City of Superlatives

Hong Kong is depicted as an extreme society, hence the title "Asia's World City". CityLife asks a Hong Kong travel guide expert about his take on the city of superlatives.

Highest, largest, craziest, busiest - Hong Kong has staked out a name for itself through some creatively excessive descriptions. According to Lonely Planet, not only does Hong Kong have the world's largest floating restaurant but it is also home to the world's largest neon advertising sign. Also, its motorists own 1% of all the Rolls Royces ever produced.

Steve Fallon, author of Lonely Planet's new Hong Kong Encounter, illustrates this practice of outstanding descriptions in his new book, and says that Hong Kong is "a pulsating, superlative-ridden fusion of West and East, an exercise in controlled chaos, a densely populated 'place that shouldn't be but is'". CityLife picked his brain about the city he knows so well.

Some may dub you the Hong Kong Travel Guru or something of the sort. What about the city has captured and held your interest?

I lived there for so many years. I have personal contacts there. I guess I would say that it is a vibrant city. It's exciting, an ultra 'can do' society. And it's open to outsiders.

In Hong Kong Encounter, you write, "Superlatives and cliches are - and always have been - acceptable to people in this, the world's largest Cantonese, city. Biggest, brightest and especially highest - those are the sorts of things that make Hong Kong tick". What are some of your favourite Hong Kong superlatives?

There are all the cliches, like Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant cities and Kwun Tong is the most densely populated area in the world, but I like the quirky ones. For instance, Hong Kong consumes the most oranges in the world and you can find a plumber to come over at 2am. It's one of the most exciting cities, no matter what time it is.

In short, why is Hong Kong a city of interest to visitors?

Hong Kong really does have everything. There is a huge diversity in what it has to offer. For sightseeing, there is everything from unusual sights to Ocean Park, the flower and bird markets and now even galleries. For activities there are many walks and shopping, even though I'm not a big shopper.

In the World ...

The Hong Kong skyline is ranked first by Emporis for visual impact out of all the skylines of major cities.

Ap Lei Chau, off Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island's south side, is the world's most densely populated island.

The Hong Kong economy is ranked first in terms of economic freedom.

The Big Buddha on Lantau Island is the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha.

The Central-Mid-Levels escalators are the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system.

The Tsing Ma Bridge is the world's longest span suspension bridge carrying both road and rail traffic.

The Hong Kong International Airport is one of the best airports rated by Skytrax.

Hong Kong Encounter is available from Lonely Planet at www.shop.lonelyplanet.com

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