Joyous Harbin II: 2013 Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

In the last article, we have talked about the overview of Harbin, I think you should understand something about the ice city. And now, there is a solemn festival is held in Harbin-the 29th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Come on and enjoy the ice  fairyland.

                                                           Chapter Two


2013 Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

Time: January 5th-Febuary 5th, 2013   
Place: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
Main Exhibition Areas: Sun Island & Ice and Snow World & Zhaolin Park
Activity: fantastic and artistic ice-lantern show, great fun of varied games with ice--ice-skating, sled-playing, ice-boating, winter-swimming, etc.

Harbin, the capital of China's now-frozen northeastern Heilongjiang province is holding its annual International Ice and Snow Festival. The Harbin festival is one of the world's four largest ice and snow festivals, along with Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival.

Harbin is located in Northeast China under the direct influence of the cold winter wind from Siberia. The average temperature in summer is 21.2 degrees Celsius, -16.8 degrees Celsius in winter. Annual low temperatures below -35°C are not uncommon.

Overview of the Ice World

With a 190-day freezing season, the northeastern city of Harbin is known as a "City of Ice" and a cradle of the ice-and-snow culture in the world. The long and frigid winter, and the high plasticity and hardness of ice blocks quarried from the Songhua River, furnish favorable conditions for ice and snow sculpture. 

On January 5, 1985, the first Harbin Ice and Snow Festival were unveiled. Since then it has become an annual event from January 5 - February 5, which is highly acclaimed around the world. 

Harbin's annual ice festival is now in its 29th year. The festival features ice and snow carnival; international ice sculptures competitions in the Sun Island; ice lantern exhibition in the parks; speed skating, cross-field skiing and Alpine skiing competitions in the Yabuli Ski Resort or other famous ski resorts; fishing on the icy lakes and rivers; winter swimming in the Songhua River; ice and snow film art festival; exhibitions of paintings, calligraphy and photos; performances of folk songs and dances; wedding ceremonies on ice; economic and trade talks; commodities fairs and trade fairs etc.

The "Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival" is known as one of the most important tourist highlights in China. For years, it has been a Mecca for thousands upon thousands of world's tourists.

For instance, Zhaolin Park, one of the major venues for the festival, is turned into a Disney wonderland with ice sculptures of Mickey and his friends from classic Disney animation films. You can take a tour around the ice castles of Sleeping Beauty and have fun sliding down from the top of Aladdin's tower. 

One-day Fun of Ice and Snow Festival

From the city, there are several ways to get to the festival. If you are trying to do everything in a day, start with lunch and a stroll along Zhongyang Dajie. This pedestrian-only street is the heart of the city's Russian legacy, with interesting shops and food.

Ice Sculptures Castle

An hour in the Ice and Snow World leaves most travelers chilled to the bone. A dinner of hot pot can never seem more welcome. Cai Zhen Ji hot pot restaurant serves up the style and selections of Beijing's Ding Ding Xiang, but at second-tier city prices. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. So, when in Harbin, remember to order plenty of Harbin Beer and baijiu for endless rounds of toasts with friends.

About three blocks to the east is the Church of St Sophia, a lovely red-brick Russian Orthodox landmark with a distinctive green "onion" dome. The inside is now an architecture museum.

While there is still daylight left, take a quick taxi ride across the Songhua River to Sun Island Park. Go to the snow sculpture park first and see the huge and amazingly life-like reproductions of folk musicians, heroes of China, including Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, temples, gates, archways and other structures big enough to step through and explore. 

Then at twilight, head for the ice venue. At night the ice park glitters in colored lights like a kaleidoscope, and visitors can skate, play hockey or watch a figure-skating show as well as gawk at the huge ice city.

When night falls, a winter wonderland comes to life. The main attraction this time of the year is the Ice and Snow World, where ice sculptures are set across a large park area just north of the Songhua River. Giant blocks of ice are farmed from the river, hauled to the site, and built into world landmarks familiar to the frequent traveler.

When you have tired of gaping at the sculptures with awe, or of rubbing your hands and stomping feet to stay warm, head to the many igloo tea shops scattered around the park. Other attractions include ice slides several stories tall, dance and music shows, and cheesy photo ops with snow foxes.

Besides, winter swimming has been a longstanding Harbin tradition, drawing many enthusiasts who rave about the health benefits of polar plunging into -30°C waters. The less adventurous can stand on the sidelines and watch as middle-aged swimmers strut their stuff on the frozen surface of Songhua River before diving off a platform made of, you guessed it, blocks of ice.

Exhibition Place 1: Sun Island Park

Sun Island Park covers 15 square kilometers and is featured by cultural attractions and natural landscapes. Sun Island Park consists of one big island and some smaller islands in the Songhua River, which meander through the north of Harbin. It covers a total area of 3,800 hectares.

