Promoting another side

The Dragon's Back and High Island Reservoir East Dam are among the offshore island destinations that are not regular scenic spots in Hong Kong but are drawing more mainland tourists. [Photo by Kang Hui/China Daily]

Mainland travelers are now paying more attention to other aspects of Hong Kong - its natural beauty, cuisine and culture, rather than just shopping, thanks to a new drive by the authorities. Xu Lin reports.

A group of people are lying on the reefs of Shek O, a beachside town in Hong Kong, looking up at the starry sky. Suddenly a meteor shower starts to fall, and cheers break out.

It is one of the memories of Kang Hui and his wife who moved from Beijing to Hong Kong in December.

The couple like to explore the island on weekends and write about their experiences on tourism website mafengwo.cn.

"Hong Kong is an inclusive city, where you can experience both Chinese and Western cultures," says Kang, 31.

Together with their colleagues, the couple regularly climb mountains, go to the seaside and do cycling and kayaking.

They also go to exhibitions and concerts, including the annual Art Basel fair.