Travel to Hong Kong

Enjoy 360 degree views of Hong Kong's famous skyline with the wind softly ruffling your hair. Moving at an easy pace in the tranquil waters of Hong Kong Island, it is best enjoyed on a on a sunny day, where you can view the multi hued sun setting or the extraordinary spectacle of the light show that Hong Kong is popular for. At night, sip on a chilled champagne or a favorite cocktail. Cruise off Lamma Island, Lei Yu Mun or Po Toi and sample a traditional Chinese sea food dinner. All this is possible aboard the Duk Ling, an authentic Chinese vessel, carefully restored to its original condition.

Currently plying the water of Hong Kong bay, it offers the only opportunity of sailing in a Chinese vessel used by fisher folk 150 years ago. The experience of sailing in an authentic piece of Hong Kong's history is a very powerful and unique experience. Sailing past many of Hong Kong's iconic buildings with the red sails of the boat in the foreground and Victoria Peak in the background indeed makes a very pretty picture and offers many photo opportunities.

As it is one of a kind experience, the Duk Ling is hired by corporate and commercial entities and individuals on tailor made, even themed packages suited to their needs in terms of destinations, routes and catering. The Duk Ling can be also hired as a wedding venue and has been featured in several movies.

Used by the Hong Kong Tourist Board as a cultural symbol, the Duk Ling sails from the Kowloon public pier, Tsim Sha Sui and from the Central Pier 9 on short journeys on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, noon and afternoons. Cruises on the vessel can last for two and a half to four hours. Although the boat is not luxurious and the boat trips are often short, it offers relaxing moments away from the frenetic pace of Hong Kong and Kowloon. The only sounds that can be heard out on the water are the voices of other passengers, the wind, the waves and the ambient sounds of the harbour.

As one of the recent awardees of the Travelers Choice, Top Twenty Five Hotels in Hong Kong by Trip Advisor, the Langham Hong Kong exudes a European style elegance and offers amenities and service befitting a top level luxury hotel in Hong Kong. As one of the leading luxury Hong Kong hotels, the Langham pays meticulous attention to ensuring that its accommodation is impeccable. Its ambience is of quiet sophistication, its cuisine outstanding and facilities modern and up to date. Its central location places it close to all the main commercial, cultural and entertainment areas of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/adventures-in-a-chinese-junk-duk-ling-ride-hong-kong-4617202.html

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Hong Kong boasts a rich heritage and a colourful history which has shaped its society in to the multicultural melting pot it is today. A great way to experience this is to visit the Hong Kong Museum of History which offers one a chance to learn about the country's historical, cultural and natural heritage in a fun and informative manner.

Initially a part of the City Museum and Art Gallery, the Hong Kong Museum of History came into existence as a single entity in 1975 along with the Hong Kong Museum of Art. While it was temporarily located in Kowloon Park, it was later moved to its permanent home on Chatham Road South where it stands today ideally placed next to the Hong Kong Science Museum.

With a collective floor space of around 17,500 square metres, the Hong Kong Museum of History has an extensive permanent exhibition and also hosts special temporary exhibitions at different times of the year. Titled "The Hong Kong Story", the permanent exhibition is spread out over two floors and is divided into eight separate galleries with a wide range of exhibits and multimedia features that take visitors on a journey back in time, showcasing the changing faces of this cosmopolitan country.

Galleries in the permanent exhibition include ‘The Natural Environment', ‘Prehistoric Hong Kong', ‘Folk Culture in Hong Kong', ‘Birth and Early Growth of The City', ‘Modern Metropolis and the Return to China' and ‘The Japanese Occupation' which has been made to look like an air-raid shelter.

Also at the museum one will find an extensive collection of items that have been carefully amassed over a significant period of time. Home to over 90,000 items, the collection has been divided into three separate sections namely ‘Natural History' which has a variety of rock, shell and animal specimens, ‘Local History' with its impressive collection of photographs and ‘Ethnography' which has such items as traditional costumes and junk models.

Travellers will find many a Hong Kong hotel from which to explore different parts of this cosmopolitan city. Those searching for a centrally located Hong Kong Kowloon hotel can stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong which is only about a 15 minute walk from the Hong Kong Museum of History.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-changing-faces-of-a-nation-at-the-hong-kong-museum-of-history-5027432.html

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Hong Kong is the Asian gateway to global business. As a special administrative region of China, entrepreneurs and investors flock to Hong Kong Company Formation as an investment strategy and to set up businesses because of its strategic location, stable political economy, and superior incentives for business operations.

