Hong Kong
From MaxTravelz
Hong Kong (香港 Heūnggóng in Cantonese, Xiānggǎng 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 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 other world cities. But the small curious nooks, as well as the beautiful greenery and hiking trails, make it unique. The city is also known for its incredible efficiency as a result of its convenient transport, quick customer service and fast pace.
| Flag | |
 | |
| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Hong Kong |
| Government | Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China |
| Currency | Hong Kong dollar (HKD) |
| Area | total: 1,092 sq km water: 50 sq km land: 1,042 sq km |
| Population | 7,303,334 (July 2002 est.) |
| Language | Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official |
| Religion | eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10% |
Contents |
Understand
History
In January 1841, as a result of the defeat of the Ching Dynasty of China in the First Opium War, Hong Kong became a British colony, under the Convention of Chuen Pi. After the defeat of China in the Second Opium War, the Kowloon Penisular was ceded to Britain in 1860. In 1898, the New Territories — a rural area north of Boundary Street in Kowloon district — were leased to Britain for 99 years.
In 1984, the Chinese and British Governments signed the Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong, giving Hong Kong back to China effective 1 July 1997. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the Peoples Republic of China. Under the slogan "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong remains a capitalist economy without various restrictions that apply in mainland China such as news censorship and foreign exchange controls.
In accordance with the Joint Declaration, a Basic Law was enacted to serve in effect as a constitution for the Hong Kong SAR. In theory, Hong Kong enjoys "a high degree of autonomy" in most matters except foreign and defense affairs. In practice, it is more complex than that. Beijing exerts much influence and there are groups pushing for a more democratic regime.
Climate
Hong Kong is a little chilly in the Winter and hot and humid in the Summer. The best times of year to visit are thus Spring (March-April), when the average temperature is around 25°C and the climate is not too humid, and Fall between September and November. Typhoons usually occur between June and September and sometimes can bring a halt to local business activities for a day or less. The weather in winter is unstable. It can range from 12-22°C. JEWEL banglalink@mailbox.com
Festivals
Although this may seem like an ideal time to go to Hong Kong, many shops and restaurants close down during the Chinese New Year. However, unlike Christmas in Europe where you can hardly find shops open on this big day, you can still get food and daily products easily during Lunar New Year.
If you go to Victoria Park of Hong Kong Island, you will have a great excursion of this tradition Chinese festival. A great deal of beautiful lanterns can be found.
This festival in Spring is also known as grave sweeping day. As a tradition, members of the Chinese family go to the grave of their ancestors, sweep away the leaves and remove weeds around the grave area, with a view to showing repsect to the deceased. Paper offerings are also burned including fake money.
This is centered on the tiny island of Cheung Chau. In the past the festival has involved competitions with people climbing Bun Towers to snatch buns. After the accidental collapse of a bun tower in 1978 due to overload of people, the competition was abandoned. It was resumed in 2005 with new safety measures.
This is a festival in memory of a national hero.
This festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of August (Lunar calendar). Moon cakes are eaten, these contain a duck egg yolk.
Tourism
- Go HK: Tourist attractions in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Tourism Board
When to visit
The climate is ideal in October and November. The humidity is typically high in the Spring and even worse in the Summer, when extreme temperatures are often recorded. Rugby fans, and those wishing to party, should come during the weekend of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. During the Chinese New Year, whilst there are some extra celebrating events such as a lion dances, fireworks, and parades, many shops and restaurants are closed for an entire week. However, it is a good time for family reunions and paying visits to relatives.
Districts
Hong Kong is divided into a number of distinctly different districts.
- Hong Kong Island was the site of the original British settlement. The Northern part of the Island is densely populated. Because of the scarcity of land supply, you'll find most of Hong Kong's skyscrapers and the famous skyline along the northern coastline. The main business and nightlife districts, in addition to the government offices, can be found here. The southern part of the Island has more leisure facilities, with beautiful beaches and luxury residential complexes.
- Kowloon is the peninsula jutting down towards Hong Kong Island. It is the most populous area in Hong Kong, at one time the most densely populated place in the world.
- The New Territories, named by the British officials when leased from the Chinese government in 1898, are Hong Kong's residential hinterland.
