Hong Kong perches on the edge of mainland China occupying an anomalous position as a territory straddling two worlds. Since the handover in 1997 Hong Kong has become a 'Special Administrative Region of China' and no longer a subject of colonial sovereignty. Past and present fuse to create a capitalist utopia embedded within the world's largest Communist country.

Hong Kong offers a dense concentration of shops and shopping malls with a cross-pollinated cosmopolitan culture that embraces Nepalese and British cuisines with equal enthusiasm. It is the perfect gateway for travellers to Southeast Asia and China, providing a smooth transition from west to east. As one of the key economies of the Pacific Rim, Hong Kong Island showcases a gleaming landscape of skyscrapers and boasts a highly developed transport infrastructure that makes commuting around it a dream.

Hong Kong consists of four sections, Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories form part of the Chinese mainland to the north of Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Island, containing the central business hub, lies on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon. The Outlying Islands comprise a composite of 234 islands.

Victoria Peak

Address: Hong Kong

Admission: Tram fares are HK$37 for a single and HK$48 return (adults) The Peak Tram runs every day, including Sundays and public holidays, between 7am and midnight. The tram departs every 10-15 minutes

Telephone: 2522 0922 (Peak Tram)

Much of the pleasure derived from a trip to Victoria Peak lies in the journey to its summit. The funicular railway or peak tram has steadily made its way up the mountain since 1888. Energetic travellers can scale the real peak that extends 140m (459ft) above the tram terminus. From the top, marvellous vistas open out onto central Hong Kong and across to Kowloon. Victoria Peak used to serve as a hill station in colonial times and later became the location of exclusive summer homes. Today it is a popular tourist spot offering a cooler perspective from which to contemplate the pleasures of travel to the region. The Peak Tower on the summit houses numerous attractions, like a Ripley's Believe it or not 'Odditorium', shops and restaurants.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Address: Lantau Island Hong Kong

Admission: HK$350 (adult) and HK$250 (child) one-day pass Daily 10.30am to 8pm

Telephone: 2183 0830

Disneyland in Hong Kong, while being the smallest of this famous franchise, has hundreds of attractions (and freshly baked cookies) to lure kids. As with the others, this Disneyland has the usual castles, characters and sets from the Disney stories to entertain children, but it also has features that highlight the local Chinese culture... anyone seen Mulan around? Children visiting Disneyland must try one of Tomorrowland's restaurants, an energetic hub of robots and rocket ships.

Western Market

Address: 323 De Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wang Hong Kong

Admission: Free Open daily from 10am to 7pm

This indoor market is held in a four-storey red brick colonial building that was constructed in 1906. After extensive renovation it re-opened in 1991 and now occupies an entire block at the western end of Central Hong Kong. The building houses a variety of shops and stalls that sell a range of products from curios to assorted silks and fabrics. From here one can hop onto Hong Kong's ancient double-decker tram headed for Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Happy Valley.

Police Museum

Address: 27 Coombe Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Hong Kong

Admission: Free Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 2pm to 5pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays

Telephone: 2849 7019

The Police Museum showcases a display tracing the development and history of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force from 1844 to today. The main exhibit encompasses a significant number of artefacts relating to the Hong Kong Police Force from uniforms and firearms, to historical archives and photographs. Other exhibits look at the major factions which have influenced the status quo namely the triad societies and narcotics (Hong Kong was founded on the narcotics trade). The Police Museum is an interesting visit, which provides insight into the dedication of the officers who served within this elite force.

Statue Square

Address: Hong Kong

This square is an amalgamation of Hong Kong's contemporary architecture that reaches its most spectacular manifestation in the designs of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the Bank of China Tower. The most significant feature of the HSBC building is that it has been designed without a central core, a feat of structural engineering blended with the ultimate in aesthetic principles. The Bank of China Tower became a much-debated conversation piece following its construction, largely because of the asymmetrically-designed pinnacle that acquires differing perspectives depending on one's vantage point.