Sun Island Park

In summer, the island serves as a natural river beach swimming resort and sanatorium area. The island boasts several fine beaches on either bank, such as a profusion of lakes for boating, swimming pools, sunbathing facilities, a fairground, a water world and an arms museum. The middle and northern part of the island is composed of mainly forested areas and a large garden.

Various differently styled recreational buildings were built around the “Sun Lake” and the "Lotus Pond". With hidden paths winding throughout, the park is a nice area to stroll and get away from the crowds, being lushly vegetated with trees and flowers. Barbecues and picnics can also be arranged in one of the meadows here. During winter, the Sun Island is used as the playground for various winter sports; Skiing, Hockey, Ice-skating, and Sledding games. What is more important, the renowned annual Snow Carving Festival is held here.

 Exhibition Place 2: Harbin Ice and Snow World

First set-up by the Harbin Municipal Government in 1999, Harbin Ice and Snow World is by far the largest ice and snow art exhibition in the world. It is commonly referred to as possessing four of the key 'mosts': the most art attractions, the most beautiful night views, the most recreational activities and the most forms of entertainment. Furthermore, the festival is constantly evolving and each year brings with it a new theme, providing visitors with a totally unique experience from one year to the next.

Beautiful Moon

The ice carvings at the Ice and Snow World are regarded as some of the world's finest examples of ice art, with visitors able to admire some of the largest and most majestic ice-sculpted masterpieces. Each of these ice carvings is designed in some way related to the festival's theme, enabling travelers to sample a variety of cultural flavors. 

For example, in its first year the festival's layout was designed around the idea of 'Prosperous China and High-flying Longjiang', with the ice carvings depicting the rapid development of the country. In 2005, the theme was 'Friendship between China and Russia', with all the sculptures fashioned in a typical Russian style. Among them were replicas of some of Russia's most famous architecture, such as the East Palace, and Moscow's Red Square.

One of the highlights for any visitor to the festival is to visit the site at night when multicolored lights set underground illuminate the sculptures, revealing a whole new colorful dimension to the exhibits. The contrasts of the bright and dazzling lights against the dark night sky make the works look all the more spectacular.

The Ice and Snow World is also a centre for various forms of recreation and entertainment, with a variety of opportunities on offer. Visitors will be amazed by the magnificent ice buildings, including an ice maze, ice bar, and even an ice hotel. If you are a fan of snow sports, then there is also the chance to participate in activities such as ice rock-climbing, skating, skiing, sliding, snow fights, ice golf, and ice archery. 

Exhibition Place 3: Harbin Zhaolin Park

Harbin Zhaolin Park was situated in the busy center of the city, faced on to a street along the beautiful Songhua River bank. 

Under unique climatic conditions, Zhaolin Park has two characteristic natural scenes in summer and winter. In summer, the pleasant outlook is composed of flourishing greenery and fragrant-grass, while flowers in full blossom competing with each other for beauty of looks.  The small gardens in it have unique styles, such as "northern garden", "reflecting-moonshine garden", "southern greenhouse", "clove garden", luring you with their charming and beauty. 

Zhaolin Park

In winter, Zhaolin Park is a world of ice lantern. The world-famous ice lantern garden party is held here every year for many times. When night falls, the resplendence and multicolor of ice lanterns are full of the whole park. The vivid and peculiar ice lanterns are adopted by modern technologies, such as sound, light and automation. 

The design of ice lanterns includes the beautiful sceneries in the world and modern and ancient marvelous spectacles. Placing yourself in such a supernatural ice-snow world, you will enjoy yourself so much as to forget to leave. Millions of visitors are attracted to this garden party by its reputation as a scenic spot: they enjoy the marvel and magnificence of ice-and-snow in the north of China, as well as, in a fairyland. 

Joyous Harbin I: White Snow World of China: Harbin

Harbin, the capital and largest city of Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China, is known for its bitterly cold winters and is often called the "Ice City" and is notable for its beautiful ice sculptures in winter and its Russian legacy. In 2010 it was declared a UNESCO "City of Music". Hey, it's winter now, I am sure it should be very happy in Harbin now. Are you exciting? We will show you the overview of Harbin in the chapter.

Chapter One

                   White Snow World of China: Harbin

As the political, economic, scientific, technological and cultural center - and not to mention, the transportation hub - of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin is located on the eastern Song-Nen Plain and on the right bank of Songhua River. Harbin is a famous international metropolis blending Western culture and Eastern culture perfectly. It is also called "Paris in the Orient", and "Moscow in the Orient". 

It is one of the sources of ice and snow culture in the world. Geographically, it is located in Northeast China under the direct influence of the cold winter wind from Siberia. The average temperature in summer is 21.2 degrees Celsius, -16.8 degrees Celsius in winter. It can be as cold as - 38.1 degrees Celsius in winter. 

