by Janice Mucalov
Once a 19th century colonial settlement of the British Empire, Hong Kong is now China’s shining star. The fusion of the historic and modern east-meets-west cultures is partly what makes this city of almost seven million so endlessly fascinating. You can be browsing gleaming new stores or having afternoon tea one minute, then see fish flopping about at a “wet” market the next. And, yes, while Hong Kong is indeed a shopping nirvana, it also has so much more to offer. Here are ten reasons to visit this exuberant city.

1.  Harbor Crossing With Star Ferries
For twenty-five cents, you can enjoy one of the world’s most scenic rides – across Victoria Harbor on a Star Ferry. Since 1888, the antiquated green-and-white Star Ferries have been plying the waters between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (the two main sections of Hong Kong). On the five-minute crossing, see the city’s eye-popping skyline and the junks, sampans and container ships gliding around the harbor. For a longer 45-minute sail around the harbor, step aboard the luxurious Chinese junk “Aqua Luna,” with its three red sails. Go at night, when bouncing laser beams illuminate dozens of buildings during the city’s “Symphony of Lights.”

2.  Shopping Galore
Love shopping? Then you’ll be in paradise. Look for upscale clothing, Gucci bags and housewares in Hong Kong’s palatial shopping malls like the new International Finance Center Mall. Then there’s the Stanley Market, jam-packed with stalls selling inexpensive silk cushion covers, embroidered linens and Chinese artwork, and the Jade Market for jade jewelry. Don’t forget to haggle! And nothing beats a made-to-measure shirt or suit available in 24 hours from a quality tailor.

3.  Peak Views
For unsurpassed 360-degree views of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and harbor, take the Peak Tram – the world’s steepest funicular railway – to the top of Victoria Peak. The maroon double trolley trundles up 120-year-old tracks, past aging apartments and fancy buildings, before emerging from a forest of trees. You’ll find walking trails at the top of Victoria Peak, whose Chinese name means “Mountain of Great Peace,” as well as the wok-shaped, eight-story Peak Tower with shops and several good restaurants.

4.  Oriental Spa Treatments
Hong Kong’s spas pamper you with some of the best Oriental spa treatments in the world. Top hotel spas are open to non-guests. The new Spa at Four Seasons is the last word on luxe with its Finnish sauna, crystal steam room and lavish spa suites. The jade stone therapy alternates hot and cold jade stones in a full-body massage. Or rejuvenate at the swish 80,000 square-foot Plateau spa at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, with its outdoor jogging track and swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens.

5.  Aberdeen Fishing Village
Nestled around a harbor on the south side of Hong Kong Island lies Aberdeen, famous for the boat people who live on junks. While many boat people have moved into high-rises, you can still take a sampan ride to see men repairing fishing nets, laundry fluttering in the breeze, and families eating and living on colorful boats in Aberdeen Harbor. The world’s largest floating restaurant, Jumbo Kingdom, is also a tourist icon.

6.  Hiking and Green Places
Hiking and “green” experiences in Hong Kong? It’s true. Some 40% of the territory is protected in 23 country parks with bamboo and pine forests, rugged mountains, waterfalls and secluded beaches. One of the most popular trails is along the ridge of the Dragon’s Back, an urban hike just outside the city, offering breathtaking views over Victoria Harbor and the seaside village of Shek O. The Hong Kong Tourism Board offers a wide range of guided outdoor tours through its Nature Kaleidoscope program – from hiking to watching pink dolphins in the wild.

7.  Chinese Culinary Cuisine
A culinary world capital, Hong Kong boasts more than 9,000 restaurants. Among the best are its regional Chinese restaurants. You’ll find superb Cantonese places serving the freshest-of-fresh seafood (choose from tanks of live lobster, crab and fish), pork, chicken and vegetables – try the popular Superstar Seafood Restaurant. Pekinese (Peking duck), Shangainese and Szechuan (spicy chili dishes) eateries round out the Chinese culinary smorgasbord. And no visit to Hong Kong would be complete without sampling dim sum – snacks like shrimp dumplings and barbecued pork buns served in bamboo steamers.

8.  Temple Tripping
Get your fortune told and spin a wheel for good luck at two of Hong Kong’s best-known temples. The three main religions are Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, and the people worshiping at their colorful temples and shrines wish for good luck and to keep bad spirits at bay. At Wong Tai Sin Temple, soothsayers will divine your future. In traditional Chinese style, the temple is resplendent with red pillars supporting a golden tiled roof with carved blue friezes. And if you light a joss stick (incense) and rotate the sails of the copper windmill three times inside the Che Kung Temple, good luck will be with you for the year.

9.  Lantau Island
With beaches and sub-tropical jungle, Lantau is a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also home to the Po Lin Monastery and the world’s largest outdoor-seated bronze Buddha, sitting serenely amid mountain peaks. From Po Lin, walk or take a taxi or bus to the stilt village of Tai O. The villagers, who once relied on fishing for their livelihood, now sell salted fish and shrimp paste plus souvenirs to tourists. But you can still see their tin-roofed houses built on stilts along a tidal creek.

10.  Chinese New Year’s Festivities
Visit during Chinese New Year (starts January 26 in 2009), and you’ll witness Hong Kong’s most celebrated festival. The big event is the magnificent Chinese New Year’s Day parade held at night, with brightly illuminated floats from around the world, musicians in marching bands and roving clowns. Colorful flower markets, exciting fireworks displays, horse races and feasts round out the Lunar New Year extravaganza.