Hong Kong
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This Asian tiger may have had some of the stuffing knocked out of it since 1997, but it is still a roaring destination. Once the theatre for a unique confrontation (or collusion) between East and West, Hong Kong now presents a similar struggle between two entirely different visions of Chinese identity.
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 Hong Kong's combined use of the Western calendar and the Chinese lunar calendar can make trying to determine the exact date of festivals a bit tricky. Chinese New Year takes place in mid- to late-February, and many people get four days off for the event. Expect a massive fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. The Tin Hau Festival is a Taoist festival falling around late April. Junks are decorated and sail in long rows to Tin Hau temples to pray for clear skies and good fishing. The Dragon Boat Festival is held in June, with dragon boat races taking place in Hong Kong and Outlying Islands. Lantern Festival takes place in September or October. Lanterns are lit in homes, restaurants and temples. The Festival of Asian Arts is a major international event and usually occurs in October or November.
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When the curtain fell on the final act of imperial pageantry in "Honkers", with HMS Britannia sailing into the harbour and the last flourish of the Governor's ostrich-feather hat, the prophets foretold doom. They have been confounded, Hong Kong is still alive and thriving.
The city itself is centred around Victoria Harbour. The main business district is Central, on Hong Kong Island. East of Central lies the Admiralty commercial district; Wan Chai, known for restaurants and clubs; then Causeway Bay, a major shopping area. Towering above it all is the Peak, Hong Kong's premier scenic outlook and residential district, which happily has plenty of public green space. In Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui (on the southern tip), Jordan and Yau Ma Tei are busy hotel and shopping areas, while Mong Kok is a bustling residential and shopping area.
