Things to do in Hong Kong

Hike the Maclehose Trail

Head across the New Territories on Hong Kong's longest hike, the 100km-long (62-mile) MacLehose Trail. If the full stretch sounds a little daunting - which it is - the route has been split into 10 sections, each taking from 90 minutes to five hours. Information on the route can be found on the official Enjoy Hiking website (http://hiking.gov.hk).

Walk amongst the flotsam at Chunking Mansions

Chunking Mansions (tel: +852 9316 8547; www.chungking-mansions.hk) achieved cult fame when it was featured and name-checked in Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 film Chunking Express. This 17-floor building was ground zero for vice in Hong Kong for quite some time, but since a facelift in 2004 it’s no longer quite the den of iniquity it once was. The three vast shopping malls that have taken their place are still worth walking around, though.

Ogle the pretty goldfish

How you feel about the aptly named Goldfish Market (www.goldfish-market.hk) will largely depend on your opinion on fish in captivity. Thousands of plastic bags containing goldfish of every hue line the walls of these shops in Mong Kok, and are destined for bowls and aquariums across the city.

Feel the sand between your toes

If white sandy beaches are your jam, get a ferry (www.lantauonline.com/lantau-ferries) to Lantau Island and kick back at Cheung Sha. Lantau is also the location of the vast Shek Pik Reservoir Dam, with its mind-boggling 24 million cubic meters of water.

Tuck into Hello Kitty

The Hello Kitty image of image is famous the world over, but in Hong Kong Kitty’s so popular there’s a restaurant (tel: +852 8202 8203; www.hellokittychinesecuisine.com.hk) that’s been fully licensed by the owners of the brand. A must stop-off for any foodie, their Kitty-decorated dim sum are the ultimate banker for Instagram likes.

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