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Region:
Northeast Asia |
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Size:
1,092 sq km |
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Population:
7,303,334 |
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Languages:
Cantonese, English, Putonghua
(Mandarin)
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Time
Zone: GMT/UTC +8 |
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Currency:
Hong Kong dollar |
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Landscape:
hilly to mountainous with steep
slopes; lowlands in north |
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Climate:
tropical monsoon; cool and humid in
winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall |
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Entry
Requirements: Visitors from most countries can
enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months.
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Airlines: Cathay
Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, China
Airlines, Northwest Airlines |
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Travel
Time from LAX: 15 hrs |
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Travel
Time from JFK: 20 hrs |
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Getting
Around: Hong Kong is compact and crowded, which
makes
public transport the best way to get around. It's cheap, fast, widely
used and generally efficient. Transport passes
aimed at tourists aren't good value, as you're charged for a 'souvenir'
card to take home; the rechargeable Octopus card is a better option.
The bus system is extensive and bewildering but you will need it to
explore the south side of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. The
north side of Hong Kong Island and most of Kowloon are well-served by
Hong Kong's ultra-modern Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Three road tunnels
link
Hong Kong with Kowloon. |
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Personal
Technology: 220 volts |
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Nearby
Destinations: China, Macau, Japan, Taiwan,
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Korea |
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Web
Site: www.discoverhongkong.com/usa |
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 Hong
Kong. Live It. Love It.
A vital living culture pulsating with energy and fused with world-class
sophistication make Hong Kong one of the most exciting cities on earth
and a most inviting gateway to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Hong Kong is a destination not to be missed, a must-visit for any Asian
itinerary. That’s because Hong Kong is a captivating mix of
East, West, old and new with superb dining, electrifying nightlife and
shopping—all in a gorgeous natural setting. And since Hong
Kong is constantly evolving, it’s new and fascinating every
time you visit.
Live
And Love The History
Hong Kong was first recognized as an integral part of China in 221 BC,
but it was not until the Song Dynasty (960-1279) that the port
flourished in the silk and pottery trades. The city continued as a
Chinese port for over 800 years until a British incursion in 1841. The
British subsequently gained sovereignty over Hong Kong Island and
China’s southern-most port through the Convention of Peking,
using Hong Kong as its base for opium trade. In 1898, Britain
negotiated a 99-year lease on what is known as the New Territories, to
protect their interests in the port. Hong Kong remained a British crown
colony until 1997 when the entire city reverted back to Chinese control.
 More
Than Two Sides To The Story
There are many sides to the city of Hong Kong, but the story begins
with Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the glitzy,
towering paean to market capitalism. The bustle of people living and
working is the most compelling attraction on the island, although many
visitors head around to Aberdeen on the southern side of the island
where many people still live or work on junks (small vessels) anchored
in the harbor. The world-renowned Hong Kong floating restaurants are a
highlight of the area.
Tsim Sha Tsui at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula is a short, 30-cent
Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbor and the territory’s
main tourist magnet. It consists of almost one square mile of shops,
restaurants, pubs and innumerable camera stores. However, Kowloon is
also home to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum, the
famous Peninsula Hotel and the Museum of History. The Promenade in East
Tsim Sha Tsui is a great place for a stroll and has wonderful views of
Victoria Harbor, particularly at night. The liveliest night market in
the territory is on Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei.
Deluxe
and Diverse
How much can you expect from one city? Well, if that city is Hong Kong,
prepare to be astounded. Hong Kong is ultra chic and offers you an
entire world within a safe, easy-to-navigate area. Here Chinese
tradition is right at home with the 21st century. The ancient
discipline of feng shui has actually impacted the city’s
famous skyline by requiring that some modern buildings be designed with
carved out portals to allow mythical dragons a path by which they can
proceed unhindered from the mountains to the sea. And despite the
orderly changeover to Chinese rule, traces of the British Empire linger
in architecture and everyday events. In fact, English is widely spoken
and along with Cantonese, is one of Hong Kong’s official
languages. British traditions, like the firing of the Noonday Gun in
Causeway Bay or English afternoon tea, served in upscale hotels remain
ingrained in local life. Visitors can also soak up over 5,000 years of
local heritage and culture in museums, theaters and concert halls. Then
scoop up international designer labels, Asian antiques and handicrafts
in Hong Kong’s many malls, boutiques, department stores and
colorful open-air markets.
