Hong Kong <div style="float: right; margin: 0 0 1em 1em"> <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid #9866FF; background-color: #f3f3ff" width="330"> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Flag</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 2px">Image:hk-flag.png</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; border-top: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Quick Facts</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Capital'''</td><td>Hong Kong</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Government'''</td><td>Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China<br/></td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Currency'''</td><td>Hong Kong dollar (HKD)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Area'''</td><td>''total:'' 1,092 sq km <br>''water:'' 50 sq km <br>''land:'' 1,042 sq km</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Population'''</td><td>7,303,334 (July 2002 est.)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Language'''</td><td>Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Religion'''</td><td>eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%</td></tr> </table> </div>  Image:hk-map.png|frame|Map of Hong Kong '''Hong Kong''' (?? ''Heunggóng'' in Cantonese, ''Xianggang'' in Mandarin) is a place with multiple personalities, as a result of being Cantonese with a long-time '''British influence''' and increasingly more '''China connections'''. Perhaps the hallmark of this city is the frenzied vibrancy, marvellous skyline, and the world class '''cuisine'''. On the surface, it's an urban landscape without the charm of what one would consider "China." It offers the same upscale shopping malls and boutiques found in Paris, London or Shanghai. But the '''small curious nooks''' are what makes it unique, as well as the beautiful greenery and hiking trails largely unknown to tourists. The city is also known for its incredible efficiency, almost to a fault, as a result of its convenient transport, quick customer service and fast pace. ==Understand== ===History=== Occupied by the United Kingdom in 1841, '''Hong Kong''' was formally ceded by China the following year. The New Territories - originally the rural area to the north of Boundary Street in Kowloon - were added in 1898 under a 99-year lease. This lease was due to run out in 1997, so pursuant to an agreement signed by the People's Republic of China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the PRC on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, Mainland China's socialist economic system and Communist dictatorship will not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy ''a high degree of autonomy'' in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years. According to pro-democracy supporters, the phrase ''a high degree of autonomy'' has become something of a standing joke since. ===People=== With an over 95% share of the population, Hong Kong is solidly Chinese. The next largest minorities are Filipinos and Indonesians, many of Chinese descent, and only fourth on the island are Europeans and their descendants. ===Climate=== Hong Kong is a little chilly in the winter and notoriously hot and humid in the summer. The best times of year to visit are thus spring (March-April), when temperatures average around 25°C and not too humid, and fall between September and November — just beware of the typhoons that tend to batter the port, bringing everything to a standstill. ==Districts== Hong Kong is divided into a number of distinctly different districts. * Hong Kong/Island|Hong Kong Island — The Island is Hong Kong's urban center, the heart of the city where everything happens. * Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon — Kowloon is the strip of mainland next to the Island, the most densely packed city in the world. * Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories — The New Territories (thus named when acquired in 1898) are Hong Kong's residential hinterland. * Hong Kong/Outlying Islands|Outlying Islands — The 234 other islands in the territory, part of the New Territories, ranging from Lantau (twice the size of the Island) to rocks poking out of the sea. ==Get in== Hong Kong retains control of its own immigration. The good side of this is that, unlike mainland China, most Western visitors do not need to obtain visas in advance, but the bad side is that you will need separate visas to enter mainland China or Macau from Hong Kong. Detailed [http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm visa requirements] are available from the Immigration Department. ===By plane=== Internationally, there is really only one way to get into Hong Kong — through the modern '''[http://www.hongkongairport.com/ Hong Kong International Airport]''' (HKIA) which is also called '''Chek Lap Kok''', the name of the small island it was built over. Despite initial teething troubles when opened in July 1998, the airport is modern and efficient. A [http://www.info.gov.hk/td/airport/index.htm complete transportation guide] to Hong Kong International Airport is provided by the Transport Department. ====Airport Express==== The fastest way to the airport is the '''Airport Express''' train that zips you in and out from the Kowloon and the Central district. It only take some 23 minutes on the train, and there are plenty of baggage handlers to help you with