- The Outlying Islands are the 234 other islands in the territory ranging from Lantau (twice the size of Hong Kong 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 a separate visa is required to enter mainland China from Hong Kong. Detailed visa requirements are available from the Immigration Department. Anyone arriving at Hong Kong International Airport and requiring an onward visa for Mainland China, during your stay in Hong Kong, will find a kiosk in the downstairs foyer that issues them. A photo will be required which I found the staff were only too willing to assist.
By plane
Internationally, there is a major way to get into Hong Kong — through the modern Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA or HKG) 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, and it has been named the Best Airport worldwide by Skytrax for the 5th consecutive year.
There are many direct flights to Hong Kong from every continent in the world except South America. Services to major neighboring Asian cities are extremely frequent: Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, Shanghai, Manila, Seoul, Bangkok and Beijing, etc. are all served with more than 10 and up to 40 flights a day. Major cities in Oceania, Europe and North America are all served with at least a daily flight, with Sydney having 5 daily flights, London 10, Frankfurt 2, Paris 2, Amsterdam 2, Los Angeles 3, San Francisco 3, Vancouver 3, New York 3, Chicago 2 and Toronto 2.
A new airline starting up in the summer of 2006, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines , says they will offer one-way tickets to various destinations in Europe for as low as HK$1000.
Hong Kong International Airport is the third busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic in Asia and the second busiest airport in terms of cargo traffic in the world.
There is a small but efficient post office in the airport which provides boxes, wrapping material, scissors and tape. It is located outside the security area.
It is faster to go to Hong Kong Central than it is to take a local bus to the village on Chek Lap Kok.
A complete transportation guide to Hong Kong International Airport is provided by the Transport Department.
Airport Express
Apart from taxi, the fastest local passenger transport to the airport is the Airport Express train that zips you in and out from the Kowloon and the Central district. The journey takes only 23 minutes, and there are plenty of baggage handling officers to help you get heavy bags on and off of the train. There is no need to tip them. Each way costs $60-$100, or a round trip for $110-$180, depending on the distance travelled. After arrival, free shuttle buses connecting to major hotels in Kowloon and Central are provided, or you can continue onward by MTR.
- The Airport Express Tourist Octopus 3-Day Hong Kong Transport Pass gives you an Octopus card (see Get Around) with $20 in value usable anywhere, 3 days of unlimited MTR travel, plus one ride on the Airport Express (for $220) or two (for $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 the Lantau Island or the New Territories. You can return the card after use to get back $50 deposit, or keep it for your next trip — any leftover value will remain valid for 3 years.
If three or more people are travelling together, the Airport Express is more expensive than travelling by taxi. If you will need to take a taxi to your hotel after arriving the Airport Express Station, consider a direct taxi trip instead.
Airbus
The various Airbuses are cheaper but slower bus services to the city. Lines A11 and A12 go to the Island ($40 and $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 airport website.
If you are on a budget, take an "E" route bus rather than the "A" routes bus, they take about 20 minutes longer (50-60 min instead of 35-40 min) and are about half price (E. g. HKD 21 for the E11 from Central). These 'External' buses are aimed more at airport workers, so make several detours around Tung Chung. They will give you a nice tour around the airport island.
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. Use the taxi with red body for destinations to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Green taxi is restricted to New Territories and Blue Taxi for Lantau Island
There is a large chart at the exit to the taxi stand, also available 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 intentionally take the longer route for the purpose of overcharging. The meter fare does not include the luggage fee and toll fee.
Taxis from the Airport to downtown 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 outbound 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), Central
- TurboJet, 24 hours a day to Macau
- China Ferry Terminal, 33 Canton Road (Tsim Sha Tsui MTR exit A1), Kowloon
- Chu Kong Shipping, to points throughout Guangdong and Guangzhou
- New World First Ferry, every 30 min to1111 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 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 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 around-the-clock 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 adjacent to Sheung Shui KCR Station. The 15-minute journey costs HK$22. It is seldom crowded with travellers even during holiday periods. 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
Kowloon Canton Railway runs regular Through Train service between Guangdong Province, Beijing and Shanghai. The through train terminus is Hung Hom Station on the Kowloon side, while the current terminus of the domestic service is East Tsim Sha Tsui station.
