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Guide to Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Hong Kong
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Hong Kong
Modern buildings, historic landmarks, great transportation, and a big city feel with deep cultural roots Hong Kong has all of this and more. The former British colony is made up of the Island, mainland Kowloon, Stone Cutter's Island and the New Territories. Take a stroll along the harbour or hike up to the highest point in the city. Hop on one of the efficient transport services to the many bustling districts, or head to a quiet park for a day of rest and rejuvenation. Underneath the glitz and glamour of the modern city beats a traditional heart, and the city has lots to offer visitors.
How To Get There
Built in 1998, Chek Lap Kok is the worlds most technologically advanced airport and is an international hub. Its almost like a city in itself. Hong Kong is a major gateway in China so youll find that fares are quite cheap due to the high volume of traffic. Flights from London take around 12 hours. Airport Express trains will get you to Hong Kong city in about 25 minutes. Alternatively you can use the CityFlyer airbus or the public bus system.
Travelling Around
There are plenty of transport choices in Hong Kong - buses, the Mass Transit Railway, Light-Rail Transit, or double-decker trams. There are lots of stops so its easy to get from one part of Hong Kong to another in a fairly short amount of time. As the city is built on hilly terrain, funiculars and escalators are a part of daily life. Check out the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator the longest in the world.
When To Go
There are three months of the year when Hong Kong is at its best - a balance of a thinning crowd and great weather. Unless you enjoy lots of heat, humidity, and rainfall, book your flight for October, November, or December (or all three). The sun is mild at this time of year, and air is perfect. Hotels are cheaper in December too.
What To See
Start your sight-seeing excursion at Hong Kong Island. This is a business and commerce centre but head to Aberdeen on the south side of the island and youll find thousands of people working on all kinds of boats. Tours are available throughout much of the day. Stop in at one of the floating restaurants for a bite to eat or head to one of the beaches (warning these can get crowded). Aberdeen also has the famous Central Market, Man Mo Temple, and the Zoological & Botanic Gardens.
Next on your list should be the Kowloon part of Hong Kong, where you will find lots shops, restaurants, pubs, and more shops. Kowloon is home to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Space Museum and Museum of History. These are all fantastic destinations that the whole family will enjoy. Take a stroll on the Promenade for a view of Victoria Harbour, especially in the evening. Rising 552 metres, Victoria Peak is another place for great views. It is Hong Kongs number one tourist attraction with around six million visitors each year. Hop on the Peak Tram funicular from the centre of town and youll be at the top in 7 minutes. The wok-shaped Peak Tower has a viewing deck, so get your cameras ready.
The Avenue of Stars was build to honour Hong Kongs rich cinematic past. It is located on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade in Kowloon overlooking the harbour. The walk of fame features over a hundred plaques dedicated to famous film stars. One of the main attractions is the 2-metre-high bronze statue of Bruce Lee which was built to mark his 65th birthday in 2005. The Avenue is free and can be visited around the clock.
Another good way to see the city is on a historic Star Ferry. Established in 1888 and something of a Hong Kong institution, the ferry has four routes and boats leave every 8 minutes.
Hotspot
Symphony of Lights
This multimedia light show began in January 2004 and enhances the already-stunning Hong Kong skyline. It is an orchestrated light and laser show and currently features 37 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. Rumour has it that the extravagant show costs about $44 million HKD each year to produce.
The show features lighting from inside the buildings but also LEDs, lasers, searchlights and projection lighting. Fireworks are added on special occasions.
Symphony of Lights takes place every night during good weather. It starts at 8 pm and finishes about 15 minutes later. Head to the Avenue of Stars or Golden Bauhinia Square to hear live music and narration - read in English on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The best place to watch the show is aboard one of the Victoria Harbour ferries.
Night Life
Hong Kong has one of the best nightlife scenes in Asia. Theres something here for every taste and budget. There are two main entertainment areas on the Island - Lan Kwai Fong (Central) and Wanchai, with off-shoots like Causeway Bay. Lan Kwai Fong is popular with expats as well as locals and all the bars within close proximity of each other. Watch out on the hilly streets after a couple of drinks! Wanchai is the famous Suzy Wong area of Hong Kong and is packed with neon signs and scouts trying to tempt visitors into the go-go bars.
fast facts
Hong Kong means fragrant harbour.Hong Kong is one of the world's most densely populated areas. Almost seven million people inhabit 415 square miles.Kowloon, one of the citys mainland areas, means Nine Dragons.The symbol of the reunification of Hong Kong and China is the Chinese White Dolphin which is actually pink.The Regent Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui was been designed to enable dragons to pass through and feed in the harbour. There is a fountain to attract them and glass windows for them to pass through.
Quick History
In the mid-1800s Hong Kong Island wasnt much more than a small gathering of houses. It was ceded to the British in 184, followed by Kowloon and Stonecutters Island in 1856. In 1898 the New Territories were leased to the British for 99 years. When the lease period endedin 1997, negotiations saw Britain handing Hong Kong back to China. Under the motto 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong is now a Special Administrative Region of China. Ten years on from the handover, Hong Kong continues to develop as a commercial city. East meets west in the largest concentration of tall buildings in the world.
Lingo
Locals are always happy to hear you make an effort, so its good to have a couple of words and phrases up your sleeve. Cantonese is a tricky language, but here are the basics:
Hello Nei hauGoodbye Bai baiThank you Dor je
Money
Currency is Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in a dollar. Coins come in 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents; HK$1, HK$2, HK$5 and HK$10. Notes have denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000.
Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. There are ATMs everywhere.
The exchange rate is around 65p to the HK dollar. Up-to-date rates can be found here.
Most restaurants will add a 10% service charge but waiters will expect some loose change. Tipping is discretionary - bellboys, porters and taxi drivers will happily accept.
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