HONG KONG - Info & Facts
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Suggested length of stay
Hong Kong is a classic mix of east meets west culture and heritage, providing an array of experiences, all in a compact region. Exploring Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories with the mix of world renowned cuisine, vast array of shopping malls and street markets, serene temples and exciting nightlife can be done over 3 - 5 days. Beyond the more traditional aspects of Hong Kong are over 260 outlying islands that offer opportunities for nature walking and island hopping and a different aspect to Hong Kong that many visitors do not see.
Modes of transport
Air
As a major gateway to China and an international hub, Hong Kong is serviced by many major airlines. Hong Kong International Airport is located on Lantau Island and getting in to Hong Kong is easy, convenient and relatively inexpensive. The MTR high-speed Airport Express links the airport and Hong Kong Station in just over 20 minutes and trains run every 12 minutes. Alternatively, ask your consultant about private transfers direct to your hotel.
Getting Around
Due to its geographical compact nature, it is easy to get around in Hong Kong and public transport is one of the world’s most efficient, safe and affordable. Options include rail, taxi, ferry, tram or bus and each allow a glimpse of this amazing city and city life along the way. Getting around in Hong Kong is part of the experience.
Rail
Hong Kong’s MTR underground rail network is clean, fast, efficient and inexpensive. It is an excellent way to get to Hong Kong’s attractions and is easy to navigate. With fares ranging from HK$4 to HK$26 and the option of travel passes (ask for an Octopus card) it is a very easy way to get around.
Trams
Hong Kong’s trams are synonymous with the island itself and they still follow the same tracks travelled since 1904. Trams run east-west paths across Hong Kong Island and are a cheap way of getting around town, but most of all the upper decks offer fabulous views. Get on the tram on the back of the tram and you can pay a flat fare when you alight at the front. Octopus cards are also accepted.
The Peak, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hong Kong is also accessed by tram. The Lower Peak Terminus on Garden Road can be reached by bus from Central Pier 6 or Exchange Square.
Road
Taxis are a good choice for short distances. Most drivers speak English however is a good idea to have your destination written in Chinese characters.
Climate
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate and has distinct seasons. For most of the year the climate is temperate and seasons follow the northern hemisphere pattern and summer (late May to mid September) is hot and humid with temperatures between 26 and 32 degrees C. In spring and autumn temperatures drop and you may need a light jacket in the evening. Winter can be as cold as 10 degrees, with low humidity.
Geography
Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, Lantau Island and the New Territories. In addition there are over 260 other islands. The New Territories connects with mainland China northwards, across the Sham Chun River (Shenzhen River). Hong Kong borders the city of Shenzen in Guandong Province to the north.
The islands are in the South China Sea and while Lantau is the largest of the islands, Hong Kong Island is the second largest and the most populated.
Literally translated, the name Hong Kong means “fragrant harbour” and comes from the area around Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island where fragrant incense and wood products were once traded. Victoria Harbour is the body of water which separates Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and is one of the deepest natural maritime ports in the world.
Much of the territory remains undeveloped despite Hong Kong’s reputation for being a very developed urban environment. Within the territory there are many parks and nature reserves. Along the coastline there are also many bays, rivers and beaches.
Food
Hong Kong has a vast array of dining options, almost overwhelming in number and diversity. The classic Chinese restaurants are to be found everywhere, with some of the best in the major hotels and shopping complexes, most specialising in either one or more of Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechuan, Peking, or Shanghainese.
As you would expect from any international city, there are a host of other cuisines represented and the options for other cuisines, particularly Japanese, Italian and fusion cuisines are many.
Of course, no trip to Hong Kong would be complete without dim sum – these fabulous snacks that are served in traditional bamboo baskets are a delight and very inexpensive. Eaten for breakfast or lunch, with pots of Chinese tea, dim sum is a true local delight of Hong Kong.
Drinking water
It is not advisable to drink the tap water in Hong Kong. Bottled water is very widely available and very cheap.
A brief history
The region of Hong Kong was first incorporated in to Imperial China in the Qin Dynasty. Through the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty Hong Kong served as a trading post and naval base. The United Kingdom contact was established after the British East India Company founded a trading post in the nearby city of Canton.
The first occupation of Hong Kong Island by British forces was in 1841 during the First Opium War between China and Britain, a result of the refusal by Qing Dynasty authorities to import opium. The occupation was ceded from China at the end of the war in the Treaty of Nanking. A Crown Colony was established by the British at Victoria City. After China’s defeat in the Second Opium War, the Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutter’s Island were ceded to Britain. In 1898, Britain obtained a 99-year lease of the adjacent northern lands and Lantau Island. These became known as the New Territories.
The following period, in the late nineteenth century, Hong Kong was a major trading post of the British Empire and declared a free port of the British Empire. The European community of wealthy ‘tai-pans’ settled near Victoria Peak and had little to do with the local Chinese population.
The Empire of Japan invaded Hong Kong on 8th December, 1941 as part of the World War II military campaign and the Battle of Hong Kong ended with surrender by British and Canadian defenders to the colony of Japan on 25th December. The following Japanese occupation of Hong Kong saw civilian suffering from food shortages. The population declined from 1.6 million to 600,000 in 1945 when Japan’s defeat in the war saw Britain resuming control of the colony.
Subsequent migration due to the ongoing Chinese Civil War and the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China increased Hong Kong’s population. Hong Kong became the sole place of contact between mainland China and the western world.
The main industries were textile and manufacturing due to the low labour costs and the economy grew and became driven by exports.
In 1978, the People’s Republic of China introduced a set of economic reforms and Hong Kong became the main source of foreign investments to the mainland. Financial and banking sectors became increasingly dominant and displaced textiles and manufacturing.
The United Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984 as the least of the New Territories was due to expire in two decades. The declaration agreed to transfer the sovereignty back to the People’s Republic of China in 1997. Hong Kong would be governed as a special administrative region under the agreement, retaining its laws and a high degree of autonomy for at least fifty years after the transfer. On 1st July, 1997 the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong took place, marked by a handover ceremony. Much to many peoples surprise Hong Kong has actually changed little since the hand over of power back to the Chinese, it is still just a successful and vibrant as ever.
Visas
Nationals of most western countries, including Australia, do not require a visa to visit Hong Kong for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinse embassy or consulate for the latest status.
Money
Legal tender is the Hong Kong Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted and Travellers Cheques easily cashed in most banks. ATM’s are prevalent and many debit cards will work, however please check with your bank prior to departure if you are going to rely on ATM’s.
Health precautions
Please consult with your doctor at least 6 week before travel to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has world-class hospitals that provide outstanding care. Visitors are required to pay HKD$570 if they use the Accident and Emergency services in Hong Kong public hospitals. The Hong Kong Government assures visitors they will receive the emergency care they require. Charges can be billed at a later date however good medical insurance is always a good idea.
Australian High Commission, Hong Kong
High Commission address:
23 and 24/F Harbour Centre
25 Harbour Road
Telephone: ++ 2827 8881
Fax: ++ 2585 4457
e-mail Public-Affairs-acghadm@netvigator.com
Electricity
Electricity in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug.
Getting there
Non-stop flight time Sydney – Hong Kong approximately 9 hours.
Time difference GMT + 8 hours.
