Once no more than a collection of fishing villages, during 150 years of British rule Hong Kong grew to become the great trading and financial capital of the Asian Pacific, before reverting to Chinese control. Still one of Asia's foremost destinations, the compact city where ancient temples stand alongside futuristic high-rise buildings teems with life, but is both well organised and extremely safe. Among the host of priceless memories are the hair-raising tram ride up to The Peak for thrilling vistas of the city, harbour and mountains beyond; the iconic Star Ferry trip across busy Victoria Harbour to Kowloon; the nightly Symphony of Lights featuring the harbour-front skyscrapers; a visit to the noisy mayhem of Happy Valley racetrack to watch horseracing; sampling one of the many culinary specialities in a local restaurant, or finding a bargain in this world-famous shoppers' paradise. In total contrast to the pulsating city, only a short ride outside the city limits are the tranquil peaks and deserted islands of the South China Sea.