Hong Kong

After alot of compromise it was decided that this years family holiday would be to Hong Kong as  it had the perfect balance of culture and Disneyland. Visiting the city of neon signs was an incredible experience and it was very exciting to witness such a diverse culture. 

Do: Hong Kong Museum of Art 
Although there are plenty of things I would recommend doing in Hong Kong like Victoria Peak, Disneyland or Stanley Beach the surprising thing that I would label as a "Must Do" for anyone interested in art and culture is a visit to the Hong Kong Museum of Art. There is a small entry fee but it is worth it as the gallery exhibits traditional, modern and contemporary Chinese artworks. Upon my visit I was lucky enough to see the works of the 20th century Chinese masters who had migrated to Paris to further explore their practice. Their training in Paris saw them evolve their traditional paintings by introducing western concepts and techniques. Each artwork uniquely displayed an east meets west aesthetic; clashing, competing and ultimately complementing each other. It was also the first time many of the artworks were allowed back into China. 
While I was there I was also able to view the finalist works from the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Awards 2012 - Thirteen Dimensions of Hong Kong. A collection of artworks that showcase Hong Kong through various mediums. It was definitely one of the best collections of contemporary artworks I have come across. 
The gallery also displays ancient crockery and traditional chinese paintings on their various levels.

Shop: Downtown Markets
Hong Kong is dictated by shopping and consumerism, hosting some of the world's most exclusive shops from Prada to Kenzo in their main streets, but if you are like me and are way to intimidated and poor to shop there then your best bet are the markets in downtown Hong Kong. The three main markets I would recommend are the Temple Street Market, the Ladies Market and Stanley beach Market. I suggest doing the Ladies Market and the Temple Street market at night and on the same night where as I would spend a whole day at Stanley Beach if I had the chance and go to the market during the day. 

Eat: Everything
The city is full of amazing food wherever you go and Hong Kong offers all kinds of cuisine, however if you want the best food eat where the locals eat: markets, food courts and surprisingly shopping centre restaurants. There is one place in particular that I would definatley recommend in Harbour City shopping arcade called M. & C. Duck which offers a variety of traditional Cantonese dishes and specialises in pecking duck recipes.  

Tips: Big Bus Tours (hop on and hop off) - 
Get a great tour of Hong Kong with some cultural information without paying too much. The tour allows you to go on three bus routes that show you the entire Hong kong island as well as Kowloon, while also including tickets to attractions such as Victoria Peak and a boat cruise down the bay.