Octavia Orchard, 30, has worked as a recruitment consultant in Hong Kong for the past two years

Eat here

Yi Jiang Nan (00 852 2136 0886), in SoHo serves exquisite Chinese food. Try the house speciality, salt and pepper deep fried squid - divine.

Must do

The Dragon's Back walk to Shek O has stunning views that allow you to appreciate that Hong Kong is not just an urban jungle. In Shek O, eat at the “Thai restaurant on the corner”.

Avoid

The Peak Tram terminus in Central between 6pm and 7pm - there are huge queues.

Top shop

Shanghai Tang (12 Pedder Street, Central) combines traditional Chinese designs and motifs with contemporary style. It has gorgeous clothing, and fabulous home furnishings.

A to B

An Octopus card (www.hong-kong-travel.org) will allow you to use buses, green mini-buses, MTR (underground) and pay at some shops. Cheap and efficient.

Insider tip

Wednesday night horse racing in Happy Valley (www.hkjc.com) costs a mere HK$10 (70p) at the public entrance. See the track lit at night, surrounded by skyscrapers, and experience the thrills of racing.

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