Spotlight on Hong Kong

Geography
Hong Kong is situated on the southeastern coast of China and spreads out over 1,100 square kilometres (425 square miles). The main areas are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. Victoria Harbour separates Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The New Territories lie north of Kowloon and run up to the boundary with Mainland China. As well as making up the bulk of Hong Kong's landmass, the New Territories also include more than 260 outlying islands.

Hong Kong was a collection of fishing villages when claimed as a crown colony by Britain in 1841. At that time it was described as a "barren rock", much to the amusement of today's property barons. More than 70 per cent of Hong Kong's total area is rural, including about 40 per cent designated as protected country parks. This means Hong Kong has one of the world's highest ratios of designated parkland.

Historical and Cultural Hong Kong
Hong Kong has developed from a small fishing village in the 1800s into a dynamic and thrilling 21st century cosmopolitan metropolis. The city is replete with impressive high rises, a busy harbour and it is an important financial and economic centre.

Many fascinating Chinese and colonial heritage sites still exist in Hong Kong, reflecting more than 5,000 years of Chinese and more than 150 years of British colonial heritage. Hong Kong boasts a stunning array of fascinating heritage trails located all over Hong Kong that provide a magnificent insight into the history and culture of this fabulous city. The Ping Shan Heritage Trail in Yuen Long features Hong Kong's only ancient pagoda. The Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, also in the New Territories offers an intriguing view of life amongst the Tang Clan, one of the "Five Great Clans" in Hong Kong. The Central and Western Heritage Trail links up historic buildings and sites to present the growth and development of the Districts.

Demography
Hong Kong has a population of about 6.8 million people. Almost 95 per cent of the population is Chinese.

Religion & Language
Hong Kong is a multicultural city with a multiracial population living in harmony. Tolerance for the customs and traditions of all religions and ethnic groups is part of the city's cosmopolitan philosophy. It is only natural that facilities exist for all in this peaceful and eclectic city. In Hong Kong, everyone is free to openly worship according to his or her own beliefs. As most of the world's religions have places of worship here, any religious group with special dietary requirements is easily catered for in Hong Kong.

As can be expected in a Chinese city, the largest religious communities in Hong Kong are the Buddhists and Taoists. Hong Kong's colonial history is reflected in the large and active Christian community. More than 80,000 Hong Kong people are followers of Islam. Other religions are also well represented, such as Hinduism and Sikhism.

The official languages are Chinese and English, with Cantonese the most widely spoken Chinese dialect. Use of Putonghua is growing. All major signage is in English or is bilingual. Visitors will find that most people in the service industries speak English.

Places of Interest – Cultural and Historical
The capital of Hong Kong is Victoria, on Hong Kong Island. The green and white Star Ferries run across Victoria Bay to the Island regularly, where buses connect to Aberdeen and Stanley.

Victoria Peak is the highest peak in Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 554 meters and has been considered a landmark of the island. It is the best spot to have a bird's eye view of the Victoria Harbor and the whole thriving island. Viewed from the peak, the scenes are different between daytime and night. During the day you can see high and crowded buildings and the busy Victoria Harbor. At night, lit up by colorful lights, the whole scene is dazzling as a fairly-tale world. The best spot to enjoy the scene is the Peak Tower and the Lion Kiosk beside the peak tram terminal.

Mongkok - This district is a hive of shopping opportunities. Explore the infamous ‘Ladies Market’, the authentic Chinese market selling unique clothes, toys, bags, jewellery and home furnishings and be sure to barter!

Aberdeen Bay remains the characteristic of a traditional fishing village in the 18s. The village still inhabits hundreds of fishing men. Here, you can tour around the bay by a sampan. Fishing boats ranging from the traditional Chinese sailing boat to the luxuriously furnished modern ship fill the bay. Many visitors come here only for the seafood, which is authentic and tasty.

The sparsely populated Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island. Ever since 70's, lots of Hong Kong residents have preferred to escape into Lantau Island for a refreshing rest during weekends and holidays. Visitors can explore its hilly walking trails, enjoy its crowded beach and inhale the fresh air. The most crowded place of the island is Tai O Town in the southwest. The island also plays host to the world’s tallest outdoor seated Buddha in bronze, which can see seen from afar.

Lan Kuai Fong is a quirky area known as ‘Soho’ amongst locals. The area is teeming with bars, restaurants and has a real cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse feel. Fun, vibrant and dynamic, it’s a great place to spend an evening out in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden is the biggest botanical and aviary garden in Hong Kong. Firstly built in 1861, the most distinguished feature of the garden is the biggest greenhouse in Southeast Asia with double climate control. Besides over 20,000 species of rare plants, there are more than a hundred kinds of wild birds, including some endangered species.

Kowloon Park - During the Opium War, Kowloon Park was the base for Kowloon, Kuan Yung Emplacements built by Lin Zexu and later became a barrack for British army during its occupation. Built into a park by the Counsel, it is an oasis of greenery in the hustle and bustle of Kowloon Peninsular. The park is famous for its refreshing environment containing rare plants, animals and towers, corridors and other elements of traditional Chinese garden.

The inauguration of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre marked a new era in the development of the performing arts in Hong Kong. The foundation stone was laid in 1979, construction work started in 1984 and the building completed in 1989. Since its grand opening on 8 November 1989, the Cultural Center has remained the premier cultural venue offering a stimulating environment for the arts and quality programs to the public.

The Hong Kong History Museum exhibits some cultural relics on Hong Kong's history as well as historical items from other countries. Besides displayed unearthed relics, historic pictures, paintings and maps, it also regularly holds cultural activities and displays some cultural relics related to Hong Kong's history. The Hong Kong Story Hall has an area of 7,000sq.m, and mainly tells the history and development of Hong Kong.

Those who like their spirituality on the more traditional side should visit Man Mo Temple, one of the oldest and most popular temples in Hong Kong. Built in 1847, it is dedicated to the Chinese gods of literature and war; with Man meaning literature in Cantonese and Mo referring to martial arts.

Sheung Wan in old Hong Kong is the Chinese heart of the city, a vibrant centre, which is best explored on foot. Nearby the Hollywood Road is a popular shopping district, flowing into SoHo with an exciting collection of trendy bars and restaurants. Visitors can travel over all three areas aboard the world's longest escalator.

Passport Information
All passengers (including children) must have their own passport. Passport holders should travel with a passport that has a validity of six months after their return date. Nationals of most countries (including UK) are not required to obtain visas and can stay for periods varying from seven days to 180 days, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.

Currency
The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar, divided into 100 cents in a dollar and with denominations 1,2,5,10,20,50,100,500 and 1000. Banks and moneychangers charge commission. Similarly, commissions are payable in hotels and major retail outlets which provide exchange facilities for their customers. As elsewhere, the rates of exchange for cash and travelers cheques are marginally different and coins are not exchangeable. Most Hong Kong shops accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases.

Time Difference
+ 8 hours GMT

Health
Upon arrival, you will have your temperature taken when you pass through immigration. These measures enable visitors to have an enjoyable and healthy stay in Hong Kong. Vaccination certificates are usually not required. However, we would advise you to consult your GP for the latest information.

Safety
Hong Kong is generally a safe city to visit. Visitors are advised to exercise usual caution with regard to possessions and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Tipping
Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge but an additional 5 per cent may be given, where deserved. When a service charge is not automatic, 10 per cent is acceptable.