multiple heavy bags, into/out of the train and to a taxi. There is no need to tip them. Each way costs HK $60-$100, or a round trip for HK $110-$180, depending on the distance travelled. After arrival, free shuttle buses connect to major hotels in Kowloon and Central, or you can continue onward by MTR. * The '''Airport Express Tourist Octopus 3-Day Hong Kong Transport Pass''' gives you an Octopus card (see Hong Kong#Octopus card|Get Around) with HK$20 in value usable anywhere, 3 days of unlimited MTR travel, plus one ride on the Airport Express (for HK$220) or two (for HK$300). In effect, you're paying HK$70 for 3 days on the MTR, which is a fair bit of travel but might be worth it if you're planning to visit Lantau or the New Territories. You can return the card after use to get back included HK$50 deposit, or keep it for your next trip — any leftover value will remain valid for 3 years. ====Airbus==== The various '''Airbuses''' are cheaper but slower bus services to the city. Lines A11 and A12 go to the Island ($40,$45 respectively), while A21 goes to Kowloon ($33). Alternatively, take bus S1 to Tung Chung ($3.5) and connect to the ordinary MTR for a cheap and zippy ride to the city (Kowloon $17, Hong Kong $23); and if you're feeling lucky, you can even try to hop on to the free Airport Express shuttle buses! For a full listing of busses available at HKIA refer to the [http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/aguide/bus.html airport website]. Note that the "E" busses take considerably longer than the "A" busses - but they are also cheaper. The 'External' busses are aimed more at airport workers and therefore make several detours around Tung Chung (near the Airport) before heading into town. Add approximately 20mins extra to your journey if taking an E bus. ====Taxi==== A taxi from the airport to the city will cost you around $300 depending on your exact destination. If you have 3 or more people travelling together, it is generally cheaper to travel on a taxi than the Airport Express. There is a large chart at the exit to the taxi stand, also available [http://www.info.gov.hk/td/airport/taxiairport.pdf online], on the approximate fares to most destinations. The law is strict on taxi drivers charging according to the meter but there may be times when they take the longer route. The meter fare does not include the luggage fee and tunnel fee. Taxis from the Airport to the downtown in Kowloon do not suffer from much traffic congestion. If you are going to Hong Kong Island, tell the taxi driver to use "Western Harbour Crossing" to avoid congestion, but it will attract a surcharge. ===By ferry=== Hong Kong is only a 1 hour '''hydrofoil ride''' away from Macau, and there is good connectivity to mainland China as well. The main terminals are: * '''Macau Ferry Terminal''', 202 Connaught Road (Sheung Wan MTR exit D), Hong Kong/Island|Central ** [http://www.turbojet.com.hk TurboJet], 24 hours a day to Macau * '''China Ferry Terminal''', 33 Canton Road (Tsim Sha Tsui MTR exit A1), Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon ** [http://www.cksp.com.hk/ Chu Kong Shipping], to points throughout Guangdong and Guangzhou ** [http://www.nwff.com.hk New World First Ferry], every 30 min to Macau ===By land=== Crossing the border to Mainland China puts you in Shenzhen, a well-developed boomtown. (Note that there are special visa regulations if you plan to visit Shenzhen.) There are 4 checkpoints on the Hong Kong - Shenzhen boundary, namely Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To and Sha Tau Kok. '''Lo Wu''' control point can only be accessed directly by KCR East Rail trains and is hence the most accessible. However, it is often congested with travellers during weekends and holidays. So if you want to avoid for the long queues, please use the other control points on holidays. Visa-on-arrival can be obtained on the Chinese side. '''Lok Ma Chau''' control point can be accessed from Kowloon by taking the KCR West Rail. Leave at Long Ping Station and take the bus route 277 at the bus interchange. At Lok Ma Chau, you must switch to a [http://www.huangbus.com yellow shuttle bus] which takes you across the boundary. A faster approach is to alight at Kam Sheung Road Station and interchange with a cross boundary coach which takes you to the Chinese side of checkpoint without interchanging with the shuttle bus. Alternatively, there are also some '''[http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/transport/bus_non_menu_index.html Cross Boundary coaches]''' operating from the business districts in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island to the Chinese side of the checkpoint. If you take these coaches, there is no need to change for the yellow shuttle bus and hence it is a good choice for boundary crossing to avoid the queues. Lok Ma Chau is a 24-hour border crossing ; visa-on-arrival can be obtained on the Chinese side (subject to nationality, at current applications from USA and UK passport holders are not accepted). '''Man Kam To''' control point can be accessed by taking the cross-boundary coach on the bus interchange at Landmark North, which is just next to Sheung Shui KCR Station. The 15-minute journey costs HK$22. It is seldom crowded with travellers even in holidays. You can also enjoy the free shuttle service outside the Chinese checkpoint, which takes you to the central area of Shenzhen. However, no Visa-on-arrival