A junk boat sails past in Hong Kong harbour

Hong Kong's not long been part of China proper and it shows.

Made up of four main areas - Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands - Hong Kong was part of China until 1841 when it came under British rule as part of the peace terms for ending the Opium Wars. In 1997 it went from being a British holding to a Special Administrative Region of China.

Where much of China is obedient, ploddingly traditional and parochial, Hong Kong is independent-spirited, dynamic and fiercely international in its outlook.

Its recent colonial past has helped lace it with hi-tech, foreign languages, Western food and the global outlook of a genuine international metropolis, all of which makes it a great place to gently ease yourself into Chinese culture.

That isn't to say that the place won't overwhelm you. It's one of the most densely populated places on earth (some districts top 50,000 people per square kilometer) whose colossal collection of skyscrapers buzz with the economics and enterprise of its wealthy, sophisticated and consumer-mad populace.

You'll find the greatest medley of shops and shopping on earth, but if that doesn't sound too alluring, then bear in mind it's easy to escape to surprisingly underdeveloped rural areas: to hike in country parks, bath on secluded beaches, or seek out fabulous seafood restaurants on off-shore islands - all within sight of the melee.

Within the city itself you could chill out with a traditional sampan ride in Aberdeen Harbour or view the giant statues at one of the many serene Buddhist temples set against the backdrop of Hong Kong's formidable skyline.