Hong Kong’s other side

On a recent trip to Hong Kong, my first visit to the island known as The Fragrant Harbor, since it was turned over to China in 1997 made for some mixed emotions.

On a recent trip to Hong Kong, my first visit to the island known as The Fragrant Harbor, since it was turned over to China in 1997 made for some mixed emotions.

Naturally I was prepared for the vertical growth that has taken place in both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island as well as the arrival at the new airport on Lantau Island with a high-speed train that whisks you to City Center in 20 minutes… but to see so much expansion both in what was formerly known as the new territories as well as the amount of reclaimed land from the sea, was overwhelming

In fact, locals are now saying jokingly that The Star Ferry may no longer be needed as you will be able to walk on reclaimed land from Honk Kong to Kowloon.

Joking apart I was slated to stay in an area of Hong Kong known as “Cyberport.” In a city known for its conventions there were no more rooms to be had in either Hong Kong or Kowloon, hence my decision to stay outside the city at Le Meridien Cyberport.

Cyberport is a creative digital community with a cluster of technology and digital content tenants.

It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

With a vision to establish itself as a leading information and communications technology (ICT) hub in the Asia-Pacific region, Cyberport states that” it is committed to facilitating the local economy by nurturing ICT industry start-ups and entrepreneurs, driving collaboration to pool resources and create business opportunities, and accelerating ICT adoption through strategic initiatives and partnerships.”

They also run the Cyberport Conference & Exhibition Centre (CEC) which offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues, all set in spectacular surroundings on the low-rise, low-density site by the shore of the South China Sea.

Back to the hotel option, I was actually pleasantly surprised when I boarded the hotel’s shuttle bus which runs from the Hong Kong air terminal to the hotel every hour. The ride takes about 15 minutes along a winding coast road somewhat reminiscent of the South of France, with views out onto the South China Sea passing by small Mediterranean apartment complexes with names like Blarney Stone.

Arriving at the hotel the impressive modern glass building blends in nicely with the area and is well connected to the conference center, shops and restaurants. The laid back California style atmosphere combined with sea and mountain views makes one feel at home in a resort. The pool area and café complete the picture. .

For those wishing to be close to the center with a Mediterranean resort like feeling this is definitely an option, which I came across by accident.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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