can be obtained on the Chinese side, which means you need to arrange for your visa in advanced before arrival. It is the best route to go to the downtown in Shenzhen especially during holidays. '''Sha Tau Kok''' control point can be accessed by taking the cross-boundary coach on the bus interchange at Luen Wo Hui in Fanling. It connects the eastern boundary of Hong Kong and Shenzhen and it is a bit remote from the central part on Shenzhen. As a consequence, only very few passengers choose to cross the boundary using this checkpoint. No Visa-on-arrival can be obtained on the Chinese side. ===By train=== '''[http://www.kcrc.com.hk/ Kowloon Canton Railway]''' runs regular '''Through Train''' service between Guangdong Province, Beijing and Shanghai. The train terminus is '''Hung Hom''' Station on the Kowloon side, next to the Cross Harbour Tunnel. The destinations of the Through Train service are Guangzhou (East), Dongguan, Foshan and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province, as well as Beijing and Shanghai. The online directory of [http://www.kcrc.com.hk/eng/services/services/itts_intro.asp Intercity Service] of Kowloon Canton Railway provides information on the timetable and fare information of Through Trains. ==Get around== Image:StarFerry IslandSkyline.JPG|thumb|240px|Star Ferry and the Hong Kong/Island|Island skyline Hong Kong's public transport system is highly developed, to the point where often the hardest part is choosing your means of transport. ===Octopus card=== The '''[http://www.octopuscard.com/eng/index.htm Octopus payment card]''' (???, ''Bat Dat Toong'' in Cantonese) is the heart of the public transport system. The Octopus is a contactless smart card that you can tap on card readers, and it will deduct the right amount. The contactless smart card can be detected by machines even when inside the wallet or bag, which makes it very convenient. Chalk it up to Hong Kong's fast pace and efficiency. Octopus can be used on essentially ''all'' forms of public transport (except taxis) and increasingly other places such as convenience stores, restaurants, vending machines and car parks. It is highly advisable that even tourists get a card when in Hong Kong, as it has a fully refundable deposit on the card and on unused credit. The basic adult Octopus costs HK$150, including HK$50 deposit, but a HK$7 service charge now applies if you return the card ''less than'' 3 months after you bought it. You can also get back any unused value when you return the card. When travelling by MTR or KCR trains, payment by Octopus card always enjoys a discount. Octopus card users also enjoy a transfer rebate for a specific combination of routes. For example, KCR passengers can enjoy free transfer service to/from a feeder bus. Some bus routes also provide transfer rebate to other routes. It is always advisable to use Octopus on railways and buses. In addition to the Airport Express Octopus (see Hong Kong#By plane|above), you can also buy a 24-hour pass for HK$50 at any MTR station; however, this is valid ''only'' on MTR lines. ===By metro=== Hong Kong's '''[http://www.mtr.com.hk/ Mass Transit Railway]''' ('''MTR''') underground network is the fastest way to get around the city, but what you gain in speed you lose in views and (at least for short distances) price. There are five lines, with the most important ones for visitors being the busy '''Tsuen Wan Line''' (red), which tunnels from Central to Kowloon and down Nathan Rd towards Tsuen Wan in the New Territories and the '''Island Line''' (blue) which runs along the north coast of the Island. The new '''Tung Chung Line''' (orange) is the fastest route to Lantau and one of the cheapest ways to the airport when coupled with the S1 shuttle bus. The line will also provide a link to HK Disney Land (opening Sept. 2005) via a change at Sunny Bay station. Note that in Hong Kong, a ''subway'' is a underground walkway, not an underground railway, as in most English speaking countries outside of North America. ===By train=== The '''[http://www.kcrc.com.hk/ Kowloon-Canton Railway]''' (KCR) connects Kowloon to Canton (Guangdong) in mainland China, but is also an important commuter line. The main '''KCR East Rail''' terminates in East Tsim Sha Tsui, where you can interchange with the MTR and the famous Star Ferry. The '''KCR West Rail''' was opened in 2003. It links up Nam Cheong, which is on the recliamed land next to Sham Shui Po, and Tuen Mun. It links Kowloon with the Western New Territories. Direct boundary crossing is now not available by KCR West Rail, but you can alight at Long Ping Station and take bus route 277 to the boundary. Alternatively, you can also alight at Kam Sheung Road Station and take the cross boundary coach with a promotional fare HK$25 if you pay by Octopus card. The '''Ma On Shan Railway''', a branch of ''East Rail'', was opened on December 2004. It starts at Tai Wai Station and terminates at Wu Kai Sha Station. Passengers can make use of the Ma On Shan Railway to travel to Ma On Shan, and to the more rural part of the Sai Kung Country Park. ===By tram=== Image:Hongkong.jpg|thumb|Hong Kong from the top of the Peak Tram Operated by [http://www.hktramways.com/ Hong Kong Tramways], the narrow double-decker '''city trams''' trundling on the north coast of Hong Kong Island are a Hong Kong icon. Trams are slow and the route -- which follows along the coastline a century ago, long since