Hong Kong Museum of History

Address: 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kawloon (next to the Hong Kong Science Museum) Hong Kong

Admission: HK$10; concessions available. Free admission on Wednesday Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday and public holidays 10am to 7pm. Closes at 5pm on Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve. Closed on Tuesdays and first two days of Chinese New Year

Telephone: +852 2724 9042

The Hong Kong Museum of History showcases Hong Kong's archaeological, cultural and natural history through a display of cultural objects, artefacts, photographs, traditional costumes and models that span 6,000 years. Glorious period sets tell the story of Chinese life in replicas of village houses, streets and stores. These memorials to the past are contained within an incredible building opened in the year 2000.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Address: 2 Chuck Yuen Village, Kowloon Hong Kong

Admission: Free (although donations are welcome) Daily 7am to 5.30pm, gardens closed on Mondays

Telephone: 2327 8141

This grand Taoist temple is one of the most frequently visited temples in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a legendary hermit who reputedly had healing powers and could foretell the future. A number of fortunetellers ply their trade in the temple complex and there is also a large pharmacy. The ornate temple with its red pillars, gold ceilings and decorative latticework is usually full of people burning incense and making floral offerings. The temple also has a lovely adjacent park called the 'Good Wish Gardens', a peaceful green spot with waterfalls tumbling over rocks.

Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom

Address: Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen Hong Kong

Admission: HK$208 (adult), HK$103 (child) Daily 10am to 6pm

Telephone: 3923 2323

The Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom is a theme park spread over two parts, connected to each other by a cable car. A spectacular aquarium, reputed to be the largest in world, is complemented by a funfair containing a roller coaster, space wheel, octopus and swinging ship amongst its rides. Entrance fee also includes a visit to the ancient Chinese Middle Kingdom.

Aberdeen

Address: South District, Hong Kong Island Hong Kong

Some 200 years ago, Hong Kong's Aberdeen district was a haven for pirates. Located on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island, it is home to the Tanka boat people and has become a popular tourist destination where visitors can experience on hand the traditional lifestyle of boat dwellers and sample fresh seafood. Aberdeen is a lively marina crammed with junks, sampans, water taxis (kai do), cruisers and yachts. The fishing harbour is a wonderful way to experience the activity of life on water. Tours along Aberdeen's watery stretches can be enjoyed onboard one of the many sampans offering half-hour trips around the harbour and the sensory delights of Hong Kong cuisine can be experienced within the unique environment of the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant.

Lantau

Address: Hong Kong

Lantau is the largest of the 235 outlying islands in Hong Kong, being almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It is better known for its walking trails and beaches and provides a pleasant respite from crowds and shopping. The main arrival point to the island by ferry is at Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay). The finest beaches are located along the west coast, most notably Cheung Sha. Besides beaches, Western Lantau is the location of the Po Lin Monastery, the largest temple in Hong Kong. Beyond the doorstep of this vast temple is the world's largest outdoor Buddha. Aptly named Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), the bronze statue sits contemplatively from the reaches of Ngong Ping Plateau. From the monastery buses will transport one to the quaint fishing village of Tai O. Here little wooden houses perch on stilts and much of life flows from the fishing industry that sustains it. Lantau's north shore is predominantly a farming region. The main attraction here however is the historical Tung Chung Fort, which was built in the early 19th century as part of a short-lived attempt to suppress the opium trade and defend the coastal area from pirates. Six old Qing Dynasty cannons dating back to 1832 stand on the ramparts. Development has changed the landscape of the Northeastern stretches of Lantau, known as Discovery Bay. Here upmarket housing complexes, shopping malls, yacht clubs and golf courses promise to provide the ultimate designer lifestyle at a price.

Macau

Address: Hong Kong

The cultural influence of Portuguese life threaded through a Chinese framework has produced a unique landscape in Macau, fused with contrast and complexity. Here Baroque churches and colonial mansions appear from the cobbled pavements interspersed with plazas and cafes. Visitors are enticed here by the lure of gambling and the glitz of its promise. Macau's attractions are exemplified in its architectural heritage. St Paul's Cathedral is one such legacy that dates back to the early 17th century. It is an Italian-designed building perched on a hilltop that is most spectacular when illuminated against a night sky. The vantage point from the Fortaleza de Monte is a good place to reflect on the defensive role it played against Dutch assault in 1622 alongside an exploration of the museum and meteorological observatory. The classic Chinese temple of A-Ma rests at the base of Penha Hill. Its name derives from Tin Hau, Queen of Heaven, or the Honoured Mother. Myth has it that a poor girl saved the fishing vessel, on which she was travelling, from the ravages of a storm. In tribute to her this temple was built and is a place of pilgrimage for Macau's fishing community. Another temple dedicated to the power of female intervention is the Kun Iam Temple, built in honour of the Goddess of Mercy, located in the northern reaches of the peninsula. It was here in 1844 that the first trade and friendship treaty between USA and China was signed. Macau is 37 miles (60km) west of Hong Kong; ferries take around an hour to get there and leave every fifteen minutes.

