Travel to Hong Kong

Welcome to Hong Kong - a place where deeply rooted Chinese traditions are blended with Western influences to create a truly unique living experience.

Traditional temples, colonial buildings, and modern skyscrapers offer a glimpse into each era responsible for shaping the Hong Kong of today: an international business hub with an eclectic mix of foreign nationals from more than 50 countries around the world.

Hong Kong Skyline

Location

Hong Kong sits on China's south coast, just below the Tropic of Cancer.  With seven million people settled on a 426 square mile (1,104 sq km) plot of land, Hong Kong qualifies as one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Aside from claiming some of the world's tallest buildings, the region also boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities as 40 percent of the land is divided into 23 country parks.

Geography

Hong Kong is comprised of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 260 outlying islands.

North of the Island, across Victoria Harbor, is the Kowloon Peninsula. Traditionally, Kowloon has always been known as the entertainment district of Hong Kong.  Streets are lined with shops, markets, the best hotels, and several forms of entertainment. There are also a number of historical and cultural museums portraying the Hong Kong of yesterday.

The New Territories, set in the northernmost reaches of Hong Kong, share a border with Mainland China, and cover 306 square miles (796 sq km).  The New Territories are characterized by a diverse terrain of sandy beaches, wildlife reserves and mountain peaks, which have towns and country farms nestled in valley lowlands throughout.

More than 260 islands dot the surrounding waters of the South China Sea.  Lantau Island is a throne to the world's largest seated outdoor Buddha.  The 202-ton, bronze statue sits atop the island's Ngong Ping plateau and can be seen for miles around.

Big Buddha in Lantau can be seen from miles around

To the east is Discovery Bay, a popular home to expats who want to enjoy a more peaceful and laid back environment.

Lamma Island is another popular destination with good hiking, beaches, and fresh seafood being the major attractions.

Located in between these two islands are two more islands worth noting: Cheung Chau and Peng Chau.

History

Hong Kong was not always the lively metropolis it is today. With its ideal location on the South China Sea, Hong Kong attracted the attention of fishermen and pearl hunters from Mainland China, and later, Western traders looking for silks, silver, tea, and spices.

The British traded opium for Chinese commodities but when the Qing Empire banned the drug trade, the First Opium War took place.At the close of the First Opium War in 1841, Hong Kong Island was surrendered to the British.  In 1860, with the end of the Second Opium War, the colony was enlarged to include the Kowloon Peninsula; and in 1898 the New Territories and more than 200 islands were handed over to Britain on a 99-year lease.

Aside from four years of Japanese occupation during World War II, Hong Kong remained a British colony until it was officially turned over to the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 July 1997.

With the hand over of '97, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China that operates under the "one country, two systems" policy.  This means that, although Hong Kong is officially run by the PRC, it maintains its own political, social, and economic systems; therefore, English continues to be an official language and many treaties, freedoms, and international relationships have remained in place.

Getting around

For the millions of people with several tasks at hand, there is need for a transportation system capable of meeting immeasurable expectations.  Hong Kong is well prepared with one of the most advanced, comprehensible transportation systems in the world.  The truth is that most people don't even feel the need to buy a car.

Complete with the MTRC, buses, ferries, taxis, and trams, there are several options for reaching any destination in a timely manner.  Hong Kong's railway system, known as the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC), includes 131.5 miles (211.6 km) of rail and 150 stations.

Double-decker buses, minibuses, taxis, and the Hong Kong Island trams are frequent and easy to use. Ferries provide transportation across Victoria Harbor and to many of the outlying islands.  Daily travel is made convenient by the Octopus Card, a card with a built-in microchip that manages fares electronically. The Octopus card can be used with almost all forms of public transportation, as well as at public pay phones, vending machines, photo booths, grocery stores, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants.

Things to do

Shopping, eating, and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, and several water sports, are favorite pastimes for residents and tourists alike.

Hiking at Dragon's back

Ocean Park and Disneyland Hong Kong are two largely visited theme parks of the area.

Locals also enjoy playing mahjong as well as Chinese chess, checkers, and card games. Arcades and karaoke clubs are popular hangouts for the younger generations.

Economy

With endless choices for entertainment, the tourism industry has thrived in recent years and, in turn, plays a key role in sustaining Hong Kong's economy.

Skyscrapers in Central, Hong Kong

This is part of the transformation of the last few decades where Hong Kong has shifted from relying on manufacturing centers to the service-based industries, which also includes the internationally appealing corporate and finance sectors.

Trade is, as it always has been, another major contributor to the growing economy.

With these components in place, Hong Kong has made a steady recovery from the East Asian financial crisis of 1997 and the economy continues to grow stronger.

