NEW TERRITORIES. This vast new airport was the largest civil engineering project ever undertaken ­ worldwide. At this museum, visitors can see the complex project as it took shape. The ferry ride to Tsuen Wan offers excellent views on the way to the museum, and once there, you can see scale models of the airport, photos from various stages of the project, and panoramic views of the Tsing Ma Bridge.

"Cultural Kaleidoscope" is a series of fun and educational classes, tours and activities designed for visitors by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. You can arrange a trip aboard the last sailing junk in the city, enjoy a feng shui tour or take an architecture walk. Get to know the people by taking a class in tai chi, tea appreciation, shopping secrets for jade and pearls, Chinese medicine, Cantonese opera appreciation or Chinese cake-making. Or purchase a special pass to see the museums of art, heritage, space, science and coastal defense (HKD30, good for seven days). Most programs are free and offered in English. Call for full schedule, or check the tourism board's website.

CENTRAL HONG KONG. This museum, housed in the oldest remaining colonial building in Hong Kong, is nestled inside the quiet and scenic Hong Kong Park. Built in 1846, the building now offers an intriguing blend of colonial heritage and Chinese tradition. More than 500 tea-related pieces are housed here, some of them dating back to the seventh century, and you can follow the tea-making habits of various dynasties over the centuries. All exhibits have explanations in English and Chinese. From time to time, lessons on Chinese tea drinking are available.

STANLEY. Learn all about Hong Kong's fascinating maritime history at this museum located in a 19th century colonnaded building at Stanley Plaza. The museum is divided into galleries covering the ages of sail and steam, with exhibits that feature beautifully detailed models of ancient and modern ships made from wood, pottery and ivory; paintings, textiles, ceramics. Maps, ships' manifests, and other artifacts fill in the details.

KOWLOON. The top arts museum in the city, the Chinese art on display here includes ceramics, bronzes, lacquer pieces, bamboo carvings, oil paintings, and drawings. There are five permanent galleries and two that offer temporary exhibits. Look for ancient Chinese scrolls as well as work from top contemporary artists, all presented in a beautiful setting along the Victoria Harbor.