What to do and where to take visiting guests

Hi,


I am new to Hong Kong, and am having family and friends visiting for the next 3 weeks.


However being new means that I really do not know where to go and what to do - and they probably expect some level of information on my side.


I think maybe I should take them on a shopping trip to China, and of course see the sights of Hong Kong.


But any input on "what not to miss" and "where to definitely go" will be very much appreciated. And if some of you have any advice on going to China for shopping I'd very much like to hear it as well.


Cheers, Boedker

Get some brochures from HK Tourism so your visitors can see what is on offer and make some choices themselves.


Now that it is cooler 2 good but easy walks are 1. Around the Peak - flat 40mins, 2. Across Lamma - 90mins with a bit of a hill but still easy.


Visotors love the Mong Kok Ladies market but skip it if you are going to Shenzhen.


For Shenzhen check out TripAdvisor.com. I just took my parents up there. We stayed at Century Plaza, went to the Queens Spa and Windows of the World and had a great time. I posted reviews on all these things.


If you plan on using public transport then tell them to get an Octopus Card at the airport - there are special ones for visitors if you use the Airport Express.


I love having Visitors here esp. when it is clear, there is alot for newcomers to see, it is only after you have lived here a while that it gets boring.

The Discover Hong Kong website has some great sight seeing walks to do on HK, in Kowloon/TST and the outlying Islands - you can print detailed maps out with loads of info on them and they include all the main sites - great for giving to visitors when you want to send them out on their own for a day!


http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/attraction/hkwalks/index.jhtml

and this link too.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/attraction/green/index.jhtml

Get yourself a copy of "Hong Kong for Kids" by Cindy Miller Stephens - i bought mine at Dymocks in IFC Mall. Regardless of whether you have kids or not, it is packed full of great things to do including Museums (Heritage Museum at Sha Tin is one of my favourites!), walking treks, parks, etc. I have also been told if you go down to the tourist info desk at TST (opposite the bus terminal on the pier) and your visitors show their passport, you can get a free ticket to ride the junk on the harbour. Anyway, that is what you used to be able to do, not sure if it's still valid, but worth a shot either way.


The one thing I have found invaluable since moving to HK not only for myself, but for visitors as well is to write out your home address in English and also in Chinese (get translation done from a friend or work colleague). It saves lots of hassle with taxis when you are tired from a late night and just want to get home.