Explore Hong Kong
Situated on China’s south coast between the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, Hong Kong a former British colony is one of the economic powerhouses of Asia. It is one of the two special administrative regions of the Peoples’ Republic of China, the other being Macau.
First time visitors to Hong Kong are greeted with sights of huge gleaming skyscrapers and a dense mass of humanity that inhabit this city-state. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It has a land area of 1104 sq. km and is home to some 7 million people.
Hong Kong was a former British Colony (1842-1997). Enriched by a rich Asian cultural past and over 100 years of colonial rule, Hong Kong is a vibrant city where you find multiple cultural personalities and is a major tourist destination for the affluent Chinese from main land China.
It is also a major hub in terms of trade and commerce in East Asia that is linked to almost ever major city in the world. This city attracts diverse cultural influences from people from various destinations across the globe.
About 95% of the population of Hong Kong are Chinese, the rest are an ethnic mix of Indian, Pakistani and Nepalese. A significant amount of people from Australia, Europe, Japan and USA also call Hong Kong their home. Hong Kong has four distinctive seasons with temperatures in winter dropping to a chilly 10 degrees Celsius to a summer high of 33 degrees Celsius. The peak tourist seasons are between Oct – Dec and Jan – March.
Regions:
Hong Kong is divided into districts.
Hong Kong Island (Central, East Coast and South Coast):
The wealthiest of the regions in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Island was the site of the original British settlement. Gleaming with skyscrapers along the Northern coastline, the area is the most modern part of Hong Kong.
Kowloon:
Kowloon was once the most densely populated areas in the world. Today it is a chaotic mix of malls, shopping centers, street markets and residential tenements. It lies on a peninsula south of Hong Kong Island and is the most populous area in Hong Kong.
New Territories:
It’s a mountainous terrain containing small towns and villages. It’s also densely populated and one can find farms and industrial areas in this region.
Lantau:
Home to the famous and one of world’s best airports, Lantau is famous for its great peaks, wild landscapes and some fantastic beaches.
Outlying Islands:
Most of the islands that surround Hong Kong are named as Outlying islands. Some are inhabited while others are just rocks jutting out of the sea. Some of these outlying islands are weekend destinations for the locals.
Highlights:
Victoria Peak:
Get a spectacular view of the city atop the “Wok shaped Peak Tower”. You could either take the Peak Tram or a bus to get to the Peak. The view of the city from there is absolutely stunning. Whilst there do visit the Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Another place to experience is SCREAM-Hong Kong’s first and permanent scary attraction.
Victoria Harbor:
Take a ride aboard the Star Ferry to enjoy stunning views of the sights around the harbor around the day or the nightly “A Symphony of Lights” show featuring the buildings around the harbor.
Avenue of Stars:
Hong Kong has almost a 100 years history of film making. It’s generally regarded the Hollywood of the East. Located along Tsim Sha Tsui near the Energy pulsating Victoria Harbor, the Avenue of Stars features commemorative plaques, kiosks with movie memorabilia and a life-size statue of the Legendary Bruce lee. It also showcases handprints of movie celebrities, descriptive milestones and a towering Hong Kong Film Awards statuette.
The Giant Buddha:
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to the Giant Buddha situated atop the Ngong Ping plateau on the Lantau Island. This majestic figure of the seated Buddha took 12 years to build. It attracts thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all across the world.
Cat Street and Man Mo temple:
Great place to find antiques and curios. The Man Mo temple dedicated to the Goddess of Literature. Location: Hong Kong Island.
Lan Kwai Fong and Soho:
This is the place for night clubs, bars and western style restaurants. A place where every ‘night owl’ would head to after the lights go down. Hong Kong Island.
Jumbo Kingdom:
One of the largest floating restaurants in the world designed like a Chinese palace and can accommodate 2300 guests. They excel in the preparation of sea food for the discerning diner. Hong Kong Island.
Ocean Park:
One of Hong Kong islands most favourite locations, the Ocean park features rides, conservation facilities and exhibits and covers an area of 870,000 square meters of land.
The Repulse Bay:
Located on the Hong Kong Island, the Repulse bay has one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. It’s an upmarket area that is home to designer labels, award winning restaurants and luxury hotels.
Cheung Sha Wan road, Fashion Street and Apliu street:
Great shopping bargains with designer labels at wholesale prices. Located in Kowloon, the famous Apliu Street is a flea market where the shopper can look deep and find some great bargains.
Ladies market:
Another shopping paradise that offers a variety of designer clothes, handbags and toys. Located in Kowloon.
Temple street night market:
A shopping paradise for men offering amazingly inexpensive deals on men’s clothing, accessories, gadgets, watches etc. Located in Kowloon.
Jade market:
Located in Kowloon discover Jade - a symbol of purity and beauty. This precious stone is traded in the Jade market.
Hong Kong Disneyland:
Located in Lantau, The park has four themed attractions and two themed Luxury hotels.
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