Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a fascinating place that has emerged as the nerve-centre of commerce, trade, entertainment and shopping in South Asia. Its cosmopolitan appeal, cultural diversity and vibrancy have made it a haven for business and leisure travellers all across the globe. Tourists visiting the region are greeted with charming weather, towering skyscrapers and multiple other attractions. Hong Kong is particularly famous for the plethora of shopping options it offers to the tourists visiting the region. Be it top class malls, glitzy designer stores or street side vendors, Hong Kong is brimming with them all. Food is another attraction that draws people in hordes towards the region. Hong Kong indeed takes its culinary expertise very seriously and offers a scrumptious spread of multi ethnic dishes.
Important Statistics
- Location : Hong Kong is located in South-East Asia between 22°15N & 114°10E
- Time Zone : GMT + 8
- Capital: Victoria, the erstwhile capital of Hong Kong is the official administrative capital of the island.
- Largest Cities: Victoria City, Kowloon, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long , Fanling-Sheung Shui, Tseung Kwan, Tin Shui Wai, North Lantau
- Government: Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
- Area: 1104 sq km.
- Population: 7, 088, 668(estimated on 14th June 2010)
- Currency: The Hong Kong Dollar is the official currency of Hong Kong.
- Calling Code: 852
- Official Language(s): English and Cantonese have been defined as the official languages in Hong Kong in the basic law of Hong Kong.
- Religion: Three main religions Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are practiced by the denizens of Hong Kong.
- Visa information: For information about obtaining a visa for Hong Kong British Nationals can visit the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk or contact the relevant authorities.
Top Tourist Spots in Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers a lot of sightseeing options to visitors who come to explore its fascinating landscape. The tourists visiting the region for the first time can be overwhelmed by the tightly-packed sidewalks, towering skyscrapers and the surge of humanity. However, once the initial Hong Kong wave has rolled over you and you start swimming with the tide, you will find that Hong Kong is actually a delightful place.
The delight of Hong Kong is personified by places like the Disneyland. It is a wonderful place that screams fun. Disneyland is a place where boredom shall never be an acquaintance.
Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak is an equally major tourist attraction that offers a mesmeric view of Hong Kong for the top.
Other tourist magnets include Mid-Levels Escalator (world’s largest), Ocean Park and the stunning Wong Tai Sin Temple.
Shopping Attractions in Hong Kong
Hong Kong boasts of some of the finest shopping arcades and high-streets that house the finest brand boutiques and offer travellers great value for money. You’re sure to grab exciting deals and get great value for money if you shop in any of the following places:-
- The Landmark
- Harbour City
- Festival Walk
- Cat Street
- Wan Chain Street Market
- Golden Shopping Arcade
Eating out in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, there are numerous places where one can find some great restaurants, eateries, pubs and bars that make Hong Kong a trendy and happening city.
- Cococabana
- M at the Fringe
- Oyster and Wine Bar
- The Quarterdeck Club
- Ingredients
Hotels in Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers visitors a wide range of accommodation options that cater to every taste and budget. Take your pick from any of the luxury hotels listed below to ensure a smooth and comfortable stay in the city:-
- Conrad Hotel
- Crowne Plaza Hotel Hong Kong Causeway Bay
- Four Seasons Hotel
- Gold Coast Hotel
- Grand Hyatt Hotel
- Harbour Grand Hong Kong Hotel
Cheap Flights to Hong Kong
Find the latest airfares and discounted offers on flights to Hong Kong operating from UK.
Preferred Airlines to Hong Kong from UK
Malaysia Airline | Thai Airways | Singapore Airline | Qatar Airways | KLM Royal Dutch | Etihad | Cathay Pacific | Emirates | Air France
Airports in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the main airport in Hong Kong and is also referred to as the Chek Lap Kok Airport as it was built on the Chek Lap Kok Island. The airport is served by a modern and efficient transport system including the Airport Express, buses, taxis and coaches making it conveniently accessible. The airport boasts state of the art infrastructure and technology in terms of passenger facilities and its information can be accessed at the airport website http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an all year round destination and experiences a sub –tropical climate with cool, dry winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to visit Hong Kong is between the months of September to February when the humidity is low and the weather is quite agreeable to embark on a sightseeing tour of the city.
Culture and Lifestyle
Hong Kong is a unique blend of tradition and modernity where stylish sky scrapers stand in harmony with ancient temples. People in Hong Kong are quite conservative and cling to their beliefs forcefully. However, it is not to say people here are unwilling to embrace new things. You can find people here with the most ultra-modern gadgets. Chinese festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Hong Kong. Some of these festivals are Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival and Ching Ming Festival.
Social Conventions
In Hong Kong, handshakes are very light and during each greeting people lower their eyes as a sign of respect. While greeting people, address them by calling their family names first and as a guest you are most likely to be entertained in a restaurant rather than a private residence. It is advised to follow normal courtesies while visiting someone’s home. There may be more than 10 courses in a meal, while it is not obligatory to eat all of it, however it is considered decent to at least taste each dish served. To invite the host to a return dinner is a nice gesture. Smoking is prohibited in public places.
(Note: This destination guide is not exhaustive and is based on information gathered from reliable resources available on the internet. Southall Travel holds no responsibility for any misrepresentation of facts and will not be in any way liable for any kind of eventuality arising from the use of information given in this guide)