Hong Kong is absolutely one of the world's excellent towns. Regardless of whether on your first visit or your tenth, you'll undoubtedly be surprised and astounded through the city's pulsing existence, hurried pace and frenzy of several lifestyles. Hong Kong is one of the world's true global metropolises – a kind of Gotham City for Asia where just about anything you wish – be it American donuts or even Australian Shiraz – will be available.

When describing Hong Kong to acquaintances who have not been there, I usually say that it is similar to London plonked down in the middle of Asia. Or London with plenty and lots and lots of Chinese individuals. While a fair enough statement, that still does not do Hong Kong justice, with its variety of several cultures and lifestyles and cuisines.

Getting Around

There are 2 uncomplicated transport possibilities in Hong Kong: the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and your own 2 feet. With these 2 tools at your disposal, you can see literally all of Hong Kong. When you first arrive, you will definitely want to pick up an Octopus Card, the city's mass transit refill card which permits you to swipe onto any of the public transport alternatives in Hong Kong, which includes buses and trains. This is much like the Oyster Card in London.

Getting to the town is effortless, too, with a lot of cheap flights to Hong Kong from most major world cities, including Europe and North America.

What to discover

What to discover in Hong Kong would depend largely on your own likes and dislikes. The very first stop for most guests is a journey up Victoria Peak Tram, a historical funicular railway that carries people on a near-vertical ascent up to Victoria Peak, the highest point in the city overlooking Hong Kong's amazing skyline. You might also want to test Hong Kong's stunning horse racing culture. Your best bet is to catch one of the city's old street trolleys to Happy Valley

Racecourse, where you could enjoy young horses race on grass under the dim sparkle of tall skyscrapers. In Hong Kong's fashionable Soho area, a series of small streets stacked upon each other bursting with attractive shops, small eateries as well as fascinating buildings, you also can desire to have a ride on the world's longest escalator, Central-Mid-Levels-Escalator.

Hong Kong also offers various attractive galleries, or if you are looking for something a bit more spiritual, you could take the intensive travel up to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin, in which hundreds of stairs lead you past hundreds of golden buddha statues to a hilltop monastery. Hong Kong is also a shopper's paradise. From the shops in Soho to the upmarket global business stores and multi-level malls in Causeway Bay or perhaps the funky local markets on the Kowloon side of the city, you may more or less discover anything you're after – in most cases at a great price!

Where to stay

Most of Hong Kong's budget accommodation choices are situated along Nathan Road, where a few high-raised structures house youth hostels and guesthouses run by nearby families. When making your reservation for these types of lodging, make sure that you receive confirmation of your bed and be sure to check out the features before you pay, mainly because some are fairly grotty.


Upscale choices vary from major international hotel brands to local boutique hotels. Most of the time, it's possible to pay for just about any cost for a hotel room or hostel bed in Hong Kong, based on your funds.

What exactly to eat

There is only one thing better than shopping in Hong Kong, and that's eating. From small noodle joints to upscale French restaurant, you will locate all sorts of restaurant, eating hall and snack stall on earth in Hong Kong. The Kowloon peninsula, specifically the Mong Kok neighborhood, is really a haven for local Hong Kong restaurants and snack stalls peddling a variety of unusual and crazy bites to eat. On Hong Kong Island, especially in Soho and Central, there are several elegant international dining places for discerning food enthusiasts.

When to go and exactly what to pack

Hong Kong's weather conditions are virtually always mild, and can easily get quite warm and humid throughout the summer. The very best time of year to go to Hong Kong is during the autumn, winter and spring while the temperatures are most liveable. Summers can be really humid and hot in Hong Kong.

It's ideal to pack light and portable garments which breathes and is relaxing for a day of strolling. When you want to travel during the winter, ensure that you bring at least a lightweight jacket or coat in case of a cold spell.

In today's world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed. It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Po Lin Monastery. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas. Sited atop Lantau Island on the Ngong Ping plateau, lies one of the most frequently visited sights in Hong Kong - the Po Lin Monastery.

There's enough to see and do in and around the monastery to consume a vacation day or more, so plan ahead. The trip there is an adventure in itself. Take the MTR (the excellent Hong Kong subway system) to Tung Chung. Outside at the bus terminal, board the No. 23. The ride can take an hour or longer and winding your way up the mountainside provides a pair of delights. Riders get to see some of the superb countryside and seaside near Hong Kong and at the same time experience the harrowing joy of a typical Chinese rollercoaster bus ride.

Founded in 1924 as a sanctuary for Buddhist monks, the Po Lin Monastery offers superb sights both inside and out. The view from the top looking out over the sea and mountainside is breathtaking. You'll be free to look around at the exterior, which provides a superior example of the architecture and art of the period and style. The monastery is festooned with small statues and inscriptions. The surrounding grounds make it easy to imagine the tranquility that motivated the monks to make it their home. You can experience a small taste of that lifestyle for yourself by purchasing a meal ticket and enjoying the vegetarian lunch prepared by the monks in the dining hall.