Delicious aromas wafting through the streets constantly remind you that
Hong Kong is Asia’s culinary capital. Every taste is catered
to with equal attention to local specialties, Asian favorites and
international fare. Sample the delicate, fresh flavors of local
Cantonese cuisine and innovative fusion dishes that marry ingredients
from East and West. Check out the cool vibe, great restaurants and
happening clubs of Lan Kwai Fong in Central and nearby SoHo. And
don’t miss the fun to be had by joining in a variety of
fascinating excursions. Thrill as the world’s steepest
funicular whisks you up Victoria Peak 1810 feet above sea level or as
you soar high above the city on a helicopter tour. The views from The
Peak are extraordinarily beautiful in every direction with the vista of
the business district, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon especially grand.
In true Hong Kong style, the main viewing deck is on the roof of a
large, wok-shaped shopping mall. If you have time, it’s worth
making the trip to the top both in daylight and at night, when the mass
of lights around the harbor will take your breath away.
Olympic
Year 2008
Since Hong Kong is proudly hosting the equestrian events for the 2008
Olympics, expect to find a big welcome at every historic site and
tourist attraction in the city. What are your options? Well,
there’s Disneyland or how about the Hong Kong Wetland
Park’s eco-tourism facility? Tours are available to Lantau
Island where you can explore a cultural village and see the
world’s largest seated, outdoor bronze Buddha. Near the Giant
Buddha, you’ll also find the Wisdom Path, an outdoor wooden
replica of a centuries-old Buddhist prayer, the Heart Sutra. Lantau is
also great for hiking, but actually you can choose from over 70 nature
trails scattered throughout the territory, including on bustling Hong
Kong Island. It’s even possible to step back in time and go
to walled clan villages where Hakka women wear the black-fringed hats
of their ancestors.
Hong Kong goes over-the-top for festivals and you may wish to plan your
trip to include a major event such as the rollicking Chinese New Year
Festival in early February chosen as “One of the
world’s most fascinating attractions…an event not
to be missed,” by Lonely Planet Bluelist 2007. Or Cheung Chau
Island’s Bun Festival in May. Small children
seemingly float in mid-air during a procession of stacked sweet buns on
swaying bamboo towers. Or on a nightly basis, catch A Symphony of
Lights, a stunning event that sets the skies over Victoria Harbor
ablaze with music, color and flashing laser beams. For just getting
around town, hop on the clean, ultra-modern subway (MTR). Hong
Kong’s public transportation is inexpensive, fast, popular
and efficient. The rechargeable “Octopus”
electronic fare card is a good value.
If you’ve never been to Hong Kong, you will be amazed at all
the city has to offer you. And, if you’ve visited before,
you’ll love all the dynamic news attractions and events. So
come discover Hong Kong—once you live it, you’ll
always love it.
For more information, visit:
www.DiscoverHongKong.com/usa
Hong Kong is a whirlwind city full of life and
culture. Despite its British colonial past, Hong Kong has stayed true o
its Chinese roots. Yet, the people of Hong Kong were apprehensive about
the re-uniting of the country with Mainland China, in 1997. When
looking down upon the world's busiest deepwater port from the
mountainside of Victoria Peak, one can experience the strong mixture of
nature, culture, and industrialization.
Culture
The population of Hong Kong is culturally rich, with a majority of
Chinese, but also large communities of Europeans, Indians, Iraqis,
Portuguese, and Jews. Despite the wide range of ethnicities found in
Hong Kong, the official languages are English and Cantonese, although
the use of Mandarin Chinese is growing.
There are many activities offered within the city
that link the people of today with the history of Hong Kong's past.
Visitors can learn ancient Chinese arts such as Feng Shui and pearl
grading.
 History
Hong Kong became an integral part of China in 221 BC, but it was not
until the Song Dynasty that the port flourished in the trade of silk
and pottery. The country remained settled for over 8,000 years, and
stayed that way until a British incursion in 1841. The British took
over China's southern-most port with the Convention of Peking, making
Hong Kong its base for opium trade. In 1898 Britain also gained a
99-year lease on Hong Kong to protect their interests in the port.
Then in December of 1984, Britain agreed to turn
Hong Kong over to China at the end of the 99-year lease agreement, this
reunion with China successfully occurred in 1997.
