing fleet of modern boats and traditional junks, many inhabited by boat people who have lived on the sea for generations. If you wish, you can take a sampan tour for an up-close view.

Take a Break

Take the free shuttle boat from Aberdeen's waterfront promenade to Jumbo Kingdom (tel. 852/2553 9111), a colorful floating restaurant where you can feast on dim sum and Cantonese fare. Alternatively, on the top deck is the Top Deck, at the Jumbo (tel. 852/2553 3331), which features alfresco dining and an international menu of seafood.

Catch bus no. 73 or take a taxi to

8. Stanley Market

This market is great for both Western and Chinese clothing for the whole family, as well as traditional Chinese souvenirs, making it a fun, laid-back destination.

Take bus no. 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 to Central or bus no. 973 to Kowloon.

9. Symphony of Lights

Guinness World Records rates this the world's largest permanent light-and-sound show, where every evening at 8pm more than 30 buildings on both sides of the harbor put on a light-and-laser show. The best vantage point is at Avenue of the Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

Winding Down

Breathtaking views, a dramatic setting, and innovative northern Chinese cuisine make Hutong one of Hong Kong's most talked-about restaurants. In other words, make reservations as early as possible. Located on the 28th floor at 1 Peking Rd. tel. 852/3428 8342.