Fun in Harbin

Special historical processes and a favorable geographical position created Harbin a beautiful city, touched with a hint of exoticism: it brings together the histories and cultures of northern minorities and assimilates Russian and Eastern European flavors as well. 

Harbin TV Tower

Harbin has lovely scenery and distinct seasons. Sun Island, the Siberian Tiger Park, Stalin Park, Erlong Mountain Scenic Spot, Yuquan Hunting Centre, Zhongyang Street, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Confucian Temple, and the Jile Buddhist Temple are famous tourist resorts. 

Besides, the city has the world-renowned "Harbin Summer Concert" and the Harbin Trade Fair held annually. Endowed with a frigid climate, Harbin also boasts many attractions for winter tour, such as the high mountain skiing resorts in Yabuli and Erlongshan, Ice Lantern Fair at the Zhaolin Park, the winter swimming on the Songhua River as well as the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculptures Competition held every year.

Festivals in Harbin

Harbin Ice Lantern Festival

Harbin Ice Lantern Festival: The Harbin Ice Lantern Festival is Harbin's main claim to fame these days. Every January, Zhaolin Park and the banks of the Songhua River, as well as Sun Island Park, become home to extraordinarily detailed, imaginative and downright wacky snow and ice sculptures. Tourists can enjoy many kinds of fantastic and exciting activities like skiing and winter swimming during the festival.

They range from huge recreations of iconic buildings, such as the Forbidden City, to animals and interpretations of ancient legends. At night they're lit up with colored lights to create a magical effect.

It might be mind-numbingly cold and the sun disappears mid-afternoon, but the festival, which also features figure-skating shows and a variety of winter sports, is Harbin's main tourist attraction - and prices jump accordingly. Officially, the festival gets going on 5 January and runs for a month, but it sometimes starts earlier and often lasts longer, weather permitting.

Harbin Summer Music Concert

Harbin Summer Music Concert: it is a national concert festival, which is held on August 6 every two years for a period of 10~11 days. During the concert, multiple evenings, concert, race and activities are held. The artists come from all over the world. The 'Harbin Summer Music Month', which was then renamed as 'Harbin Summer Music Concert', was held in August 1958. The first formal Concert was held on August 5, 1961 in Harbin Youth Palace, and kept on every year until 1966 when the Cultural Revolution started in China. In 1979, the Concert was recovered and from 1994, it has been held every two years. In 2008, the 29th Harbin Summer Music Concert was held on August 6.

Tasty Feast in Harbin

Harbin has a diverse and rich dining culture, with years of culinary development from the Jin and Yuan dynasties, local delicacies from the mountains and the products of multiculturalism in modern times. 

Xiaoji Dun Mogu

Influenced mainly by local people, minority cultures, and Russian style, Harbin food features the following two characteristics: firstly, traditional Harbin food uses the cooking methods of steaming, braising, grilling, roasting and stir-frying. The taste is slightly salty compared to Cantonese Cuisine. 

Dishes are based on local delicacies from the mountains. Recommended dishes include Pa Qietiao (grilled eggplant with honey miso sauce and sesame seeds), Xiaoji Dun Mogu (stewed chick with mushroom), Zhurou Dun Fentiao (braised pork with Vermicelli) and Jiang Gujia (braised spare ribs in brown sauce). Dumplings from Northeastern China can not be missed. 

Secondly, Harbin’s dining culture became more multicultural with influences from Russia, Italy, France and Denmark. Russian bread, sausage, cheese, and cornichon are all popular western style foods in the city. Authentic Russian style restaurants can be found on Central Street and nearby.

Nightlife of Harbin

Nightlife in Harbin frankly is a little disorganized: but it is more permissive, more relaxed and more colorful than daily life. Harbin’s young generation, like young people in any other city, spend their evenings searching for release. They are the producers and actors of excitement. The most popular night venues for young people include bars, KTVs, and cinemas. Harbin people are generally good at Russian songs and most of them can seriously and emotively sing one or two of these. 

Er Ren Zhuan

But if you prefer quiet places, where you can talk and relax, perhaps a café is a better option. Older people might like to dance for exercise in the square or in the park. But if you are not interested in any of these activities, just go to the Liu Laogen Grand Stage and enjoy the drama of Er Ren Zhuan, a local kind of lively folk art. Central Street is considered the most popular street for bars in Harbin. Many unique bars and pub are scattered there.

Top 10 Things to do in Harbin

1. St. Sofia Orthodox Church: the largest orthodox church in Far East Region.

2. Central Street: it is a rare architectural art corridor in China. It is also one of the longest pedestrian streets in Asia.

St. Sofia Orthodox Church

3. Ice & Snow World: A large-scale ice and snow theme park with ice and snow artistic landscapes, entertainment activities, ice lanterns and night views, etc. It is one of the world's largest ice architecture parks.

