Hong Kong Travel Guide

Full Name

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Former Name

None

Capital City

N/A

Government Type

limited democracy

Area Size

total: 1,092 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +8 hours

Climate

Hong Kong's climate is subtropical and prone to monsoons. It is cooler and dry in the wintertime which lasts from around December to early March, and is hot, humid and rainy from spring through summer. It is warm, sunny, and dry in autumn. Hong Kong occasionally has tropical cyclones in the summer and early autumn. The ecology of Hong Kong is mostly affected by the results of climatic changes. Hong Kong's climate is seasonal due to the alternating wind directions between winter and summer. Hong Kong has been geologically stable for millions of years, though landslides are common especially after heavy rainstorms. Flora and fauna in Hong Kong are altered by climatic change, sea level alternation and human impact.

Geography

Hong Kong consists primarily of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories as well as some 260 other islands. The Kowloon Peninsula is attached to the New Territories to the north, and the New Territories spans northwards eventually connecting with mainland China across the Sham Chun River (Shenzhen River). In total, Hong Kong encompasses a collection of 262 islands in the South China Sea, of which Lantau is the largest. Hong Kong Island is the second largest island and the most populated. Ap Lei Chau is the most densely populated island in the world.

Languages

Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official

Culture

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets West, a meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education and street culture. On one street corner, there may be traditional Chinese shops selling Chinese herbal medicine, Buddhist paraphernalia or bowls of synthetic shark fin soup. But around the next, one may find theatres showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster, an English-style pub, a Catholic Church or Ronald McDonald inviting passers-by to a Big Mac. The territory's official languages are Chinese and English; signs in both languages are omnipresent throughout Hong Kong. The government, police and most workplaces and stores conduct business bilingually. British rule may have ended a decade ago but Western culture is deeply ingrained in Hong Kong and coexists seamlessly with traditional philosophy and practices of the Orient.

History

Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Travel Information

Located off Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport is the main entry point to Asia's world city, gateway to Mainland China and a major regional hub.Getting to and from the Hong Kong International Airport is easy, convenient and relatively inexpensive. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) high-speed Airport Express is the fastest way between the downtown areas and the airport. The line whisks passengers from Hong Kong Station adjacent to the Central MTR Station on Hong Kong Island via Kowloon and Tsing Yi stations to the airport in about 23 minutes, trains run every 12 minutes. Taxis are readily available from the taxi pick-up area in front of the Arrivals Hall. All taxis can go to and from the airport. All fares are metered and there are fare details inside each cab. There are nine convenient Airbus routes called “A” routes that can take you to and from the airport with fewer stops than an ordinary city bus. Fares range between HK$14 and HK$45.

Accommodation

Hong Kong has a wide variety of accommodation to suit every budget, from luxury six-star equivalent hotels to modest guesthouses - some accredited to the Quality Tourism Services Scheme and youth hostels. Most hotels and guesthouses are situated on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, but you can also find a good selection in the New Territories (including the outlying islands). Most of the more expensive accommodation has views over Victoria Harbour.

Visa Requirements

Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.

Getting Around

Hong Kong is geographically compact and boasts one of the world's most efficient, safe, affordable and frequent public transport systems. Whether by taxi, ferry, rail, bus or tram, you can get around easily and catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way.

Health & Safety

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Hong Kong. Food and water are safe, although visitors should consider only drinking bottled water for the first few days of their stay. Take precautions against mosquito bites, as there is a risk of dengue fever. Hong Kong's health facilities are first class, but expect payment in cash. Medical insurance is advised. Cases of bird flu have been reported and although the risk for travellers is low, all close contact with caged, domestic and wild birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. Hong Kong is a safe travel destination although caution should always be exercised when travelling to a city. Pickpockets are likely to target unsuspecting tourists so one should minimise these incidences through vigilance. Be wary of accepting drinks from strangers, as incidences of spiked drinks are increasing. Walkers in Hong Kong's Country Parks have recently been targeted by robbers; it is advisable to stay on marked trails and not carry large amounts of cash or credit cards. The typhoon season is usually between April and October, which may cause flooding and landslides.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 18-20 - Feb Chinese New Year. 5 Apr - Ching Ming Festival. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 24 May - Lord Buddha’s Birthday. 19 Jun - Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival. 1 Jul - Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. 25 Sep - Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. 1 Oct - National Day. 19 Oct - Chung Yeung Festival. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Boxing Day.

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

Electricity

220v AC

Working Hours

Bank hours from 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00am to 12.30pm on Saturday. General office hours from 9.00am to 5.00pm on weekdays, and 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays.

Emergency Numbers

999