Ranked as Asia's most competitive location to do business, according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2011, it is also the third-largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world, per UNCTAD's 2011 report recently released. This high influx of FDI can be partly attributed to the following factors.

i. Stategic location: Centrally located and bearing excellent ports, airports and docks, Hong Kong gives investors direct access to international networks and resources. Considered to be the gateway to China, it boasts a free economy and multi-national business environment that provides an essential link to China's economy which is a lead driver in today's business.

ii. Low-tax: Hong Kong is known to have the third-lowest tax structure in the world. While there is no tax on sales, no capital gains tax, and no individual estate tax. Corporate tax is capped at 16.5% and income tax at a lower 15%. Investors further benefit from tax laws, which allow all profits to be repatriated, as there is no withholding tax on dividends remitted abroad.

iii. World manufacturing hub: Access to the Pearl River Delta, the world's largest manufacturing region and the most economically developed region in mainland China, this region acconts for 10% of China's GDP and approximately 30% of China's exports. Not only do investors benefit from capital, skills, technology, market knowledge and mature business facilties, but also from the low-cost manufacturing and valueable cost-cutting processes.

iv. Free Trade Agreements: The Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) grants easier access to mainland China and enables duty-free export, reducing financial and ownership restrictions. This is only one of many FTAs Hong Kong holds with the rest of the world.

v. Liberal immigration policies: These have been designed to attract professionals including entrepreneurs and investors. They are four different and flexible kinds of visas that foreigners may choose from; and family-friendly where the investor's spouse and dependent children are also welcomed.

Investors appreciate that there are no foreign ownership restrictions with Hong Kong company formation , with company directors not needing to be resident. There is no minimum for capital requirements and credit is more easliy available than in other economies. Hong Kong company set up time varies from 1-4 days. Opening a Hong Kong corporate bank account costs vary, but are quite low and can be opened for US$260. Investors feel safe conducting business in Hong Kong which provides the highest level of protection in the world for its investors and strictly enforces contracts.

A complete view of the ease of business can be seen in this Hong Kong Company Registration Guide.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-opportunities-articles/investors-look-to-hong-kong-asias-most-competitive-zone-5159531.html

Lawrence is a management and marketing consultant with a broad range of experience in providing corporate services, specialising in company incorporation, international banking and effective tax planning.

Firstly of all, Hong Kong has announced that it is looking at the company incorporation procedure in the city and make it more automated and streamlined. The overall aim is to drastically reduce the number of days it takes to setup a company in the city. Currently it takes about a week for a foreign company to complete their incorporation procedure in Hong Kong. However, if the new plan is implemented, it would take only a day for the entire procedure to be complete and companies can commence their business operations immediately.

Of course lately the most exciting developments in the city have all been related to Mainland China. Even though Hong Kong is an administrative region of the People's Republic of China, it is quite clear that Hong Kong will play an extremely important role for China in its quest to become the most important and largest economy in the world. Already several foreign companies that plan to enter the Chinese market prefer setting up their company in Hong Kong and use their Hong Kong Company for their Chinese business activities. Apart from that, China has been working overtime to convert Hong Kong into the most important financial center in the world. There have been announcements earlier this year about creation of an offshore spot Yuan fixing rate in Hong Kong. Many believe this is the first step in letting the Chinese Yuan becoming the most important global currency and has brought a lot of excitement to traders and investors in the city.

Hong Kong's own economy has been doing quite well and as per the latest world economic competitiveness rankings, Hong Kong is at the 11th position. Singapore is the only country from Asia that is ranked above Hong Kong in the global economic competitive rankings and Hong Kong is expected to go up the ladder in the future as many of the European economies would slide below Hong Kong. There are also talks about few major companies from Europe and US shifting their base to the city to take advantage of the pro-business policies and liberal taxation regime of Hong Kong.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/entrepreneurship-articles/recent-economic-developments-in-hong-kong-5248232.html

Bryan Wong is a business analyst in the Asia-Pacific region and in his free time writes business articles. In this article, Bryan talks about HK company registration and Hong Kong company registration services.

Spread across an area of 1,092 square kilometers, Hong Kong is the Special Administrative Region of China. Apart from being a hot tourist destination, Hong Kong is also an economic as well as trade center.



Due to its excellent legal and banking systems, many overseas business firms have made Hong Kong as their regional headquarters. This in turn has tremendously increased the demand for Hong Kong's commercial real estate, including office spaces, shopping malls, and retail stores.



The worldwide demand for commercial spaces also comes from arenas including law firms, financial institutions, and accountants. In addition to overseas investors, a growing number of mainland companies are also taking up office spaces in Hong Kong. In short, commercial real estate in Hong Kong has now turned out to be a demand-driven scenario. As a result, in recent years, the sale price of commercial property has been pushed up. Further, the rents charged on commercial real estate are exceptionally high, ranging from HK$22 to HK$105 per square foot per month.



Investing in commercial real estate in Hong Kong provides great benefits to investors. One of the prime benefits of investing in a Hong Kong commercial property is that it provides you access to one of the world's established markets. Another great benefit of investing in a commercial property is that not any kind of restrictions have been imposed on international investors to buy a property or asset. Further, purchasing a commercial real estate in Hong Kong is considered one of the best options for long term investment, as it can undoubtedly fetch you huge profits by way of renting and leasing.