pushed inland by reclamation -- is tortuous, but with a flat fare of only $2 even if you travel the full 1.5 hours from end to end, they're the cheapest sightseeing tour around. In a league of its own is the '''[http://www.thepeak.com.hk/tram/location.html Peak Tram]''', Hong Kong's first mechanised mode of transport, opened back in 1888. The remarkably steep 1.7-km track up from Central to Victoria Peak is worth at least one trip despite the comparatively steep price ($20 one-way, $30 return; return tickets must be purchased in advance). ===By bus=== There are three flavours of bus available in Hong Kong, operated by a multitude of companies. While generally easy to use (especially with Octopus), signage in English can be sparse and finding your bus stop can get difficult. Buses are pretty much your only option for traveling around the south side of the island and Lantau. The large '''double-decker buses''' cover practically all of the territory, stop frequently and charge varying fares depending on the distance. The first seats of the upper deck offer great views. The franchised bus operators in Hong Kong include [http://www.kmb.hk Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB)], [http://www.citybus.com.hk Citybus], [http://www.nwfb.com.hk New World First Bus] and [http://www.newlantaobus.com/ New Lantao Bus]. Route and fare information can be found on the companies web sites. Van-sized '''public light buses''' carry a maximum of 16 passengers (seats only) and come in two varieties, namely '''red minibuses''' and '''green minibuses''' (also called '''maxicabs'''); the color refers to a wide stripe painted on top of the vehicle. Red minibuses can pick up and drop off passengers anywhere the law allows, while green minibuses follow a fixed route from point to point as fast the traffic will allow (and then some). The green number 1 minibus down from the Peak to Central is particularly exhilarating. The Transport Department provides a [http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/transport/minibus_g_table_index.html route list] of green minibuses. Kowloon Canton Railway also maintains its fleet of '''[http://www.kcr.com.hk/eng/services/services/b_intro.asp feeder buses]'''. KCR passengers can enjoy a free feeder service if the payment is made by Octopus. The route K16 is especially useful for tourists who need to go to Tsim Sha Tsui from the New Territories and mainland China by rail. Note that if paying in cash, the '''exact fare''' is required and no change can be given. Paying by Octopus is much easier and convenient. ===By ferry=== A vast fleet of ferries plies between the many islands of Hong Kong. The granddaddy of them all and an attraction in itself is the '''[http://www.starferry.com.hk/ Star Ferry]''', whose most popular line travels between Kowloon and Central nearly continuously, and offers amazing views (especially when coming from Kowloon). Upper deck seats costs HK$2.20, lower deck HK$1.70, both payable with Octopus (and a quarter of the viewless MTR fare for the same trip!). Visitors staying in the Tsim Sha Tsui East area may find the ferry operated by [http://www.hkri.com/cms1/DBTPL/DBTPL54.html Discovery Bay Transport Ltd] a convenient alternative to the star ferry, which is a long walk away. Ferry terminates in Central, besides the Star Ferry pier. Ferries to Lamma, Lantau and other islands depart from a variety of ports, but the largest and most important terminal is at Central adjacent to the Star Ferry. Ferries are usually divided into '''fast ferries''' and '''slow ferries''', with fast ferries charging around twice to price for half the journey time, although not all destinations offer both kinds of service. Example fares for trips from Central to Yung Shue Wan (Lamma) are $10/15 slow/fast, and to Mui Wo (Lantau) $10.50/$21. Note that all fares increase around 50% on Sundays and public holidays. ===By taxi=== '''Taxicabs''' are plentiful, clean and efficient. They were just recently (2003) rated as the cheapest of all big cities in the world. Not good news for the drivers, but good for the tourist. [http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/transport/taxis_table.html Fares] start at HK $15, and you can ride for 2 kilometres before additional $1.40 per 200m increments start ticking. A ride all the way across the island will cost no more than $80. By comparison, the same distance rides in NYC or London would be close to double. Also, no tipping is expected, although don't be alarmed if the fare is rounded up whilst receiving your change. You do not need to worry about having insufficient Hong Kong Dollars cash for the trip. Try to negotiate with the driver, and most of them will accept US Dollars and Euro notes. Life is made slightly more difficult by the fact that there are 3 [http://www.info.gov.hk/td/eng/transport/taxis_operating_area.html different flavors of taxi]. These can be distinguished by colour: '''red''' taxis serve the Island and Kowloon, and can also enter the New Territories, '''green''' taxis serve the New Territories (only) and '''blue''' taxis serve Lantau (only). In addition, red taxis are based in either the Island ''or'' Kowloon, and may refuse to take you to the ''wrong'' side — and if they do take you, they will charge you twice the bridge/tunnel toll so they can get back! But you can use this to your advantage by picking a taxi from homebound taxi rank in places like the