The new Bank of China building thrusts into the sky in the middle of the silhouette of central Hong Kong. This building is one of the emblems of Hong Kong, featuring a characteristic reflecting façade with gigantic triangles. The Chinese-American architect, I. M. Pei, impressively demonstrated with this 1,033-foot high, 70-story building the economic might of the People's Republic of China.

The Bird Market, not far from Flower Market Road, is a favorite meeting place for the people of Hong Kong, where they can have a chat and swap the latest gossip and news. Here you can buy everything for the feathered singers: cages of all varieties, preferably from bamboo, including genuine beauties. These small items also make lovely souvenirs. Moreover, proud owners of singing birds can equip themselves with food and water holders, partially made from expensive porcelain, and buy food for their beloved pets. Of course, dicky birds are also sold here and men sit for hours by the cages of their feathered friends to talk shop about their singing.

Designed by London architect Sir Norman Foster, the headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation was completed in 1985. This, the most expensive building in the city, was built with technology which is normally only found in engineering projects. First, a gigantic framework consisting of eight masts was erected, and the individual floors were then suspended in this frame. Cables, shafts and piping run along the outer façade and are visible through panes of glass inside the building. Controversial even today among urban planners, the bank building is incontestably original and worth seeing.

Since time immemorial,jade has been the most precious stone in the "Middle Kingdom". This green shining mineral is worn by many Chinese as an amulet to ward off evil spirits and is often given to the deceased to accompany them to the grave. On the stands in the Jade Market, you can find this precious stone in many different forms: as finished jewelry, small figures, polished stone or in its raw form. Many stands also sell pearls of all types; skilled hands thread pearls of your chosen color and thickness onto chains of custom-made length to create cheap and pretty souvenirs.

Nathan Road was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the British governor, Sir Matthew Nathan, in what was countryside at the time. Today, it is Hong Kong's most prominent shopping street and promenade for window shoppers and is particularly impressive at night, thanks to the countless colored neon lights. From Salisbury Road at Victoria Harbor small shops and gigantic sales emporia stretch northwards for miles. These emporia have every imaginable luxury in stock and, even if the budget only allows for window shopping, they are well worth a visit for their interior decorations and furnishings alone.

Appliances, small electronic devices, toys, amulets, garishly colored Chinese plastic kitsch, shoes, cheap watches, leather goods along with rubbish and junk - the smallest amount of which is western jewelry - are sold on the numerous stands on Market Street, which turns into a night market at sunset every day. At the Temple Street Market, it is not so much the quality of the goods that is important here as the unique atmosphere of stands and hot food stalls. Haggling is definitely part of the business transactions here, and can be unbelievably good fun if you can muster the necessary composure and nonchalance.

The 1,818-foot high Peak, known to the Chinese as Tai Ping Shan ("Mountain of Great Peace"), is the highest elevation on Hong Kong Island. From this peak, there is a unique view over the metropolis, the harbor and the South China Sea with the islands of Lamma and Lantau. Those seeking refuge from the hectic atmosphere of the city can forget the turmoil in the beautiful parks, restaurants, shops, pavilions and cafés such as the famous Déco in the Peak Galleria. The British colonial rulers also appreciated this peace and quiet in their day and built their beautiful villas on the slopes of the Peak. The journey to the Peak has a double reward: the first by day, the second by night with the breathtaking view of the sea of twinkling lights below.

Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island is the traditional quarter of craftsmen and merchants. Skyscrapers, ministries and expensive offices are gradually squeezing out the small family businesses and their homes in the mostly three- to five-story buildings. The observation platform on the 46th floor of the Central Plaza Tower provides a spectacular view over the harbor and the Hong Kong skyline. Pacific Place, west of the city center, is a mega-shopping center with a sales area of 95,680 square yards. Hundreds of shops, restaurants, boutiques, pubs, bars, cafés, and cinemas ensure that time just flies by when wandering through this living adventure.

Aberdeen, often called "Small Hong Kong" by the locals, is protected from typhoons by the densely built-up island of Ap Lei Chou lying in front of it.

The Ocean Park, situated on a peninsula in the East Lamma Channel, is the most famous attraction in the south of Hong Kong Island. This leisure and amusement park combined, covering 217 acres, was opened in 1977 and has been constantly extended since then. It is split into two large sections.

Stanley is located at the narrowest part of a long peninsula on the south coast of Hong Kong Island. Despite the rapid growth of recent years, this town on Stanley Bay, with its many cafés, restaurants and bars, has managed to retain its pleasant atmosphere.

The cult of Wong Tai Sin dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The temple, which can be seen today and is very popular with the locals, was erected in 1968 with halls around several courtyards. According to legend, Wong Tai Sin was a shepherd boy who performed numerous miracles and was also able to foretell the future. Particularly impressive is the lively hustle and bustle of the temple visitors on the feast of the saint, the 23rd day of the 8th lunar month (mostly at the end of September).