Above all, the laws and regulations in connection with the process of buying commercial real estate are quite simple and liberal. Once you have found an appropriate property, an Agreement of Sale and Purchase would be signed between the property owner and investor, and this completes the sale procedure.



The buying processes related to the purchase of commercial property in Hong Kong are administered by the Conveyancing and Ordinance, which is structured in the form of English Law. In other words, the real estate law of Hong Kong is akin to one found in the UK, which in turn has attracted many American and British commercial real estate investors.



One of the unique things regarding the Hong Kong Property Law is that all of the land found here belongs to government, ie, each of the real estate in Hong Kong is held under leasehold title. Hence, those who are interested in property investment buy an agreement or a lease for a period ranging from 50 to 999 years.



A real estate or property in Hong Kong can be either solely owned by one person or through jointly by several investors. However, joint investment may be usually in the form of tenant or a joint tenancy. Further, a property can also be owned through a company structure. But, in case, if a company would like to conduct its business through the purchase of a property on lease, then it should be registered with the Hong Kong Companies Registry. In addition, every type of lease should be listed at the Hong Kong' Land Registry.



A plethora of real estate firms now operate in Hong Kong in order to help you find your dream commercial property. In other words, commercial real estate is one of core businesses of many real estate companies in Hong Kong. They offer a continuum of services in connection with the commercial real estate, such as, sale of commercial as well as retail property, office leasing, retail leasing, leasing and sales of industrial property, sale and acquisition of development sites, leasing and management of shopping centers, and asset management with regard to commercial, retail, and industrial.



Additionally, majority of them provide the services of professional lawyers to help you in effectively carrying out buying procedures, such as tax matters, Hong Kong Companies Registry, and negotiation of purchase. In addition, there are also real estate firms providing steps to arrange mortgages for the purchase of commercial property. But, prior to approaching a service provider, it is important to undertake an investigation with regard to their reputation and the quality as well as efficiency of service rendered.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/commercial-real-estate-in-hong-kong-234784.html

Wantanee Khamkongkaew is an independent author evaluating and commenting on leading International Property Consultants in Asia and Greater China, especially CB Richard Ellis.

With more than 250 islands, Hong Kong is the special administrative region of China. Earlier a British colony, Hong Kong became a part of China in 1997, under a special agreement. Hong Kong has now become one of the prominent economies of the region.



Since an ex-British colony, a strong westernized influence is prevalent in Hong Kong's culture. Al though, the majority of population of the city is the Chinese, the area does have a significant contingent of other nationals including Americans, Australians, British, Canadians, Japanese, and Koreans, as Hong Kong offers a great stop for Western business firms who want to crack the local market. Further, the liberal tax system has attracted many Expats to fill employment options in the region. Hence, it is no wonder why property market is booming in Hong Kong.



Among the accommodation options available in Hong Kong, perhaps the most sough after one is apartments. An apartment in Hong Kong is a self contained residential unit, which is mostly a part of a large building or property. For many reasons, both expatriates and natives choose to live in Hong Kong apartments. Perhaps the most important reasons are convenience and lifestyle it renders.



Another prime reason to choose apartments as dwelling place is that it allows to live in an environment of sophistication and luxury. When it comes to expatriates, these apartments provide them a feeling of living in their home country, thereby enabling them to lead a smoother life in the region. Additionally, living in Hong Kong apartments avoids the problems with the language barrier. Above all, a foreigner who wishes to own an apartment in Hong Kong need not have to comply with any specific legal requirement.



Based on your requirements, you can choose from a continuum of superb apartments, from garden and furnished apartments to self contained and serviced apartments. There are also apartments that are specially designed for students, such as, student apartments.



Mostly, this type of apartment comes complete with superb facilities including excellent accommodation, high speed internet access, and uninterrupted power as well as water supply. Further, many of these apartments are located within the easy reach of top academic institutions in Hong Kong. All of this provides a great atmosphere in order to promote your academic success. For those seeking luxury, then one of the best choices would be stunning serviced apartments coupled with extensive recreational as well as sporting facilities. Usually, these apartments range from 1000 to 5000 sq ft.



Different types of apartments in Hong Kong are further categorized into duplex apartments, studio apartments, and townhouses. Duplex apartments are mostly situated on the bottom floor, and range from small building with two to five apartments to large property with more than 50 or 60 apartments. A studio apartment is an accommodation facility with a large living area, apart from a kitchen and bath area. In townhouses, a family will get more space as well as a comfortable feel. One of the specialties of townhouses is that mostly they are located in rows.



Likewise, depending upon the members of the family, apartments types include apartments with one bedroom - which come with built-in wardrobes, luxury bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchen; two-bedroom apartments, which in most cases garage unit will be included in the price; and three-bedroom apartment, which is much spacious and inclusive of high end comforts such as kitchen, lounge, laundry, and a marvelous terrace.



