Travel to Hong Kong

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.

Although millions of people pass through Hong Kong every year, on their way from here to there, many of them don't really know what are the best ways to spend a day in this exciting metropolis. This article will show you how to cover Hong Kong's most popular attractions in a one day stopover. After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the luggage storage counter at the 'Meeters and Greeters Hall', where you can store your trolley or bag till you come back... Buy an Octopus Card from the Airport Express Counter at the Arrivals Hall and hop on the Airport Express Train, with which you travel all the way to Hong Kong Station.

Victoria Peak (or simply "The Peak") is one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist attractions and probably the best starting point. Having your breakfast or morning coffee while enjoying some spectacular views is definitely a nice way to start your Hong Kong day-tour. The Peak Tram is the most popular (and scenic) way of getting to The Peak. It operates daily, 7 am - 12 midnight and climbs the full distance in approximately 7 minutes.

A short walk from Hong Kong Station (exit C) will bring you to the Lower Terminus, on Garden Road, where you can buy the ticket and board the tram (you can also pay with your "Octopus Card") Pacific Coffee, near the "upper terminus", is open daily from as early as 7:30 am, and is the best place to enjoy your "coffee with a view" at such an early hour. Down from "The Peak" walk back towards Hong Kong Station and through "the elevated walkway" to the pier from which the Star Ferry departs to Tsim sha Tsui. This historic ferry route is very popular with tourists and has long become one of Hong Kong's most prominent icons.

From the ferry building, turn right and walk along the waterfront to the Avenue of Stars: Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, where floor plaques of Hong Kong film industry's who's who can be seen.  This is also the best place to take photos of Hong Kong's spectacular skyline. From here, you can take a short walk to the Hong Kong Museum of History, where "the story of Hong Kong" is told... From the geological changes that took place hundreds of millions of years ago, through prehistoric eras, notable historical events and until present day. The museum is fairly rich and boasts plenty of interesting exhibits.

Continue to Nathan Road, Kowloon's main thoroughfare, and proceed through Jordan Road to Canton Road, which is popularly known as Jade Street. Jade and its products are the specialty of most of the shops along this section of Canton Road, as well of those in the neighboring Jade Market, and there is certainly a lot to see (and to buy...). From Jade Street. you can turn right to Ning Po Street where many traditional Chinese shops and businesses can be found.

The Old Tin Hau Temple, just a few minutes walk from the Jade Market, was built in the 1880s and is one of Kowloon's oldest temples. It is dedicated to Tin Hau (Matsu), Goddess of the sea, protector of seafarers and one of Hong Kong's most beloved deities. From the temple, you can either walk or take the MTR to Mong Kok area, where some of Hong Kong's best open-air markets can be found: As its name denotes, Ladies' Market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the like, although you can find here more than a few stalls that sell men's and children's products, including toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few...

Sai Yeung Choi Street South boasts shops of consumer electronic products at street level and upstairs bookstores above.Fa Yuen Street concentrates many retailers of sports equipment and clothing, while Fa Yuen Street Market, in the north part of Fa Yuen Street, is full of shops selling bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children. While in Mong Kok, you should also make a point to visit the Goldfish Market, the Flower Market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or just "Bird Garden"), where dozens of bird shops are located and hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen...

Mong Kok is also packed with many authentic eateries and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious local food at reasonable prices: Curry A La King, on 88 Soy Street, is a paradise for curry lovers, serving a wide selection of scrumptious curries from different Asian cuisines. Satay King, on ladies market, specializes in Southeast Asian satays. Mong Kok Fung Shing Restaurant, on 749 Nathan Road, is known for its superb dim-sum and delicious crispy chicken.

Lucky Corner Restaurant, on 146 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, is a rather humble eatery which has been serving some of the best Wonton Noodles in Hong Kong for God knows how many years. Little Sheep (4th floor, 16 Argyle Street)is one of Hong Kong's most favorite hotpot restaurants. Fu Kei Restaurant, in King Wah Centre, is serving fabulous food from different Chinese cuisines. That's it... You can now take the MTR to Central, from which you link to Hong Kong Station (there is a pedestrian passage) and continue with the Airport Express, back to Hong Kong Airport.

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 stretches the limits of glamour and glitz, and offers endless excitement to holiday makers. A popular holiday destination among families, Hong Kong surely knows how to charm and allure visitors. Be it the retail hotspots, wonderful dining options or the incredibly mesmerising tourist attractions – holidays to Hong Kong gradually grows on your senses and ultimately overwhelms you!

One can visit a lot of places on Hong Kong holidays but there are some that are considered as the biggest charmers of the destination.

Disneyland

Hong Kong holidays are incomplete without a visit to this mesmerising attraction. Disneyland is located near the Lantau Island, and is an ideal place to be if you are travelling with family and kids. A relatively recent addition to the galaxy of city attractions, the Disneyland is what that makes flights to Hong Kong so popular.

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is located on the western side of the island and is the highest point of the city. Travellers can enjoy wonderful views of the city from the point, and is the ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. There are a number of souvenir shops on the Victoria Peak where one can shop to give away gifts to relatives and friends.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple is a major tourist attraction in Hong Kong that is a combination of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist traditions. Named after an alchemist called Wong Tai Sin, the temple features latticework decorations and golden ceiling. Wong Tai Sin Temple also gets a unique colourful character from its red pillars. At its best during the Chinese New Year Celebrations, Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the delights awaiting those on Honk Kong holidays.