The destinations of the Intercity Passenger Service are Guangzhou (East), Dongguan, Foshan and Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province, as well as Beijing and Shanghai.
The online directory of Intercity Service of Kowloon Canton Railway provides information on the timetable and fare information of the Intercity Passenger Service.
Get around
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 Octopus payment card (八達通, Bat Dat Toong in Cantonese, with reference to a saying in Cantonese Sai Tung Bat Dat, which means convenient transport) is the heart of the public transport system. The Octopus is a technology proposed in 1992, developed since 1995 and usable since September 1997. It is a contactless smart card. Even inside the wallet or bag, you can tap on card readers and the right amount will be deducted from money stored. In addition to using for all forms of public transport (except taxi), it is also extensively accepted for payments in vitually all convenience stores, restaurant chains like McDonald's and Cafe de Carol, vending machines, all roadside parking and some car parks. Some housing estates and schools use the card for identification at entry.
When travelling by MTR, KCR, and some bus routes, payment by Octopus card always enjoys discount or rebate. It will always cost less to use Octopus card. As it has a fully refundable deposit on the card and on unused credit, it is highly advisable to get an Octopus card when in Hong Kong.
Basic adult Octopus card costs $150, $100 face value plus $50 deposit ($20 non-refundable), but a $7 service charge now applies if being refunded in less than 3 months.
In addition to the Airport Express Octopus (see above), you can also buy a 24-hour pass for $50 at any MTR station; however, this is valid only on MTR lines.
Octopus card allows you to 'debt' once, e.g. you may pay for a ride of $5 with a card of value $2 only, but you have to add value afterwards if you want to continue using it. You can add value to the card in MTR stations, KCR stations and also at all stores which accept Octopus card payment.
By metro
Hong Kong's 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 also provides a link to Hong Kong Disney Land via a change at Sunny Bay station.
Every MTR station has one Hang Seng Bank branch (except for the massive Hong Kong/Central station, which has two). Because they're a common feature, unambiguous and easy to find, they're a good place to tell people to meet you.
Note that in Hong Kong, a subway is an underground walkway, not an underground railway, as in most English speaking countries outside of North America.
By train
The 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 Star Ferry.
The KCR West Rail links up Nam Cheong, which is on the reclaimed 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, 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. A station called West Kowloon Station is due to open in 2007 or 2008.
By tram
Operated by 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 slower but the route along the length of Hong Islands centre is useful and with a flat fare of only $2, they're the cheapest sightseeing tour around.
In a league of its own is the 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 Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB), Citybus, New World First Bus and 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 as the traffic will allow (and then some). The Hong Kong Island green minibus #1 down from the Peak to Central is particularly exhilarating. The Transport Department provides a route list of green minibuses.
Kowloon Canton Railway also maintains its fleet of 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 more convenient.
Bus/minibus route numbering can also be a little bit of a mess for visitors, since buses/minibuses in different districts can have same route number. There are six domains in bus/minibus route numbering: bus in Hong Kong Island, bus in Kowloon/New Territories, bus in Lantau Island, green minibus in Hong Kong Island, green minibus in Kowloon and green minibus in New Territories. (Red minibus does not have a route number.) For example, there are six bus/minibus routes numbered #2. (Bus #2 in Hong Kong Island, bus #2 in Kowloon, bus #2 in Lantau Island, green minibus #2 in Hong Kong Island, green minibus #2 in Kowloon and green minibus #2 in New Territories)
Generally you need not to mention which district the route belongs to when you are asking for directions (almost all people will assume you will asking for the route which runs in the district you are in, e.g. if you ask for bus route #2, locals will assume you will asking for bus route #2 running in Kowloon if you are in Kowloon), but you really need to mention whether the route is bus or minibus when you ask, since in some cases both bus and minibus can have same route number in the same area which are actually different routes. (e.g. there are both bus route #6 and minibus route #6 in Tsim Sha Tsui, which are actually different routes.)
Known as Cross Tunnel Bus, buses link up Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The prefix of the bus number indicates the tunnel the bus uses to cross the harbour.
