Lonely Planet - Hong Kong

10. Cheap and cheerful with all kinds of bargains

Stanley, on Hong Kong Island's southern coast, is known for a lot of things, including its fort that became a notorious prison during WWII, its beaches and its colourful dragon boat races in June. But its real claim to fame is Stanley Market and the reason why buses 6, 6A, 6X and 260 are almost always full. The covered market that fills the alleys and lanes to the southwest of Stanley Village Rd is stuffed to the gills with bric-a-brac, cheap clothing and junk.

Some people find it overrated but as Ellen McNally points out in her excellent and now fully revised Shop in Hong Kong: A Insider's Guide 'This market is one of the few places where you can find large sizes, fashionable cashmere sweaters at a reasonable price...well-known children's brands at greatly discounted prices [and] unique bed linens'.

At the weekend - even in the rain - the market is bursting at the seams with tourists and locals alike on the prowl for bargains; if possible, schedule your visit during the week. And after you've purchased everything you really don't need, consume further at one of the attractive waterfront bars or restaurants to the east such as the Boathouse.

11. Up with the birds in a rooftop aviary

Deliberately designed to look anything but natural, Hong Kong Park is one of the most unusual parks in the world, emphasising artificial creations such as its fountain plaza, conservatory, artificial water fall, indoor games hall, playground, t'ai chi garden, viewing tower , museums and an arts centre. For all its artifice, the eight hectare park is beautiful in its own weird way and, with a wall of skyscrapers on one side and mountains on the other, makes for dramatic photographs.

The best and liveliest feature is the Edward Youde Aviary , named after a much-loved former governor (1982-87) and China scholar who died suddenly while in office. Home to hundreds of birds representing some 150 different species, the aviary is huge and very natural-feeling. Visitors walk along a wooden bridge suspended 10m above ground, at eye level with tree branches where most of the birds are; there are about a dozen viewing platforms.

Schedule your visit in the morning, when the birds are most active.

Volunteers from the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society lead visitors through the park and aviary, identifying various species, including sulphur-created cockatoos, Chinese bulbuls and blue magpies.

12. Where you get dinner and a show

Temple Street, named after the temple dedicated to Tin Hau at its centre, hosts the liveliest night market in Hong Kong. It used to be known as 'Men's Street' because the market only sold men's clothing and to distinguish it from the 'Ladies Market' on Tung Choi St to the northeast. Though there are still a lot of items on sale for men, vendors don't discriminate - anyone's money will do.

But don't just come here to shop; this is also a place for eating and entertainment. For street food, head for Woo Sung St, running parallel to the east, or to the section of Temple St north of the temple toward Man Ming Lane. You can get anything from a simple bowl of noodles to a full meal served at your very own kerbside table. There are a few seafood and hotpot restaurants as well or you might pop into Mido, Hong Kong's best known cha chan tang (cafe with local dishes).

You'll also find a surfeit of fortune-tellers and herbalists and some free, open-air Cantonese opera performances here. The market officially opens in the afternoon and closes at midnight but it is at its best from about 7pm to 10pm, when it's clogged with stalls and people. If you want to carry on, visit the colourful wholesale fruit market (corner Shek Lung and Reclamation Sts), which is always a hive of activity from midnight to dawn.