Hong Kong Park is another oasis in Central. In addition to landscaped ares, children's playground, fountains and a greenhouse, this is where you'll find a spectacular walk-in aviary with over 90 species of birds and the largest squash centre in Hong Kong.

This Park, being built at a cost of $398 million and opened in May 1991, covers 8 hectares in Central and is an outstanding example of modern design and facilities blending with the natural landscape.

  Big Wave Bay

Big Wave Bay is Hong Kong's most accessible surfing beach, lives up to its name and is frequently closed for swimming as a result. The beach has kiosks, barbecue pits, a playground, changing rooms, showers, and toilets.

Direction:
From Shau Ki Wan, take Bus 9 to the roundabout; walk about 20 minutes along the road, which is usually lined with cars on weekends.

  Deep Water Bay

At Deep Water Bay the action starts at dawn every morning, all year long, when members of the Polar Bear Club go for a dip. The beach is packed in summer, when there are lifeguards, swimming rafts, and safety-zone markers, plus a police reporting center. Barbecue pits, showers, and restrooms are open year-round.

  Shek-O Beach

Shek O, not far from Big Wave Bay, is almost Mediterranean in aspect. A wide beach with shops and restaurants nearby, it has refreshment kiosks, barbecue pits, lifeguards, swimming rafts, playgrounds, changing rooms, showers, and toilets.

The views are magnificent as the bus begins its descent toward the heart of the small village. In the center of town there are several outdoor dining areas, serving everything from Thai to Cantonese.