One of the prime advantages of living in Hong Kong apartments is that it enables you to live amid diverse community. Another advantage is that you will be always surrounded by a large number of neighbors and friends. If you acquire apartments on rental or lease basis, then some of the apartments charge rent, which is sometimes inclusive of electricity, local telephone service, cable TV hook up, and trash disposal. Another great benefit of owning an apartment in Hong Kong is that it serves as an excellent long term investment.



For example, according to certain recent records, a luxury three-bedroom apartment in Hong Kong cost about $9000 per month to rent. Benefits of living in apartments also include low maintenance cost. Many of the people living in Hong Kong are engaged in high powered jobs, which make them difficult to maintain a single detached home. But, living in an apartment allows you to avoid lengthy commutes and eliminate high maintenance charges.



Owning or renting an apartment in Hong Kong is no longer a chaotic process. A plethora of real estate companies and construction companies are there in order to help finding your dream apartment. However, the prices of apartments in Hong Kong are exceptionally high.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/living-in-hong-kong-apartments-259521.html

Wantanee Khamkongkaew is an independent author evaluating and commenting on leading International Property Consultants in Asia and Greater China, especially CB Richard Ellis.

Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant destinations in the world, and each of its districts has its own distinctive atmosphere, character, and style. Akin to world's any cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong renders all that is required to make your stay here a great experience.



In deed, Hong Kong offers its residents an exciting, dynamic, and multi-ethnic lifestyle. However, acquiring a property or real estate in Hong Kong is not quite easy, since many of them have record prices.



Property market in Hong Kong has been categorized into residential market, commercial market, and industrial market.



Residential Market :

Residential real estate in Hong Kong is regarded as the most lucrative as well as the priciest in the world. Depending upon the requirements of investors, a variety of residential property choices are available in Hong Kong, such as, apartments, penthouses, single detached homes, villas, and flats. There are also special types of residential properties, especially designed for senior citizens, such as Housing for Senior Citizens and self-contained flats built by the Hong Kong Housing Authority.



People invest in residential real estate for a number of significant reasons. Mostly, people invest in residential properties in order to rent it out. According to records, a residential property in Hong Kong can fetch you a minimum of at least HK$ 100,000 per year. However, a residential property can get you profits only if your property is located in the city's posh areas with easy accessibility to almost all facilities and attractions in the area. If a residential property is acquired to sell it after some times, then go for a property located in such areas that have strong potential for growth.



A great benefit of investing in residential real estate it serves as an excellent long term investments, yielding handsome profits. Since Hong Kong's property value is constantly increasing, you can sell it at a price 20-50% higher than the amount for which you purchased. Likewise, investing in residential property is a great way to earn safe income by renting out.



Commercial Real Estate :

Due to its excellent legal as well as banking systems, many overseas business firms have made Hong Kong as their regional headquarters. This in turn has tremendously increased the demand for Hong Kong's commercial real estate, including office spaces, shopping malls, and retail stores. In addition to overseas investors, a growing number of mainland companies are also taking up office spaces in Hong Kong.



In short, commercial real estate in Hong Kong has now turned out to be a demand-driven scenario. As a result, in recent years, the sale price of commercial property has been pushed up. Further, the rents charged on commercial real estate are exceptionally high, ranging from HK$22 to HK$105 per square foot per month.



Now we will discuss some of the most preferred location for investing in Hong Kong real estate market. The Peak, or Victoria Peak, is regarded as the most exclusive as well as the most expensive area in Hong Kong. With excellent views of the surroundings including the harbour and the outlying islands as well as easy accessibility of Central through the Peak Tram and public transport, the Peak is one of the most sought after residential areas.



Real estate found here range from up-market apartments and high-end flats to small ordinary housing structures. Due to its easy accessibility to Central and Causeway Bay, real estate in Mid-Levels region is also popular among the investors, especially expat community. Another popular area that is preferred by the expat community is Repulse Bay, which boasts of a resort-like ambience. Further, this area is within close proximity to several super markets and international schools in Hong Kong.



No matter it is for commercial or residential purposes or for your vacation needs, a host of service providers in the form of real estate firms and property developer firms are now in the scenario in order to help you find your dream property in Hong Kong. Many of these firms offer a variety of services in connection with the acquiring of a property in Hong Kong. Some of them even provide services of a professional attorney to verify the documents in order to check the authenticity of the property.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/hong-kong-property-market-trends-349570.html

Wantanee Khamkongkaew is an independent author evaluating and commenting on leading International Property Consultants in Asia and Greater China, especially CB Richard Ellis.

Thoroughbred horse racing in Hong Kong is a pivotal part not only of many lives but it is vital to the economy, contributing massive taxes and being the major supporter of most charities. Thoroughbred racing in Hong Kong is therefore naturally followed far more passionately than anywhere else in the world.