4. Sun Island: Lying on north bank of Harbin Songhua River, the Sun Island is elegant and well-known with a melodious song of on the Sun Island.

5. Yabuli Ski Resort: The largest world class tourist ski resort in China which gives you an unforgettable winter holiday.

6. Jile Buddhist Temple: the biggest Buddhist temple in the northeast area of China. It is the place for Buddhists worship.

7. Summer Music Concert: it is a national concert festival, which is held on Aug. 6th every two years for a period of 10 to 11 days.

Velvet Antler

8. Harbin Beer: Harbin Beer should be the earliest beer brand in China and it is still popular all over the country.

9. Ginseng and Velvet Antler: Harbin is near Great Khingan and Mt. Changbaishan. Quality ginseng and velvet antler are notable local products.

10. Ice Lantern: Zhaoling Park is an ideal place to appreciate the colorful and crystal ice lanterns. It’s one of the most popular parts of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is the ice lanterns and sculptures found in Zhaolin Park.

Dreamed of a pure white snow world? Raising interests from my description of this great winter glamour city? Why not come to Harbin in winter to experience it all? Playing in the world of snow will be great and romantic that let you forget about cold weather. In a world, Harbin will be your best choice to enjoying a winter trip in China.

Hong Kong Carnival IV: 2012 Hong Kong Winter Shopping Festival & Gourmet Carnival

In the last articles, we have talked about the beautiful attractions in Hong Kong. If you visit Hong Kong, there is a must-do in your journey-Shopping. As you know, Hong Kong is famous as shopping Paradise. In the chapter, we will talk about the Hong Kong Winter Shopping Festival & Gourmet Carnival.

                                                         Chapter Four

2012 Hong Kong Winter Shopping Festival & Gourmet Carnival

Activity Time: December 23-26th, 2012
Place: Hall1 & Hall 3 of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
Price: 10HKD

Features of the Festival: This year, the exhibition of Hong Kong Winter Shopping Festival & Gourmet Carnival divides into four themes: clothing, eating, living and traveling. All the sets of the festival will fulfill your shopping lust. 

「Winter Gourmet Carnival」will maintain its high standard, variable but cheap price style, delicious food on sale will set up places for tasting. Moreover, this year is the International Wine Carnival which shows good wine home and abroad. If you’re a gourmet lover, you can not miss this food festival. The good looking and tasty food will make you mouth watering. It’s also a good chance to buy special food gift for family and friends.  

Shopping in Hong Kong

「The 5th Household Appliances & 3C Products Exhibition」 in the hall will show the latest and advanced 3C products for you to follow the trends. The professional AV hall and the Smart 3C showroom will let you easily find out the one you want most.  

 「The 12th Furnishing Fashion Expo」 is a prefecture for home furnishing. One-stop shopping experience of furniture here will let you choose grand and high quality goods to well decorate your own home. 

「Excellence Brand Hall」shows you fashionable products including cosmetics, clothing, ornaments, fashion magazine, health products, etc. Varies new fashion goods will let you know about the trend of the world in different fields and enjoy the great funs they bring to your life. 

In addition, every day, there are many different kinds of surprise activities for you to take part in to have fun. Purchases will take on in limited time to let you enjoy the buying stimulations. 

Below I will also introduce some travel tips and general Hong Kong shopping information for you to have a glimpse of this great Shopping paradise. 

--As we all know, Hong Kong is a "paradise for shoppers." You can find everything you could possibly need and even things you don't need. It doesn't take long to figure out that it is not only tourists who love shopping in this awesome city because people living in Hong Kong love it as well. Shopping malls and streets are full of people shopping. This is especially true on the weekends. 

Looking for some chic clothes or some real designer clothes? With long opening hours, you can literary shop all day and night by going from one mall to the next and go to street markets or the fashionable shops in any of the high-end stores. There is something for every wallet and every desire. Not only the women will have the time of their life, but also the guys can come home with cool new gadgets because you can find the latest on the market in Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong is perhaps the best shopping place in the world with reasonable prices, various products, and best service. In Hong Kong, shopping is not only the act of buying things, but also a form of recreation, a way of life. 

Most goods from all over the world, except wine and cigarettes, are tax free, and prices are relatively low. In addition, every year there are lots of seasonal promotions and sales. 

The best three buys are clothes, cosmetics and electrical appliances. Shops in Hong Kong offer not only goods but also a comfortable shopping environment, as they combine shopping and recreation. 

Many shopping malls have restaurants, book stores, and cinemas, some large ones even have skating rinks. Some book stores have a café, enabling customers to choose their favorite books in a relaxed atmosphere. 


