Hong Kong plans pandas, Peak vistas and tech tours for Apec delegates

Official itineraries obtained by the South China Morning Post show that Hong Kong has prepared a packed social programme for about 500 delegates and guests attending this week’s meeting of Apec finance ministers.

The visitors represent the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum’s 21 member economies, according to the itineraries.

The programme runs from Monday evening to Wednesday and includes a mix of tourism, cultural activities and visits to technology centres.

Landmarks, pandas and cultural experiences

The listed activities include visits to giant pandas, open-top bus rides, a Chinese cooking class, traditional opera and a harbour cruise.

The Big Buddha and The Peak are also among the attractions being offered to the VIPs.

The itinerary includes the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, giving delegates an opportunity to experience what an insider described as the city’s natural beauty.

The programme also offers views of Hong Kong’s skyline from The Peak and an encounter with giant pandas, described by the insider as “our national treasures”.

Cultural heritage sites form another part of the schedule, placing the city’s traditions alongside its major visitor attractions.

Technology included in the itinerary

The authorities will also showcase Hong Kong’s technological strengths at its two existing innovation hubs: the Science Park in Pak Shek Kok and Cyberport in Pok Fu Lam.

That combination of landmarks, cultural activities and technology sites gives the programme a wider purpose than sightseeing alone.

The insider said the visitors would be “fully immersed in Hong Kong’s soft power”.

The programme therefore presents Hong Kong through its attractions, cultural heritage, natural views, giant pandas and technology hubs during the Apec finance ministers’ meeting.

Source: South China Morning Post