Capital: Victoria (Central)
Population: 7,346,700 (July 2016)
Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
Continent: Asia
Dialling Code: +852
Driving Side: Left
Time Zone: Hong Kong Time (UTC +8)
Official Language: Cantonese, English
Self styled as “Asia’s World City,” Hong Kong is a global city popular for having the most skyscrapers in the world. The East Asian metropolis connects East Asia to the world and is known for its impressive skyline, round-the-clock energy and varied cultural influences. It’s an important financial centre, with a large, sophisticated and well-educated population and a bustling, modern cityscape.
Located on China's south coast between the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, Hong Kong is a Specialised Administrative Region (SAR) of China but has a mix of Western and Asian cultures, enjoys great autonomy and has its own currency as well as legal system. Blessed with rocky islands and hazy mountains, the former colony of Britain is one of the most visited destinations in the world, and millions of people visit its shores annually on business or leisure.
Hong Kong is quite popular for its nightlife and the options it opens up for tourists who keep looking for shopping items. One of the best places to experience Hong Kong-style shopping is the Temple Street Night Market, which sells abundant products cutting across different categories. Also, Nathan Road boasts over two miles of shops and boutiques.
Streets markets in Hong Kong are other happening places; on the other hand there are several other shopping complexes, supermarkets and departmental stores in the city. To witness the famed skyline of the city and affirm its restlessness and energy, travellers can visit the Victoria Peak, which is a well-known vantage point. From this point, one can see one of the finest harbours of the world and a stunning stretchy skyline.
The best time to visit the Victoria Peak is before sunset; at this time, one gets the opportunity to see that how the city lights up after the sun goes down. Both Cantonese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong, which makes travelling easier for English-speaking travellers. The city’s serious food culture can be experienced at the lush restaurants, food stalls and street markets around. Roast pork, roast pork buns and rice clay pots are some of the common dishes of Hong Kong.
Locals are naturally friendly and visitors can ask where to get a significant tasty treat.Holiday in Hong Kong is not only about the skyscrapers and foods; Disneyland is another point of call. Located close by to Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (Hong Kong Disneyland theme park, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel) presents a whole world of fun. Inside the theme park, there are six different worlds to explore - Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land.
People who enjoy art and cultural activities can admire Chinese artefacts and artworks at the Hong Kong Museum of Art in Kowloon, Chinese tea rituals at the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea War or visit between February and April when the Hong Kong Arts Festival is held. Appreciate the spirituality of Hong Kong’s people at Tin Hau, Man Mo or Wan Tai Sin Temples, the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery or the Po Lin Monastery at the base of the Tian Tan Buddha statue.
If you become weary of the concrete jungle, the countryside is never far away. Enjoy a day of mountain hikes, beach excursions or a trip to Tai O Fishing Village and end it with a seafood dinner in the small fishing town of Sai Kung or on a floating restaurant in Aberdeen.
A harbour cruise is a must-do for visitors, whether it’s a trip on the historic Star Ferry, or an evening cruise for cocktails or dinner. Every night a spectacular show of colored lights and lasers illuminates the harbour.
No matter how long you stay, glittering Hong Kong will capture your imagination.