Formerly Wong Nai Chung Valley, Happy Valley has many activities for visitors. The name Happy Valley came about because of the high number of deaths that occurred in both the British military camp set up in that area and among the first settlers. The valley is marshland so malaria ran rampant through the population. There are five cemeteries in the valley.

Horseracing is a huge attraction in Happy Valley and Happy Valley Racecourse is the center of it all. Originally built in 1845, a devastating fire broke out in 1918 causing 576 deaths. Rebuilt in 1995, the racecourse was turned into a world-class facility. At night, the wall of skyscrapers behind it forms a spectacular neon backdrop for the races. The course offers only flat races and most races are held in the evenings.

Very much a social event, attendance at the track is a “must do” activity for any visitor to Hong Kong. Since racing enthusiasm is fueled by the obsession with racing and gambling, the racetrack is a noisy place. The crowd is brought to a fevered pitch during the race and are extremely vocal in their support of their chosen horse. If you are used to the more sedate crowds of the western world, prepare yourself to be amidst a maniacal Hong Kong crowds. Let yourself get swept away on the wave of excitement that runs through the massive crowd of people.

There are hotdog stands and beer tents to keep everyone well watered and fed. With an attendance of around 40,000; the area becomes a massive bar with races and gambling. People mingle and socialize making the most of the night out.

In the Happy Valley Stand, on the second floor, resides the Hong Kong Racing Museum. The museum was opened to the public in 1996 and attracts many tourists. The museum outlines the history of horseracing in Hong Kong and has four galleries, with each gallery dedicated to a specific topic. In addition to the galleries, the museum also houses a souvenir shop and a cinema.

For a night of excitement and delight, immerse yourself in the Happy Valley experience.

After visiting Happy Valley and getting caught up in the enthusiasm and excitement, you want to explore further afield. The gambling and tourism mecca of Macau will surely beckons you.

Just 60 km from Hong Kong, ferries operate around the clock shuttling people between the two cities. The Portuguese turned Macau over to the Chinese government in 1999 and part of the agreement was that, for fifty years after the transfer, Macau must be able to operate with a high degree of independence. The Chinese government is responsible for foreign affairs and defense while Macau is responsible for almost everything else.

Unlike many governments around the world, Macau operates with very solid fiscal responsibility. Budgets are formed with expenses falling within the range of revenue. So solid are their finances, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded them to A1 in 2007. Decisions made are soundly based on their fiscal principles.

This bustling city is the world’s most densely populated area with some 18,500 people per square kilometer. Aside from the Las Vegas style casinos, there is a lot to see and do in Macau. Much of the architecture reflects the Portuguese influence on the city in its quaint cobblestone streets, Art Deco buildings, stone fortresses, and baroque churches. In 2005, Unesco designated the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site as a collective group of 30 buildings and squares.

The entry of the world’s largest casino based on gaming tables, Sands Macau, in 2004 brought the gambling in Macau to a new level. Although the hotel no longer can lay claim to that title, it is still an impressive place to see. This also marked the first Las Vegas operated hotel and casino. The mega-casino was upon them and with that type of casino; the visitor level went up dramatically. Wynn Macau followed in 2006 and a landmark was set. Macau’s gambling revenue exceeded that of the Las Vegas Strip for the first time and making it the world’s highest volume gaming center. Other Las Vegas casinos have since opened.

The casino to visit in Macau is the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel located in Taipa. There is a convenient shuttle between the Sands and the Venetian casinos every 15 minutes so getting there is easy since the Sands is a short 15-minute walk from the ferry. A larger and more opulent version of its Las Vegas sister hotel, the Venetian Macau features incredibly detailed replicas of some of Venice’s most notable landmarks. This hotel resort has the distinction of being Asia’s largest building.

This amazing complex has some 20 restaurants, 3000 suites of 750 square feet or more, 3 floors designed to house some 350 shops, several bars, an arena that seats 15,000, a theatre, and the magnificent casino. Laying claim to the title of the world’s largest casino with its 600,000 square feet of gaming area, the casino will leave you awestruck. If you are used to the Las Vegas casinos, the Venetian Macau is about five times as large and much busier.

