Hong Kong Sights: Theme parks

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The entrance to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

• Hong Kong Disneyland www.hongkongdisneyland.com opened on September 12, 2005. It is on Lantau Island, about 12km east of the Hong Kong International Airport, and may be reached via the MTR Disneyland Resort Line from Sunny Bay Station (note that to get to Disneyland from the airport, you must make two connections, the first at Tsing Yi and the second at Sunny Bay; in this case it probably would make more sense to just take a taxi). Though significantly smaller in size than other Disney parks elsewhere, it does offer some great attractions (including "Space Mountain" roller coaster, "Festival of the Lion King" stage show, "Golden Mickeys" stage show, "Mickey's PhilharMagic 4D" show, and an updated "It's a Small World" boat ride) and very short queues most of the year (except the week of Chinese New Year). Three new theme lands (Mystic Point, Grizzly Trail, and Toy Story Land) will open in the few years to come, and a tract of land has been reclaimed directly across from the park's entrance, so a second theme park should open there someday. The park also features two hotels, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel.

• Ocean Park www.oceanpark.com.hk is on the southern side of Hong Kong island, and is the park that grew up with many local Hong Kong people. With roller coasters and large aquariums altogether, it is still packed on weekends with families and tourists after opening to the public for 30 years. The cablecar is an icon and an essential link between the two parts of the park. The views of the South China Sea from the cable car is always terrific. It would be fair to say that many local people would choose Ocean Park if they had to pick a single theme park to attend. For many, the chance to see Hong Kong's pandas would be a deciding factor. Young adults will be attracted to the wider range of rides. There are also large festivals each year, including summer, Halloween and Christmas. The Halloween Bash on weekends of October and November, and on 29-31 Nov is often considered the most successful, with a large number of haunted hosues and creepy performers that will keep you screaming. You can get to Ocean Park by a direct bus ride from Admiralty MTR station; it will be the first stop after you clear the Aberdeen Tunnel.

• Ngong Ping 360 www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/front/index.asp is a Buddhist themed park that features Imperial Chinese architecture, interactive shows, demonstrations, restaurants and coffee shops. Although the destination might not appeal, the highlight of this trip is the longest cable car ride in Hong Kong that affords stunning views of Lantau island and Hong Kong International Airport. The ride also takes you to the largest outdoor seated Buddha, which is situated at the end of Ngong Ping Village. Be aware that the Buddha is accessible by walking up around 200 steps. Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, which is next to Ngong Ping 360.

• www.hongkongdisneyland.com
• www.oceanpark.com.hk
• www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/front/index.asp