Inside the temple, it isn't necessary to remove your shoes, nor to wear long pants as required by Buddhist temples elsewhere. Simply acquire an incense stick and offer three bows to the ancestors who watch over the monks and their sacred building. Place your incense sticks in the holder and then enjoy the many colorful and intricate carvings and decorations. Visitors can even stay overnight and see the rising sun the next morning. The view of the light spilling onto Fong Wong Shan Mountain, twice the height of Victoria Peak, has inspired the monks for decades in their peaceful retreat.

From the temple gate, look out toward the top of Muyushan Mountain. You'll be able to clearly make out a large copper statue of the seated Sakyamuni, reaching 26 meters (85 feet) high. Sakyamuni was the sage of the Sakyas, a Buddhist-Lamaist (Tibet) god and the historical Buddha. Here known as Tian Tan or The Big Buddha, the statue was constructed over a steel frame and completed in 1993 after a 10-year construction effort. It sits atop the plateau, reached by climbing 268 steps.

Stand at the base and take in the setting first. Around the pedestal is a three-story exhibition hall containing a large bell. Rung 108 times per day, it is said to relieve the 108 vexations. As you listen to the chimes, you can take in the many finely carved Buddhist figures. Then walk up and glance around to take in the view the Buddha has, from an island twice the size of Hong Kong itself. You'll begin to feel, perhaps, as the monks do about Lantau Island and the Po Lin Monastery. Now you can be a confident expert on Po Lin Monastery. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on Po Lin Monastery.

Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated places in the world, is famous for its charm and diverse culture. The residents here lead different way of life and the society is contemporary and capitalistic. Even though the people still follow the Chinese tradition. It is considered as one of the world's vibrant cities since the olden days.

The history of the place has some connection with the Opium War. In the middle of nineteenth century, Great Britain colonized the island. In 1898, an agreement was signed and the city was handed over to British for 99 years. But by 1984, British agreed to give back Hong Kong to China.

Hong Kong is considered as one of the most popular tourist attraction around the world. The city is small but lively with a fantastic night life which is akin to the Caribbean. The city is situated near India and Philippines and is one of the best English speaking areas in Asia.

You can enjoy several mouth-watering cuisines in the region including Chinese, Indian, Mughalai, and international cuisines. Unique Chinese dishes like special dim sum are very tasty. You can also taste other Chinese specialties like chicken lo mein, fried whole trout, Peking duck, stuffed scallops, tofu dishes, mouth-watering Tong Cho oysters, and exotic seafood plates of soft-shell crab topped with crawfish tails.

There are several McDonald's outlets and Western-style restaurants for American and European food. When compared to other tourist locations around the world, this destination is a bit expensive. If you want to reduce your cost of living in Hong Kong, you have to choose dormitories for stay and eat budget meals, usually Chinese dishes, instead of going to other big fancy restaurants. As it is a shopping paradise, it is difficult to resist your desire to buy. So it is better to embrace your money, if you do not need to overspend.

Hong Kong is well known for its thriving service industry and most of the residents are working in either banking, telecommunications, insurance or tourism. It is also popular for its entertainment industry and is considered as the Movie capital of Asia.

As it is both a modern and ancient city, you can find places to stay with out any problem when visiting Hong Kong. Accommodation facilities come in all types of excellence, shapes and prices. Cheap youth hostels with standard amenities and five star luxury hotels with luxurious facilities are offered.

Most of the luxurious facilities are available in Hong Kong Island, the central area of the city. For people looking for cheap accommodation, Kowloon and the New territories offer diverse sources. You can also find hostels in Hong Kong Island. As Hong Kong is a major transportation hub of Asia, it can cater to all budgets.

Hong Kong has a varied mix of characters as a result of lengthy British occupation and a great Chinese influence. The place has a lot to offer tourists around the world; this is the reason why more and more people visit this place year round. Situated in Kowloon, Hong Kong Museum of Art is the best place for history buffs. The Museum houses more than 14,000 items including paintings, calligraphy Hong Kong treasure, art objects, antiques and lithographs.

Hong Kong Disneyland, the fist Disneyland in Asia, offers an enchanting experience to the travelers and natives alike. The park features four main attractions, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, USA. You can have a view of the entire city from Victoria Peak which is situated around 1810 feet above sea level. Take a cruise around the water of Lantau Island and watch pink dolphins that only live in this water.

Have great fun in Ocean Park which is one of the great attractions in the city. The park houses Lowlands Gardens, Marine Land and Headlands amusement park where you can go and have a ride with cable cars and roller coasters. Have fun with your kids in Water World's wave pools, play area, and water slides.

Hong Kong Space Museum is another major attraction in the city. It features several displays including robotics, telecommunications, energy, computers, and physics. Middle Kingdom, The Central district, Lamma Island, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and Wet Market are also worth a visit. Plan your next vacation to this vibrant city now itself.