Travel: Two views, one future; The merchants of doom were quick to predict the demise of Hong Kong as a major tourist destination after China took over the former British colony. But Charlotte Gapper discovers HK is still OK.(Features)

From: The Birmingham Post (England) | Date: October 25, 2003 | Copyright information

Byline: Charlotte Gapper

Our laid-back helicopter pilot casually pointed out the landmarks of Hong Kong as we swooped over some of its densely packed skyscrapers but I sat spellbound by the stunning views.

The 15-minute tour was an exhilarating way to see the contrasting sides of this fascinating city and my initial impressions of its bustling commercial centre proved to be only part of the picture.

Within minutes of taking off from the helipad on the roof of our hotel, we were flying over a picturesque landscape of rolling green mountains and sandy bays with ...

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