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A Remarkable Holiday Destination

Author: Naveen Marasinghe


Stanley is a peninsula on the south-eastern area of Hong Kong Island that is positioned west of Shek O, east of Repulse Bay and also neighbours Chung Hom Kok.

It is often said that a large Red Kapok Tree was once located in the centre of the village and during the flowering season it would be covered in beautiful red blossoms. It was for this reason that the Chinese name for the village was Red Pillar until the advent of the 19th century. However, later Lord Stanley (the British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies in the 19th century) bestowed the island an English name.

Renowned as a common fishing village, Stanley is full of historically acclaimed sights and scenic beauty. Among its many intriguing attractions is Murray House which was originally built in 1844.

In 1982 Murray house was demolished but was eventually reconstructed in 1998 embodying a European style. Today it is a place worth visiting, since it houses multiple restaurants in addition to a mini museum revealing its history.

Other significant places of interest in Stanley include St. Stephen's Beach, Stanley Main Beach, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum, Military Cemetery, Stanley Main Street and Hau Temple.

However the trip to Stanley would not be complete without visiting the famous market that is housed here. Stanley Market is a huge open-air marketplace which has become eminent for its competitive prices in clothing - mainly silk clothing and customary Chinese dress, toys, souvenirs, luggage, ornaments, and Chinese crafts and arts.

Stanley is also much loved by both locals and foreigners for its two pristine beaches. Stanley Main Beach is situated on the east side of the peninsular whilst St. Stephen's Beach lies on the western side.

Stanley is served by Tai Tam Road and Repulse Bay Road. This remarkable destination can be conveniently accessed by various buses that traverse back and forth all across Hong Kong.

Stanley also features a taxi stand, which at all times houses a number of taxis awaiting passengers. Apart from offering convenient transportation, Stanley also boasts some superb accommodation options. Visitors can opt to stay at any of Hotel Jen’s renowned accommodations such as Hotel in Hong Kong and Hotel Jen that are well known for offering gracious hospitality and attention to detail.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-remarkable-holiday-destination-738711.html


About the Author

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing agency

that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )

Repulse Bay – A Wonderful Vacation Spot

Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Repulse Bay is situated in the Southern District of Hong Kong, which is an area towards the south of the Hong Kong Island. There are basically two schools of thought as to how this bay area became named Repulse Bay. One version states that in 1841, this bay area was used by pirates as a place for their activities. The pirates would plunder and loot trading ships, especially foreign ones, which go towards China to trade. This became a serious menace and so the British Fleet had to ‘repulse’ the pirates in the area. Hence the bay was named Repulse Bay. The other idea is that the British ship HMS Repulse was kept at one point in time at the bay.


During the 1910s the Repulse Bay area was constructed into a beach. The beach area was artificially lengthened; hence the sand near the shore is seemingly rougher than the sand that lies more inland. The Repulse Bay Hotel was constructed here in the year 1920. The longest serving Hong Kong bus route also goes through the Repulse Bay; it was created in order to bring in swimmers to the area. The bus route runs from Central to the Repulse Bay.


In 1982 the Repulse Bay hotel was turned into a shopping mall. There are many shops, restaurants and cafeterias in the mall. The renowned Building with a Hole is situated a bit further up and overlooks the Repulse Bay. On the east end of the beach resides the Kwun Yam Shrine.


A Hong Kong hotel to be found in the area is the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/repulse-bay-a-wonderful-vacation-spot-790858.html


About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Po Lin Monastery: Home to the Largest Bronze Buddha Statue in the World

Author: Naveen Marasinghe

Crowning the picturesque Ngong Ping plateau in Lantau Island, the Po Lin Monastery is a magnetic attraction to both Buddhist and non-Buddhist tourists to Hong Kong. Originally named Da Maopeng, the monastery was constructed as a small rural temple in 1924. With the passing of time Po Lin Monastery developed into a principal centre of religious and cultural significance in Hong Kong. The breathtaking beauty of the countryside has also contributed to the fame of the holy sanctuary.

The highlight of the Po Lin Monastery is undoubtedly the Tian Tan Big Buddha statue that has graced the summit of Muyu Mountain since 1993. The 34m tall statue depicting Lord Buddha in a meditative sitting posture upon a lotus is the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Wrought in China within a period of 10 years, the statue portrays the majestic dignity and depth of the Sakyamuni’s character. The slightly inclining head and raised hand show the Buddha delivering a universal blessing. The statue is placed on a pedestal which is composed of a three storied museum. Among the most notable exhibits are several Bodhisattva and Buddha statues as well as a large bell, decorated by engravings of Buddhist Sutras and Buddha images. The bell, which legend claims to be vested with the power to cure human vexations, is sounded every 7 minutes.

