Got 36 hours in Hong Kong? Here's where to eat, drink, dance, marvel at the views - and sleep

When you’re exploring Hong Kong in 36 hours, any moment of ­tranquillity is welcome, so if you see a local walking his tortoise through the city you just have to stand and stare.
The pet was ambling around a square in the bustling district of Wan Chai, on the northern shore of Hong Kong island.

From all the attention he was attracting, he was clearly something of a ­neighbourhood celebrity. And he was definitely enjoying life in the slow lane – an option that was not available to us.

Wan Chai was more of a mish-mash of past meets present. Once a red-light district, featuring power stations and factories, the area has been redeveloped.
The perfect example of this is Lee Tung Avenue, a pretty street lined with Chinese lanterns and featuring concept bars, boutiques and artists’ studios.
They're in ­buildings that were once wedding invitation factories, producing auspiciously-coloured red-and-gold cards, until they were overtaken by internet alternatives.



Our first stop before hitting the bars was San Xi Lou, a Sichuan hot pot restaurant in the Mid-Levels.
In the centre of our table was a metal pot divided in two, simmering with broth. One side was clear and the other spicy.
It was very handy having a guide tell us how long to leave each meat in the pot to cook. Thin strips of steak were held with tongs in your preferred broth for a few minutes.