                                           Hong Kong Shopping Malls

New Town Plaza

Hanging out in shopping malls is one of the favorite past times for local Hong Kongers, and this city has shopping centers everywhere. New ones are coming up as we write, so there is always room for more people to shop. The malls offer all brands from top to bottom and have a variety of shops selling everything from clothes, cosmetics, books, music, electronics and sports. In addition, there are a lot of places to sit down for a meal of fast food or international cuisine at the higher quality restaurants. 

Some of the malls in Hong Kong such as Pacific Place in Admiralty, New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, and Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong also have theaters. If you want to try something unusual, you can go ice skating in Kowloon Tong too. Ocean Terminal is also a huge shopping center that is located conveniently by the Star Ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. 

Hong Kong Island has some of the area's best malls in a big area stretching from Central District to Causeway Bay, and the priciest malls are next to each other in Central District. These luxury malls are the Landmark and the new IFC Mall that is under the IFC skyscraper. The Landmark was once considered the ritziest and poshest luxury mall, but now the IFC Mall is the ritziest. Access to Central District is easy via the Star Ferry terminal in Central or the Central MTR station. From the Star Ferry terminal in Central, there is a long covered walkway above the ground that goes directly to the IFC skyscraper. 

New IFC Mall

On the island, there are also parks, good free zoos, natural parks and beaches, hiking areas, and the big and renovated Ocean Park amusement park. So along with shopping, you can recreate and have some fun. Strolling around the area, you can see the British Colonial buildings and visit the parks and zoos. Much of the island is covered by public forest land that makes the island scenery beautiful and that makes for good and safe natural hiking areas. All of these attractions on the one island make the place a good place go shopping with kids. The boat restaurants at Aberdeen are famous for the seafood cuisine. 

                                          Hong Kong Street Markets

Flower Market

Hong Kong is known for its many markets where you can find everything from flowers, goldfish, jade, clothes and purses. Although often crowded, these markets are exciting and are a must to visit when in Hong Kong. If you venture out and around the Mong Kok area in Kowloon, there are several street markets. Temple Street Night Market, Ladies Market and Jade Market are located here and are worth exploring. In addition, the flower market and goldfish market are fun to look at. It might be time to test your bargaining skills in these colorful streets that offer a wide variety of products. Another market is Fa Yuen Street that is also known as sportswear street where you can find everything trendy in sportswear and equipment. 

Hong Kong Island also has several smaller shopping streets with small stalls located both in Central and Wan Chai area. This makes it easy to stop by on your way through. If you want to experience the feel of a stall-filled small street in China in Hong Kong, if you take the long escalator that goes up Victoria Peak called the Mid-levels Escalator from the IFC Mall area, you'll find narrow streets below it filled with stalls and small shops. 

Stanley market 

Stanley market that is on the south side of Hong Kong Island is also worth a visit. The market used to be an old fishing village, and the lanes here are packed with Chinese artwork, souvenirs, and larger-sized clothing. The scenic trip out there is beautiful, and Stanley offers more than just shopping. Take a walk along the water front and enjoy and good meal. If you schedule your visit for Stanley's Dragon Boat Festival on June 6, 2011, June 23, 2012, or June 12, 2013, you can watch the exciting Stanley Dragon Boat Races that are the biggest in Hong Kong as well. Dragon boats are long boats paddled by teams of about 22 people. 

                                          High-end Brands in Hong Kong

Luxury brands are of high demand in Hong Kong, and they are very popular among the tourists and the people of Hong Kong themselves. Also, a lot mainland Chinese are now heading to the ritzy stores to shop for the luxury goods. So if the latest models of purses or clothes from these luxury brands are on the top of your list, this is the place to shop. On the Kowloon side, Canton road is one of the places to shop. Crossing the bay, Central offers more. On Chater Road, Pedder Street and Des Vouex Road in Central offer luxury brands’ shops for you. With a growing number of shoppers from mainland China, these stores offer the latest in fashion. 

Sai Yeung Choi Street

Electronics 
People in Hong Kong have a high demand for quality electronics. Therefore, the latest is always available when it comes to cameras, computers, printers, mobile phones, music and gadgets. Stanley Street on Hong Kong Island and Sai Yeung Choi Street on the Kowloon side are where the professional photographers prefer to go for new lenses or cameras. However, Hong Kong is full of stores offering all kinds of electronics for every level from the snap-shot photographers to the most advanced. Most audio and video equipment stores have a wide variety of the major brands and let you try them for comparison in the shop. When it comes to computers, Windsor House shopping center in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and Star House in Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui are two locations that have several floors devoted to hardware, software and accessories. The Star House is easy to get to since it is only about 200 meters away from the Star Ferry terminal.? In addition, Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Causeway Bay and Sham Shui Po are famous for their exciting computer markets where you can find everything you need from plugs to cables and jacks. Check prices and shop around. 