Star Ferry pier or Hung Hom station. There are no extra late-night charges. Baggage will cost you $5 a pop (at least if the driver helps you with it) and naturally all tolls are payable. Wearing seat belts is the law, although most backseat passengers get away without. ===By car=== '''Renting a car''' is almost unheard of in Hong Kong, with reason as the traffic is heavy, the road network extremely complex and parking well nigh impossible... but if you must, expect to pay over $600/day for even a small car. ==Talk== Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese is the language spoken by 90% of the people in Hong Kong. Though Hong Kong is a former British colony, the degree of '''English proficiency''' is limited among non-professionals such as restaurant workers. However, most taxi drivers, street vendors, etc. are fluent enough for sufficient communication. English is fluently spoken among the business community and at tourist destinations such as hotels and certain restaurants. Most Hong Kongers are not fluent in Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin, but can comprehend it to a certain degree. Mandarin proficiency is increasing, especially after the reunification with the mainland. All official signs will contain English. Most shops and restaurants will also have English signage, though don't expect this from the more local or obscure establishments. ==Buy== The '''[http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/new_hk_banknotes/eng/index.htm Hong Kong dollar]''' is the common currency. The exchange rate is currently fixed at 7.8 HKD per 1 USD. Issued by several different banks, these multicoloured, and increasing in size, banknotes come in denominations of: *$10, green or purple *$20, grey or blue *$50, purple or green *$100, red *$500, brown *$1000, orange Some shops do not accept the $1000 note since there was a counterfeiting case several years ago. The notoriously heavy coins come in units of $10, $5, $2, $1, 50 cents, 20 cents and 10 cents. The use of the small coins and change has been reduced due to the innovation of the Hong Kong#Octopus card|Octopus card. Originally used just for transit payments for subways and buses, it now is used all over the city, for purchases in any amount at 7-11, McDonald's, fast food, pharmacies, copying machines, vending machines, etc. It has changed the speed and ease of small transactions in Hong Kong, and does away with many of the small coin transactions. ===Shop=== Hong Kong is still known as an excellent destination for shopping. The prices are comparably cheaper than the US, Europe or Japan. The variety is a lot better than in most Asian countries. Popular shopping items include consumer electronics, clothings, shoes, jewelleries, expensive brand names goods, Chinese antiques, toys and Chinese herbs/medicine. As a generalisation, the Hong Kong/Island|Island has the fancy name-brand aircon shopping malls (particularly near '''Causeway Bay'''), while Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon is the place to go for cheap open markets and the rip-off artists of '''Nathan Road'''. It's best not to buy goods from these shops selling electronics, cameras and gadgets as they are overpriced and deceptively sold (mostly to tourists). Compare prices before you buy. It would be safer to buy from large chain stores like [http://www.ibroadway.com.hk/address.php Broadway] or [http://fortress.com.hk/eng/home.asp Fortress]. ==See== See the stunning Hong Kong/Island|Island skyline seen from Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon. Take the [http://www.thepeak.com.hk/ Peak Tram], a train line going to the highest point on Hong Kong island for a great view of the natural landscape in stark contrast with the city (if it's not too cloudy). The tram also makes a few stops, so it's possible to go half-way and hike the winding roads on the sloping geography. Follow the signs from Central Station to find the Peak Tram. Also worth seeing are the parks near Central station, the Memorial Gardens, Statue Square and the Chater Gardens for a refreshing break, as well seeing the Cenotaph for the fallen soldiers of WWII. City hall is also nearby. A ten minute-walk away from Central is the [http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/hkzbg/en/index.php Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens], a small, free zoo with reptiles, primates, a jaguar, and rare and endangered birds and plants. Across from the World Trade Center near Causeway Bay, is the historical Noon Day Gun, deemed thus because it is fired off every day at noon. To access the Noon Day Gun enter the underground tunnel between the World Trade Center and the Excelsior Hotel and follow the signs. ===Local life=== The most effective way to know how Hong Kong people live is to experience the local life of an ordinary Hong Kong resident. * Spend half a day in a Public Housing Estate in the Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories. ===Traditional heritage=== There are many traditional heritage locations throughout the territory. * '''[http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/kwcp/en/index.php Kowloon Walled City Park]''' in Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon * '''[http://www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/ Hong Kong Heritage Museum]''' in Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories * '''[http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/hkwalks/ta_walk_walk4.jhtml Tsang Tai Uk]''' in Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories * '''[http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/hkwalks/ta_walk_walk4.jhtml Che Kung Temple]''' in Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories * '''[http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/hkiidistricts/ta_dist_taip3.jhtml Man Mo Temple and Fu Shin Street Traditional Bazaar]''' in Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories *'''Po Lin Monastery''' featuring the '''Tien Tan Buddha.''' To get to buddha take bus #2 from MTR Tung Chung or from Mui Wo station. The "Big Buddha" is 26.4 m tall and is the World's largest, uncovered, outdoor, bronze Buddha. The open hours are 10AM to 6PM. Entry to the Buddha is free, while there is a price for the vegetarian restaurant and museum. A snack is HK$ 23, a normal meal HK$ 60, and a deluxe meal is HK$ 100. ===Museums=== There are a variety of '''[http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/cs_mus_lcsd.php museums]''' in Hong Kong with different themes. ===Nature=== Hong Kong is not all skyscrapers, and it's worthwhile to go to the countryside, including the '''[http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newparks/eng/country/index.htm country parks]''' and '''[http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newmarine/eng/index.htm marine parks]'''. * Hong Kong/Outlying Islands|Lantau Island is two times as big as Hong Kong and is well worth checking out if you want to get away from the bright lights and pollution of the city for a spell. Here you will find open countryside, traditional fishing villages, secluded beaches, monasteries and more. You can hike, camp, fish and mountain bike, amongst other activities. ===Theme parks=== * The fifth Disneyland in the world will be opened in September 2005 on Lantau Island. * '''[http://www.oceanpark.com.hk/f_index.html Ocean Park]''' is a spectacular attraction of Hong Kong. Marine biodiversity in the Atoll Reef and Shark Tank just as breathtaking as Sea World of San Diego, and thrill rides will satisfy children and adults alike. However, it is often full of tourists from mainland China who often are lacking in manners and are loud and noisy. ===Seeing different sides of Hong Kong by Public Transport=== Travelling on a bus or a tram is ideal for looking at different sides of Hong Kong. Not only it is cheap to ride on a bus or a tram, it also allows you to see completely different lifestyles in different districts in a short time. Below are some recommended routes. ==== Bus ==== * '''[http://www.kmb.hk/english.php?page=search&prog=route_no.php&route_no=70 KMB Route 70]''' starts from the downtown in Jordan, Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon. It goes along Penisular Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon and heads up for the Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories in the North. Then it goes into Sha Tin new town. Afterwards it goes through Tai Po Road, where you can see many traditional Chinese villages and the sceneric Chinese University of Hong Kong. The bus further goes to Tai Po and you can see the traditional Market. After Tai Po, the bus again passes through the countryside and eventually reaches its terminus at Sheung Shui, which is near the Hong Kong - Shenzhen boundary. The journey takes 105 minutes and costs HK$8.20 for the whole journey with a traditional non air-conditioned bus. ==== Tram ==== * The Hongkong Tramways runs from the West to the East of Hong Kong Island. Starting from the old district '''Kennedy Town''', you can see the residental areas, followed by the Chinese herbal medicine wholesalers in '''Sai Ying Pun'''. Then the tram goes in the famous '''Central''' district with high rise commercial buildings and banks. '''Wan Chai''' and '''Causeway Bay''' are the districts popular with shoppers and are always crowded with people at all times. Travelling further east are '''North Point''' and '''Shau Kei Wan''' areas, which are of completely different styles from that in Central and Causeway Bay. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs only HK$2. ==Do== === Chinese and Western Festivals=== * [http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/festivals/he_fest_new.jhtml Chinese (Lunar) New Year] * [http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/festivals/he_fest_spri.jhtml Spring Lantern Festival] * [http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/festivals/he_fest_chin.jhtml Ching Ming Festival] * [http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/festivals/he_fest_cheu.jhtml Cheung Chau Bun Festival] * [http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/festivals/he_fest_drag.jhtml Tuen Ng Festival] * [http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/festivals/he_fest_mida.jhtml Mid Autumn Festival] * [http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/festivals/he_fest_chun.jhtml Chung Yeung Festival] * [http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/heritage/festivals/he_fest_wint.jhtml Winter Festival] * Christmas === Expos=== * [http://www.hkbpe.com.hk/hkpe2004/chi/index.htm Hong Kong Products Expo] ==Eat==  Perhaps the number one highlight of Hong Kong is the '''cuisine'''. Not only is it a showcase of traditional and modern Cantonese cuisine, the various regional cuisines