citydeluxe

The Hong Kong is one of the two special administrative regions (SARs) of the People‘s Republic of China, along with Macau. Comprised of over 260 islands, the territory is located on the eastern banks of the Pearl River Delta, facing the South China Sea in the south and bordering Guangdong province in the north.

Hong Kong was a Crown colony of the United Kingdom from 1842 until the transfer of sovereignty to the People‘s Republic of China in 1997. The area now known as Hong Kong became an important trading region and a significant strategic location for the Chinese mainland during the Tang and Song dynasties. The area began to attract the attention of China and the rest of the world again in the 19th century, when it was ceded to Britain after the Opium Wars.

Hong Kong‘s earliest recorded non-Asian visitor was the Portuguese mariner Jorge Álvares who arrived in 1513. Álvares began trading with the Chinese, and the Portuguese continued to make periodic trade stops at various locations along the coast. The Portuguese introduced tea, silk, and other Asian luxury goods to Europe and by the mid-18th century these items were in high demand, particularly tea. Hong Kong became a Crown Colony in 1843 with the first urban settlement in Victoria City (now called Admiralty). Hong Kong had been a trade port ever since the British occupation, but its position as an entrepôt declined greatly after the United Nations ordered a trade embargo against the People‘s Republic of China during the Korean War.

On 6 July 1998, Hong Kong‘s new international airport opened after six years of construction priced at billion. It is considered the last British design and equipped infrastructure built before leaving the territory. Built on an artificially created island in Chek Lap Kok, the airport, the Tsing Ma Bridge and a subway line connecting the airport to the rest of the city were together billed as the most expensive public project in history. Despite logistical problems during its first few months of operation, the airport today is considered one of the world‘s finest according to Skytrax magazine. Hong Kong was hit badly by the outbreak of the SARS virus beginning in mid-March through the summer of 2003. This exacerbated the region‘s economic problems, especially in the effect that it had on travel to and from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is frequently described as a city where East meets West, a meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education, legal system and street culture. Hong Kong has an active nightlife centred on two major entertainment districts, Lan Kwai Fong Central and Wan Chai. Both areas are frequented by expatriates and locals alike.

For a more quiet evening, a trip to Victoria Peak offers a spectacular view of the city. There is also a promenade along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, which is popular among young Chinese couples. Shopping, a form of entertainment for the people of Hong Kong, is even done at nighttime as evident in the Temple Street Night Market where one can also catch free performances of Peking opera.

GO THERE FOR

The East-Meets-West Atmosphere – A British colony since the end of the Opium Wars, this once sleepy backwater territory soon experienced a boom in its economy and population. It now boasts one of the most bustling hi-tech metropolises in the world. But even in the middle of the gleaming skyscrapers, there remain pockets of old Hong Kong. Look out for the WWII -scarred lions standing guard beneath the innovative Norman Foster - designed HSBC headquarters; the ancient Man Mo Temple just a hop, skip and a jump from the ultra-hip M1NT club; or admire the 1920s lobby of the Peninsula Hotel beneath its new high-rise tower.

Markets – While the local tai-tais (wives of wealthy businessmen) embrace the luxury-filled halls of Hong Kong’s shopping malls, it’s the distinctive street markets that give the most local flavour. Pick up jewellery and sculptures at the Jade Market, trawl for vintage knick-knacks on Cat Street,  spend a pleasant day shopping for friends back home in the former fishing village of Stanley Market, or shop in the evening in the Temple Street Night Market.

The Food – Apart from the mouth-watering array of local Cantonese cuisine, Hong Kong’s position as a global melting pot also means more fantastic international dining than you can shake a stick at. From flavoursome street stalls to world class restaurants, Hong Kong has something for every taste and every budget. Hong Kong has such a glowing reputation for gastronomy it’s attracted no less than four different Michelin-starred chefs to its shores in recent years – not to mention celebrity sushi master, Nobu Matsuhisa.

The Great Outdoors – People are often surprised that Hong Kong is as green as it is, with 40% of the territory being devoted to country parks. Residents and visitors who want to get out of the city will find no shortage of hikes through glorious natural beauty spots. Popular trails include the MacLehose Trail, the Dragon’s Back, the Lantau Trail (otherwise known as the Phoenix Trail) and the Wilson Trail. The outer islands and new territories still house traditional villages and hidden nooks, such as the Tai O fishing village on Lantau Island, the walled Punti village of Kat Hing Wai in the Yuen Long district and the pirate cave on Cheung Chau Island. Another favourite way for Hong Kongers to spend their weekends is to enjoy a day-long boat trip amongst the islands scattered around the South China Sea.Asia Jump-Off – Whether you’re here to stay, or just passing through, Hong Kong is the perfect base for exploring the rest of the continent. Its international environment makes for an easy cultural transition, while its location at the southern tip of China means quick access to the mainland, Korea and Japan, as well as the many varied countries of South-East Asia.