                                           Hong Kong Cosmetics

In the bigger shopping malls in Central in Hong Kong, you can find most brands of cosmetics. These stores offer you more service and are willing to cater to your needs. Prices are often good, and you can find both Asian and Western brands alike. If you want something less expensive, the stores Colourmix, Sasa, and Bonjour can be found all over Hong Kong, and they have a reasonable range of products both for make-up and skin care. These stores are worth a bargain hunt. 

Citygate Mall

      Outlet Stores in Hong Kong

Not quite willing to spend too much money on shopping, but want something good? Pressed for time before leaving or have a long layover? Hong Kong has several outlet stores. One of them is Citygate that is conveniently located in Tung Chung on Lantau Island and is only 5 minutes from the airport. The big mall has several of the big brands of sports attire, cosmetics and clothes. In addition, there are several restaurants and a big food court to sit down at for a little something to eat. Citygate Mall also has several outlet stores for high-end brands. 

Hong Kong Carnival III: The better side of Hong Kong: Top 10 nature reserves 2

In the last article, we have talked about the 5 nature reserves.I think you have been obsessed by them. But I am sorry to tell you it is not end. Ha-ha, there are still 5 nature reserves in the chapter.

                                                             Chapter Three

The better side of Hong Kong: Top 10 nature reserves 2


--Skyscrapers are cool, but it's the mountains, beaches and crazy monkeys that make Hong Kong truly sublime

6. Sexy rocks: High Island

High Island is one of the best sites within the Hong Kong Geopark. A collection of 12 special geological sites spread around Hong Kong, the geopark is a rock enthusiast's dream.

High Island

High Island alone has some of Hong Kong's most spectacular rock formations. The mounds of rocks form angular patterns, as though someone went at it with a giant chisel. At Po Pin Chau, there's a hill that was broken clear into two sections by natural forces.

Getting there: Take bus 94 at Sai Kung Market or 96R at Diamond Hill MTR station (service on weekends and public holidays only). Get off after Pak Tam Chung and walk along Tai Mong Tsai Road to the junction ahead. Turn into Man Yee Road of Sai Kung on the right and walk on for about nine kilometers to the High Island Reservoir East Dam, the starting point of High Island Geo Trail.

7. Most inclusive: Aberdeen Country Park

The Aberdeen Country Park on Hong Kong Island has the physically impaired in mind. 

Aberdeen Country Park

The park has a wheelchair ramp and a picnic area for the disabled. Disabled visitors can use the wheelchair trail to enjoy the scenery nature has to offer. Braille maps and information boards are also in place for the blind.

It is one of Hong Kong's oldest country parks and is located close to urban residences. The hiking trails are mostly easy and are popular with kids on school field trips.

Getting there: Take green minibus 4A or 4C from Lockhart Road in Causeway Bay to Shek Pai Wan in Aberdeen. Or green minibus 4B that runs between Wanchai and Shek Pai Wan. At Shek Pai Wan, follow Aberdeen Reservoir Road up the hill for the portal of Aberdeen Country Park. Stage 3 of the Hong Kong Trail starts at Peel Rise next to Pui Tak Canossian College on the right side of Aberdeen Reservoir Road. 

8. Real tweets: Hong Kong Wetland Park

This is Hong Kong's prized centerpiece of a nature reserve.

Hong Kong Wetland Park

The Hong Kong Wetland Park in the New Territories has a stunning variety of animals in Hong Kong. As such, it has become a hub of conservation, ecotourism and education. It is also home to Pui Pui the crocodile, Hong Kong's endearing reptilian mascot. You can make a day out of visiting the Wetland Park and its facilities for visitors. The stream walk, mangrove boardwalk and the bird hideouts placed right next to the fish pond gets you up close and personal with wildlife. 

Getting there: at West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station, change to Light Rail Transit 705 or 706 to Tin Sau Station or Wetland Park Station to get to Hong Kong Wetland Park. 

9. An eyeful of Victoria Harbour: Pokfulam Country Park

Victoria Harbour looks extra amazing from the Peak Trail in Pokfulam Country Park. 

Pokfulam Country Park

The Trail leads you to tourist hot spot Victoria Peak, known simply as "The Peak," so you can tick that off the list when you get to the end.

Popular as a dog-walking area for moneyed residents of the Peak and of Hong Kong's Mid-Levels, you can break out your glamour hiking outfits for this field trip.

The Pokfulam Reservoir is also Hong Kong's oldest and is a sight in its own right.

Getting there: Pokfulam Country Park is served by many public transport routes. To get to the Peak Trail, take bus 15 or 515, or green minibus 1 to the Peak.

10. Best for the imagination: Lion Rock Country Park

Lion Rock is a huge rock formation perched at the top of a hill. Squint hard, exercise some imagination and you may see the rock's resemblance to a lion.

