Hong Kong, 'The City of Life', remains the sophisticated heart of Asia. Riveting, exciting, mysterious and glamorous, Hong Kong is a living fusion of East and West combining Chinese tradition with 150 years of colonial influence. With great shopping, fantastic hotels, top-class cuisine and a rich culture, no other Asian city captures the old and new quite so adeptly. Hong Kong is a city of contrasts and surprises, and little has changed since it was handed back to the Chinese in 1997. Hong Kong is a small place that most definitely lives large and it remains a perfect city break or multi-centre destination.
What To See
Take the steep, funicular Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. The view down into central Hong Kong and across the water to Kowloon is fantastic both day and night. There are many great ways to see the city including taking a ride on the upper deck of the number 6 bus from Central to Stanley. Another is the Star Ferry, a familiar sight around Hong Kong and a symbol of the city. Far more important, however, is that from the deck you get some of the best views available of the waterfronts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade similarly offers great views of the spectacular Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island waterfront.
Other places to visit include Stanley, a small seaside settlement on the south side of Hong Kong Island, with some fine beaches and waterfront restaurants. Visitors flock to Stanley Market, full of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, sporting goods, art and many other products of Hong Kong. Other area attractions include Tin Hau Temple, Kuan Yin Temple, St Stephen's Beach and the Old Stanley Fort. Another seaside destination on Hong Kong Island's southern side is Repulse Bay which has a lovely beach good for strolling. Take a cruise around Aberdeen Harbour, where fishermen still live on wooden junks. Take a trip to Lantau Island where principal attractions include the Po Lin Big Buddha - claimed to be the world's largest seated outdoor Buddha effigy and the Po Lin Buddhist Monastery, definitely Hong Kong's largest. Lamma Island is Hong Kong's third-largest island, its scenery is beautiful and its beaches are fabulous. Some great pubs, bars and restaurants complement these.
On the southeast coast of Hong Kong Island is Shek O, a small exclusive village and beach resort with some of Hong Kong's best beach space. Horse racing is the most popular sport among local people and you should join the throngs of gamblers at world famous Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island just for the experience. Race meetings are held from September to June, Saturday or Sunday afternoon and Wednesday evening. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens are the other chief sporting fixture, taking place at the Hong Kong Stadium usually in late March for three days. A full day trip from Hong Kong is Macau. Situated on the south eastern coast of China and approximately one hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, Macau is an utterly different community - relaxed with a touch of Mediterranean. Take a full day trip to Guangzhou, China formerly Canton, the southern gateway to China. Take a ferry journey up the Pearl River to Shekou, en-route stopping at a Safari Park to see pandas, before visiting the Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors and Horses and Tang Dynasty artefacts at the Exhibition Hall.
Food & Drink
Hong Kong is a food lover's paradise, and apart from Chinese food, which is superb, there are also many Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Singapore/Malaysian and Thai restaurants. The main dining districts include Causeway Bay, Lan Kwai Fong, Repulse Bay, SoHo and Tsim Sha Tsui. For a true Hong Kong experience try the many varieties of Dim Sum. For a unique night-time dining experience, enjoy the Jumbo Floating Restaurant moored in the middle of Aberdeen Harbour.
Shopping Whether one is shopping in modern air-conditioned arcades or more traditional street markets, the range of goods available in Hong Kong is vast. Favourite buys include duty-free electrical goods and local hand-made goods. The 'Golden Mile' running down Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui is an unforgettable shopping experience and Hong Kong's answer to Fifth Avenue. Causeway Bay is also a popular shopping area, whereas for bargain hunters, Stanley Market on the south side of Hong Kong Island is fantastic fun. Another notable open-air market is the Temple Street night market.
GENERAL INFORMATION (A-Z)
Airport
Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok International Airport (HKG) is the main international gateway located on Lantau Island, 21 miles from central Hong Kong.
Climate
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. From late May to mid-September humidity is high whilst in October and November the climate is most comfortable with cooler temperatures in January and February.
Clothing
Lightweight, loose clothing is recommended, preferably in cotton or linen. Waterproof protection is needed during September to December. Casual clothes are accepted in most bars and restaurants. Beachwear is not acceptable in towns or villages
Currency
Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) (approx. HK$14 to £1).
Driving
Driving is on the left.
Electricity
The current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Flying Time
Approximately 12 hours 50 minutes from London.
Getting Around
Hong Kong has one of the most efficient and diverse public transport systems in the world, incorporating an underground railway, light urban railways, buses, mini-buses, boats, ferries and trams. The underground system (MTR) is fast, clean and inexpensive and the most convenient way to get around. Taxis are often the best method for short distances while the double-decker trams running along Hong Kong Island's northern shoreline offer a fascinating slow-moving view of Hong Kong. For a piece of nostalgia take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour.
Health
Recommended: Typhoid, Polio, Cholera, Malaria and Tetanus. For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP.
Holidays
2005 - Jan 1 New Year's Day. Feb 9-11 Chinese New Year. Mar 25 Good Friday. Mar 28 Easter Monday. Apr 5 Ching Ming Festival. May 1 Labour Day. May 15 Lord Buddha's Birthday. Jun 11 Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival. Jul 1 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. Sep 19 Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Oct 1 National Day. Oct 11 Chung Yeung Festival. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day.
Note: Religious festivals are timed according to the lunar calendar and variations may occur. The above represent all holidays on which banks, schools, public offices and government departments close. There are also statutory holidays on which all employees receive a day's holiday. For further details of these dates, contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Language
Chinese and English are the official languages with Cantonese most widely spoken.
Opening Hours
Standard banking hours are 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12:30pm on Saturdays. Post Offices are open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Time
GMT + 8 hours.
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants add 10% service charge to bills. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip while a hotel porter would expect to receive HK$ 3-5 per bag.
Tourist Board
UK Office: Hong Kong Tourism Board 020 7533 7100
Visa Requirements
None for UK passport holders, but passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
