Cruise along 5.7km of cable sweeping from peak to peak across the highlands of Lantau Island.

The catchy titled Ngong Ping 360 cable car is a visually dramatic way of leaving the busy hustle and bustle of the city and getting a fresh perspective of Hong Kong from a unique view point. Visitors can glide from station to station getting fantastic 360 degree views over the sweeping lush green mountains and the South China Sea crisscrossed with passing cargo ships, and hop off easily for access to some of the best sights in the city. Definitely one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. 

Simply jump off at the Ngong Ping village exit for the easiest way to access the iconic Big Buddha statue and Po Lin Monastery, the biggest Buddhist temple in Hong Kong. And for those not content with 360 degree views or else just feeling brave why not opt to ride in the crystal cabins with nothing but two inches of glass beneath your feet?

If there's one occassion that sums up a city more than any other it's perhaps the iconic A Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong.

Taking iconic skyline to the next level once a night, for about eight minutes, buildings lining both sides of the waterfront set the night's sky ablaze in a synchronized technicolour light show. The show is complimented by a suitably dramatic soundtrack performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Whilst the most famous places to view the show include taking a night time cruise around the harbour or sitting at one of the public harbour front viewing areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui or near Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, an exciting new mobile app means you can listen along to the soundtrack wherever you are. Why not see the lights in style with a suitably flashy drink in hand at one of Hong Kong's many high floor or rooftop bars such as the Aqua Spirit bar or Sevva rooftop bar?

With its gleaming skyscrapers overlooking a community living in historic junks, Aberdeen Harbour is quintessential Hong Kong.

Start by taking in the action from the vantage of solid ground, strolling along the promenade with ample places to take a seat and watch the locals ply their trades and go about their business amongst a mismatch of traditional junk boats and ramshackle fishing vessels, dwarfed by the occasional shining white yacht. At one end of the promenade visitors can get a sense (and smell) of the hustle and bustle by watching the fishermen and traders in action bartering away the day's catches at the seafood market and dried seafood stalls. This is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong for a real taste of the culture.

At the waterfront you don't have to wander far to find one of the many sampan boat stations, if they don't find you first. Jump aboard a traditional wooden boat, often captained by little old ladies, and be zipped around the floating village giving you a glimpse into the lives of the locals who both live and work amongst this floating metropolis. Finally no visit to Aberdeen would be complete without a few snaps of the fascinating floating Jumbo restaurant and its neighbour The Tai Pak.

Not strictly in Hong Kong, however neighbouring Macau is just an hour away by boat and makes for a fascinating day trip (just don't forget your passport!).

Macau was once a Portuguese colony, handed back to China in 1999, and now retains 'special administrative status', a story that sounds on paper very similar to that of Hong Kong. However Macau has a very unique feel and is distinctly different from its more famous neighbour. Macau has seen rapid growth in recent years to become a magnet for the mega wealthy and mega wealthy wannabees, with five of the ten world's biggest casino resorts earning it the nickname 'Las Vegas of the East'.

A day trip gives you the chance to see a wholly different side of modern China, but it's not only the more recent additions that make Macau worth a visit. Macau has a rich history that has left the city dotted with beautiful buildings that offer a sharp contrast to the glittering casinos. Centred around the historic Senado square, Monte Fortress, and the ruins of St Pauls Cathedral, old Macau is a hotspot for UNESCO World Heritage listed sights.

One for the kids and the kids at heart! Just a train ride away on Lantau Island lies the magical Hong Kong Disneyland theme park.

While not quite as vast as it's Floridian counterpart it nevertheless provides families with a chance to get a slice of Disney magic with a Chinese twist. Here you'll find everything you'd expect from a Disney park, from your favourite characters around every corner to lightning fast rides for the bigger kids amongst us and of course parades, parades and more parades!

Or for something a little different learn to draw a Disney character in 20 mins with the help of the Animation Academy, show of your lightsabre skills at the Jedi Training school or have mixed feelings about eating Mickey Mouse's face in miniature character themed dim sum!

For those who want to get active and outdoorsy why not hike a part of the stunning Hong Kong trail? The final and most impressive section is known as the Dragon's Back, and is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong for those who like to be active.

Gaining its name from the way in which the path follows the crest of a series of peaks which resembles the spine of a slumbering dragon, this moderate hike requires a reasonable level of fitness without needing to be a hard-core mountaineer. Getting away from the noise of the city to this peaceful corner of Hong Kong Island gives you a whole new perspective of the geography and natural lay of the land.

Photo opportunities are plentiful (so grab those selfie sticks again!) with many peaks featuring levelled off viewing points to take a breather, spy far off islands and bays, and practice creating some panoramic photographic masterpieces. Finally take the final descent to the sandy beaches of Big Wave Bay and reward yourself by taking those weary feet for a dip.

This spectacular obeservation point is located just below the Ritz-Carlton hotel on the 100th floor of Hong Kong's tallest building, the towering International Commerce Centre (that's it dominating the skyline in the pic below)

The core of the experience is the observation deck itself, giving dramatic 360 degree panoramic views of Hong Kong and Victoria harbour, which is reached by whizzing up 100 floors in a lightning 60 seconds in a specially designed double decker elevator.

Although you'll no doubt come for the views, there's plenty more to grab your attention whilst you're up there. Highlights include the 'Tales of Hong Kong', an interactive multimedia story wall telling 100 local's stories of Hong Kong, and the Sky-High tech zone virtual reality experience, where you can travel back in time to immerse yourself in experiences of historic Hong Kong.

Should all this get your appetite up why not treat yourself to a bite to eat at the luxurious Cafe 100 by Ritz-Carlton where the food is almost as good as the views.

History, spirituality, culture, art, people - temples have it all and are by far the best way to get a real grasp of local Hong Kong culture.

Hong Kong has a wealth of fantastic temples and spiritual sights, many of which are open to the public allowing you to catch a glimpse of Chinese culture and religion as it has been for thousands of years, and get some memorable holiday snaps of these beautiful buildings.

Scattered around the city as well as the wider Hong Kong area are more temples than you can shake an incense stick at so it's best to concentrate on a few of the most iconic ones. Particularly memorable is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery which impressively actually contains over 12,000 Buddha statues. This complex of 5 temples, 4 pavilions and 1 pagoda is reached by a rather gruelling flight of over 430 steps and a series of steep concrete paths so be sure to tackle this one earlier in the day!

Another fantastic Buddhist complex is the Chi Lun Nunnery, a Tang dynasty series of beautiful wooden temples built originally as a retreat for Buddhist nuns. Directly adjacent you will find the Nan Lian Garden A peaceful sea of tranquillity surrounded by a city of high rise buildings, it is said that every single rock, plant, pagoda and pond has been carefully placed according to specific spiritual rules and methods.

Next take a trip across town to the majestic Wong Tai Sin Temple where you can see a blend of multiple Chinese religions; Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.