Hong Kong has two race courses, the main one situated at Shatin is a first class track with facilities equal to any track in the world. A big track with both turf and dirt surfaces and a straight 1200m, statistics show that horses get every chance to win from whatever draw.



However Happy Valley where the lesser grade Wednesday night races are held has to be the most spectacular race track in existence. To understand the full impact of this place you need to make the effort to go and experience it.



Situated on the island amidst major housing and retail complexes, Happy Valley is surrounded by the lights of multi level apartment blocks. It is a relatively small track which affords spectators a close up view of the races giving an I can not believe this place feel to visitors.

Tourists can also visit the Hong Kong Racing Museum at Happy Valley, which provides a fascinating historical insight into how the sport has evolved since its mid-19th century beginnings.



Over the last 15 years or so the quality of Hong Kong thoroughbred racing has developed substantially and nowadays it is difficult to imagine a more cosmopolitan racing circuit than can be experienced here. The prize money is so substantial that the champion riders and trainers from France, England, Australia and South Africa all eagerly vie for the few invitations to ride in Hong Kong. In fact the roster of riders in Hong Kong reads like an Academy Award nomination list for the best jockeys in the world.



Fourteen Group 1 races are run in Hong Kong each season, with the Hong Kong International Race day in December being the richest and most important meeting of the year. The Hong Kong International Races are now generally recognized to be the most international event in the racing world and the main meeting point for northern and southern hemisphere thoroughbreds.



Today the international event has been transformed into a set of four races: the Hong Kong International Sprint over 1200m, the Hong Kong Mile over 1600m, the Hong Kong Cup over 2000m and the Hong Kong Vase over 2400m.



The Champions Mile is on April 29, run at 1600 meters over the Shatin turf course and is already part of an international racing series, the Asian Mile Challenge, which comprises the Futurity in Australia, the Dubai Duty Free, the Champions Mile, and the Yasuda Kinen in Japan, all Group 1 races.



The standard of local thoroughbreds has also risen dramatically as can be seen by the number of hotly contested international races now taken out by locals even in the presence of top echelon European, American, Japanese and Australian thoroughbreds.



With a population of around 1,100 thoroughbreds from around the globe, Hong Kong racing works under an easy to understand handicap system, where gallopers gain or lose rating points from their performance on the racecourse, resulting in close and competitive racing.



The Hong Kong Jockey Club has a monopoly on racing and betting in the territory, a holdover from colonial days, and the HKJC is the territories largest taxpayer and charity. Massive betting pools are involved and Hong Kong racing officials understand that it is imperative to share every piece of information there is with the betting public.



The racing club website has easily the best information I have ever seen with full videos and extensive reporting of every race held. Trackwork data, performance history, weights carried, times, everything is easily found and exhaustively detailed.



To summarise, for any thoroughbred racing enthusiast Hong Kong racing is an absolute must see experience. The city is situated on one of the most spectacular harbors imaginable, hotels are plentiful and first class and the shopping and gastronomic delights are legendary.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/hong-kong-thoroughbred-horse-racing-442069.html

Dick Aronson has been heavily involved in Thoroughbred racing,breeding and buying for more than 30 years. He has developed his own proprietary software for selecting horses and articles on his work have several times been published in the HK Racing World magazine.Go to Consultlink Thoroughbreds

The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences resides in a three storied refurbished structure at 2 Caine Lane, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences is also called the Old Pathological Institute. The museum was formed in the year 1996 and aims to advance the accumulation and conservation of historical artifacts which relate to the medicine and its industry in Hong Kong. At certain instances particular exhibitions are conducted by the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences so as to present advanced as well as basic news and information that pertains to the field of medicine.

One of the primary objectives of the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences is to raise the levels of public awareness regarding the medical history of Hong Kong as well as to instruct the people on issues regarding disease and health. The building that houses the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences was constructed in 1906 and has an Edwardian style to it. The building housed the Bacteriological Institute which was later named the Pathological Institute following World War II.

The building covers an area of 10, 000 square feet and comprises of one lecture room, one library, one game room, and one gallery for Tai Ping Shan View and eleven other galleries. The galleries are namely the Autopsy Room, History of Hong Kong Dentistry, Lower Gallery Exhibition Room, herbalist shop, The Old Laboratory, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Gallery, Class of 63 Gallery, Tung Wah Group of hospitals Gallery, Hong Kong College of Radiologists Gallery, Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Disease Association Gallery and the Lui Hac Minh Gallery.