- Prefix 1 (e.g. route 101, 102, 103...) uses Cross Harbour Tunnel
- Prefix 6 (e.g. route 601, 603, 606...) uses Eastern Harbour Tunnel
- Prefix 9 (e.g. route 904, 905, 914...) uses Western Harbour Tunnel
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 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!). The competing service from Tsim Sha Tsui East to Central was terminated in late 2005.
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 the 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. 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. No tipping is expected, but the fare may be rounded up to the nearest dollar.
Drivers are required to provide change for HK $100 notes, but not for higher denominations. If you only have a $500 or $1000 note and are going through a tunnel, let the driver know beforehand and he will change it when paying at the toll booth.
Life is made slightly more difficult by the fact that there are three different flavors of taxi. These can be distinguished by colour: red taxis typically serve the Island and Kowloon, and some parts of the New Territories (for example Shatin), but they are permitted to travel all over Hong Kong except to Lantau Island; green taxis serve the New Territories (only), but with a slightly cheaper fare than red taxis; blue taxis serve Lantau (only). (You are unlikely to ever encounter a blue Taxi, as there are only about 50 of them in existence.) All three types of taxis can take you to the airport. When in doubt, just take a red taxi.
In addition, red taxis are based in either the Island or Kowloon, 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 homebound taxi from a cross-harbour taxi rank in places like the Star Ferry pier or Hung Hom station. In these cross-harbour taxi stands only single toll charge will be applied to the taxi fare.
There are no extra late-night charges. Baggage will cost you $5 a pop (but in practice almost never charged) and all tolls are payable. The wearing of seat belts is required by law.
All taxi's are radio equipped and can be reserved and requested via an operator for a token fee, payable to the driver. You are unlikely to need to call a taxi though as they are plentiful.
It is good practice to get a local person to write the name or address of your destination in Chinese for you to hand to the taxi driver, as most drivers do not speak sufficient English:- For example, if you wish to a journey back to your hotel, ask a receptionist for a compliment slip (with it's address on it), prior to going out.
By car
Renting a car is almost unheard of in Hong Kong, with the reasons being heavy traffic, extremely complex road network and parking well nigh impossible. However, if you must, even for a small car expect to pay over $600/day.
By cablecar
Ngong Ping Skyrail is a visually spectacular 5.7km cable car journey, travelling between Tung Chung Town Centre and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island.
Guests will enjoy some of the best views in Hong Kong, as their cable car cabin glides over the South China Sea and North Lantau Country Park on an amazing 20-25 minute experience. Ever-changing panoramic views include the Hong Kong International Airport, verdant, mountainous terrain of Lantau Island and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.
Ngong Ping Skyrail is going to operate since mid-2006.
Talk
Cantonese is the language spoken by 95% of the people in Hong Kong. Though Hong Kong is a former British colony, the degree of English proficiency is limited among non-professionals in those districts where more locals visit than tourists. However, others including most taxi drivers, street vendors, salesperson etc. are fluent enough for sufficient communication, especially at tourist destinations such as hotels and certain restaurants. English is fluently spoken among the business community.
Most locals are not fluent in Mandarin, but can comprehend it to a certain degree. Mandarin proficiency is increasing, especially after the reunification with the mainland.
All official signs are bilingual, in both Chinese (Traditional) and English. Most shops and restaurants also have English signage, though don't expect this from the more local or obscure establishments.
Buy
The Hong Kong dollar is the common currency. The official exchange rate is fixed at 7.80 HKD to 1 USD, although bank rates may fluctuate slightly. Issued by several different banks (where the three major ones are HSBC [a.k.a. Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Corporation], Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China) and with different versions in which the style varies a lot, 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, gold
Although some shops do not accept the $1000 note since the counterfeiting case several years ago.
The coins come in units of
- $10, in bronze/silver, circular
- $5, in silver, circular, thicker
- $2, in silver, wavey-circular
- $1, in silver, circular, thinner
- 50c, in bronze, circular, larger
- 20c, in bronze, wavey-circular
- 10c, in bronze, circular, smaller
varying in a descending size (except $10 coin)
One from other places may be surprised of the variety of different versions of banknotes issued by different note-issuing banks. You may want to have a quick look of it here (not including the new banknotes). Since September 1997, the use of the small coins and change has been reduced due to the innovation of the 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 convenience shops, fast food stores, pharmacies, 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, especially with no sales tax on anything. The variety is a lot better than in most Asian countries. Popular shopping items include consumer electronics, custom clothings, shoes, jewelleries, expensive brand names goods, Chinese antiques, toys and Chinese herbs/medicine.