Big Buddha

Address: Ngong Ping plateau Hong Kong

Admission: Free. A fee of HK$60 is charged for access to the exhibition halls below, which includes a vegetarian meal served at the monastery (11.30am to 5pm), as well as souvenir card Daily 10am to 5.45pm

The Big Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha, is one of the tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statues in the world, seated near Po Lin Monastery. It is a popular tourist destination and a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong. The 112-foot (34m) high statue sits on a lotus throne on top of a three-platform altar and is surrounded by eight smaller statues of gods. Inside the three floors beneath the Buddha visitors can access the Hall of the Universe, the Hall of Benevolent Merit and the Hall of Remembrance. Visitors can climb the 268 steps to reach the platform where the impressive figure is seated.

Ngong Ping 360

Address: Lantau Island Hong Kong

Admission: Cable car return: HK$96 (adults), HK$48 (children 3-11); 'Walking with Buddha', and 'Monkey's Tale Theatre': HK$36 (adults), HK$18 (children). Combination packages available. Prices are higher on Sundays Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6.30pm, Sunday 9am to 6.30pm

Telephone: 2109 9898

The Ngong Ping Cable Car is a spectacular four-mile (6km) ropeway that affords panoramic views over the bay and surrounding area on its 25-minute journey to the Ngong Ping Village. As visitors approach the cable car terminal on top of the plateau views will include the huge Tian Tan Buddha Statue and the Po Lin Monastery. The Ngong Ping Village is situated right next to the cable car terminal, which features attractions such as 'Walking with Buddha', the 'Monkey's Tale Theatre', and the 'Ngong Ping Teahouse', as well as an assortment of shopping and dining options. Walking with Buddha plunges visitors into a multimedia presentation that follows the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the man who became Buddha) and his path to enlightenment, while the Teahouse provides demonstrations of traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. The 'Monkey's Tale Theatre' presents a charming and comical show inspired by famous Buddhist Jataka stories that will enchant both old and young alike.

Hong Kong Science Museum

Address: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon Hong Kong

Admission: HK$25 (adults), HK$12.50 (concessions). Free on Wednesdays Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 1pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 9pm

Telephone: 2732 3232

Four floors of exhibits cover a range of hands-on science and technology related subjects, including light, sound, motion, magnetism, electricity, robotics, virtual reality and much more. This museum is extremely popular because of its hands-on approach, allowing children and adults alike to learn through involvement. The most prominent exhibit is a 72-foot (22m) tall twin tower Energy Machine which, when activated, triggers a series of displays to produce spectacular audiovisual effects demonstrating various forms of energy.

Kowloon Park

Address: 22 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Hong Kong

Admission: Daily, 6am to 12am

Telephone: 2724 3344

A good outdoors attraction for children on holiday in Hong Kong is Kowloon Park, which has aviaries, outdoor swimming pools, canals and a waterfall for kids to enjoy. The lake is home to a beautiful flock of flamingos, and the themed sections and open-air sculpture area are also interesting to see. The Chinese garden, playground and soccer pitch are yet more fun features of the park.

Dineyland Hong Kong

Address: Lantau Island Hong Kong

Admission: HK$350 (adult) and HK$250 (child) one-day pass Daily 10.30am to 8pm

Telephone: 2183 0830

The fifth Disneyland Resort in the world, but also the smallest, Hong Kong Disneyland offers a magical adventure in four themed lands similar to other parks, namely Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. Mickey Mouse welcomes visitors of all ages to the happiest place on Earth, which also includes attractions exclusively designed for Hong Kong. Particular care has been taken to incorporate Chinese culture into the design, such as a feng shui layout, and the omission of the number four in the numbering of floors in each of the two hotels. In addition to the numerous rides and various events and attractions, shops sell Disney souvenirs and restaurants offer a variety of food throughout the park.

