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If you enjoy taking holidays where you get to experience a new culture and witness some stunning views, a getaway to Hong Kong is ideal. A perfect example of east meets west; the region on the south coast of China is a former British colony that retains its oriental roots alongside western influences. As well as being a diverse cultural mixing pot, the region is a bustling business hub, described as one of the four Asian tigers when it comes to trade and commerce. Previous booms have led to the area developing a major capitalist service economy and a vast number of modern buildings. Because much of the land here is hilly, there is little space for development, thus thousands of skyscrapers can be found across Hong Kong, which also boasts natural attractions such as the stunning harbour. You're likely to see some of these features as you touch down in the airport after completing your Hong Kong flights, but if you'd like to see things in greater detail, a visit to the Peak is a must. One of Hong Kong's most renowned attractions, Victoria Peak - known locally as the Peak - is a mountain that can be found on the western half of Hong Kong Island. The hilltop can be reached by tram and as you make the journey to its summit you'll pass through all kinds of picturesque landscapes in stark contrast to the cityscape below. You will dismount the tram at an altitude of 396 metres above sea level and can expect some truly breathtaking panoramic views over Hong Kong. Witness firsthand the spectacular harbour and busy port filled with ships that comes alive with colour during special occasions when it hosts firework displays over the vast gorge. Take in the sight of islands contained within the harbour too - such as Green Island, Little Green Island, Kowloon Rock and Tsing Yi Island. There are many other isles to be found in the area but reclamation laws mean they are now connected to adjacent land. As well as the stunning views, you'll find plenty to keep you busy on the mountaintop. Millions of people visit the attraction every year, leading to the erection of two shopping and leisure complexes in the vicinity. You can enjoy some tasty local cuisine and indulge in some retail therapy at the Peak Tower or Peak Galleria that can be found here. The tower also houses a historical attraction - the Peak Tram Historical Gallery - where you can take a glimpse into Hong Kong's past through the 15 themed sections that house more than 200 artefacts from the region's earlier periods. Meanwhile, if you'd like to explore some of the mountain's nature, feel free to follow some of the walking trails set out here. You can expect to take in lush tropical forests and all manner of birdlife - including the prominent Black Kite - as you explore. Head next to the traditional Chinese-style Victoria Peak Garden, which was once home to the governor of Hong Kong for a short time. And while there's plenty to do and see on the mountain, you'll find lots more once you descend to ground level. There are all kinds of attractions, from the large golden flower sculpture in Golden Bauhinia Square to the markets of Stanley, where you can pick up traditional Chinese arts and crafts, antiques and silk clothing. An extremely popular attraction for visitors to Hong Kong is Ocean Park, an aquarium-cum-theme park where you can see a wide variety of fish, such as dolphins and sharks, take in shows at the theatre or even make a splash in the water park. If you'd like to find out more about the region, why not visit some of the educational facilities that dot Hong Kong? Examples include the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense and the Hong Kong Racing Museum. A must-visit during your Oriental adventure is the Taoist temple of Wong Tai Sin. Built in 1921, the traditional place of worship is a feast for the eyes with its magnificent pillars and golden trims. Inside, you can have your fortune told. If you'd like to take some time out from the thriving city centre, you'll find numerous parks in the area. One example is Tai Tam Country Park, which can be found in the southern section of Hong Kong Island. The park is vast and contains numerous reservoirs, as well as forts to explore. Netflights specialises in flights to destinations all over the world and can offer you a choice of airport destinations. For the lowest-priced journeys to Hong Kong check out Netflights' range of Hong Kong flights.
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