Plan on staying in Macau for a few days in order to be able to explore the casinos. Longer stays will be needed if you intend to roam the city taking in the sights.

One of the most famous and popular temples in Hong Kong is Wong Tai Sin Temple located in Kowloon. Dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, it is the only temple in Hong Kong that accommodates Taoist weddings. In the 1940s, this beautiful structure survived the Japanese occupation and sustained little damage earning it the reputation of being a “miraculous structure”.

Although the temple appears to be ancient, it was constructed in 1921. Utilizing the characteristics of traditional Chinese temples, Wong Tai Sin Temple covers 18,000 square meters of space. With its large bright red pillars and incredible gold roof, the temple will make you catch your breath as you approach it. The adornment of rich blue friezes and yellow latticework help to provide a striking contrast to the carvings that decorate it.

Throughout the temple are stunning gardens that enhance the serenity of the site. The renowned Good Wish Garden offers you the chance to have your wishes answered provided that you make an honest request to the gods. The waterfalls splashing over rocks and the spectacular plantings make this a popular spot.

A series of three memorial arches can be found on the grounds. The first stands vigil outside of the temple and has the temple’s name etched into it. As you go farther and pass the fortunetellers, you will see the second. Proceeding further along will take you to the third. Arches such as these are typical in traditional Chinese temples.

One interesting feature of the temple is its Nine Dragon Wall. This wall was designed to reflect the Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing and is inscribed with a poem that adds to the feeling of tradition. Other areas of interest include Three Saints Hall where Guan Yin, Guan Di and Lu Zu are worshipped; Unicorn (Confucian) Hall where homage to Confucius is paid, and Yue Hing Shrine honoring the Buddha of the Lighted Lamp.

Wong Tai Sin Temple attracts throngs of visitors seeking their fortune and burning incense. Thousands of worshipers gather outside of the temple on Chinese New Year’s Eve in order to be the first to make an offering of incense as soon as the New Year comes. It is said that the earlier the offering is made, the better luck the worshipper will have throughout the year.

Whether or not your wishes are answered, the temple is an incredible place to experience.

One attraction in Hong Kong that draws over 7 million visitors a year is The Peak. Hong Kong Island’s highest mountain was an exclusive residential area for expatriate from 1904 to 1947. Offering breathtaking views of the city, it is not hard to understand why The Peak is so wildly popular.

To get to The Peak, a trip on The Peak Tram is highly recommended. The tram was originally opened to the public in 1888 and was cutting edge technology in its day. Von Roll Transport System, a Swiss company, rebuilt the tram in 1986 and installed new tracks. Carrying you up a steep incline, the tram has 1365 meters of track and carries up to 120 passengers per car.

The three remaking of The Peak Towers in Victoria Gap have transformed it into an entertainment and shopping mecca for millions. Housing Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, the standard for Madame Tussauds around the world has been raised. One of the best parts of Madame Tussauds is the Scream, an interactive scare attraction. Enter Scream if you dare. The theme is an asylum for the criminally insane. The twist is that the inmates have broken free to roam the asylum at will. Upon entering, you will have to deal with psychopaths, gore and darkness if you are to escape this place.

Offering a stunning, panoramic 360-degree view Hong Kong, Sky Terrace is Hong Kong’s highest viewing platform. No matter the time of day, you will not be disappointed by the vista that unfolds before you as you step onto the Sky Terrace.

Peak Market offers a staggering array of merchandise and food in a unique shopping experience. You should have no problem finding the perfect momento from either the market style stalls or the more traditional Chinese stores. When you are hungry, indulge yourself in your favorite cuisine from one of the many options, from fine dining to casual fare, available.

Take a break with a nature walk to unwind. Ranging from a 10 minute walk to the Mount Austin playground to the 1 hour Hong Kong Trail walk, there is a walk to fit most fitness levels. If you brought a picnic lunch, enjoing a casual picnic in a beautiful setting.

