For over a century Hong Kong has been the gateway to China. Its sights, accommodation, food and shopping continue to attract visitors. Everyone knows the hustle and bustle for which Hong Kong is famous, but what is less well known are the quiet and traditional corners that can be found all over the city - corners where time seemingly stands still. Hong Kong is divided into four main areas - Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are on a peninsula of the Chinese mainland, on the northern part of Victoria Harbor; Hong Kong Island is on the southern part of the harbor facing Kowloon; the Outlying Islands refers to any of the other two hundred plus islands that make up Hong Kong. The New Territories has a 20-kilometer border with mainland China.
Hong Kong is centered around Victoria Harbor. The main business district is known as “Central”. East of Central lies the commercial district; Wan Chai, known for restaurants and nightclubs; then Causeway Bay, a major shopping area. Towering above it all is Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's scenic lookout and premier residential district. In Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei are busy hotel and shopping areas, while Mong Kok is a bustling residential and shopping area.
Visas
Visitors of most Western nations need only a valid passport to visit Hong Kong. The length of stay provided depends on your nationality - usually a visa of three to six months is granted.
Climate
October, November and December are the most pleasant months to visit Hong Kong; the skies are clear and sunny. The June to August is hot and rainy but hotels tend to offer huge discounts outside the high seasons of March-April and October-November, so it may be the time to go if you’re on a budget. Travel can be a challenge during Chinese New Year in late January/early February.
Language
Mandarin is the official language of China, although there are many regional dialects. A fair amount of English is spoken in Hong Kong, especially among hotel staff. Taxi drivers and other service personnel will have less a command of English.
Currency
The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). As of January 2004, one US dollar = 7.79 HKD. Traveler's checks can be cashed at currency exchange booths, and nearly all hotels accept credit cards.
Accommodation
A one would expect from such a well-established destination, Hong Kong has accommodations to fit every budget. All the best five-star international hotels have branches here, and there are even some well-known budget options for backpackers.
Food & Drink
Hong Kong is of course well known for its Cantonese cuisine, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Spend a few days walking Hong Kong’s narrow roads and you’ll come across eateries serving all the regional cuisines of China. Besides that, there are restaurants serving dishes from all over Asia and beyond.
Shopping
Of course Hong Kong is all about shopping. The city boasts the best selection of goods anywhere in China. Whether you are in the market for a brand-new cameras or a centuries-old antique, one of the many shops in Hong Kong shops will have when you are looking for. For antiquities and curios, don’t miss the world famous Hollywood Road.
Arriving & Leaving
Hong Kong’s ultra-modern and convenient international airport is connected to the city by a fast and convenient train.
Places to visit in and around Hong Kong
Click for more information
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is the glamorous big sister of Kowloon - a bustling, towering monument to market capitalism that has long attracted adventurers to the South China coast. The impressive skyscrapers marching up the steep hills of the island are nothing short of breathtaking - imagine if Manhattan were built up the side of a cliff. The picturesque bustle of its residents is the biggest attraction on the island. Besides the ultra-modern city there are traditional settlements like Aberdeen, on the southern side of the island, where thousands of people live on junks and sampans bobbing in the harbor. Sampan tours of the Aberdeen Harbor are a must see and another major attraction are Hong Kong’s famous floating restaurants.
Repulse Bay
Hong Kong’s most popular beach is Repulse Bay, on the southern side of the island. On weekends it’s a great place to people watch, as it seems like half the population of Hong Kong is here to soak up the sun. Stanley is another spot to which the locals escape Hong Kong on the weekends. There are quaint attractions that are reminiscent of the old Hong Kong such as the Central Market, the venerable Man Mo Temple with its giant smoldering joss sticks, and the Zoological & Botanic Gardens. There’s even an 800 meter-long outdoor escalator to help you climb back up towards Hong Kong.
Kowloon
Sooner or later all visitors make it to Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula. Here you will find one full square kilometer of souvenir shops, restaurants, pubs, bars and electronics stores. For those looking for more of a cultural experience, Kowloon is also home to the Hong Kong Cultural Center, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the historic Peninsula Hotel and the Hong Kong Museum of History. The promenade in east Tsim Sha Tsui is a great place for a leisurely stroll, featuring stunning views of Victoria Harbor. At night the lights of the city are particularly striking. The liveliest night market in Kowloon can be found on Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei.
New Territories
Nearly a third of Hong Kong's population lives in towns in the so-called New Territories, and the area has some scenic escapes, including the Sai Kung Peninsula, in the east, which is an unspoiled and popular playground for hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. Bird-watchers head to the Mai Po Marsh; cyclists and walkers head to Plover Cove Reservoir; hiking enthusiasts set out on the 100 kilometer-long MacLehose Trail which spans the New Territories from Tuen Mun in the west to Pak Tam Chung in the east. Not to be missed is Shui Tau, a walled village on the outskirts of Kam Tin. Shui Tau is one of several small villages in the area celebrated for its carved roofs and traditional-style Chinese houses.
Outlying Islands
There are over two hundred outlying islands, although many of them are little more than uninhabited rocks. However, Cheung Chau (2.5 square kilometers) has 22,000 residents and is a peaceful escape from the big city - as yet there are no motor vehicles! Lantau Island is the largest of the islands at 142 square kilometers and has a population of 45,000, a 933-meter peak, and a 70-kilometer walking trail. Most agree that this beautiful island has been lucky to avoid many of the development woes of other islands. It is home to several important Taoist and Buddhist monasteries, including Po Lin Monastery with its enormous statue of the Buddha. Lantau is connected by causeway to the mainland. Other islands worth visiting include Lamma Island, Poi Toi Island, Peng Chau Island and the uninhabited Tung Island.