When travelling to Hong Kong make sure to stay at a Hong Kong hotel. A Kowloon hotel such as the Eaton Hotel Hong Kong is highly recommended.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/hong-kong-museum-of-medical-sciences-the-history-of-hong-kong-medicine-802147.html

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

The Hong Kong Arts Festival was established in 1973. The festival is a platform which gives the visitors a wide array of art programs from across the world. The festival has become an integral part of the Hong Kong Culture. The Hong Kong Arts Festival was the brainchild of Charles Hardy who wanted a festival in Hong Kong that would support the performing arts. He later broached his idea with Sir Run Run Shaw and Sir Kenneth Fung Pin-fan. The Hong Kong Arts Festival showcases local as well as internationally produced performing arts. The festival is held every year in Hong Kong during February and March. The venues include numerous halls and theatres, ranging from small enclosures to large arenas.

The Hong Kong Arts Festival includes events such as the Dance, Drama, Chinese Opera, Western Opera, World Music, Chinese Music, Classical Music, and also Family Choice. International performers also bring their act to the Hong Kong Arts Festival, international artists of the likes of Jose Carreras, Yo-Yo Ma, Shanghai Kunqu Theatre, San Francisco Symphony, New Japan Philharmonic, Paris Opera Ballet, St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Wiener Philharmoniker all make their appearances at the Hong Kong Arts Festival. Local artists such as Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra also perform at shows at the Hong Kong Arts Festival.

While travelling to Hong Kong a stay at a Kowloon hotel is best advised. Out of the many hotels in Hong Kong, the Langham Hotel Hong Kong would be a really good place to stay.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/hong-kong-arts-festival-a-blend-of-eastern-and-western-performing-arts-802206.html

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Standing at a height of 552 meters above sea level the Peak or Victoria Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong. From a historical perspective it served as a natural signaling post for ships coming into Hong Kong harbor and also served a retreat for the wealthy colonialists during the 19 the century.

Today the Peak is known to have the highest land value anywhere in the world and is the home of wealthy businessman, rock stars and affluent politicians. The actual peak of Victoria mountain is demarcated for a telecommunications tower and is off limits to the public. However the rest of the land area is a mixture of houses, residential apartments, parks and a number of leisure centers including shopping malls. The major tourist attraction of the Peak is that it offers spectacular bird’s eye views of the Victoria Harbor and other surrounding areas.

With an annual tourist arrival of about 7 million, the Peak is definitely the most visited tourist attraction in Hong Kong. The large influx of tourists has also spawned the recent development of two major leisure centers cum shopping malls in the area; the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria are located almost next to each other near Victoria Gap.

The traditional and the most entertaining way of climbing the Peak is by tram, this system has been in existence for over 100 years since 1888. The tram climbs at a very steep angle and offers excellent views of the Harbor and the city below. A few restaurants can also be found at the Peak, the best and most exciting one is the Peak Lookout restaurant that was built way back in 1901 as a room meant for tram workers.

Being Hong Kong’s premier tourist attraction The Peak is a must see attraction for any traveler. The country also offers great accommodation option for travelers as well, a Hong Kong hotel that is situated close to the peak and also provides comfortable lodging is the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-worlds-greatest-cityscape-454136.html

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers PPC Management and SEO services and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/)

Situated on Nathan Road, Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard is approximately 300 metres long with over 50 shops. It occupies a superb location right next to the Kowloon Park in Hong Kong. This all inclusive shopping mall houses a vast array of retail shops. These shops cover clothing, shoes and accessories, cosmetic, jewellery, sportswear, leatherwear and a whole lot more. There is also a small branch of the trendy Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium which attracts quite a large number of locals and tourists to the arcade.

Situated adjacent to the biggest urban park in Kowloon, Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard also lies in close proximity to the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre. Since the Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard lies so close to a beautiful urban park, shoppers can take some time out of shopping and rest their weary feet before continuing to shop again. A person shopping at this unique boulevard will have a shopping experience that gives a rather European style and feel.

Managed by Urban Group, Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard is a one of a kind shopping avenue with a broad pavement that is lined with beautiful shady trees. Shoppers can also view the sculptures that are positioned throughout the boulevard. These sculptures make the boulevard more prominent among the tall buildings neighbouring it.


Today, Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard has become a significant landmark on Nathan Road. A recent addition to the Boulevard was Longines which was launched by the guest of honour and lead model Mrs. Tony Leung.

Urban Group and the Management Office of Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard organises an annual Lion Dance in order to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, enhance business opportunities and to wish both tenants and locals a peaceful and prosperous new year.


Many hotels in Hong Kong take pride in identifying Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard as one of its significant nearby attractions. Travellers from all across the world who are also ardent shoppers can plan their stay at a leading Kowloon hotel such as Langham hotel Hong Kong that offers warm hospitality, first class facilities and unparalleled service.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/an-avenue-of-shops-732989.html

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing agency that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/)

Discovered in 1955, the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb is a fine astral illustration of a Han Dynasty burial hall, which is about 2,000 years old. The tomb was unearthed during the excavation of the current Lei Cheng Uk estate. Since then the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb has gone through some widespread study and restoration and was opened in 1957.

Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb reveals abundant proof of the impact made by the Eastern Han Dynasty. It also includes a writing of Panyu on the bricks of the tomb. Panyu was back then a significant province of what is now called Hong Kong. The distinctive design and calligraphy of the tomb reveals its amazing history.

Currently covered but visible through a huge glass panel, the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb comes as a form of a cross with four chambers. However the design does not signify any sort of connection with Christianity since the religion was unknown in China during the time of Han Dynasty which was 25AD to 220AD.

Pottery, food storage and cooking vessels were among the artefacts discovered from the burial site. These artefacts reveal the Chinese importance on food. Two of the recovered artefacts were authentic and bronze utensils. Among the objects recovered were washing basins, bronze bells and mirrors.

Adjacent to the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb lies a massive exhibit hall. This exhibition hall displays videos and photographs that reveal the history of the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb and the efforts that were put in to excavate and conserve it.

Once the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb and grounds were located near the shore, however due to modern day land reclamations that takes place now these are positioned more than a mile inland. At present, visitors to this tomb site will not be able to witness an olden day Scottish-style or burial site of Egyptian-style. Instead, today, the burial place is bordered by contemporary style buildings and streets.

For further exploration of the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb travellers both local and international can plan their stay at a Hong Kong Hotel or Kowloon Hotel. For example, Eaton Hotel Hong Kong is renowned for offering world class facilities in an excellent location.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/a-han-dynasty-burial-hall-734989.html

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/)

The Tian Tan Buddha located at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Honk Kong, is the largest outdoor bronze seated Buddha statue in the world. It is 34 meters and weighs 250 tonnes. It is one of the five large Buddha statues in China and is a major tourist attraction and an important center for Buddhism. The statue is called Tian Tan because of its base which is a model of the Earthly Mount Tian Tan in Beijing, also called as the Temple or Altar of Heaven. Due to its sheer size, it is called as the Giant Buddha and can be seen from as far as Macau, on a clear day.

The statue was completed in 1993. In order to reach the Giant Buddha, visitors have to climb 268 steps, although there is a road made to accommodate vehicles in case of handicapped persons. The Giant Buddha sits on a throne shaped like a lotus flower, atop a three-platform altar. Around the statue are 8 smaller statues of gods. Beneath the statue are three floors, with one hall on each: The Hall of Universe, The Hall of Benevolent Merit, and The Hall of Remembrance. A relic of Sakyamuni is contained inside, along with some of his cremated remains. Another attraction is a huge bell inscribed with the images of the Buddha, initially designed to ring every 7 minutes, 108 times a day, meant to signify the release of 108 kinds of human vexes.

The Giant Buddha symbolizes harmony between man and nature, people and religion. This is evident on the serene and dignified expression on the statue's face. Like all other Buddha statues, this is also highly symbolic of Buddha’s teachings. The raised right hand shows removal of affliction and the left hand, resting on the lap, shows a gesture of giving dhana. However, unlike other statues of the Buddha, which face south, this one faces north. The statue is also an image of Buddha Amitabha, like the Daibutsu in Kamakura, Japan.

The Giant Buddha is located away from the main Hong Kong Island, so you can choose to stay at a Hong Kong hotel nearby and take the skyrail in the early morning hours to visit and spend the day at the feet of the Giant Buddha. The Cosmopolitan Hotel is among the recommended Hong Kong Island hotels for you to check out.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/feel-the-serenity-at-the-giant-buddhas-feet-588356.html

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing agency that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )

Located in Mong Kok in Kowloon, Hong Kong, the Langham Place Mall spreads across two street blocks and includes the Langham Place Hotel, Office Complex and Shopping Mall. Once part of Hong Kong's red light district, the Mong Kok area is now a distinctively fashionable and high-end neighborhood. The unusual vertical structure of Langham Place Mall is the second such building in Hong Kong, which is gradually becoming commonplace because of the land restrictions in cities. The mall includes 600,000 square feet of retail space spread out over 15 levels. From Basement 2 to the 3rd floor, the building is 60,000 square foot. This changes to 40,000 square foot from the 4th floor upwards.

From designer brands and casual wear to accessories and electronics sold in over 300 outlets, the mall offers something for everyone. The latest blockbusters play at the six cinemas with a total of 1122 seats, and plenty of restaurants are also available to enjoy some gourmet and international cuisines. Traveling back and forth between the mall and your hotel is also very convenient, because the Mong Kok MTR station has an underground passage leading to the mall via Exit C3.

The Langham Mall has some unique features, which sets it apart from many worldwide malls. The Digital Sky is an astounding display of digital images on the mall's ceiling. Displayed atop the Grand Atrium, it's visible throughout the entire mall and provides a unique ambiance inside the mall. Swirls and clouds to planets and fireworks, the display is always breathtakingly beautiful and mesmerizing. The 9-story Grand Atrium is where the Langham hotel, mall and office complex connect. Many special events, shows and performances take place at the Grand Atrium at Langham Place Mall. The Grand Atrium's facade is an attraction in itself, because of the beautiful giant rock compilation, which is in stark contrast to its surroundings.