Attractions
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is the glitzy big brother of Kowloon - a tightly
packed, towering paean to market capitalism that hasn't been dented one
jot by Chinese rule. The bustle of people living and working is the
biggest attraction on the island, although many visitors head around to
Aberdeen, on the southern side of the island, where 6000 people live or
work on junks anchored in the harbor. The other major draw is the
floating restaurants.
Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, is the territory's
tourist ghetto. It consists of one sq km of shops, restaurants, pubs,
topless bars and camera stores. However, Kowloon is also home to the
Hong Kong Cultural Center, the Space Museum, the famous Peninsula Hotel
and the Museum of History. The Promenade, in East Tsim Sha Tsui, is a
great place for a stroll, and has wonderful views of Victoria Harbor,
particularly at night. The liveliest night market in the territory is
on Temple St in Yau Ma Tei.
 Victoria
Peak
If you're in Hong Kong, you'll be mad to miss a trip to the top of
Victoria Peak, 552m (1810ft) above sea level. The views are
extraordinarily beautiful in every direction, with the vista of the
business district, Victoria Harbor and Kowloon especially grand. In
true Hong Kong style the main viewing deck is on the roof of a large
shopping mall (no bargains here). If you have time, it's worth making
the trip to the top both in daylight (ideal to get your bearings) and
at night, when the mass of lights around the harbor will take your
breath away and make you wish you had a better camera.
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Adventures:
New Territories
Although a third of Hong Kong's population lives in new towns
constructed in the New Territories, the area has some scenic escapes,
including the Sai Kung Peninsula, in the east, which is an unspoiled
playground for hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. Bird-watchers
head to the Mai Po Marshes; cyclists and walkers head to Plover Cove
Reservoir; hiking enthusiasts set out on the 100km-long (62mi-long)
MacLehose Trail which spans the New Territories from Tuen Mun in the
west to Pak Tam Chung in the east. Shui Tau, a walled village on the
outskirts of Kam Tin, is one of several small communities in the area
famous for its carved roofs and traditional-style Chinese houses.
Outlying Islands
There are 234 outlying islands, many of them little more than
uninhabited rocks.
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For
Families:
Hong Kong is a destination the whole family -- especially
children -- will enjoy. This city is a dynamic metropolis
where a rich East meets West heritage provides a living culture of
diverse contrasts at every turn. Hong Kong's theme parks such
as Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland offer hours of fun for every
member of the family. Local museums are fantastic places to visit and
packed with fun hands-on exhibits. If you're heading for the
great outdoors, Hong Kong has some wonderful beaches, walking trails
and a vast network of country parks that will leave you breathless. For
a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city nothing beats
Hong Kong's outlying islands. On top of all this, there is
fantastic shopping and dining to enjoy.
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Shopping:
Hong Kong's malls, department stores
and designer boutiques offer an amazing contrast to the bustling
open-air markets nestled among the towering skyscrapers. Hong Kong
during a sales period is a complete retail therapy course! During the
winter (late December to February) and the summer sale (July to
September) major discounts are available for the avid shopper.
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Culinary:
Hong Kong's cuisine is renowned for
its exotic fusion of Eastern and Western flavors along with a wide
variety of culinary delights. Its cultural blend, proximity to Mainland
China, and a reputation for quality have made Hong Kong the world's
undisputed Gourmet Paradise. Throughout the year, a wide selection of
scrumptious staples and fantastic Seasonal Specialties top the menu.
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Sports:
Horseracing
is the major spectator sport in Hong Kong, attracting thousands of
ardent fans to race meetings at the city’s two top-flight
facilities – Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island and Sha Tin in
the New Territories. Hong Kong is also a major draw for the worldwide
rugby fraternity who descend upon the city the last weekend in March
for the annual three-day Rugby Sevens competition, which showcases the
world’s top 24 rugby teams in front of a jam-packed Hong Kong
Stadium full of joyous partying fans. Visitors looking for sports
recreation will find plentiful water sports as well as facilities for
golf, tennis, squash, badminton and suchlike.
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Nightlife:
Hong Kong never sleeps - the pace and
diversity that fills the day carries through into the night. Whether
you fancy cruising around the harbor; watching a hit international
musical; mingling on the cobbled streets with the after-work set;
dining in the trendy SoHo area or dancing until dawn, Hong Kong's
nightlife offers excitement and variety. Its range of hotel
bar-restaurants offer variety ranging from high-energy bands to the ever-popular karaoke lounges, theme bars, multi-level discos,
jazz clubs and traditional pubs with hand-drawn beer.
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