The erstwhile British colony, now a Special Administrative Region of China, keeps reinventing itself, the better to retain its tourism allure.
SOMETHING NEW
3D TrickEye Museum
Arguably the quirkiest new gig in town is this cultural import from South Korea, which deploys the trompe-loeil art technique, using realistic images to create optical illusions that amuse, but also educate. The museum has about 50 installations and paintings in five themed zonesall of which trick the eye, and allow for visitor interaction (and countless selfies). On the Peak Galleria open 10am10pm year round HK$150 for adults trickeye.com/hongkong
Hong Kong Observation Wheel
The citys own Eye is set in a fabulous locationalong the Victoria harbour frontand offers panoramic views of Hong Kong. The 60-metre wheel has 42 luxury gondolas, all of which come equipped with free wi-fi, so you can instantly send those pictures of yourself on top of Hong Kong. Open 10am11pm all year round HK$100 for adults for a 20-minute ride hkow.hk/en
SOMETHING TIMELESS
Junk Boat Ride
A ride on the red-sailed dukling ( junk boat) is perhaps the most endearing only-in-Hong Kong experience. A fishing boat from the 1950s has been refurbished to recreate the sailing adventure of 150 years ago, when pirates combed and pillaged the harbour. In September 2014, the boat sank in a typhoon, but was salvaged in June 2015. So, youll be riding a legacy that was almost lost to the elements. From Tsim Sha Tsui HK$230 for adults HK$160 for children and seniors. dukling.com.hk
Ding Dong
On Hong Kongs busy streets, the ding ding clang of the colourfully billboarded double-decker tram cars makes for a quaint kind of street music. One of the cheapest modes of transport on the main Hong Kong Islandadults pay a flat fare of HK$2.3 to go from one end of the island to the otheris also its most charming option. hktramways.com
NEW PLACES TO EAT
Jamie's Italian, Harbour City
There are two Jamies Italian restaurants in Hong Kong, but wind your way to the one at Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui this is one of only six restaurants worldwide that has Jamie Olivers signature open pizza oven. For starters, savour the worlds best olive on ice (HK$50) and the portobello mushroom fritti (HK$68), along with
a Jamies Italian mojito (HK$65) try out the meat plank (HK$84) move on to the artisan pizza (HK$150-190) and wind down with a lemon meringue cheesecake (HK$68). jamiesitalian.hk
Issaya
Bangkoks legendary Issaya Siamese Club restaurant recently opened in Hong Kong, and is quite a rage. Set 25 floors high in Causeway Bay, a humming dine-out district, Issaya serves excellent non-traditional Thai cuisine in an artfully designed setting. I sampled celebrity chef Ian Kittichais Tasting Menu (shellfish sausage tender beef in chilli vinaigrette crispy shrimp spice-rubbed baby pork ribs Australian veal cheek slow-cooked Atlantic salmon wok-sauted short grain rice). At HK$875, its pricey, but its a fab dining experience. issaya.hk
NEW PLACES TO STAY
The Upper House
In fast-paced Hong Kong, The Upper House, a luxury boutique hotel, is an oasis of serenity. Everything about this place in Pacific Place, from the dcor to the personalised service, is calm-inducing, taking the edge off travel angst. Offers a range of accommodation options, from 68sqm studios (from HK$5,000 a night) to 182sqm Penthouses (rates on request). And their Caf Gray serves great food (try the braised short ribs). upperhouse.com
mini hotel, Causeway Bay
A cheery boutique hotel, it offers great value for money, even if the rooms are small. Theres funky artwork in the common areas, including a restful lounge. And mini provides the use of a free Android phone for the duration of stay, with free calls. Rooms from HK$ 700 a night minihotel.hk