The two Xpresscalators are another unique design feature at the Langham Place Mall. Instead of placing endless escalators at every level, the design incorporates direct access from the 4th floor to cinema entrance on the 8th floor and from there to the 12th floor Sky Garden. The descent down has another different shopping experience in store for the visitors. The Spiral houses alternative fashion, accessories and collectibles for today's youth spread over 4 levels and the structure of this unique area is just as its name indicates. If trendy bars,restaurants and chic hangouts are your thing, you'll love The OZone, located on the 12th and 13th floor.

If you are in the city for sometime, consider staying at the Langham Place Hotel Hong Kong, located adjacent to the mall. As one of the highly recommended hotels in Hong Kong, the Langham Place Hotel Hong Kong will be ideal for luxurious and relaxing accommodation after a long day at the shopping mall.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/langham-place-mall-521595.html

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/kowloon-park-a-military-base-turned-to-a-beautiful-public-park-539584.html

Cheap flights to Hong Kong are readily available and easy to find. With just a little bit of research, anyone who wants to experience the magic of Hong Kong can do so, with flights available to suit all budgets. An easy search on the Internet will show a large range of flights to Hong Kong, departing from all around the UK.





Before committing to booking cheap flights to Hong Kong, it is always worth thinking about a few things. For example, do you want to travel from your local airport and pay a slightly higher price, or is it worth your while travelling to one of the main London airports, and probably getting the flight for less. When considering this, remember to factor in added costs such as long-term parking.





Another consideration when booking cheap flights to Hong Kong is what you intend to do on your trip. Questions that you need to ask are whether you will want to stay in Hong Kong for the whole China holiday, or if you would prefer to travel throughout China and have a true China travel experience. Also, with the Olympics being held in Beijing, 2008, it is worth considering incorporating your visit to Hong Kong into a trip up country to Beijing.





If you decide to stay in Hong Kong for the greater part of your visit, you will not be disappointed. There is so much to do that even the most discerning traveller will find something to delight them. Whether you are going to Hong Kong for the shopping, the food, or just to take in the general 'Hong Kong experience,' then booking a cheap flight to Hong Kong is just the beginning of your adventure.





If you are booking your cheap flights to Hong Kong from Heathrow or Gatwick, expect a non-stop, direct, long haul flight of around 12 hours. It is worth noting that similar flights are also available from most major European cities. This gives the traveller an even wider choice of cheap flight options.





Prices for flights to Hong Kong tend to go up around August and Christmas. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Hong Kong around this time, remember to book well in advance. However, with some forward planning, even at these times of the year, finding cheap flights to Hong Kong is possible.





On arriving in Hong Kong, the traveller is spoiled for choices on things to do and see. Most people are already aware of the shopping bargains to be found in Hong Kong. There will be something for everyone, as well as finding tailors who can make something made to measure in time for the traveller to take the item home!





Eating in Hong Kong is a joy for the senses. It is possible to taste almost every cuisine in the world, and there are meals for all budgets. These can range from a few dollars at a street-side eating place, or hundreds of dollars at somewhere more salubrious.





Hotels in Hong Kong can be expensive, due to the large land rents that are part of such a compact place. However, there is an extensive choice of places to stay. For budget travellers, it is worth checking out accommodation on the outskirts of the main areas.





When booking cheap flights to Hong Kong, it is worth checking out hotel deals at the same time. Many hotels offer large discounts at certain times of the year. With some of these often in the range of 50 it may be possible to upgrade your Hong Kong travel experience for little extra cost.





Hong Kong also has a quieter and slower side to life that is not always obvious from the general hustle and bustle on the streets. As with most of China, there is a spiritual side to Hong Kong. It is possible to step from a crowded street into a quiet temple in most areas.





For the traveller who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of 'the town that never sleeps,' there are also rural retreats to enjoy. Those travellers who are willing to take a boat and visit the outlying islands will be well rewarded. Here, you can find quiet beaches, take invigorating hill walks, and even take a boat trip to look for pink dolphins.





The huge Bronze Buddha is situated on Lantau, just a short boat ride from Hong Kong. Travellers will also find one of the last surviving fishing villages, and more challenging walks and treks.





When booking cheap flights to Hong Kong, it is worth planning your trip carefully. Whether using the cheap flight as a gateway to a whole China travel experience, or simply to spend a few days in the Hong Kong, any traveller will have an experience they will not forget.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/cheap-flights-to-hong-kong-285683.html

Cheap Flights to Hong Kong Tel: 08700 490002 or 44 (0)1780 484824 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm or Sat - Sun 10am - 4pm or visit or for general Hong Kong corporate travel enquiries visit Our staff are multilingual and very friendly with many years of experience.