The monastery has several halls for prayers and for exhibitions. Xiong Bao Dian (the Great Hall of Treasure), Hall of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva and the Sutra-Collection Hall are among the principal sections of the holy premises. In addition, Po Lin Monastery regularly conducts exhibitions of Buddhist Relics for the benefit of pilgrims and the general public.

A visit to Po Lin Monastery and the other areas of Lantau Island is an excellent method for a visitor lodging at a hotel in Hong Kong to experience the traditional and spiritual aspects of the region. Visitors who wish to combine the convenience of a centrally located boutique hotel in Hong Kong with the comforts of warm hospitality and well-appointed rooms need search no further than Hotel Jen located in the Western District with easy access to the principal attractions of the city.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/po-lin-monastery-home-to-the-largest-bronze-buddha-statue-in-the-world-1071526.html


About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Top Sightseeing Spots in Hong Kong

Author: Mike He

20080614003040311-m.jpgAs the economic and financial center in East Asia, Hong Kong enjoys all the benefits of a dynamic and vibrant metropolis.




Hong Kong however still captures the romance and mystery of days gone by in the markets and lanes where East meets West.



In addition to its impressive modernity, Hong Kong has many accessible beaches and natural sights for outdoor lovers.


Lantua Island for example, provides a relaxing atmosphere for a holiday break.


#One: Hong Kong Park


hongkong-park-m.jpgHong Kong Park is a small public city park on Hong Kong Island in Central. It is surrounded on one side by the skyscrapers and on the other side by Victoria Peak. But in the small 8 hectare (20 square acres) space between Cotton Tree Drive and Kennedy Road, the Hong Kong Provisional Urban Council and the Hong Kong Jockey Club opened this park in 1991. It is free and attracts a million visits a year. In the big garden is a pond that covers a former tennis court, waterfalls or rapids and several important facilities including a sports facility, a big aviary, museums, a plant conservatory and a children's playground. The park has won several awards including one from the United State Urban Services Department for its excellent design and facilities in the crowded urban area. The aviary is a walk through aviary. This means that you can walk on a walkway through the tree canopy so that you can see the birds flying around inside up close. The little Hong Kong Park has a lot of interesting attractions crammed into it and is a major highlight of a visit to Hong Kong Island.


#Two: Avenue of Stars


avenue-of-stars-m.jpgThe Avenue of Stars is basically a sidewalk on the shore of Hong Kong's Victoria Bay that is modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The sidewalk and pedestrian area has the handprints and signatures of famous Hong Kong actors such as Jackie Chan and metal sculptures of Hong Kong actors or film industry figures such as Bruce Lee. It stretches for about 440 meters along the shoreline, and there are benches and decorative plants. To keep people from falling into the ocean below, there is a metal handrail along the sidewalk. Some local people go there to enjoy the sight of the bay and the passing ships, jog, and enjoy the harbor air, and tourists go to see the light show at night and to take photographs. This sidewalk attracts a lot of mainland Chinese. You can see most of the tall buildings on Hong Kong Island here, and at night as part of the light show, music and dialogue are played.


#Three: Man Mo Temple


Hongkong-036-b-m.jpgIt is the oldest temple in Hong Kong in the Mid-levels area of Hong Kong Island. It is half the way up Victoria Peak. In the temple, two idols are worshiped, the God of Literature and the God of War. It was built in 1847. People go to the Man Mo temples in China to pray for success in examinations or in their academic or literary endeavors. They also go to Man Mo temples to settle disputes. A bronze bell there was also made in 1847. Though it has been often renovated, the original appearance is preserved, and it is visited by lots of people.


It is said that the ceremony for settling disputes between people of cutting off a chicken's head and burning yellow paper originated during the Qing dynasty. In this ceremony, in order to avoid going to court, people invoke the gods to punish people who don't perform the vows that they publicly make in the ceremony.


