Hong Kong: More than just a place to shop (2)

Hiking

Hong Kong's urban highlights might not be everyone's cup of tea. But it's easy to get away from the crowds. Numerous parks offer hiking trails, many with scenic panoramas. One favorite is the Dragon's Back on eastern Hong Kong Island. The trail starts in a quiet bamboo grove before emerging onto a hillside leading to the Dragon's Back, a winding ridge with sweeping views of the South China Sea.

Victoria Peak is a must, but don't stick just to the kitschy Peak Tram terminal and tourist complex. Instead, take the Hong Kong Trail that circles the mountaintop. Look for signs pointing to the path, which follows Lugard and Harlech roads. The hour-long walk is gentle and flat, providing views of upscale homes, the city's skyscrapers and the harbor. Details at http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/1_3.asp.

Beaches

If you visit Hong Kong at any time except winter, you'll likely encounter sweltering weather. To cool down, head to the beach. Hong Kong Island has several, including Big Wave Bay in Shek O or the beach at tony Repulse Bay, but they do get crowded on weekends. You can escape the masses - though you'll have to pay for transportation - by taking the ferry to Mui Wo on Lantau Island and then bus or taxi to Cheung Sha beach. The stretch of broad white sand is one of Hong Kong's longest beaches. There's a public changing room, lifeguard station and two restaurants serving Thai and South African food.

Art

In the past decade, Hong Kong's art scene has mushroomed thanks to soaring numbers of wealthy Asians who have developed a taste for collecting. Big names like London's White Cube and Larry Gagosian of the US have opened local outposts of their art dealing empires while numerous lesser-known galleries have also sprouted up over the past decade. Many are located on or near Hollywood Road in the Mid-Levels neighborhood. If you get tired of looking at art, you can also watch people spend lots of money buying it. Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses host twice-yearly sales of art as well as jewelry, watches, wine and furniture in a cavernous exhibition center in Wan Chai.

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