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- This vibrant, bustling city of seven million people occupies a
mere 1,100 square kilometers. But don't let its small size fool
you; Hong Kong is a giant on the world stage. The densely
populated area is not only a major international center of finance
and trade, it is also one of the world's most open and dynamic
economies.
Located on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta on the
southeastern coast of China, facing the South China Sea in the
south and bordering Guangdong Province in the north, it is the
perfect gateway to China.
Occupied by Britain in 1841, the territory remained a British
colony until 1997 when it was returned to Chinese sovereignty
and became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the
People's Republic of China.
Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy for the next
50 years following the change of sovereignty, as stipulated in its
mini-constitution the Basic Law. Under the one country, two
systems policy, it has its own legal system, currency and
immigration laws but has no say in foreign and defense affairs.
The official language is Cantonese, which is spoken by most of
the population. But English is also widely used . In fact, signs
and directions are written in both Chinese and English.
Getting around is a breeze, thanks to the territory's extensive
public transport system.
The city's rail network, which practically covers the whole area,
carries a large part of the daily passenger load. It is fast,
convenient and always on time. If you want to get from one spot
to another in a hurry, taking the train is the way to go.
An alternative is the double decker buses. These are numbered
according to their respective routes with their destinations
prominently displayed on the front of the vehicles.
Another mode of transport which is popular with the public is the
mini light buses. Tourists, however, are not advised to take
these unless they speak Chinese as directions are given only in
the local language.
Hong Kong enjoys a mild climate the whole year round. The
weather is cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring
through summer and warm and sunny in fall.
As far as religious freedom is concerned, Hong Kong is a
paradise; every major religion is practised here.
As for safety, Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world.
One can walk the streets alone even late at night without fear of
being mugged or robbed. While there there are always
exceptions to the rule especially in big cities, attacks on tourists
in Hong Kong are isolated cases and very rare.
The Giant Buddha on Lantau Island is one of many sights Hong
Kong has to offer the tourist.. Weighing 250 tons and measuring
34 meters high, the bronze statue is the world's tallest sitting
buddha. Other places worth visiting, to name a few, are Ocean
Park and HK Disneyland.
Hong Kong is one of the great cities of the world. It is also one of
the most expensive places on earth in which to live.
But despite the "expensive" tag, hundreds of thousands of
tourists visit the territory every year for a bit of shopping. For
many, it's the shopping experience of a lifetime. Hong Kong, after
all, is a shopper's paradise.
Vibrant, Bustling Hong Kong
...or experience the thrills offered at Ocean Park and Hong
Kong Disneyland..
Kong Disneyland..
Hong Kong...one of the great cities of the world.
The majority of tourists come here for one reason only:
shopping.
shopping.
Others visit the place to sample the local culinary delights....
Many come to see the sights, like the Great Buddha which, at
34 metres high, is the world's tallest sitting Buddha.
34 metres high, is the world's tallest sitting Buddha.
Language: The official languages are Cantonese and English.
Population: 6.9 million (July 2006)
Visa: Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong visa-free
for between seven days and six months (check with any Chinese
embassy or consulate)
Climate: Subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and
rainy from spring through summer and warm and sunny in fall.
Time: Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT+8)
Electricity: Electricity is supplied throughout the city at 220 volts
AC, 50HZ. Inexpensive adaptors for 100-volt appliances and
electrical equipment are easily available in local shops.
Weights & Measures: Hong Kong uses the metric system.
Population: 6.9 million (July 2006)
Visa: Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong visa-free
for between seven days and six months (check with any Chinese
embassy or consulate)
Climate: Subtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and
rainy from spring through summer and warm and sunny in fall.
Time: Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT+8)
Electricity: Electricity is supplied throughout the city at 220 volts
AC, 50HZ. Inexpensive adaptors for 100-volt appliances and
electrical equipment are easily available in local shops.
Weights & Measures: Hong Kong uses the metric system.
| Facts & Figures |