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Hong Kong has been branded as a shopping paradise in Asia and now the authorities are trying to strengthen Hong Kong's rural appeal by introducing eco-oriented tours. Hong Kong is famous for its glitzy shopping malls, its polished skyscrapers and its bustling metropolitan vibe. However, since April this year, Hong Kong is rediscovering its more natural side. The Hong Kong Tourism Board is marketing Hong Kong's green side with the Nature Kaleidoscope programme in an effort to lure nature-loving visitors away from its shopping malls. The malls in the city's downtown shopping district attract tourists by the droves, but some are already starting to realise that the island has a lot more to offer than just bargain-hunting and clothing sales. "There's lots of open spaces you can use, but most people just come here and shop and eat and drink, but there's lots of other stuff you can do," British tourist Bernard Buckley says. The Hong Kong Nature Kaleidoscope programme offers visitors a range of eco-oriented tours, enabling visitors to appreciate Hong Kong's natural wonders. The programme allows visitors to tour various eco-friendly projects such as the Hong Kong Wetland Park and stilt houses in Tai O. More energetic tourists can take part in hiking tours. Frederick Chan, a local Hong Kong tour guide hopes that this eco-tourism drive will help promote a more multifaceted face to Hong Kong. "Most likely, in the eyes of the tourist, Hong Kong is just a shopping paradise. Ho...