It has become a symbol of Hong Kong and is an inspiration for pop culture.

Lion Rock Country Park

The hiking trail to the peak is relatively easy but can be quite steep and challenging near the "head" of the Lion Rock. Unobstructed views of Hong Kong take the edge off the pain of the hike.
Amah Rock on the hilltop near the entrance of Lion Rock Tunnel is another famous giant rock formation. It looks a bit like a woman with a baby on her back. The story is that a woman stood carrying her baby, waiting for her husband to return home. She and the baby waited so long, they turned to stone. 

Getting there: Lion Rock Country Park is a very accessible destination, with bus routes stopping or passing through from all parts of the territory.

Hong Kong Carnival II: The better side of Hong Kong: Top 10 nature reserves 1

When you take a Hong Kong tour, you may be astonished by the skyscrapers, but I am sure you should indulge in the better side in Hong Kong-the nature reserves. In the chapter, we will talk about 5 of the top 10 nature reserves.

                                                          Chapter Two

The better side of Hong Kong: Top 10 nature reserves 1

--Skyscrapers are cool, but it's the mountains, beaches and crazy monkeys that make Hong Kong truly sublime

Emerald hills, cotton-soft beaches, close encounters of the wild kind -- the description is practically Amazonian. But it's Hong Kong we're talking about. That neon-lit metropolis of frantic lives lived distractedly. Not many unassuming tourists would ever have thought that three-quarters of its 1,104 square kilometers of land is actually rural and nearly pristine. 

Want to see some of this nature stuff? Here are our top 10 picks:

Getting there: 

See the Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) website for bus routes

See the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) permits page for application for private vehicle access permits within country parks

1. Cold weather friend: Tai Mo Shan Country Park

Usually hot and humid, Hong Kong is the kind of place where people will make special trips to mountaintops to look at icicles during cold spells. 

Tai Mo Shan 

Tai Mo Shan is the place to check out the frost on those rare winter days when the peak drops to below zero temperatures. Hong Kong's highest mountain, Tai Mo Shan reaches 957 meters. The peak and its surrounding country park record the highest rainfall and the coldest temperatures in the territory. It is also home to Hong Kong's highest waterfall, the 35-meter Long Falls. Being the tallest peak in Hong Kong's New Territories, the views are splendid. On a clear day, much of Kowloon, Victoria Harbour and even Hong Kong Island can be seen. The park is home to more than 100 species of birds and butterflies. But it's also got tons of snakes, including the bamboo snake, which you will spot alongside hiking trails if you're lucky. 

Getting there: There are many hiking trails in Tai Mo Shan Country Park. A good place to start is to take bus 51 from Tsuen Wan and get off at Tsuen Kam Country Park Management Centre.

2. Planet annoying ape: Kam Shan Country Park

The Monkey Family

Seems like every Asian destination has its own designated area for pesky monkeys and people love to visit for a laugh no matter how many angry monkey stories they hear. Kam Shan Country Park is Hong Kong's own monkey haven. The macaques attempting to steal your bag of chips right out of your hand are fun to interact with most of the time.

Feeding the monkeys intentionally is illegal and even dangerous as they can become aggressive. These monkeys wouldn't be afraid of you if you held a machine gun. Apart from the monkeys, the rest of Kam Shan is verdant and inviting. There are four reservoirs within the park, making gorgeous scenes of blue glass lakes adjacent to fluffy green hills. Smuggler's Ridge runs through Kam Shan Country Park. It is a section of the former British military defense system, the Gin Drinker's Line. Built in the 1930s, the remains of these significant defense bunkers are still very much intact.

Getting there: Take bus 72, 81, 86B, or a red minibus to Tai Po Road near Piper's Hill. 

3. Almost Thailand: Kiu Tsui Country Park

The Kiu Tsui Country Park archipelago is Hong Kong's own tropical island vacation site. The most popular points within the area are the beaches. Find a private ferry service along the Sai Kung promenade near the bus terminus and get to the sandy strips at Hap Mun Bay or at Kiu Tsui, also known as Sharp Island. 

Kiu Tsui Country Park

On a good day, the beaches are full of glistening bodies and the vista is of an endless aquamarine sea dotted with blindingly-white yachts.

The park even has fun geological features. Low tide reveals a tombolo, connecting Sharp Island with a tiny islet called Kiu Tau. You can walk between the two at the right time of day. The beaches have full facilities, including toilets, showers and barbecue pits. 

4. Best sunrise: Lantau South Country Park

It's the second best place to see a sunrise. The first being in your Facebook friend feed.

 

Sunrise in Lantau South Country Park

Head to Lantau peak in Lantau South Country Park for Hong Kong's best dawn experience. Hike to the summit in the dark and arrive just in time for dawn. It sounds a little tree-hugging radical, but it is worth it as one of Hong Kong's most unique experiences in nature. Save some time by spending a night at the Ngong Ping Youth Hostel not too far away. The climb takes around two hours.

