The other side of Hong Kong

There's another surprising side to Hong Kong-the countryside, where you can experience the unhurried pace of traditional Chinese life.

In fact, around 75% of Hong Kong's total land area is made up of tranquil countryside.

Terraced farms, ancient temples and monasteries, tree- lined bays, impressive sun- rises and sunsets seen from mountain vantage points and wooded hillsides. It's all so easy to reach, by land or sea.

One way to see the country-side in comfort is from the Kowloon-Canton Railway, on its way through the New Territories to China. Break your journey along the line.

Wander through vegetable gardens; overhear the raucous squabbling on a duck farm, watch oxen at work. Round the next comer you may come across a village and meet the local inhabitants. You can easily pick up the train further on. It's a rewarding outing in every way.

With 235 islands dotted around it. Hong Kong, has no shortage of interesting places to sail away to. There are regular fery services to most of the main islands, as well as day trips by ferry or Chinese junk through the harbour and to some of the nearer islands.

Once you land, you can dis- cover small fishing villages, have a seafood meal, take a country walk, clear your mind in a hilltop monastery, and mingle with the friendly island people. You'll see too, the life of the boat people, some of whom claim never to have set foot on land.

Many islands, like Lantau, Lamma and Chcung Chau, have beautiful beaches with changing facilities and nearby seafood restaurants that make a relaxing day away from the bustle of the city.

Lantau, the largest island in Hong Kong, is twice the size of Hong Kong Island , yet it has a population of only 20, 000.

Here you'll find peace and quiet. Yet it's close enough to the city that you can spend a day on Lantau, and still nave plenty of time to return for a night on the town.

You'll find more information about Hong Kong'S islands from the Hong Kong Tourist Association when you arrive in Hong Kong .