Hong Kong

State

China

Country

China

Continent

Asia

Size

1,106 KM²

Population

7,496,981

Spending Budget

$258 - $2,000

Famous For

Tsim Sha Tsui
Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha Statue)
Victoria Peak
Repulse Bay and the Beaches

Best Time to Visit

January
February
September
October
November
December

History

The UK had held Hong Kong as a colony since 1841, when it occupied the world during the primary Opium War. The war broke out after Qing-dynasty China attempted to clamp down an illegal opium trade that led to widespread addiction in China. Defeat came at a high cost: In 1842, China agreed to cede the island of Hong Kong to British in perpetuity through the Treaty of Nanjing. Over subsequent half-century, the UK gained control over all three main regions of Hong Kong: After Hong Kong Island came the Kowloon Peninsula, and eventually the New territories, a swath of land that comprises the majority of Hong Kong today. The ultimate treaty, the 1898 Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, leased the New Territories to Britain for 99 years. Under the terms of the treaty, China would regain control of its leased lands on Dominion Day, 1997. British Hong Kong’s trajectory was different from that of China, which became a Communist country in 1949.

Present Day

Hong Kong lies at the northern fringe of the tropical zone. It's monsoonal (wet-dry) seasonal changes are well marked, however, with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. The climate is largely controlled by the atmospheric pressure systems over the adjacent great Asian landmass and ocean surface. Hong Kong is noted for the lushness and great diversity of its plant life. The transitional climate between humid subtropical and warm temperate maritime excludes the most sensitive humid tropical genera due to the cool, dry winter conditions, but many tropical, as well as temperate-zone families, are represented. Hong Kong’s country park system covers some two-fifths of the land area, and outdoor recreation in parks is a part of the way of life for many people. City dwellers use park areas on the urban fringe for walking, running, and practicing tai chi chuan, among other activities, while remote locations are used for kite flying, picnicking, hiking, cycling, and camping. There are well-organized programs of recreation and sports at the community level. Hong Kong has a system of several dozen public libraries, including mobile ones, focused on the Hong Kong Central Library. Of the museums, major ones include those specializing in history, art, science and technology, and space. The Hong Kong City Hall (a cultural center), Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and Hong Kong Arts Centre—each a multifunctional facility with several venues—provide the major gallery, theatrical, and concert facilities. In addition, town halls have been established in the new towns and cultural centers in some districts to serve local communities. Chinese and English are both official languages. With its limited natural resources, Hong Kong depends on imports for virtually all of its requirements, including raw materials, food and other consumer goods, capital goods, and fuel.

Future

Hong Kong has been undergoing changes in recent years - that cannot be denied. Hong Kong’s focus and the role will undoubtedly change, as will the types of business being undertaken. Certainly, Hong Kong’s relationship with the rest of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will be ever more important. Since Mainland China’s economy will dominate globally in the very near future if not already, being the immediate neighbor to the world’s soon-to-be largest economy will still make Hong Kong an attractive IFC. Hong Kong plans towards a vision and strategy transcending 2030, a vision-driven, pragmatic and action-oriented strategic plan, is our response. The vision for Hong Kong is to continue to be a liveable, competitive, and sustainable as “Asia’s World City”. The updated territorial development strategy reflects three underlying aims: enhancing liveability in our high-density compact city; embracing economic challenges and opportunities, and creating capacity for sustainable growth. This strategic plan will guide Hong Kong’s planning, land and infrastructure development, as well as to build a natural environment, beyond 2030. The ability to create and use land resources wisely will have a direct bearing on whether the people of Hong Kong can enjoy a more satisfying living environment, with better essential services and facilities, and have a more fulfilling and diverse quality of life, with opportunities for recreation, leisure and culture betting their individual tastes. Yet, in taking forward development projects, they need to be guided by the concept of sustainability and maintain respect for our environment. This strategic plan is a blueprint for the long-term sustainable development of Hong Kong, which is important for our future, and that of future generations.

Must Visit Places ------------

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak, more commonly known as The Peak. Ride the tram to the top of this scenic viewpoint to see the skyscrapers, bustling city, harbor, and surrounding islands. The tram station is located near the entrance to Hong Kong Park by the Murray building. At the top of the tram are the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria, with shops, restaurants, and an observation deck. Most of The Peak is covered by a large park with lush greenery, nature trails, and more beautiful lookouts with views over the thriving metropolis below. A trail also leads down from The Peak to the city below, following a mix of trails through the forest and sections of road here and there.

Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha Statue)

The 34-meter-high "Big Buddha" sits above Lantau Island's Po Lin monastery, which was a fairly secluded place until the statue was built in 1993. This is one of the largest Buddha statues of its kind in the world and took 12 years to complete. The size is astounding, both up close and seen from a distance. The setting here is also incredible, surrounded by the green forest and views out over the ocean and islands. The best way to reach the Buddha is via the scenic Ngong Ping cable car, which takes you on a 5.7-kilometer, 25-minute ride over forest, water, and mountains.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

The Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the newest in Hong Kong and also one of the most interesting. Located in Kowloon, the original temple was a private structure built in 1920. It was later replaced with a newer building in 1968, which is what visitors see today. The temple was built to honor the Taoist god Wong Tai Sin, whom locals regard as the bringer of good luck in horse-racing and a healer of illnesses. A festival is held at the temple in Wong Tai Sin's name each fall. The temple complex is made up of several buildings, including the Hall of Three Saints, the Good Wish Garden, and another hall dedicated to Confucius and his 72 disciples.

Repulse Bay and the Beaches

The beach at Repulse Bay is the most popular in all of Hong Kong, with beautiful views and a great place for swimming, although it's very non touristy. A day spent here is complemented with the luxury and style typical of Hong Kong itself. The street running along the oceanfront and overlooking the wide beach is lined with trendy restaurants and shops. Amalfitana is fun place to enjoy a pizza, with casual open-air dining looking over the beach. Another nearby spot for a day at the beach is Big Wave Bay. Here, the water rolls in relatively gently to a large U-shaped cove with a splendid beach. This is a much more relaxed and casual atmosphere than at Repulse Bay. A popular outing is to walk part of the famous Dragon's Back hike to Big Wave Bay and dip in the ocean for a swim. At the back of the beach, barbecues are often serving up seafood and other tasty treats. Buses and taxis are available to take you back to the city. Also worth checking out is scenic Shek O Beach.

Temple Street Night Market

A stroll through the Temple Street Night Market is another one of those all-important things to do while you're in Hong Kong. Located in Kowloon, this is the place to go to taste eclectic foods and to shop for bargains on everything from clothing and trinkets to electronics and household goods. Vendors sell gadgets of every shape and size, as well as jade jewelry and traditional Chinese crafts. The market gets going around 6pm, but vendors are often slow to get set up, so it's best not to arrive too early. This is the best market for tourists in Hong Kong, but you can find a number of interesting street markets.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island. The park is divided into seven lands: Adventureland; Fantasyland; Toy Story Land; Tomorrowland; Grizzly Gulch; Mystic Point; and Main Street, U.S.A. Performances happen throughout the day in the various lands and feature everything from parades to musicals, right through to evening fireworks over the castle. Also on offer are a wide array of adventures, ranging from Jungle cruises to a trip to Tarzan's Treehouse, as well as water-based fun at Liki Tiki.

Ocean Park

As theme parks go, this one covers all the thrills you can handle in a day — a walk through old Hong Kong, roller coasters, a Grand Aquarium, and a look at rare and exotic wildlife. Ocean Park boasts a huge aquarium dome and offers a look at thousands of fish from 400 species, a Reef Tunnel, and a chance to get hands-on with sea stars and sea cucumbers. Above the sea, guests can partake in a Giant Panda Adventure, where they'll see giant pandas, red pandas, and the endangered Chinese Giant Salamander. There are also special programs focused on the North and South Poles. Fun rides include the Mine Train, Raging River, Hair Raiser, and the Eagle. To reach Ocean Park, take the MTR South Island Line to Ocean Park Station.

Dragon's Back Hike

Hong Kong's most popular hiking trail, this hike offers spectacular views out over the ocean, Big Wave Bay, Mount Collinson, Stanley, and Shek O. It's a pleasant change from the buzz of the big city to hear birds singing, the sound of small waterfalls, and the leaves rattling in the ocean breeze.

Lan Kwai Fong

As Hong Kong's most popular dining area, the lively streets that make up Lan Kwai Fong are packed with crowds checking out Hong Kong's trendiest restaurants. Looking for a place to eat in Hong Kong, especially at night, this is the place to come. Dining on the open-air patios lining the sidewalks and watching the crowds stroll by is a fun endeavor. In addition to the street level establishments, you'll find restaurants are literally stacked upon one another in the buildings along here. Be sure to check out the directories located at the main entrances. You can find cuisine from around the world. For a dependably good meal, try Bistecca (Italian) or Brickhouse (Mexican).

Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui, known more commonly as TST, is a shopping and entertainment hub at the southern point of Kowloon and offers a real taste of what Hong Kong has to offer. The Tsim Sha Tsui district is a melting pot of culture and commerce that speaks to the heart of Hong Kong. Nathan Road is the main artery running through the area, where you'll find numerous restaurants, boutiques, and other unique vendors. If you're looking for the world-class luxury Hong Kong promises, you can find high-end retailers on nearby Canton Road. At the southern end of the neighborhood, you'll find the Clock Tower, a Hong Kong landmark. Nearby, the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Complex is the premier cultural center in the country and includes tourist attractions such as the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art. In the evening, the waterfront is the perfect place to watch the nightly light show, lighting up the sky and skyscrapers across the harbor.