from around China, such as Teochew and Sichuan are all well represented.. There are also excellent Asian and Western restaurants as well. Above all, Hong Kong is known for its '''dim sum''' (??), delicately prepared morsels of Cantonese cuisine served from a neverending procession of carts and eaten with tea. Dim sum is usually eaten for breakfast or lunch and is often the focus of family get-togethers on Sundays. The best place to have local style Dim Sum is in a public housing estate in the New Territories. Chinese restaurants in tourist districts, in fact, are expensive. You can never be able to have Dim Sum in completely Hong Kong style in a Chinese restaurant in tourist districts. ===Budget=== '''Cooked food centres''' (''Dai Pai Dong'' ???) provide economic solutions to diners, and they are popular with local citizens. There are many cooked food centres in various districts. '''[http://www.fehd.gov.hk/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/Markets_CFC_list.html Wet markets]''' are still prevalent. Freshness is a key ingredient to all Chinese food, so frozen meat and vegetables are frowned upon, and most markets display freshly butchered '''beef and pork''' (with entrails), live fish in markets, and more '''exotic shellfish''', '''frogs''', turtles and snails. Maids who cook for their employers usually go to the market everyday to buy fresh ingredients, just like the restaurants. Regular supermarkets: * [http://www.wellcomehk.com/ Wellcome] * [http://www.parknshop.com/ Park N Shop] * [http://www.crc-shop.com/ CRC Shop] Western gourmet supermarkets: * [http://www.citysuper.com.hk/ CitySuper] 24 hour convenience stores 7-Eleven and Circle K can be found anywhere: * [http://www.7-eleven.com.hk/ 7-Eleven Hong Kong] * [http://www.circlek.com/ Circle K Hong Kong] ===Splurge=== Hong Kong also has a staggering range of international restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world. These can often be found in, though not restricted to, entertainment districts such as Lan Kwai Fong, Soho or Knutsford Terrace. A useful resource is '''[http://www.eatdrinkhongkong.com/ Eat Drink Hong Kong]'''. ==Drink==  Image:LanKwaiFong_Night.JPG|thumb|240px|Hong Kong/Island#Drink|Lan Kwai Fong at night '''Drinking''' has not been something the locals were big on in the past - unless you're talking hugely overpriced XO brandy - but it is becoming much more popular with the younger generation. Thanks to the large numbers of western expats there are plenty of places for them to go and drink, especially on the Hong Kong/Island#Drink|Island side. The traditional hotspot for both eating and drinking with westerners is '''Lan Kwai Fong''' in Central. '''Wan Chai''' is also fun, if slightly sleazier with numerous girly bars along Lockhart Road, while Causeway Bay and Eastern Soho out beyond Quarry Bay offer a less touristy (if still distinctly upmarket) experience. '''Knutsford Terrace''' is a popular drinking and dining spot in Kowloon but there are many other places in and around Tsim Sha Tsui. Some of them can get pretty expensive though - up to USD10 for a drink in some places! This is not the place to come if you're a real ale fan. Although some local companies - notably the South China Brewing And Bicycle Repair Company - do attempt it, the climate is far from ideal. Stick to Hoegaarden instead, which is tasty and widely available. To really go to town, spend a few hundred HK$ drinking in the Hong Kong/Kowloon#Drink|Felix bar at the top of the Peninsula Hotel, Kowloon-side. Possibly the best view in the world, especially from the gents'! Of course you can get a cold lager - usually Chinese ''Tsing Tao'' (pronounced 'ching doe' in Cantonese), Carlsberg (they have a local brewery) or the Filipino brand San Miguel - pretty much anywhere, and off the beaten track it will be much cheaper. Look for the dark '''Hong Kong Beer'''. ==Sleep==  Accommodation in Hong Kong tend to be on the small side, probably one step larger than in Japan. However, there is a good '''range of rooms''' from USD $75 and up. Of course, Hong Kong being the affluent city in the 1980s, there are luxurious five star hotels, such as the Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La. As a rule of thumb, expensive luxury accommodation are on the Hong Kong/Island|Island while cheaper digs can be found in Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon and Hong Kong/New Territories |New Territories. Besides luxury five star hotels, there are also a variety of more afforadable hotels, guest houses and holiday camps. The government maintains an online list of licensed hotels and guesthouse. The online directory can be found [http://www.hadla.gov.hk/english/ here]. A few '''[http://www.yha.org.hk/eng/index.jsp Youth Hostels]''' are available in Hong Kong for booking, but most of them are located outside the city. The YMCA 'The Salisbury' is not a real YMCA, but rather a 3-4 Star hotel with nice rooms, private bathrooms and so on. Its location right at the southern end of Kowloon (and next door to the Peninsula) makes this an ideal place to stay for budget-minded travellers. ==Learn== The tertiary/post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong are * '''[http://www.cityu.edu.hk/ City University of Hong Kong]''' * '''[http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/ Chinese University of Hong Kong]''' * '''[http://www.polyu.edu.hk/ Hong Kong Polytechnic