Two dollars and twenty cents are all I need to fall in love all over again with this special city that is my home, Hong Kong. The ferry ride across Victoria Harbour has lights that dazzle and endless wonders that capture the hearts of millions of visitors to our shores each year. The skyscrapers and buildings stand tall and proud, just like how I feel when I see the skyline of Hong Kong island and Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront.

Hong Kong is known for many things: shopping paradise, the city that never sleeps, and the Pearl of the Orient, to name a few. We have the best to offer for all tastes and needs: the best consumer products, fast and efficient service, and convenience everywhere. Our stable financial institutions and legal system are the pillars of our successful economy, and our innovation and adaptability give us a cutting edge over neighbouring cities. Hong Kong is synonymous with vibrancy and energy.

But behind the grandeur of what we are, Hong Kong is also special because of who we are. We are the people who live on a tiny island that has one of the highest population densities in the world. And yet we do not fight or push our way around. We know how to queue up, and our patience never wears thin come rain or shine. We are the citizens of a place that used to be one of the last few remaining colonies until several years ago. And yet we have not lost our roots at all and embrace our Motherland with great joy and love. We are the people who have battled and won terrible diseases. And yet we do not congratulate ourselves too early, but are ever-vigilant and conscientious.

My fellow Hongkongers are world-class and I am proud to be among their ranks. We are hard-working and strive to improve ourselves. We are good fellowmen to each other although we are often too shy to talk to one another on the bus. Without her people, Hong Kong would never have been the successful city that it is. From a small and remote fishing village, the fragrant harbour has turned into an international city in a little over a century. Hong Kong has weathered the good and the bad, and moves on valiantly to meet the challenges ahead.

Our landscape is kaleidoscopic: behind the busy coastlines we have gentle rolling hills, marshland and scenic beaches. From the depths of our concrete forests it is hard to imagine that the countryside is only a bus ride or boat ride away, but the wonderful fact is, it really is that close. This is just the city for those who want to work hard on weekdays and play hard on weekends. Our transport system is one of the best in the world, making life so much easier and enjoyable. The diversity of animal and plant life is an oft-overlooked aspect of Hong Kong, but we are increasingly more appreciative of what nature has bestowed on our blessed land.

And no one will miss out on the culinary experience we provide; it is absolutely out-of-this-world. From delectable and multi-faceted Chinese cuisine, we also offer numerous choices of regional tastes and flavours, as well as a great selection of global gourmet experiences. Budget is not a problem at all. A stick of fishball from a food vendor in the street, or a bowl of wanton noodles in a Hong Kong-style cafe is just as readily available as a sumptuous four-course dinner in a five-star hotel, or a twelve-course Chinese banquet fit for an emperor. I must say that, as the food is too glorious to pass up, we do often live to eat here in Hong Kong.

We are also the proud owners of many world-class facilities. We have one of the best airports in the world, we are a hub for international and regional trade fairs and convention activities, we have an impressive container port, our cyberport is state-of-the-art, and we are developing our reputation as a regional centre for cultural activities. And one of the world-renowned theme parks will open its doors here very soon. In short, there are more than 101 reasons to visit Hong Kong: it is a city not just for business or just for pleasure.

Hong Kong is special to me and will be forever irreplaceable in my heart. It is truly a grand place with super personality and things to offer, whatever one's needs are. It is, to me, THE special Asia World City. And my number one recommendation to any first-time visitor is the simple but great pleasure that two dollars and twenty cents can bring, day or night.

[By kind permission of the Information Services Department of the Government of the HKSAR to publish]