IF YOU’RE a shop-a-holic, why not take advantage of the 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year, which also incorporates the world famous Hong Kong Shopping Festival, from June 24 to August 31, and offers total shopping heaven – with bargains, discounts, fantastic prize draws and nightly entertainment.
The 10-week-long festival takes place during the summer sales season and, thanks to the favourable exchange rate with the Hong Kong Dollar, this is a fantastic time to go. With its duty free status and a staggering choice and variety of shopping, from glitzy malls to traditional, vibrant bustling street markets, Hong Kong really is a feast for the eyes and also easy on the wallet.
Bargains include designer clothing, electronic goods and Chinese crafts, such as tableware, silks and fabrics. Look out for the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s black and gold ‘QTS’ (Quality Tourism Services) scheme logo, which indicates retailers accredited by the tourism board in terms of quality of goods and services. This is especially important if you’re buying jewellery, watches and electronic goods.
And, if shopping is not your thing, Hong Kong has much more to offer this year. 2006 sees some exciting new attractions added to existing favourites and hidden treasures. There’s the Hong Kong Wetland Park opening in the second quarter of 2006, which is a 60-hectare of parkland offering a fun and informative wetland day-out with interactive exhibits. Ngong Ping 360 (opening mid 2006) includes a Skyrail cable car up to the giant Buddha and amazing views of the South China Sea. And for a truly magical journey, make sure you visit the newly opened Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island.
