Should you give up a day to visit Ocean Park? Absolutely! I love this combination aquarium and amusement park, with its lovely setting on Hong Kong Island’s southern rocky coast. Although the thrill rides are the usual roller coasters (including one that turns you upside down three times), Ferris wheel, vertical drop Abyss, The Rapids and Raging River for those who don’t mind getting wet, kiddie rides and more, it’s the animals and the scenery that set this theme park in a world of its own. I also like the Old Hong Kong retro zone, which recreates the streets and atmosphere of this former colony in the 1950s through ’70s.

The most popular residents are the giant pandas, but there are also red pandas, Chinese alligators, the most unusual goldfish you’re ever likely to see, Chinese sturgeons, sharks (in one of Asia’s largest shark habitats), rays, and talented dolphins and sea lions. The jellyfish aquarium, complete with theatrical lighting, multimedia and sound, will convince you that there are no more beautiful and graceful creatures on earth. The Grand Aquarium brings you from the sea shore to the ocean’s depths as you descend a swirling pathway and come eye to eye with 5,000 fish and creatures of more than 400 species along the way. At night, dragons light up The Lagoon in a 360-degree water screen show complete with lighting and sound effects.