NEW TERRITORIES. This renowned peak resembles a woman with a baby on her back. Legend has it that the woman was the devoted wife of a fisherman. It is said that this woman waited atop this peak for her husband's return from sea and was eventually turned into stone as an act of mercy from the gods. Today, the rock symbolizes the virtues of patience and loyalty.

TSIM SHA TSUI. The concept is familiar: immortalize the icons of cinema with a special plaque on the sidewalk. Sure it's been done before, but people are forever entranced with movie stars and filmmakers, so Hong Kong's Avenue of Stars was an instant success as soon as it was unveiled in 2004. The walkway traces the history of Hong Kong filmmaking, from the first film shot here (the 1909 "Stealing the Roast Duck"), through the heyday of Cantonese cinema in the 1960s, right up to the present. Many of the names may be unfamiliar unless you're intimately acquainted with Asian cinema, but there are enough internationally known stars here to make everyone's visit worthwhile. Look for Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh and Maggie Cheung. Located along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade from Salisbury Garden to the New World Centre.

CENTRAL. At 800 meters (2624 feet) in length, this is the longest outdoor escalator system in the world. Originally intended as a means of ferrying wealthy hillside residents down into the central business district, the Central ­ Mid-Levels escalator has become much more important over the years. At every cross street along its length, a wide range of restaurants, nightspots and shops have sprouted up, catering to regular riders but enjoying an ever-expanding tourist clientele as well. The escalator runs down in the morning, and up in the afternoon and evening. It carries about 36,000 people per day.

"Cultural Kaleidoscope" is a series of fun and educational classes, tours and activities designed for visitors by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. You can arrange a trip aboard the last sailing junk in the city, enjoy a feng shui tour or take an architecture walk. Get to know the people by taking a class in tai chi, tea appreciation, shopping secrets for jade and pearls, Chinese medicine, Cantonese opera appreciation or Chinese cake-making. Or purchase a special pass to see the museums of art, heritage, space, science and coastal defense (HKD30, good for seven days). Most programs are free and offered in English. Call for full schedule, or check the tourism board's website.

CENTRAL. Until 1997, this colonial home housed twenty-five British governors. The house, which dates back to 1855, is set in the midst of beautifully maintained gardens. Today, it is used to host a number of special events that only the most elite members of society attend. The home is open to the public for only one day in March. All other times, sightseers can admire or take pictures from outside the gates.