Times Square

One of the Hong Kong's greatest retail plazas, Times Square is a huge complex that boasts of nine floors. Just like its namesake in the New York City, the plaza is one of the main gathering points for the Western New Year celebrations in Hong Kong. It is the prefect place to spend the money you saved on tickets on cheap flights to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Museum of History

The Hong Kong Museum of History is yet another glittering gem adorning the city. The museum is a treasure house that exhibits artefacts dating back from the prehistoric times. The museum's exhibits include village house replicas and old photograph collections along with traditional costume displays. The Hong Kong Museum of History also features an entire street replica.

Mid-Levels Escalator

Measuring approximately at 800 metres, Mid-Levels Escalator is the largest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It is a major allure for holiday makers who want to take comprehensive views of the dazzling Soho district.

Statue Square

Statue Square charms the visitors with its overwhelming array of modern architectural splendours. The place is home to various landmark city buildings like the Bank of China, Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Legislative Council Building and the International Finance Centre, which is among the tallest buildings in the world.

Western Market

Western Market is one of the oldest structures in Hong Kong, and serves as a shopping centre. It is a four storied red brick building that incorporates numerous souvenir stands and curio sellers. The structure's first floor is renowned for exotic silk and other fabrics, and is particularly popular among travellers buying tickets to Hong Kong on airlines.

Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is a passenger ferry service operator in Hong Kong that carries passengers across Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It offers some of the most captivating views of the waterfronts.

Hong Kong general strike in Guangzhou, the Hong Kong manufacturing workers against imperialism, "Divergence" tragedy, support the people of Shanghai, held anti-imperialist struggle and the political strike. The strike is under the direct leadership of the ACFTU, organized, and prepared to be held. "Divergence" tragedy occurred, the CPC Guangdong Federation of Trade Unions School District and in the summer of Deng, Yang Yin, Su Zhaozheng, Lin Weimin, Li Qihan and others to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Shamian union concessions and the masses of workers went on strike preparations.

Trade Unions in Hong Kong to the British Hong Kong Government made solemn request conditions: 

(a) support and adhere to the Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Union of the 17 conditions, including the withdrawal of foreign embassies and the armed forces, etc; 

(b) of the Chinese in British Hong Kong authorities to ensure freedom of assembly, association, speech and other freedoms and rights. The British failed to respond to the above requirements.

June 19, 1925, the Hong Kong Seamen, tram workers, printing workers strike first, followed by workers in other industries have to respond, the number of strikers reached 25 million people. Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Workers Union of declared support for "Divergence" tragedy of the 17 proposed conditions and the implementation in Hong Kong for the British imperialist policy of discrimination in the Chinese put forward the "political freedom, legal equality, universal suffrage, labor legislation to reduce the rent, freedom of residence, "the six requirements. There are more than 10 million workers and others, led by Su Zhaozheng back to Guangzhou. Guangzhou British, American, Japanese and Western companies Shamian concession workers also joined the ranks of the strike.

June 23, accompanied by striking workers back to Guangzhou, Guangzhou, workers, peasants, students, and revolutionary soldiers, a total of 10 million people held demonstrations. When the procession through the Chaki Street, in the sand surface in Britain, France and other imperialist soldiers suddenly opened fire on the procession and mass, parked in sand near the masses of imperialist warships have bombarded the procession, killing 52 people, More than 170 people injured, numerous minor injuries, and this is the famous "Shaji Massacre."

After the massacre, the country people are extremely angry, and actively support the Hong Kong general strike. Federation of Trade Unions to strengthen the leadership of the strike, held in Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, the sand of the Trade Union Congress, set up a Hong Kong general strike committee, was elected chairman Su Zhaozheng of Finance chairman, Deng-Hong Kong strike committee of any summer caucus secretary, consultants and workers picket discipline long. 

The use of a strike committee, rejected the British goods, blocked three powerful weapon in Hong Kong and the fight against British imperialism, and more than 2,000 workers formed armed pickets, stationed at all ports, tight blockade of Hong Kong. Traffic cut off, plant shutdown, shops closed, supply difficulties, soaring prices, no one to clean garbage and fecal, Hong Kong became a "stinking Hong Kong," "hungry, Hong Kong", "dead in Hong Kong."

Under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, the majority of striking workers united and actively participate in the struggle against imperialism and warlords, the unity of the revolutionary base areas in Guangdong to make an important contribution to become a strong pillar of the revolutionary government of Guangzhou. 

The summer of 1926, the Revolutionary Government apprenticeship Northern Expedition, composed of thousands of transport workers on strike teams, publicity team, medical team, reward teams to the front, striking workers and workers in the mass pickets guarding the rear, March to victory in the Northern Expedition to provide a strong guarantee. In the same year in October, the CPC Guangdong Province, Hong Kong District and to changes in the strike committee, announced an end to the strike. Hong Kong general strike which lasted 1 year and 4 months, the longest in the world labor movement in the history of a strike.

Hong Kong general strike, not only politically but also economically a heavy blow to British imperialism. According to statistics, since the strike, the average monthly losses of British imperialism of 2.1 billion. This strikes a heavy blow to imperialism, to consolidate the revolutionary base areas and to prepare the Northern Expedition, Guangdong played a significant role.