Ocean Park

Address: Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen Hong Kong

Admission: HK$208 (adult), HK$103 (child) 10am to 6pm daily

Telephone: 3923 2323

Ocean Park, aka 'Big Park', is a great attraction for kids on holiday in Hong Kong. This is an exciting theme park featuring aquariums, dinosaur exhibits and roller-coaster rides set in beautifully landscaped gardens. The remote-control cars at Kids' World are a hit, and the giant pandas are not to be missed; the stingrays at Sea Jelly Spectacular are also fantastic to see. The ancient Chinese Middle Kingdom is linked to Ocean Park by a cable car, another must for children on holiday.

The Peak

Address: Peak Tram Terminus, Garden Road Hong Kong

Admission: Return tram tickets HK$33 (adult), HK$15 (child) Tram runs daily, 7am to 12am

Kids on holiday in Hong Kong would love a ride on the rack railway (tram) up to The Peak, where there are plenty of attractions to amuse them. The wacky and sometimes gross Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum is a must see, as is Madame Tussaud's wax museum. Other features of The Peak for kids include a fantastic playground, and a restaurant with a Forrest Gump theme - bring on the shrimp!

Hong Kong Wetland Park

Address: Tin Shui Wai, New Territories Hong Kong

Admission: HK$30 (adult), HK$15 (child)

Telephone: 2708 8885

Children on holiday in Hong Kong who want to see crocodiles, butterflies and mangroves should head to the Hong Kong Wetland Park, a man-made oasis. Interactive and educational games are another feature to enjoy at the park, as are the sound booths where kids can compose wetland symphonies using the sounds of this fascinating eco-system.

Toy Library

Address: 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay Hong Kong

Admission: Daily, 10am to 9pm

Telephone: 3150 1234

A favourite for kids on holiday in Hong Kong is the Toy Library, on the second floor of Central Library. The library has areas where children can play 'house' or 'doctors and nurses', and there is also a games catalogue available. On the same floor, the Junior Library has a large selection of books in English for kids, as well as a pleasant reading area.

Chinese New Year

Where: Wan Chai Harbour front; parade route in Tsim Sha Tsui,Hong Kong

When: 14 February 2010

When it comes to Chinese New Year celebrations, nobody does it better than Hong Kong. The streets are jammed with dragon dancers, street performers and illuminated floats. Doors are hung with colourful messages of good fortune and lights are draped over all the city's skyscrapers. The highlight of the festivities is the glittering night parade that is complemented by special lighting effects and concluded by traditional fireworks over the harbour, which is said to scare away demons and ensure good luck. The forthcoming year (2008) is Year of the Rat.

Hong Kong Arts Festival

Where: ,Hong Kong

When: 25 February to 28 March 2010

As a major international arts festival and the city's premier arts event of the year, the Hong Kong Arts Festival presents a fabulous assortment of music, theatre, dance and a wide range of creative visual arts by top international and local performers. The festival is renowned for the richness and diversity of its programme, ranging from classic entertainment to modern and innovative forms of performing arts. The festival is opened with the Piazza Party that is a special open-air extravaganza of music, dancing and free entertainment.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Where: Cheung Chau Island,Hong Kong

When: May 2010 TBA

The tiny island of Cheung Chau hosts the world's only bun festival in honour of the God of the Sea, Pak Tai, to ensure fair weather and a good catch at the start of the fishing season, as well as protection against evil spirits. Three days before the festival a vegetarian diet is adhered to. Spectacular bun towers, 60ft (18m) bamboo structures covered with iced buns, are erected in front of the Pak Tai Temple as an offering, and the blessed buns are handed out to believers at the end of the festival. A colourful street procession with floats, dragon and lion dancers, acrobats and young children in rich costumes make it one of Hong Kong's most vivid and intriguing festivals.

Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng)

Where: Shing Mun River, New Territories,Hong Kong

When: 16 June 2010

The Dragon Boat festival commemorates the death of a national hero, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against the corrupt rulers of the 3rd century. Legend has it that the villagers threw rice dumplings into the river and beat drums to scare the fish away from his body in an attempt to rescue him. The main festival activities today bring to mind the event, as rice dumplings are eaten and teams of local and international racers compete in fast and furious dragon boat races to the pounding of drums, as well as other various water-based activities. The elaborately carved, brightly painted dragon boats are the highlight of the festivities, combining heritage, sport and spectacle. For more information email the Hong Kong Tourism Board info@discoverhongkong.com

