Trading Places - Beijing & Hong Kong

When Hong Kong, one of the the last vestiges of the British Empire, was handed back to the China in 1997 to become a ‘Special Administrative Region’, much concern was expressed that it would change dramatically. In fact a visit now reveals that they have almost ‘traded places’ and Beijing has changed far more than Hong Kong, especially in terms of outward appearance! Operating under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle of government the former Crown Colony remains one of the most exciting and spectacular cities in the world and a place of trade between China and the rest of the world.

The teeming streets and dramatic skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon peer down on a contradictory mix of the materialistic and spiritual and stand alongside a maze of quaint side streets, alleys, tenements and temples. Essentially a Chinese city where local traditions combine with the best of modern-day technology this is only part of the picture as further afi eld are romantic peaceful islands with deserted beaches, high mountains, picturesque villages and paddy fi elds as far as the eye can see. Our introductory tour contrasts rides on an historic sampan, Star Ferry, tramway and Victoria peak tram with the city’s ultra-modern aspects. Whilst the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) offers easy access to the centre, the Star Ferry’s short hop to Kowloon (operating since 1898!) has to be one of the most spectacular journeys in the world, offering a unique perspective of one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world and the views – especially at night - are unforgettable.

The onrush of modernity in Beijing has accelerated in the last ten years, helped by the Olympics and increased trade with other nations – the bicycle is gradually being replaced by the motor car! However, the nation’s capital, Beijing, still reveals great, historic treasures at the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. The Great Wall initiated by the first Emperor and revived during the Ming Dynasty protected both cities from the invading Mongols to the north. This is a truly spectacular engineering achievement even if not allegedly visible from space, as recently revealed by the first Chinese astronaut!