There is no place quite like Hong Kong (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China) on this earth. As a destination, Hong Kong sells itself through contented shoppers, sightseers, and gourmands, who return home extolling the experience of a few days spent in frantic pursuit of pleasures around the perimeter of the world's most exciting harbor. What Lord Palmerston, Queen Victoria's foreign secretary, once called a barren rock has become one of the 20th century's most astounding products. Its prosperity and vitality result from the city's the ability to bend with political winds from all directions. Great fortunes can be made almost daily.
About 12.5 percent of all tourist arrivals in Hong Kong are from North America, according to officials, and shopping is still the primary interest, although day trips to China are also popular. With the opening of a superhighway through the New Territories, the rest of China will become an even more attractive extension of Hong Kong visits.
The construction of more and more first-class hotels and the reduction in transpacific airfares also add to Hong Kong's appeal as the second most popular destination on Asia tour programs. The 1990s have been one of Hong Kong's more interesting and eventful periods, as the territory has prepared to become a Special Administrative Region of the most populated country in the world with its own laws, currency, and guarantees of individual liberties. Tourism officials feel that the lease settlement will have a positive effect on Hong Kong tourism, because the city is such an important gateway to travel in China.
Lying at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong (Canton), and is just south of the tropic of Cancer. The total land area of Hong Kong is 1,078 square kilometers, comprising Hong Kong Island (77.5 square kilometers); Kowloon (45.5 square kilometers); and the New Territories, including 235 outlying islands (955 square kilometers). Today Hong Kong has become a great international trading post, a powerful manufacturing base and one of the world's largest financial centers. The population as of mid-1994 was 6,061,400, almost 95 per cent of which is Chinese.
In general, all visitors to Hong Kong must have a passport that is valid for at least one month after the period of their intended stay in Hong Kong. However, documents issued to stateless persons must be valid for a minimum of two months after the period of the intended stay. Please contact Immigration Department for details.
Nationals of most countries do not require visas and can stay for periods varying from 7 days to 180 days, depending on nationality. If unsure of status, check with any Chinese embassy or consulate. Please click “Tools”.
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.
For convenience, use an Octopus Card electronic stored-value card that is accepted on most public transport.
Climate
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards temperate for nearly half the year. During November and December there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Many people regard these as the best months of the year. January and February are more cloudy, with occasional cold fronts followed by dry northerly winds. It is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 10 C in urban areas. The lowest temperature recorded at the Observatory is 0 C, although sub-zero temperatures and frost occur at times on high ground and in the New Territories.
March and April can also be very pleasant although there are occasional spells of high humidity. Fog and drizzle can be particularly troublesome on high ground which is exposed to the southeast, and air traffic and ferry services are occasionally disrupted because of reduced visibility.
May to August are hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the mornings. Afternoon temperatures often exceed 31 C whereas at night, temperatures generally remain around 26 C with high humidity. There is usually a fine dry spell in July which may possibly last for one to two weeks, or for even longer in some years.
July to September are the months during which Hong Kong is most likely to be affected by tropical cyclones, although gales are not unusual at any time between May and November. On average, about 31 tropical cyclones form in the western North Pacific or China Seas every year, and about half of them reach typhoon strength (maximum winds of 118 kilometres per hour or more).
Sightseeing
To really get to know a city and its environs, you have to get out and walk. Hong Kong is full of refreshing views that are best explored on foot at your own pace. These diverse and fascinating walks will introduce you to many of the delights of the City of Life, from traditional culture and heritage to out of the way places beyond the city's bustling urban areas.
Victoria Peak
High above Hong Kong Island on the 'back of the Dragon', Victoria Peak is the City of Life's premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbour and city views. Arriving late afternoon enables you to experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the harbour, Kowloon and the hills beyond. Later, you can thrill to the neon-dotted skyline by night. What's more, The Peak offers visitors a multitude of fantastic entertainment, dining and shopping options.
Repulse Bay
Primarily a well-to-do residential area, sun-drenched Repulse Bay has a relaxed resort-like atmosphere. The wide, wave-lapped beach is popular with locals and visitors alike and great for sandy strolls - early morning with the waking of another day, when the sun is up and the sunbathers are out in force, or at sunset when all is at peace. As well as sun, sea and sand, there are plenty of diversions nearby. The ornate Life Guard Club is built in a traditional Chinese style, its ceiling decorated with magnificent swirling dragons. The picturesque gardens that lead down to the beach are dominated by towering twin statues of Kwun Yum and Tin Hau, both protectors of fishermen. The colonial-style, The Repulse Bay, houses designer shops and award-winning restaurants and resembles the luxury hotel that originally occupied the site. This is the ideal place for a romantic dinner under the stars. For something more down-to-earth, several open-air restaurants nearby specialise in the joys of wholesome barbecued food, including the freshest prawns, squid, fish and other seafood. All are cheery hives of activity every night of every week.
Stanley Market
The historic fishing lanes of Stanley on Hong Kong Island's picturesque southern coast are jam-packed with vendors selling Chinese artwork, silk collectibles, clothing and curios a plenty. This most adored of all Hong Kong's open-air shopping options is on Stanley Market Road.
Time zone
GMT+8
Language
Chinese and English are the official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin, Shanghainese and other Chinese dialects are also spoken. Many people, especially in shops, hotels, and service industries, speak English.
Currency
The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is linked to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.80 HKD to 1 USD, although exchange rates may fluctuate slightly. Interestingly, Hong Kong banknotes are issued by three banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China), and vary in design and colour for each denomination.
http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/new_hk_banknotes/eng/index.htm
Essentials
Health
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, automatic sensors will take your temperature at the Hong KongInternationalAirport and boundary control points, and if it is high, you will be required to have a quick health check.
Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Check with your local carriers because requirements may change.
Tap water is soft in character and conforms to the guidelines for drinking-water quality recommended by the World Health Organisation. However, most people prefer to drink bottled water. Mineral water including major imported brands is readily available from supermarkets and convenience stores.
Hospitals
As an international city, Hong Kong has world-class hospitals providing outstanding care. Visitors using Accident and Emergency services in Hong Kong public hospitals are charged a set fee of HK$570 per attendance, but will always be treated even if they cannot pay immediately.
Internet
Free Wi-Fi service is available at Hong KongInternationalAirport. There is also free GovWiFi service in several government buildings including some public libraries.
You can access the Internet for free at many coffee shops in town including Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, CausewayBay and Wan Chai. The service is also available in some MTR stations and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council' Business InfoCentre. (Check with the Hotel Concierge for a nearby location.)
Electricity
The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment require an adaptor. Also, note that most electric sockets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug. Inexpensive adaptors are available in Hong Kong.
Useful Numbers
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999
International Enquiries Service (Country Codes & World Time Inquiries): 10013