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FIND OUT MOREEastern lights
When it comes to ushering in the New Year, no-one does it in more spectacular fashion than the Chinese. So why not head East to celebrate the Year of the Ox this January? With regular flights from Manchester to cosmopolitan Hong Kong and the Chinese boom-town of Shanghai, it would be rude not to.
Hong Kong
Renowned for its expansive skyline, dramatic natural setting and cosmopolitan ambience, Hong Kong is thoroughly modern but steeped in ancient tradition. From lazy days on the beach to action-packed nights on the town and from futuristic skyscrapers to traditional Chinese street markets, you are sure to find something here to fall in love with.
It is almost impossible to avoid the use of superlatives when describing Hong Kong - this is one of the most important financial capitals, most densely populated areas, most influential cultural hubs and most famous harbours in the world.
Hong Kong is also a place where East meets West in perfect harmony. A Chinese territory that was under British rule for more than 150 years, this towering region combines British sophistication with Chinese elegance and charm - a cracking blend that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
What to do:
Take in the view from Victoria Peak
Known by the locals as the Peak, this is a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of Victoria Harbour from a hilltop. It is also the most romantic place to wine and dine, with a number of bars and restaurants boasting picture-postcard vistas. The best way to get there is by taking the Peak tram - an awe-inspiring experience in itself on a clear day.
Take a stroll in Hong Kong Park
Set among the skyscrapers of Central, Hong Kong Park features landscaped lakes, waterfalls and rivers. Here you will also find the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, which houses a charming tea shop serving excellent tea and freshly made dim sum.
Go wild at Ocean Park
A mammoth marine-themed amusement park, housing dozens of attractions, including aquariums, roller-coasters and lots of activities to keep the kids (and the young at heart) busy all day. Ocean Park is also the only place in Hong Kong to see a giant panda - a highly endangered species.
Bag a bargain at Stanley Market
The open-air street market in Stanley, an old fishing village on Hong Kong Island, is famous for its bargains. Here you can buy souvenirs, silk garments, toys, ornaments, and arts and crafts. Stanley itself is a buzzing place, with restaurants and bars offering al-fresco dining.
Say a prayer at Wong Tai Sin Temple
Dedicated to Taoist god Wong Tai Sin, this is one of the most famous shrines in Hong Kong, located in the north of Kowloon. Its striking golden roof, grand red pillars, yellow latticework and multi-coloured carvings make it a great example of a traditional Chinese temple.
On Chinese New Year's Eve, thousands of worshippers wait outside the temple. On the stroke of midnight they rush in to the main altar to offer Wong Tai Sin their glowing incense sticks for good luck in the New Year.
Where to stay:
Try the InterContinental (www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com) on the Kowloon waterfront or the Four Seasons Hotel (www.fourseasons.com/hongkong) in Central Hong Kong overlooking Victoria Harbour for five-star luxury and breathtaking views. The Royal Plaza Hotel (www.royalplaza.com.hk) in the heart of Kowloon offers great value for money.
Shanghai
Beijing hogged the limelight during this year's summer Olympics, but Shanghai, mainland China's second city, is hotter than ever.
Shanghai is China's most populous city, with over 20 million people living in its metropolitan area. A formidable centre of commerce and finance, this flagship city of modern China is also evolving at a dizzying speed into Asia's culture and style capital.
Few cities can compete against Shanghai in sheer energy and vibe. This is where bright entrepreneurs rub shoulders with radical creative thinkers and plot China's future. This is where cutting-edge new neighbourhoods spring up almost overnight. This is the place to visit if you want to experience the future shaping up before your eyes.
From the minute you are flung into the city at 430kph by the Shanghai Maglev Train to the minute you reluctantly pack your suitcase and check out of your hotel bedroom, you feel like you have landed in wonderland. It may be daunting to navigate, but you know a strange and wonderful new experience is waiting around every corner.
What to do:
Strut along The Bund
The Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront, stretches one mile along the bank of the Huangpu River and boasts dozens of beautiful historical buildings, as well as several destination restaurants.
Snap away at the Oriental Pearl Tower
Shanghai's most recognisable modern landmark, the rocket-shaped Oriental Pearl Tower is definitely something for your photo album. Located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui, opposite the Bund, the 468-metre-high TV and radio tower - the third tallest in the world - houses a revolving restaurant, shops, a hotel and a museum.
Conquer your fear of heights at the Shanghai World Financial Center
This 492-meter-high skyscraper, which was completed in Aug 2008, is currently the world's tallest building by roof. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the 101-storey tower in the centre of Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone in Pudong houses the world's highest hotel - the Park Hyatt Shanghai - as well as dozens of multinational financial institutions and shops. There are also observation decks, one of which is 474 metres high on the 100th floor, from which to get a bird's eye view of the city below.
Splash out at Nanjing Road
The 3.4-mile-long Nanjing Road is Shanghai's main shopping street, attracting fashionistas from all over the world. Here, upscale stores, including Tiffany, Mont Blanc and Dunhill, coexist happily with dozens of traditional Chinese stores and speciality shops providing a range of silk goods, jade and embroidery.
Sample some culture at Shanghai Museum
Located in the centre of Shanghai, in People's Square, the Shanghai Museum houses 11 galleries and three exhibition halls showcasing ancient Chinese art - everything from painting and calligraphy to sculpture and ceramics.
Escape to Yuyuan Garden
The 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden in Anren Jie comprises five acres of ancient trees, beautiful flowers, pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. It is a lavish, elegant and quiet place to unwind after a hard day's sightseeing.
Discover the Zendai Museum of Modern Art
For something off the beaten track, head for Pudong's Zendai Museum - an art museum located in a shopping mall, which hosts work by contemporary international and Chinese artists.
Where to stay:
For sheer wow factor, we recommend the Pudong Shangri-La (www.shangri-la.com), which is located along the Huangpu River and offers fantastic views of the Bund, and the Park Hyatt (www.shanghai.park.hyatt.com), which is the highest hotel in the world. If you prefer something a bit more intimate, the decadent Pudi Boutique Hotel (www.boutiquehotel.cc) on Yandang Road will not disappoint.
How to get there:
The fastest route to Hong Kong from Manchester is with Finnair (www.finnair.co.uk). For a range of other flights available from Manchester to Hong Kong and Shanghai visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk.