To the west and south of Hong Kong Island are the Outlying Islands, complete with secluded bays, isolated swimming beaches, stunning hiking opportunities and plenty of seafood restaurants. To get there, make for the ferry piers in Central.

The mainline Chinese peninsula of Macau is 55 minutes away by ferry (pick them up at the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, or the larger Macau Ferry Terminal on the waterfront west of Central on Hong Kong Island) or 20 minutes away by helicopter. The peninsula’s main raison d’être is gambling but there is much more to Macau than this. Many Hong Kong residents, especially expatriates, use it as a peaceful and comparatively inexpensive getaway. The city is home to excellent restaurants, colonial buildings, decent shopping, plenty of sights and leisure facilities and, on the islands of Colôane and Taipa, top hotels.

About two hours away by train is the Chinese trading port of Guangzhou (formerly known as Canton). It’s home to a plethora of markets, temples and parks and, on a clear day, views from the top of Bai Yun Shan mountain are gorgeous.

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