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Fee: HK$200 (US$25) per ticket (pay at our registration desk)
Gathering Time & Place: 07:30 at the Tang Terrace (the area right outside the Tang Room) of Sheraton
Lunch: at Stanley Market (on your own)
End Time: 18:30-19:00 (return to Sheraton, Tsim Sha Tsui)
Reservation — Seats are limited. Please send an email before 23 November to:
Itinerary
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| Expo Promenade (Golden Bauhinia Square) |
The Expo Promenade (also known as Golden Bauhinia Square) outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the waterfront of Wan Chai has marked the most significant occasion in the Hong Kong history — the return of the former British Colony to the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the establishment of the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.
The hand-back took place in the Convention Centre with former President Jiang Zemin and other high PRC dignitaries representing China, as well as Prince Charles presented in Royal Navy uniform to witness the relinquishment of what had often been described as "the richest jewel in the British Crown".
The main ceremony took place at the night of 30 June 1997, and as the clock struck midnight the Hong Kong SAR came into being under its Chief Executive, Shanghai-born former shipping magnate, Tung Chee Hwa.
The Golden Bauhinia is a gift from the people of the PRC to mark the widespread joy of the Chinese at the return of the territory to the Motherland after 156 years. Other gifts to commemorate the historic occasion were sent by each of China's provinces, autonomous regions and other territories.
Near the Golden Bauhinia stands the Reunification Monument bearing inscriptions of former President Jiang Zemin's calligraphy. The white ring around the pinnacle denotes the return of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China, and the 50 smaller rings symbolize that Hong Kong's way of life will remain unchanged for 50 years from mid-1997. |
| Victoria Peak |
Victoria Peak, overlooking the west of Hong Kong Island, is the highest peak on this island. It is the most enduring tourist attraction in Hong Kong, with the city's oldest transport, the 115-year old Peak Tram, and the Peak Tower.
The peak rises 1,805 feet above sea level. In the early colonial rule, Victoria Peak was accessible only to Hong Kong's high society while the common could visit the peak by permit from the colony's governor. Today, Victoria Peak is a world-renowned scenic spot. By ascending the peak you come to experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the harbor, Kowloon Peninsula and the hills beyond.
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| Stanley Market |
Stanley, a coastal village on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, is a must-go place for most visitors to Hong Kong. Stanley used to be a small fishing village but in recent years, a series of restaurants and pubs have been established here, now this village is bustling with throngs of people.
 Stanley Main Street (left) and Stanley Market (right)
Stanley Market, located just up the road from the harbor, is the highlight of Stanley. Over the years it's become known for its bargains, which include silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costumes, souvenir, ornaments and a host of fantastic crafts. It is one of the famous open-air markets in Hong Kong. Strolling in this street and bargaining with the shrewd vendors is something most travelers find amusing to try.
Even if you are not interested in bargains, the market, with its beautiful scenery nearby, is worth visiting.
At the western end of the market street is the Tin Hau Temple (temple of the Queen of Heaven), one of the oldest in Hong Kong. It was built in 1767, and during the First World War, villagers took asylum from war in this temple. Since then each year, on the 23rd of March, according to the lunar calendar, on the birthday of Tin Hau, people pour in to worship in this temple.
You can also visit Murray House, the oldest example of Western architecture, Old Stanley Police Station, one of the oldest surviving police stations in Hong Kong, old Stanley Fort and a cluster of historic military sites found here.
 Tin Hau Temple (left) and Murray House (right)
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| Tsing Yi Trunkroute Viewing Terrace |
The 2.2 km Tsing Ma Bridge is the longest suspension bridge for both vehicle and railway purposes in the world. Officially opened in 1997, the bridge connects Ma Wan and the Lantau Island, where the Hong Kong International Airport is located. Together with the Ting Kau Bridge, the Tsing Yu Trunkroute connects the airport with the urban districts of Hong Kong. The Tsing Ma Bridge and the Ting Kau Bridge not only demonstrate the state-of-the-art technologies in modern engineering, but also provide a spectacular scenic view for visitors. The Tsing Yi Trunkroute Viewing Terrace provides a perfect place to view the Tsing Ma Bridge. It consists of a Visiting Guest Centre in which the model, pictures and the structure of the Tsing Yu Trunkroute are on display.
 Ting Kau Bridge (left), Tsing Ma Bridge (middle), and Tsing Yu Trunkroute (right)
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| Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) |
The Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery is situated on the western part of the Lantau Island. This grand monastery was founded by three monks in 1920, and was renamed to Po Lin Monastery in 1924. Renowned as the "Buddhist Kingdom in the South", it is one of the well-established Buddhist monasteries in Hong Kong. The main building at the monastery is the temple, where 3 bronze statues of the Buddha are housed. They represent the past, present and future lives of Buddha. Many Buddhist sculptures can also be found in the temple.
The highlight of Po Lin Monastery is a big copper statue of Sakyamuni — also known as Tian Tan Buddha — located on the top of the Muyushan Mountain, up a flight of 268 steps. The 34-meter, 250-ton sculpture is the world's largest seated outdoor bronze statue of the Buddha in the world. After 10 years of construction, it was opened to the public in late 1993. There are also small exhibition galleries for view inside the statue.
 Outlook of (left) and inside the Po Lin Monastery (middle), and the Tian Tan Buddha (right)
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