Hong Kong

• The island of Hong Kong is situated at the southern tip of Mainland China and is a bustling metropolis, renowned for its spectacular harbor. Hong Kong Harbor is home to the famous Star Ferry, which runs between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. Alternatively, you can experience Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system, which provides efficient and speedy travel across the entire territory, linking the Central and Causeway Bay districts on Hong Kong Island to the New Territories and Lantau Island. You might also explore Central, the business hub of Hong Kong, where skyscrapers dominate the landscape, housing offices as well as large shopping complexes with all the brand names, including Cartier, Tiffany's, Gucci, and many others. Major hotels in Central are within walking distance of MTR stations. The MTR allows you to get around with ease, whether the destination is Repulse Bay Beach (featured in the 1955 Hollywood film "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing"), the Jade Market at Yau Ma Tei, the giant bronze Buddha statue and vegetarian lunch at the nearby Po Lin Monastery or the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort at Lantau (see Resources).
  
  

Shenzhen

• Shenzhen is situated just north of Hong Kong, in the southern Guangdong Province of Mainland China. In 1980, Shenzhen was designated as China's first Special Economic Zone. It has a relatively short but very successful history as a manufacturing and business center that has attracted an international following. This once sleepy fishing village is now a thriving city that is home to settlers who have come from all areas of China to live and work, bringing with them the many different cultures and cuisines of the vast country that is China. Sample some of the eight different styles of Chinese cuisine available in Shenzhen. Also take in one or more of Shenzhen's theme parks that are designed to reflect the history and culture of the Chinese people. For example, "Splendid China" features over 80 miniature models of ancient buildings, with thousands of figures of terra cotta figures interspersed. Great shopping is also available while in Shenzhen.
  
  

Singapore

• The ride from Singapore's Changi Airport to the center of town is a graceful introduction to the "Garden City," with lush tropical flowers and trees to admire along the way. Singaporeans enjoy shopping and cuisine, and with a retail and culinary hub like Orchard Road, it is easy to see why. While in Singapore, make time to dine at famous venues like the historic Raffles Hotel, designated a national monument since 1987. Raffles is named after Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of modern Singapore. Learn more at the Raffles museum and explore the Hotel's brand name selection of stores for premium shopping. Also well worth a visit are the Singapore Botanic Garden (which includes the Singapore Orchid Garden), Sentosa Island, which is a recreational resort, and the ethnic enclaves known as Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street.