Hong-Kong is one of the great economic cities in the world, and is considered more similar to Japan – at least in terms of architecture – than to China. There are many sights in the city, particularly skyscrapers, futuristic architecture and Taoist temples. A few years ago, security was a problem in Hong Kong; Nowadays, authorities have made great strides to re-establish and maintain a high level of security, especially in the lively centre of the city.
Start in “The Central”, the main business district where you can find futuristic buildings, symbols of the economic power of the island.
You can find restaurants, shops, and hotels that fit all budgets. Hong Kong one of the ideal cities for a shopping adventure!
Kowloon side and Po Lin
The north of the island is interesting, with its Kowloon Quarter, which houses dozens and dozens of small boutiques for souvenir shopping. To the west, the Po Lin monastery is a mandatory visit to admire the bronze Buddha, which, at 34 metres, stands at the entrance of the temple. The New Territories is home to a temple whose Buddha statues number greater than 10,000.
The Bay of Hong-Kong is one of the most beautiful in the world; despite the endless stream of commercial ships, it provides a breathtaking sight at sunset. In the above section a photo shows a traditional boat sailing in Hong Kong’s famous bay.
Due to rapid urbanization, pollution is everywhere in the city. The best time to visit is between November and December because of the archipelago’s temperate climate during this season. Victoria is considered the centre of Hong Kong, and it is a seeming extension of China. Among the notable skyscrapers is that of the Bank of China, a varitable geometric feat. Along the same lines, you can notice the Foster tower’s tribute to British architecture. Its construction was one of the most expensive of the 20th century. Kowloon is ideal for tourists because of its concentration of tourist activities, such as sightseeing, shopping, and cultural activities.
Mixing old and new
The architecture of Hong-Kong is a balance between the modern and the traditional. A great piece of evidence is the pagoda in the Tiger Balm Garden (above). You might think, looking at it, that it is several centuries old, but it was a 20th-century creation of the inventor of Tiger Balm, a multi-use product created in the same century.
If you want beaches and to bask in the sun, take a ride to Lantau Island, which houses a multitude of beaches that sometimes can be found deserted. One of the best is Repulse Bay, but avoid visiting on the weekends when all of Hong Kong turns out to relax.
Despite its reputation as a dormintory community, the New Territories, too, has some of the most beautiful trails suitable for hiking. Hong Kong itself is an archipelago of 234 islands, the majority of which aren’t as notable. However, if you have time, some are peaceful havens, something hard to come by in downtown Hong Kong.
Animal and plant life are equally visible with the macaques and rhesus monkeys that can be found on many of the archipelago’s islands. Because of Hong Kong’s population density, the most common – and best – form of transportation is to walk, otherwise one can be caught up in traffic jams for the better part of a day.
There are hotels of all prices in Hong Kong, but the prices can often be high. If you are looking for accommodation at a lower price, choose the establishments farther away from downtown. The distance can make for difficulties, but the savings can be significant.
There are hundreds of restaurants that offer all different types of Asian foods, but the best value can be found with street vendors. Hong Kong does not have its own artistic identity, but it still houses works from many different Chinese regions.
The culture across the archipelago is primarily influenced by Taoism; ceremonies and rituals can give insight into the fervor found across the many temples. Despite the influence of China, the uniqueness of Hong Kong allows for great liberty in terms of culture and religion. You can equally admire the different ceremonies of the Philippines and of India, for example, due to the increase in the immigrant population. The nightlife is an occasion for those in Hong Kong to practice their passion for karaoke across the many karaoke clubs in the islands.
Budget for one week: Around 1,100 euros
Taxes and gratuity: Tips are given for satisfactory services or as a compliment. There is occasional price negotiation.
Currency: Hong Kong dollar
Spoken and/or Official Language: Chinese (Mandarin), Cantonese, English
Area: 1,104 km²
Population: More than 7 million
Int. Dialing code: +852
Electricity: 220V / 50Hz, 2 types of plugs:
- Type G (English style with 3 flat prongs in a V) BS 1363 up to 13 amperes.
- Type M (South African style with 3 flat prongs in a V)
Type BS 546 : 15A/250V.
Visas: It’s not necessary to have a visa for Hong Kong for a stay of less than three months if you are a citizen of France, Switzerland, Canada or Belgium. For a stay of more than 3 months, visit a Chinese embassy and bring at least 35 Euros per person to acquire a visa.
Medical requirements: No vaccinations are required except a non-Malarial certificate for those coming from areas with Malaria prevalence. Tap water is not often drinkable.
Main Attractions: Area islands, the Cantonese opera, Two International Finance Centre, shopping.
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