Discover Hong Kong's best sights from the sea

With cheap flights to Hong Kong to be launched this autumn, getting out to the Far East is becoming easier and cheaper than ever.

Under British rule for more than a hundred years, Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 has not changed its status as a place for commerce and major international trade.

And though China is now officially Hong Kong's ruler, the city has kept its own legal system and currency, and will retain this independence from its new ruler for 50 years.

If you have never ventured to Hong Kong before, then it can be difficult to know where to go.

Hong Kong's location on China's south-eastern edge, facing the South China Sea makes it ideal for seeing from the water.

Star ferries, copies of traditional 1920s vessels, take a one hour tour of Victoria harbour and give you a good opportunity to take in the towering skyline.

You can take one of the ferries, which run between 11:05 and 21:05 daily, from Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai and Hung Hom piers.

The ferries also have air-conditioned cabins for when the humidity gets too much, though the sea breeze on the open deck might well be just as good.

Another key area to visit is Tsim Sha Tsui, which is accessible from the ferry.

A good place explore some of Hong Kong's history, one of Tsim Sha Tsui's key sights is the historic Clock Tower, located east from the ferry pier.

The tower dates from 1921 and was built as a timepiece to welcome visitors who had arrived in Hong Kong by steam train.

The Tsim Sha Tsui promenade features its own Los Angeles-style celebrity plaques, some of which feature handprints of famous stars, and is also a good vantage point to see the areas light and sound show, which takes place at 20:00 every night.

The area is also home to a cluster of modern attractions like the Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Cultural Centre, as well as lots of restaurants and shops.

Some of the best roads for finding restaurants are Nathan Road, Canton Road, Chatham Road, Ashley Road, Hillwood Road, Knutsford Steps, Knutsford Terrace and Granville Road, names which will certainly make British holidaymakers feel at home.

Cheap flights to Hong Kong for £75 each way will be available from Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, www.oasishongkong.com from October 2006.

For more information on holidaying in Hong Kong see www.hktb.com.XXX