University]''' * '''[http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/ Hong Kong Baptist University]''' * '''[http://www.ied.edu.hk/ Hong Kong Institute of Education]''' * '''[http://www.ust.hk/ Hong Kong University of Science and Technology]''' * '''[http://www.ln.edu.hk/ Lingnan University]''' * '''[http://www.hku.edu.hk/ The University of Hong Kong]''' There is a large movement for the Cantonese speaking folks to learn Mandarin, because of more links with and visitors from mainland China. ==Work== You need a '''work visa''' in Hong Kong to be paid, and until recently one spouse with a work visa automatically allowed the other spouse to work. As of July 2003, this has changed so that the spouse does not get the privilege, and must be sponsored by an employer. This was largely a reaction to the economic slump and high unemployment. Some fear it will make Hong Kong less attractive to expats. ==Stay safe== As large international cities go, Hong Kong is one of the '''safest''', in terms of crime and personal safety. However it does have its share of '''petty crime''', but it can be avoided with some street smarts. Watch your purse and wallet at all times. When in restaurants, do not sling your pack or purse behind your chair. Clutch any bags or purses in front of you when on the buses and railways. In Hong Kong, the emergency number for [http://www.info.gov.hk/police Police], Fire and Ambulance is 999. ==Stay healthy== One of the oddest causes of sickness are the '''extreme temperature changes''' between the 35°C (95°F) humid weather and the 18°C (65°F) air-conditioned buildings and malls. As a result, some folks get '''cold symptoms''' after moving between the two extremes so much. It is not unusual to have to don a sweater or covering once indoors to stay warm. '''Tap water''' is safe to drink. But it is a cultural habit that most local people boil or filter the water first, or buy inexpensive bottled water. Because of recent concerns about '''SARS''', there are hygiene stations around town, which have hand sanitising gel and alcohol sprays. You're wise to use them in busy areas such as shopping malls, lifts and public areas, just to be safe. As always, check with your national board of health or travel before you go to ensure you have the proper immunizations against local disease that may not be common in your area. ==Respect== Westerners say Hong Kong can be a pretty rude city with the large crowds, pushing, shoving, and crowdedness — similar to New York City or London. However, it can be best described as hurried and efficient, but not mean spirited. Most folks know a modicum of English, since it was a British colony, so you don't have to worry about offending anyone by speaking English. However, it really depends on where you are in Hong Kong, some people do resent foreigners a bit and will call white people ''gwai lo'' (ghost/devil) behind their backs. However, unlike certain other offensive racial names, this one has largely lost its negativity. ===Manners and Etiquette=== Manners are very important to Chinese. However, their ideas of good and bad manners are completely different to Western ideas. For example, it's somewhat acceptable to chomp and slurp your food, talk quite loudly in public, or point out to someone how fat they are — and don't expect a "thank you" if you hold a door for someone. ==Contact== Hong Kong has '''communications facilities''' as modern as any in the world. Postal services are quick, and '''cyber cafes''' can be found, though they tend to be Internet gaming parlours rather than ones catering to expats and backpackers. Pacific Coffee shops have '''free Internet terminals''' that you can use. Some high-traffic areas in the MTR have free Internet terminals provided, allowing 15 minutes of free use. If you have a '''GSM telephone''', you can easily buy a prepaid SIM card to use in your phone. It can be bought with cash — no passport or any identification is needed. Since mobile phone penetration rate here is over 90%, you will quickly find it a necessity. There are many mobile network operators in Hong Kong selling prepaid SIM cards. * '''[http://www.peoples.com.hk/p_prepaid_local_iso.jsp Peoples]''' * '''[http://www.smartone.com.hk/jsp/1/1_7/1_7_7/1_7_7.jsp Smartone]''' * '''[http://www1.nwmobility.com/html/eng/productservices/stored-valuecard/servicedetails_1.jsp New World Mobility]''' * '''[http://dualband.three.com.hk/website/template?pageid=d291c0&lang=eng 3 Hong Kong]''' * '''[http://prepaid.hkcsl.com/ehome.html CSL] You can purchase these SIM cards in any convenience stores. ==Get out== * Macau, the former Portuguese colony and present gambling haven is just an hour away by ferry. * Shenzhen, mainland China boomtown just across the border can be reached by KCR Eastrail in about 40 minutes. * Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province can be reached by Through Train within 1h30 and 2h depending on the train. * Taipei, can be reached by air in approximately an hour. ==External links== * [http://www.gohk.gov.hk/ Go HK]: Tourist attractions in Hong Kong * [http://www.hktourismboard.com/ Hong Kong Tourism Board] * [http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1136.html Hong Kong Consular Information Sheet, U.S. Dept. of State] fr:Hong Kong ro:Hong Kong WikiPedia:Hong Kong First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

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