Any tips or advice from anyone who has been? What to do? Things to see? Places to eat? How much Chinese do I need to know?

Also, any tips for the ridiculously long flight? My longest time on a plane is the 7 hour flight to Hawaii. This flight is more than double that.

I'll be going in May for a Study Abroad trip. Most of trip is a set itinerary, but we have a little free time. We are convening for dinner on the 7th, but I get in EARLY that morning so I have all of that day. We also have most of Sunday for a free day in Hong Kong. Then to Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou, and Macau. The only real free time we have the rest of the week is on the next Saturday in Macau where we have an afternoon to gamble or do whatever before returning to Hong Kong that night.

No need to really know any Chinese

Sister lived in Macau for the past couple years. Her flight recommendation would be to stay up for at least 24 hours prior to the flight so you can do as much sleeping as possible in the air. Also bring something to watch movies on if possible.

Also, as stated above, no need to learn the language (most people there speak Mandarin). If you want something from them and are paying money, they will understand you. Also rule number one is always bargain.

Take the ferry to Lantau Island to see the giant Buddha. You can thank me when you get back.




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If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you can read this in English, thank a Soldier.

Ride the ferry across the harbor, great views

Visit the Jardin Market and buy some silk stuff - ties and scarfs

Take the funicular to the top of Victoria Peak and have lunch

Eat at one of the floating restaurants and try something truly exotic

I'm going for the first time this weekend

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most people there speak Mandarin

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Do you mean Cantonese?

How was it Moses?

We are starting in Hong Kong, and then visiting Guangzhou, DongGuan, Shenzen, and Macau. We will have about a day and a half of free time in Hong Kong, and most of a day in Macau.

Giant Buddah is on our list, as is some market that is apparently open all night. Others have suggested hiking and a mountainside mall that has restaurants and bars and such.

Check out the New South China mall in Dongguan.... Place is the definition of failure.

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How was it Moses?

We are starting in Hong Kong, and then visiting Guangzhou, DongGuan, Shenzen, and Macau. We will have about a day and a half of free time in Hong Kong, and most of a day in Macau.

Giant Buddah is on our list, as is some market that is apparently open all night. Others have suggested hiking and a mountainside mall that has restaurants and bars and such.

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I had a great time, my girlfriend has been to Honkers a few times before so she was my tour guide.

Took a train straight from the airport to Hong Kong Island, was super convenient and relatively fast. Stayed in the Causeway bay area. We took a bus over to Stanley and had a few beers on the board walk. Then we took the tram up to the peak, went on a nice walk, and had dinner up there. We went took a ferry to Kowloon (good for pictures), lots of shops to look around.

Lan Kwai Fong is a pretty sweet little road with tons of bars if you want to get your booze on.

The only thing I didnt like was that the air pollution was pretty bad, so it was hard to get any real picturesque views of the city skyline.

Oh yeah, and unless you're with a native, pick a few places that you want to sight see and have the concierge at your hotel write out the destinations in Chinese. While most of the cab drivers speak simple english, the cards really go a long way in clearing up any confusion.

When you say "went on a nice walk", do you mean like a leisurely stroll, or an actual hike? Our Prof mentioned that there were some good hiking trails around the peak, and a couple of us thought about that but weren't sure how intense of hiking it is or if the views are worth it.

With such a limited amount of free time, we're trying to find the "highlights" that don't take up all of our time. We're organizing a group to so see Big Buddha when we get in on Sat. morning, then there is discussion of going to Temple St. that night. But we still have Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon to fill.

Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like a good time!