Mid-Autumn/Moon Festival

Where: ,Hong Kong

When: 22 September 2010

One of the major festivals celebrated in Hong Kong, the Moon Festival is also one of the most widely celebrated festivals for Chinese all over the world, and is traditionally a time for family reunions. At this time of year the moon is thought to be the biggest, brightest and most beautiful, and to celebrate this sighting colourful lanterns in a variety of traditional shapes are lit and all open spaces and hilltops are crowded with families and bright lanterns, watching the full moon rise and eating traditional sweet moon cakes. As with many Chinese celebrations there are numerous ancient myths and legends to explain the festival. For more information contact the Hong Kong Tourist Office Association on +852 2807 6543 or email info@www.hkta.org

Hungry Ghost Festival (Yue Lan)

Where: Various. Popular venues are King George V Memorial Park, Kowloon and Moreton Terrace Playground, Causeway Bay,Hong Kong

When: Starts 23 August 2010

It is believed that the gates of the underworld open for a month, once a year and the discontented and vengeful ghosts of those who died without proper funeral rites, who met a violent death, or whose living relatives neglected their after-life spirits, roam the earth looking to satisfy their hunger for attention and peace. The purpose of the festival is to prevent these ghosts from inflicting harm on the living in order to gratify their needs, and so elaborate religious parades with food offerings fill the streets, and roadside fires are built to burn gifts of money and crafted paper objects such as cars or furniture to appease the wandering ghosts. Various types of entertainment also take place to keep them happy. For more information contact the Hong Kong Tourist Office Association on +852 2807 6543 or info@www.hkta.org

Tin Hau Festival

Where: Various,Hong Kong

When: 18 April 2010 TBC

The birthday of Tin Hau, Goddess of the Sea, is the most important day of the year for the fishermen who earn a livelihood from the sea. They gather at dedicated temples to pray for full nets, calm seas and protection from shipwrecks and sickness. The festival is a colourful event, and in addition to the traditional rites, there are float processions and lion dances through the streets. The many waterways become crammed with gaily decorated boats, full of people, shrines, paper lanterns and streamers as everyone heads for one of the many temples.

Hong Kong Sevens

Where: Hong Kong Stadium, Causeway Bay,Hong Kong

When: March 2010 TBA

The Hong Kong Sevens is one of the biggest sporting events in the city and one of the most exciting rugby events on the international calendar. Top teams compete in this famed event while enthusiastic spectators whoop it up in the stands, particularly in the legendary South Stand party, where the music blares and the beer flows among the outrageously dressed fans intent on enjoying the rugby as well as having a good time.

Hong Kong Summer Temptations

Where: Throughout Hong Kong,Hong Kong

When: July to September, annually

Hong Kong is synonymous with shopping, so it is only fitting that they would choose to dedicate a festival to it. Special offers are in abundance, from retailers to restaurants across the city. The diverse shopping experience features a host of summer events and promotions.

The Bostonian Restaurant

Address: Langham Hotel, 8 Peking Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon Hong Kong

Food Type: American

The Bostonian has been included in the influential dining handbook The Hong Kong Best Restaurant Guide and has been a Hong Kong favourite for more than a decade. The restaurant has a lively, sometimes humurous atmosphere (each table is equipped with crayons and paper tablecloths so diners can be creative while they wait) and its menu offers a wide choice of American fare, from the signature US prime rib to Boston lobster - all in huge portions! Creole dishes are also popular here, as is the award winning collection of Californian wines. The Bostonian is tucked away in the basement of the Langham Hotel, with a bar upstairs serving lunchtime sandwiches, and tapas in the evening. Bookings recommended for dinner.

Café Deco

Address: Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road (ride up in the Peak Tram) Hong Kong

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

Apart from its vast and excellent international menu, featuring everything from American beef steaks to Hainan chicken, homemade pepperoncini pizzas and Indian tandoori specialities, the appeal of the Café Deco is its locatio - it's set in two high, glassed-in levels of the Peak Galleria Mall, overlooking the vista of Hong Kong. The Art Deco décor and stunning views make visiting this vibey restaurant, with its international chefs at work in show kitchens, a memorable experience. Café Deco is open for lunch and dinner daily.

Hunan Garden

Address: 3rd Floor, The Forum, Exchange Square Hong Kong

Food Type: Chinese

This friendly restaurant, where live Chinese music accompanies a range of mostly spicy dishes from the Hunan province, is conveniently situated in central Exchange Square, next to Hong Kong Station, making it a good spot for a business lunch. The dining room is spacious and brightly decorated in pink and green, with the Hunanese lotus motif much in evidence. The food, liberally spiced with ginger, chilli and garlic, ranges from the delectable soups to fish, chicken, meat and bean main courses. Reservations are recommended. Open Monday to Sunday.

