HONG KONG, THE PEARL OF EASTS
Jumat, 01 Oktober 2010
Hong Kong Island is the site of the original British settlement. Most of Hong Kong's highest skyscrapers and the financial centre can be found here, including its famous skyline along the northern coastline. Hong Kong's financial centre, shopping. Overall, Hong Kong Island is more modern and wealthier than the other areas of Hong Kong.
The multinational presence in Hong Kong is a sign of internationalization. Chinese tourists don't want to spend the money to come to Hong Kong for a visit to a Chinese Disneyland. They can find plenty of parks like that at home. Rather, the Americans designed the Hong Kong park in such a way so to maximize exposure to the American Disney product, and the Chinese visitors come to see something different. That doesn't mean Hong Kong's cultural attractiveness is being eroded. In fact, these visitors won't just see Disneyland. They'll also take into other sights as well, such as the local museums, markets, and countryside, so both sides benefit. At the same time, Disneyland is not going to wipe out the temples and the History Museum. In fact, all the tourism infrastructure complement each other.
As to how Disneyland fits into Hong Kong. It's like asking how Starbucks fits into the cities they have shops in. They don't. When I think of Paris I don't think of Euro Disney. The idea is to think of Hong Kong as a good tourism destination with many nice attractions such as Victoria Harbour and Disneyland. The same idea works for Paris, Tokyo, LA, etc.
There is a lot of talk now on sustainable development in tourism. The first wave of tourists from the individual travel scheme did a lot of shopping in Hong Kong, but as the mainland market becomes more sophisticated, they will want more than shopping. The tourism board is already thinking of advertising Hong Kong's other attractions - cultural spots and eco-tourism. The local population is also very interested in eco-tourism now, especially after SARS.
That being said, the most famous image of Hong Kong is the maze of lights and colours on the buildings at night, hence came the title "Pearl of the Orient".
As to how Disneyland fits into Hong Kong. It's like asking how Starbucks fits into the cities they have shops in. They don't. When I think of Paris I don't think of Euro Disney. The idea is to think of Hong Kong as a good tourism destination with many nice attractions such as Victoria Harbour and Disneyland. The same idea works for Paris, Tokyo, LA, etc.
There is a lot of talk now on sustainable development in tourism. The first wave of tourists from the individual travel scheme did a lot of shopping in Hong Kong, but as the mainland market becomes more sophisticated, they will want more than shopping. The tourism board is already thinking of advertising Hong Kong's other attractions - cultural spots and eco-tourism. The local population is also very interested in eco-tourism now, especially after SARS.
That being said, the most famous image of Hong Kong is the maze of lights and colours on the buildings at night, hence came the title "Pearl of the Orient".
Hong Kong by night is like Hong Kong by day – chaotic and bustling and big on evening entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Head for Wai Chai – well known for its lively bars, pubs and restaurants, or Lan Kwai Fong – home to a plethora of trendy nightclubs, cafés and live music venues.
As a destination in its own right, Hong Kong makes a holiday to remember and it is the obvious place to start (or end) if you are planning a visit to China. However, direct flights to Bali, Malaysia and Thailand mean that it offers great options for more complex itineraries. Or for something a bit different, you can also fly direct to Mauritius or Vietnam or you could even consider a side trip to the Chinese beach resort of Sanya.
An excellent orientation tour - the City changes so rapidly that it will refresh "old memories" and delight "first timers". Start with a ride up to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island. Then pass by picturesque Repulse Bay. Proceed next to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen to see the "floating community" - still very much a part of Hong Kong's society. Here an opportunity to join a "Sampan" is available, allowing a "close up" view of waterbourne life. Visit Stanley Market where you can pick up bargains at just a fraction of the price in town. Afterwards, a short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory, where meticulous craftsmen fashion works of art from gold and gems. Return to your hotel/pick up point in the early afternoon.
An excellent orientation tour - the City changes so rapidly that it will refresh "old memories" and delight "first timers". Start with a ride up to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island. Then pass by picturesque Repulse Bay. Proceed next to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen to see the "floating community" - still very much a part of Hong Kong's society. Here an opportunity to join a "Sampan" is available, allowing a "close up" view of waterbourne life. Visit Stanley Market where you can pick up bargains at just a fraction of the price in town. Afterwards, a short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory, where meticulous craftsmen fashion works of art from gold and gems. Return to your hotel/pick up point in the early afternoon.
