DreamMaker Destinations
Hong Kong's 100 Days of Wonder
Let the polititicians debate endlessly. You can enjoy the 100 Days of Wonder promotions now in full swing.
Scores of events scheduled from now though October include a Hong Kong Expo, a Jackie Chan Movie Spectacular, street parties, even a Hong Kong Woodstock. There is an incredible lighted golden dragon, more a spectacle than event, stretching almost 10,000 feet.
Like all good festivals, this one has prizes, including a Grand Prize of 100 round-trip air tickets to Hong Kong (take all your friends) and a second prize of US$30,000 worth of credit at Duty Free Shoppers. This is the Lucky Draw for overseas visitors only.
Now is also the time for specially created tours in Hong Kong. Take in the 1997 Hong Kong Historic Tour and relive history from the 18th century to July 1, 1997. As you gaze down from the tranquil heights of Victoria Peak, imagine what the bustling and busy harbor was like. Imagine a quiet harbor with just a couple of sailing vessels and Chinese junks instead of entire communities of boat-dwelling people. Or stroll narrow, hilly streets now lined with shops once filled with dark and dangerous opium dens.
On to modern Hong Kong. How to squeeze it all in?
After a sightseeing tour including the Stanley Market, Aberdeen and Victoria Peak, the choices are endless. There are a variety of city tours and nature tours.
- Horseracing anyone?
- How about an island cruise for lunch or the harbor at night?
- A day at Portuguese Macau is always fascinating.
- So is riding the Star Ferry between the island and Kowloon.
- Or prowling through antique shops.
- Or narrowing down the endless choices for good food.
- Or just quietly strolling through the botanical gardens and
bird sanctuary on Hong Kong Island.
I know on my next trip I am determined to take the Heritage tour to see all the preserved old houses and temples, or maybe find out what is drawing increasing numbers of visitors to Lantau Island. Of course, there is another important reason to visit Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Tourist Association has a handy guide to the factory outlets.
You know this is a long trip, and to make it a bit easier there are now direct flights from Chicago as well as the East or West Coasts. Plus, you can find excellent hotel specials. The Regent Hong Kong, one of the world's best hotels, has a 100 Days of Celebration shopping package until Oct. 8. The elegant Mandarin Oriental has a special summer promoton package. The 5-star Marriott has a 3-night special until the end of the year with a handover commemorative gift. Many hotels are simply slashing $100 off items or services. You will have to look hard for a major hotel that is not offering some sort of discount.
Savvy travelers know that this is an important year to visit China for another reason - the powerful Yangtze River. The dam that will tame one of the world's greatest rivers is well under construction. There isn't much time left to see the famous "three gorges" of the Yangtze before they are flooded.
Hong Kong has long been the Gateway to China. Thre has never been a more perfect time to visit this most mysterious and fascinating country.
Resource Sites:
- Hong Kong Tourist Association
- Lonely Planet: Destination Hong Kong
- Slide Show from Hong Kong Travel Guide
Contact Donna for all your travel destinations:
e-mail Donna Zabel, dz@ald.net
or call or fax (330) 686-0401
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Copyright © 1997, Donna J. Zabel. All rights reserved. Last modified: 3 Sep, 1997
