Hong Kong is one of the best destinations for shopping in the region with the Chinese mainland providing the largest number of eager buyers this year.

Special discounts are pulling in the dollars this Christmas, with prices for clothing, watches and electronics being slashed by up to 50 percent. Even cosmetics, which usually go at full price whatever the season, are on offer at a 10 percent discount. Many shopping centers in Hong Kong are even working with lenders on the mainland to offer even better prices -- 30 percent off -- to those paying with specified bank cards.

With an ease-up in travel visas, those who do not hold residence certificates for Guangdong province but work in Shenzhen now find it easier to visit Hong Kong. Many shopping centers in the Special Administrative Region are offering a shuttle bus service bringing customers from Shenzhen directly to the shops in Hong Kong.