Hong Kong , China ( CNN ) -- Kristie Lu Stout zips all around the globe on assignment for CNN , but she does n't have to go far to enjoy first-class cuisine , gaze at a world-famous skyline or walk the streets of a beautiful metropolis . Lu Stout makes her home in Hong Kong , China , a city as stunning by day as it is by night -- and memorable for its harbor , shiny skyscrapers and `` unique blends of Eastern and Western traditions , '' in the words of the Hong Kong Tourism Board . About 7 million people live in Hong Kong and about four times as many visited the city last year . If you 're going for the first time or returning for another visit , Lu Stout offered the following tips about her favorite Hong Kong spots . Where can you get the best view of the city ? On a clear day , the Peak Morning Trail . Just walk 15 minutes around the bend from the Peak Terminal . Which restaurant would you take your loved one to for an anniversary or other special occasion ? Chesa at the Peninsula for its classic Swiss fondue and dark chocolate mousse with Gruyere cream . ( It 's a bit more romantic than the dive that serves my other favorite comfort food -- squid ball noodle soup . ) Where is the best place to people watch ? Ride the subway . Just take a seat on any MTR train ( which is always clean and efficient ) , plug in your earbuds , and watch Hong Kong commute away . What is your favorite neighborhood ? Wanchai . Yes , it 's Suzie Wong 's old 'hood . But step away from the red light district and toward the Ship Street area where to find a fabulous mix of old heritage buildings and new structures . How do tourists stick out and what 's the best way to blend in ? Want to blend in ? Lose the slow gait and stop staring at the skyscrapers . Walk quickly and look straight ahead . What 's the biggest misconception about Hong Kong ? That Hong Kong is just a city of concrete and steel ... when it has vast areas of natural beauty in its many country parks . Where do you go to relax ? The Foreign Correspondents Club for its high ceilings and colonial ambience , comfort food , and extensive selection of magazines and newspapers from all over the world . It 's members only , so have a friend get you in . What essential thing should visitors see/experience if they only have a few hours ? Have a walk around the interlinked Hong Kong Land buildings in Central to have an idea of just how convenient Hong Kong is . This is a place literally engineered for high productivity and maximum efficiency . ( And you can pick up a few gifts while you 're at it -- a vintage print at Picture This in Prince 's Building and a Chinese tunic at Blanc de Chine in the Landmark . ) What 's the biggest tourist trap ? Electronics stores in Tsim Sha Tsui . Is there a `` tourist trap '' that 's actually worth seeing ? Take the Star Ferry . Be sure to board the ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central at night , that way you can enjoy the dramatic Hong Kong skyline in its full neon glory . It 's only a 10-minute journey , but it 's one the world 's greatest rides . Where 's your favorite place to spend a night out on the town ? A dinner of organic Hong Kong village cuisine at Yin Yang , followed by drinks at The Pawn . It 's a former pawn shop that dates back to the 1900s that now houses an excellent bar and restaurant . Are there local specialty dishes or drinks that visitors must try ? Typhoon Shelter Crab at Hee Kee , Michelin-starred dim sum at the Four Seasons , egg tarts at Tai Cheong Bakery , and Hong Kong milk tea gelato at XTC . What is a good local souvenir ? For the ladies , get your cheong sam made . A slender , form-fitting gown with a high collar -- a silk cheong sam is classic Hong Kong haute couture . Shanghai Tang offers on-site tailoring .
Hong Kong has vast areas of natural beauty in its many country parks . Riding the subway is the best way to people-watch . Board the ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central at night for a great view .