Getting there: Take the ferry to Mui Wo at Central Pier 6. At Mui Wo Pier bus terminus, there are bus routes to all parts of Lantau. Or take the MTR to Tung Chung station where you can take Ngong Ping 360 cable car or bus to Ngong Ping. Lantau Peak sunrise trail entrance is near the Wisdom path.

5. Small, beautiful things: Tai Po Kau Special Area

Tai Po Kau Special Area is the best place to spot local species of flora and fauna. Unlike country parks, less recreational facilities are available at this nature reserve. There are no barbecue sites.

Nature is firmly the first priority here, with original forests preserved. It is a complete break from the concrete jungle.

Pale Grass Blue

The area is listed by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society as one of the best places to see rare birds and insects. Trail walkers who pass through quietly can spot exotic birds, butterflies, other critters, indigenous flowers and fruits.

  

Tai Po Kau is also a popular place to catch and observe fireflies in Hong Kong. 

Getting there: Take buses 72, 72A, 73A, 74A, or green mini-bus 28K at Tai Wo MTR station, get off at Chung Tsai Yuen Bus Stop and walk back 50 meters to reach the entrance to Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve. 

Hong Kong Carnival I : Spectacular Hong Kong Trip

Hong Kong, the full name is Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), is famous as the Pearl of the orient, Shopping Paradise and City of Gastronomy. Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has a different political system from mainland China. Maybe you should be curious that How the Hong Kong is. Now, we will talk about the Hong Kong in the chapter.

                                                            Chapter One

                          Spectacular Hong Kong Trip

Hong Kong is located in East Asia, just south of the Tropic of Cancer. Hong Kong Island is 32km (20 miles) east of the mouth of Pearl River and 135km (84 miles) southeast of Canton. It is separated from the mainland by a broad natural harbor.

Touring by Day

Take a day tour and enjoy diversity and excitement at every turn in Hong Kong. Renowned as one of the world's most sophisticated cities to visit, Hong Kong is a place where myths and legends inhabit mountain peaks, wooded valleys and farmlands.

Victoria Peak

Hong Kong Island boasts award-winning architecture at the foot of Victoria Peak and a scenic coastline. Victoria Harbour is the perfect vantage point to view the coastal skyline. 

Kowloon Peninsula possesses some of the most interesting cityscapes and street scenes in Asia. In the New Territories, tower blocks of housing, rural areas and country parks are spread across massive mountain ranges, lush valleys and grassy hills. Explore Hong Kong by day and embrace all it has to offer.

          Touring By Night

Explore Hong Kong at night. Hong Kong is an energetic city at all hours. Experience the very best nightlife with a romantic harbor cruise or a bird's-eye view of the glittering city, then feast at one of Hong Kong's notable seafood destinations or a restaurant with a harbor view. 

Whether you desire a romantic night in a cozy revolving restaurant atop one of the tallest buildings in Hong Kong, or want to hit the town, you'll be able to find a tour to satisfy your every desire.

Living Culture Tours

Hong Kong at night

Your Hong Kong tour can never miss to experience Hong Kong's rich Chinese culture and ancient traditions that live on harmoniously amid modern society. Wander through the streets of Hong Kong and discover its amazing history, culture, people and soul. Learn the secrets of feng shui or try your luck at the horseracing events. See heritage sites and traditional lifestyles up close.

Hong Kong Disneyland Tour

The world-class Hong Kong Disneyland theme park and resort is a must-visit on any trip to Hong Kong. 

Located on scenic Lantau Island, Disneyland offers magical experiences for the whole family, ranging from Broadway-style shows such as Festival of the Lion King and The Golden Mickeys, to hilarious 3D movie and musical adventures at Mickey's Philharmagic. 

Hong Kong Disneyland theme park and resort

There are also the signature Disney attractions, photo-taking with your favourite Disney friends, spectacular fireworks and a parade that is sure to enthral the entire family. Enjoy a magical journey through five themed lands at Hong Kong Disneyland. You can also load up on with Disney memorabilia and souvenirs from specialty stores in each themed land, and find a diverse range of food at various restaurants in the park. 

Disneyland also includes two great themed hotels for your convenience and pleasure. Tours include transport between selected downtown hotels and the park.

Touring Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is one of the world's busiest and most impressive natural harbours. Hong Kong's striking coastline and the countless container vessels, junks, sampans and pleasure craft gliding around the harbour create an exciting view.

The spectacular backdrop of Hong Kong Island's stunning skyline will fire your imagination as darkness falls and a dazzling neon cityscape emerges. Cruises set sail from piers on either side of Victoria Harbour.