As a generalisation, the Island has the fancy name-brand air-con shopping malls (particularly near Causeway Bay), while 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 Broadway or Fortress.
Hong Kong people themselves often shop for some things in Shenzhen just over the border into China.
- Special Souvenir
Before leaving Hong Kong, at the International Airport, you may find a shop selling dragon beard candy with icy-crispy taste and texture. It was a dessert for emperor many years ago. Thousands of sugar thread are made by hands in minutes at Bamboo Garden. It may be a good choice to bring Chinese traditional delicacy home.
- Shopping Centers
Hong Kong is full of shopping centers. Here are some of them
- Harbour City - Huge Shopping Center in Tsim Sha Tsui on Canton Road, to get there take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui, or take the Star Ferry
- Pacific Place - also a big shopping centre. Take the MTR to Admiralty
- Festival Walk - A big shopping center with a mix of expensive brands and smaller chains. There is also an ice skating rink there.
- Landmark- All the luxury brands have shops here Gucci, Dior, Fendi, Vuitton, etc. Central, Pedder Street
- APM- All new 24Hr Shopping Center in Kwun Tong
- IFC Mall - Located next to the Star Ferry and Outlying Islands Ferry Piers. Has many luxury brand shops, a cinema with very comfortable seating and superb views across the harbour from the rooftop.
- Streetmarkets
Hong Kong has a lot of street markets. Some of them just selling regular groceries, others clothes, bags or even electronics.
- Ladies Market - mostly clothes, toys, souvenirs, gadgets
- Flower Market - Prince Edward
- Goldfish Market- a whole street full of shops selling small fish in plastic bags and accesoires Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok
- Bird Market - MTR Station Prince Edward, exit "Mong Kok Police Station". Walk down Prince Edward Road West until you reach Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
- Jade Market
- Temple Street
- Seafood Street - Sai Kung
- Apliu Street
See
See the stunning Hong Kong Island skyline from Kowloon.
Victoria Peak
Overlooking Hong Kong Island is Victoria Peak with it's giant, Wok shaped building. It is a beautiful site. Within the building are shops,restaurants,museums and viewing points.
Horse Racing
The racing season runs from September to June, during which time meetings take place twice weekly, the location alternating between Shatin in the New Territories and Happy Valley near Wan Chai. Of these, Happy Valley is the more convenient and more impressive location.
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. Go visit a public housing estate and a private one in a row, you witness the difference of rich and poor; go visit a fresh food market and a larger supermarket called "superstore", you witness struggle between small retailers and corporations; go visit one of the small shopping malls in Mongkok, you witness teenagers spend their pocket money on overpriced sneakers and "BAPE" products. Just wander and observe - and don't worry - most areas in town are quite secure.
It is rather sad that most tourists only hang around the several tourist districts. However, it is very worthwhile to go to some more Hongkongish places like Ladies Street, Temple Street, Seafood Street, Apliu Street and so on, which a list of so may be retrieved through the website DiscoverHongKong.com, the official site of the Hong Kong Tourist Board.
Traditional heritage
There are many traditional heritage locations throughout the territory.
- Kowloon Walled City Park in Kowloon City, Kowloon
- Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Shatin, New Territories
- Tsang Tai Uk in the New Territories
- Che Kung Temple in the Sha Tin, New Territories
- Man Mo Temple and Fu Shin Street Traditional Bazaar in the New Territories
- Po Lin Monastery and the Tien Tan Buddha Statue on Ngong Ping, Hong Kong/Lantau.
Museums
There are a variety of museums in Hong Kong with different themes, but to be honest, the people on the streets seem offer more insights than the exhibits in these government-run museums.
Nature
Hong Kong is not all skyscrapers, and it's worthwhile to go to the countryside, including the country parks and marine parks.
- 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.
- Sai Kung is also a worthwhile place to visit, for its hilly geographic features. If you like challenging, try going onto the Sharp Peak (Am She Tsim in Cantonese)
Theme parks
- Hong Kong Disneyland opened on September 12, 2005. It is on Lantau Island.
