Hong Kong has long been a destination for those wanting to exercise their flexible friend with a hearty helping of shopaholicism, but the cultural East-meets-West blend that the city boasts offers more than just shopping malls – from ancient China to colonial Britain to thriving conurbation, there’s five millennia of entertaining aspects to this vibrant island that are just begging to be explored.

It’s the variety of shops that we love though – from super-posh shopping malls to quirky street markets, there’s nothing you can’t pick up for a very reasonable price. Take your pick from five enormous shopping centres; Pacific Place is perfect for designer label goodies plus top-notch nosh in the restaurants (good for ogling man candy straight from their offices), or visit The Landmark which is considered Hong Kong’s swankiest mall – though the prices reflect this. The gargantuan Times Square is 16 floors of retail heaven, Festival Walk is quirky and off-beat, while Harbour City is by far the largest, being 300km long with over 800 shops... be sure you’re wearing your comfy shoes, because there’s lots of shop-hopping to be done!

Of course, a trip to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without a bout of haggling at the Temple Street Night Market, where you can witness chaos in action and pick up a bargain or two while you’re at it. It’s an experience like no other, with consumer goods nestled alongside food stalls offering freshly cooked fare, and, at the end of the street, you can find fortune-tellers (who’ll predict your impending shopping spree, no doubt) and Chinese opera enthusiasts looking for improv partners. If you’re guaranteed one thing, it’s that you’ll never have a dull moment!

In keeping with the city’s high-rise lifestyle, the Island Shangri-La hotel is 56 floors of plushness, right smack bang in the middle of the most prestigious shopping and cultural districts. Top up your tan in the solarium or ease those tired tootsies with a relaxing treatment in the health club. This could quite possibly be holiday bliss!

While you’re there...

Peak performance
One of the most iconic features of the Hong Kong island, the Peak is an experience not to be missed. The views from the top are absolutely stunning – and the tram ride up is equally impressive; it’s so steep, the buildings appear to be on a 45-degree slant!

Meet Mickey
While the park isn’t as big as its American counterparts, Hong Kong Disneyland is perfect for living the fairytale or letting your inner child emerge. There’s always something going on from festivals to live shows… and let’s not forget the rides and meeting Disney stars, too!

Get spiritual
... With a visit to the world’s tallest seated Buddha. He’s 34-metres high, weighs 250 tonnes and took 10 years to complete, and now sits on the Ngong Ping plateau amidst Lantau Island’s mountain scenery. The 268-step climb is worth it, we promise!