DON'T MISS

The Peak – Hong Kong's most famous lookout point as well as its ritziest residential area is Victoria Peak, more commonly referred to simply as “The Peak”. The best way to get up and down is via the Peak Tram which opened in 1888 and has been carrying residents and tourists along the almost perpendicular tracks ever since. The best way to experience the area is to walk around Lugard Road, where on a clear day views can include Macau, the outlying islands, as well as the junks and sampans at Aberdeen Harbour. There’s also the Peak Tower to explore, with its Madame Tusssaud’s waxworks of local celebrities.

Dim Sum – Eaten in the late morning and early afternoon, dim sum literally means “touch the heart” – a range of snacks that can be ordered to your heart’s content. Originating from the Canton province, the dim sum in Hong Kong is generally regarded as the best in the world.Po Lin Monastery – The halls filled with Buddhist paraphernalia have been attracting pilgrims and tourists since the early 20th century, but nowadays it’s the giant Tian Tan Buddha that draws the crowds. Better known as “Big Buddha”, this is the world's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha. To get there, take a boat to Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) then a bus over the Lantau Island hills.

Star Ferry – Though no longer the same Star Ferry where Robert Lomax met Suzie Wong, it’s still the cheapest and most atmospheric way to cross the harbour. Make an 8pm crossing to witness the “Symphony of Lights” multimedia light and laser display from the best vantage point in town.

Horse Races (September – June) – Hong Kong’s second favourite hobby (after shopping) is horseracing. Wednesday night race nights at the Happy Valley Racecourse and weekends at the Shatin track are packed with obsessed punters, but also with those just wanting to soak up the atmosphere. Hong Kongers enjoy gambling and, at the Happy Valley Racecourse, entry only costs HKD 10, where there is plenty of beer and food stalls in the stands. Alternatively, there is a tourist badge that allows visitors to enter the Members’ Enclosure for HKD 100.

BASICS

Telephone Code: +852
Emergency: 999 (for police, fire or ambulance)
Official Languages: Cantonese and English
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar
Exchange Rate: GBP 1 = HKD 12.4, 1 HKD = 0.08 GBP
Time: HKT (UTC +8)
Electricity: The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 110-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug.


GETTING AROUND

From The Airport...
The airport is situated on one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands and taking a taxi in to town can cost upwards of HKD 350, plus additional costs for tolls, luggage charges and so on. The journey takes around 45 minutes if traffic is light. If you do decide to take a taxi, make sure you’re in the right line – red taxis serve pretty much all of Hong Kong while green taxis only service the New Territories. Taxis charge an additional HKD 5 for each piece of luggage you put in the trunk as well as the cost of using designated toll tunnels and roads.The best and most convenient way to get into the city is via the modern Airport Express train (one-way HKD 100) which stops in Kowloon and ends up at Central in just 24 minutes. You can buy tickets at the airport and at the Airport Express stations in Central and Kowloon – you’ll be zooming in to the city in no time at all. On your outward journey, you can check-in at the Airport Express station up to one day before your flight (please check the website for more details) – perfect if your flight leaves at midnight but you have to be out of your hotel at midday. 

Up the Peak: Go by tram and make the trip up to the Peak as memorable as the destination. The tram departs every 10 to 15 minutes, from 7am to midnight every day.

Around Town...
Taxi: For a major city, taxi cabs are remarkably cheap and safe. There is, as with anywhere, the odd driver that will try to rip off tourists, but for the most part these are a very easy way to get about.

MTR: The Mass Transit Railway. Clean, safe, efficient and cheap, Hong Kong’s underground transport system puts those in London and New York to shame.

Tram: The cheapest way to cross the northern end of Hong Kong Island, the trams exude old-school charm and are a great way to see the bustling crowds and lights of the Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty and Wanchai districts.

WHEN TO GO

Hong Kong’s sub-tropical climate makes it a hot and humid place in the summer (average daily mean 28.3?C/83?F). The best time to visit is during the cool and sunny months between October and December. Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 14°C in the day, though it can be cooler at night. The light displays during the holiday season are wonderful to behold, with the Christmas decorations neatly segueing into those for Chinese New Year.

Tipping: Most bars and restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge in the bill; however, very little (if any) of that actually goes to the staff. Add on extra, especially if the service was good. Round up to the next couple of dollars in taxis.

Survival Skills: Hong Kong has to be one of the safest cities in the world – you should be fine wherever you go. The only problem you might encounter is the occasional pickpocket targeting busy tourist areas, so keep your bag close and an eye on your belongings when in crowds. Even at night, the city is, for the most part, very safe.

Public Holidays and Dates of Interest:
1st January – New Year’s Day
First day of the first moon – Chinese New Year
5th April – Ching Ming Festival
Variable – Good Friday
Variable – Easter Monday
1st May – Labour Day
Eighth day of the fourth moon – Buddha’s Birthday
Fifth day of the fifth moon – Dragon Boat Festival
1st July – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Sixteenth day of the eighth moon – Day following the Mid-Autumn Festival
1st October – National Day
Ninth day of the ninth moon – Chung Yeung Festival
25th December – Christmas Day
26th December – Boxing Day