Exploring the pleasures of The Peak is a “must do” activity for every visitor to Hong Kong.

No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to small, tranquil Lamma Island. With a population of around 6000 on an island just under 14 square kilometers, Lamma Island is the third largest island in Hong Kong and is a favored place for expatriates to live.

On Lamma Island, buildings are restricted to three stories or less and cars are prohibited. With no automobiles on the island, residents get around on foot or bike. There are however small fire trucks, ambulances, and trucks that transport building materials. The lack of cars and high-rise buildings enhances this little island’s peaceful beauty.

Known for the fresh seafood restaurants that line the streets in the villages, Lamma Island is the perfect place for a day trip. You can explore the island by walking the picturesque trail that links Yung Shue Wan in the north to Sok Kwu Wan in the south. Walking the trail in between the two largests villages on the island will take about an hour. If you stop and explore the sights, it could take much longer.

On a warm summer day, pack your swimsuits. One of the sights that you might want to enjoy is Hung Shing Yeh Beach. The beach is quite crowded on weekends and holidays but it is a very pretty beach…if you ignore being in the shadow of the power plant. There are change rooms, toilets and showers available and, if you are hungry you can get something to eat from the cafe.

Just outside of Sok Kwu Wan, the Tin Hau Temple stands proudly. Originally built in the mid-1800s, a fire in 2004 led to its being refurbished. This is one of three Tin Hau Temples on Lamma and gives you a genuine look into the culture.

Once you have walked the trail, you should visit Lamma Fisherfolks Village in Sok Kwu Wan Bay. This floating exhibit pays homage to traditional fishermen. You can see an authentic junk, fishing rafts, themed folklore booths, dwellings, and an exhibition hall. This is the perfect place to see the fishing tradition up close. In addition there is some great shopping opportunities, as well as the chance to eat delicious seafood dishes.

There is a limited ferry schedule to the island so plan your visit accordingly. Don’t miss out on a day of enjoying this jewel of an island and leave the hectic pace of the city behind for a while.

Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of green spaces in Hong Kong in spite of the massive population. Hong Kong has many parks and beaches that the western world is often unaware of. Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, and Kowloon Walled City Park are just three of the many green spaces that create serene havens within Hong Kong and are easily accessed by public transportation.

Opened in 1991 on the site of Victoria Barracks garrison and costing a staggering $400 million, Hong Kong Park encompasses eight incredible hectares that visitors will find fascinating. Designed to complement the natural environment, the facility blends nicely with the surroundings and some of the garrison’s buildings have been preserved and utilized. This park offers an oasis of serenity in the bustling city with the ponds, streams, waterfalls, aviary, greenhouse and mature, valuable species of trees creating a world apart from the city. With the outdoor area of Hong Kong Park open from 6AM – 11PM, there are a multitude of activities available for the whole family.

Initially opened in 1864, the small Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens offer visitors to Hong Kong a big impact and it is free. This unique space is divided in two by a roadway and a subway that allows visitors to stroll from one part of the park to the other. With more than 1000 species of plants planted in a way that showcases their natural beauty, walkways let you wander through this green haven and absorb the stunning gardens that have been created. More than 400 birds, 50 reptiles and 70 mammals are housed within the park and there are both horticultural and zoological educational programs. With much of the park opening at 6AM, tourists have lots of time to get lost in the beauty of Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Because different areas close at different times, it is advisable to check the times before visiting the park so that you get the most enjoyment out of this gem.

Located on one of Hong Kong’s most historic sites, the Kowloon Walled City Park design drew inspiration from the Qing Dynasty’s Jiangnan garden style. Opened in 1995 and costing $78 million, the Kowloon Walled City Park has eight zones complementing each other and covering an amazing 31000 square meters. A number of features and relics from the former walled city have been incorporated in the design. The walkways throughout the different zones let you wander among the breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Open from 6:30AM to 11PM, this park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the quiet serenity and shed their stresses, even if only for a short time.