#Four: Hong Kong Aberdeen


hongkongaberdeen-travel-m.jpgAberdeen Harbor is on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. It is on the other side of Victoria Peak from the main Hong Kong urban area. Aberdeen is the largest town on Hong Kong Island outside the main urban area, and the harbor was famous as the place where the Hong Kong boat people lived in the 1960s and 1970s. Movies such as a James Bond movie and a Bruce Lee movie were filmed there, so the harbor is recognized world wide. Now, the harbor area is mainly an anchorage for the yachts and pleasure boats of the Hong Kong suburban dwellers in the area. But there are still some famous floating restaurants and local fisherman using the bay, so it is a place to go for seafood on a boat and to see the scenery and the area tourist destinations like Hong Kong Ocean Park.


#Five: Victoria Peak


victoria-peak1-m.jpgVictoria Peak is the highest peak in Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 554 meters and has been considered as a landmark of the island.


It is the best spot to have a bird's eye view of the Victoria Harbor and the whole thriving island. Viewed from the peak, the scenes are different between day time and night. At day time, you can see high and crowded buildings and the busy Victoria Harbor. At night, lit up by colorful lights, the whole scene is dazzling as a fairly-tale world. The best spot to enjoy the scene is the Peak Tower and the Lion Kiosk beside the peak tram terminal.


To reach the Victoria Peak, you can take the peak tram which was put into service in 1888. Its steepest point has an angle of 27 degree which definitely can give you an unforgettable experience.


Recommended Hong Kong Travel, Hong Kong attractions and Tours to Hong Kong.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/top-sightseeing-spots-in-hong-kong-2314834.html


About the Author

Top China Travel Destinations are Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangtze River Cruise and Tibet.

Know Different Perspectives to book Hong Kong Flights

Hong Kong – small yet substantial tourist destination! Every year numerous people take cheap flights to Hong Kong to visit Disneyland, spend relaxed holiday at its beaches and to admire magnificent contemporary architecture. If you want to peep into the culture, history and arts of the region, visiting museums in Hong Kong would be the best option.


Following are the most popular museums in Hong Kong:


Hong Kong Heritage Museum


Ifyou want to know about the rich past of Hong Kong, nothing can beat the collections of Hong Kong Heritage Museum. It is strategically located on the banks of Shing Mun River. Travelers interested in exploring traditional and cultural significance of the region, take flights to Hong Kong and visit this museum. The museum features six galleries exhibiting great collection of art pieces, archeological items and magnificent paintings. There are six other galleries that are dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Notable permanent galleries in the museum are Chao Shao-an Gallery, Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall and Children\'s Discovery Gallery. Museum also features a theater featuring variety of performing arts.


Hong Kong Cultural Center


Hong Kong Cultural center is the place that defines the traditional and cultural expression of the region in best possible way. You can be a part of variety of shows, concerts and plays. If you are traveling with your kids after taking Hong Kong flights, you must take them to this cultural center. It is because the center organizes several educational programmes all the year round. In other words, the culture center has something for everyone. Hong Kong Museum of Art and Hong Kong Space Museum are just few steps away from the cultural center.


Hong Kong Museum of Art


Art lovers cannot refrain from visiting Hong Kong Museum of Art. The museum is known for its extensive collections of Chinese paintings, antiques, Calligraphy works and historical art pieces. While walking around the museum, you will come across collection of over 14,000 pieces. The objects displayed in the exhibitions features great impression of oriental cultures. Numerous travelers take flights to Hong Kong and visit this museum especially to take a closer look at the paintings made from water colors, oil and pencil sketches.


Hong Kong Museum of History


There are several museums that feature history of Hong Kong. However, this is the museum that features rich history as well as cultural heritage of Hong Kong. Visit the museum to increase your knowledge on local culture, beliefs and religion. There are several permanent historical exhibitions. But highlight of the museum is its themed exhibitions displaying various cultural aspects of the exuberant island. If you are taking Hong Kong Flights, I\'d recommend you to visit Hong Kong Museum of History.


Law Uk Folk Museum


The museum is one of a kind. It gives you extensive knowledge on the culture and life of squatters and fishermen. It is a branch of Hong Kong Museum of History. Every traveler who is taking cheap flights to Hong Kong can visit the museum as it remains open all through the week. Best part is that there is no entry fee. The unique structure of the museum has given it the status of Historic Building in China.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/know-different-perspectives-to-book-hong-kong-flights-4845301.html

About the Author

Chrish Watson is an expert content writer at crystal travel for business development. If you want to know about Hong Kong Flights then you must visit www.crystaltravel.co.uk or call 0800 368 0300 for book your Flights to Hong Kong.