Yung Kee

Address: 32-40 Wellington Street, Central District (near Lan Kwai Fong) Hong Kong

Food Type: Chinese

Dim Sum is a Chinese tradition: an array of steaming baskets of dumplings and other delicacies from which diners make a selection, usually for late breakfast or a light lunch. Dim Sum is one of the specialities for which the multi-award winning Yung Kee is famed, along with the restaurant's renowned Cantonese roast goose served up with sweet, tasty stewed beans, nick-named the 'flying goose' because so many visitors have insisted on taking a sample of this delicious dish home with them. Enjoy the clean Asian décor of this restaurant while being served by their well-mannered staff. Open Monday to Sunday; Dim-Sum dining from 2pm to 5.30pm on Monday through Saturday, and from 11am to 5:30pm on Sundays.

Indochine 1929

Address: 2nd Floor, California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central District Hong Kong

Food Type: Oriental

For a special gastronomic treat, take a trip back in time to the age of colonial elegance at the Indochine 1929, where the setting evokes the breezy veranda of a Franco-Viet plantation house from that genteel era. Fringed lamps and gramophone music add to the ambience while diners tuck into the restaurant's signature dishes such as salt and pepper soft-shelled crabs or fish fried Hanoi-style, as well as any number of other Asian delights. Reservations are recommended. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday, and only for dinner on Sunday.

The Ashoka

Address: 57-59 Wyndham Street, Central District Hong Kong

Food Type: Indian

The Wyndham Street area, close to central Hong Kong, abounds in Indian restaurants. The one that claims to be the oldest Indian restaurant on Hong Kong Island is the Ashoka, which has been serving up mouth-watering northern Indian meals since 1973. The Ashoka is popular not only for its tasty, extensive menu but also because of its very low-priced set menus, available at lunch or dinner - their fish and mutton dishes come highly recommended. À la carte specialities are also on offer. The restaurant is very small but the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Jumbo Floating Restaurant

Address: Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. (Shuttle ferries depart from Shum Wan Pier and Aberdeen Pier) Hong Kong

Food Type: Chinese

Hong Kong's famous floating restaurant, gently riding the swells in Aberdeen Harbour, consists of three sections which are all brightly lit by a myriad of dazzling lights making a fairy-tale night-time spectacle for the thousands who come to dine here every week. Jumbo in Chinese means 'gem' or 'treasure', but the western meaning fits it just as well with its massive capacity for seating 2,300 diners simultaneously. The cuisine on offer is varied, but mainly seafood, which diners can pick out themselves from a selection swimming in a tank - the Flamed Drunken Shrimp is extraorinary. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill

Address: 114 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty Hong Kong

Food Type: American

Homesick Americans visiting Hong Kong will find solace in the carnivorous cuisine served up at Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill. The menu tempts with sumptuous feasts such as rack of lamb roasted with rosemary, or char-grilled porterhouse steaks. Not-so-meaty specialities on the menu include homemade pasta dishes, as well as thick satisfying soups served in bread bowls. The bar is also popular for its informal beer-swilling atmosphere. Reservations are essential for this taste of gratifying down-home cookin'. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Felix

Address: Peninsula Hotel, Salibury Rd Hong Kong

Food Type: Fusion

This elegant and trendy restaurant's sleek interior boasts a long table occasionally used as a catwalk, suggesting Felix's fashion-venue ambitions match its culinary aspirations. The Dungeness crab cake, with an avocado and jalapeño remoulade, and the lobster risotto top the haute cuisine list but there's no telling what the haute couture has to offer... Reservations are recommended, open every night for dinner.

SPOON

Address: InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Rd Hong Kong

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

At SPOON, diners are offered the opportunity to create their own meal from a selection of contemporary Asian, French and vegetarian ingredients. The steamed duck foie gras is a favourite, as are the Wagyu beef tenderloin and the pan-seared red tuna. Be sure to browse the six-course Sexy SPOON Menu. The sleek décor is made up of eel-skin upholstery and mink cushions, while hundreds of Venetian glass spoons adorn the ceiling. Reservations are recommended. Open daily for dinner, and on Sunday for lunch.