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Early on a Hong Kong morning, bleary-eyed strangers begin to loiter along the Kowloon waterfront eyeing each other warily. Gradually the group come together, lured in by the bubbling ‘Mister NG’ and his glamorous assistant Pandora, a neat middle-aged lady with a huge smile.

It takes some persuading to get me out onto the pavement this early in the morning, but my bargain-hunting boyfriend has found free t’ai chi lessons and insisted I join him. The class is one of many funded by the city’s tourist board and is a real treat for curious travellers. You can also take part in kung fu, feng shui and the appreciation of Chinese tea.

Back on the waterfront, we start with breathing exercises, slowly stretching out our waking bodies. The low sun glints off the army of glass towers crowding the island opposite and overnight ferries glide past to their docks. The sky lightens as we move to more elaborate routines, giggling as we tangle ourselves in slow motion.

By the end of the hour the boardwalk is coming to life around us and the bubble bursts. We drift off for fresh coffee and a croissant, sliding serenely into a new day.

Get some post-workout pampering in Hong Kong. Find out where in our A to Z of spa and wellbeing.

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