- Ocean Park is on the southern side of Hong Kong island. With roller coasters and large aquarium altogether, it's still packed on weekends with families and tourists after opening to public for 30 years.
The cablecar is an icon and an essential link between the two parts of the park. The views of the South China Sea from the car is always terrific.
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
- KMB Route 70 starts from the downtown in Jordan, Kowloon. It goes along Peninsular Kowloon and heads through the New Territories. 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
- Take a tram jouney on Hong Kong Island.
The tram system running on Hong Kong Island is a relic of the British administration. A trip on a tram is a perfect way to have a leisurely tour around Hong Kong Island's major streets. Fares are relatively cheap, about 2 HK dollars per trip.
Fireworks
See the fireworks over the Harbour from Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. Fireworks are often organized in major festivals (e.g. the Lunar New Year). And in normal days, you may also see the Symphony of Lights, staged every night at 8:00pm, which is the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" as recognized by the Guinness World Records.
Do
Hiking
There are four major trails in Hong Kong.
- Lantau Trail on Lantau.
- Hong Kong Trail on Hong Kong Island.
- Maclehose Trail through the New Territories.
- Wilson Trail starting on Hong Kong Island and finishing on the New Territories.
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.
Residents tend to eat out alot more than in other countries. Perhaps because of this eating out can be fairly cheap, as long as you stick to local restaurants, and avoid the often overpriced western counterparts.
Above all, Hong Kong is known for its dim sum (點心), 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 are expensive. You will never be able to experience an authentic Hong Kong style Dim Sum meal in a tourist district.
A uniquely Hong Kong-style eatery starting to make waves elsewhere in Asia is the cha chaan teng (茶餐廳), literally "tea cafe", but offering fusion fast food that happily mixes Western and Eastern fare: innovations include noodles with Spam, stir-fried spaghetti and baked rice with cheese. Usually a wide selection of drinks is also available, almost always including the popular tea-and-coffee mix yuanyang (鴛鴦), and perhaps more oddities (to the Western palate) like boiled Coke with ginger or iced coffee with lemon. Orders are usually recorded on a chit at your table and you pay at the cashier as you leave.
Budget
Cooked food centres (Dai Pai Dong 大牌檔) provide economic solutions to diners, and they are popular with local citizens. There are many cooked food centres in various districts.
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:
Western gourmet supermarkets:
24 hour convenience stores 7-Eleven and Circle K can be found anywhere.
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.
Barbecue
Barbecue (normally spelt BBQ) is a popular local pastime. Many areas feature free public barbecue pits.
Drink
Drinking has not been something the locals were big on in the past 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 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 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!
To really go to town, spend a few hundred HK$ drinking in the Felix bar at the top of the Peninsula Hotel, Kowloon-side. Possibly the best view in the world, especially from the gents'!
Popular lagers include Tsing Tao (pronounced 'ching doe') or San Miguel.
Imported San Miguel is better than the locally produced variety. More expensive bars end will likely serve this, but at others you may have to specifically ask for "Philippine San Miguel" (and pay more) At the lower end only locally stuff will be available. Imported bottles can be easily distinguished as they have brown glass with white frosted lettering. Locally filled bottles use a label.
One of the best way to drink in Hong Kong is to have a walk around all the bars first and have a look which ones are doing special offers and what time they run Happy Hour. Most bars have a Happy Hours, which makes for a more cost effective way to drink. Also keep in mind the races on a Wednesday night at Happy Valley race course, you only pay $10hk for entry and pay around $100 for a jug of beer. Also Wednesday nights is ladies night, during which many bars in Wan Chai give free drinks to the ladies.
The legal drinking age is 18. Public drunkeness is rare.
Sleep
Accommodation in Hong Kong tend to be on the small side, probably one step larger than in Japan. Accommodation ranging from cheap backpacker hostels to the ritziest luxury hotels can be found in the city. As a rule of thumb, expensive luxury accommodation are on Hong Kong Island while cheaper digs can be found in Kowloon and the New Territories .
Besides luxury five star hotels, there are also a variety of more affordable hotels, guest houses, backpacker hostels, and holiday camps. The government maintains an online list of licensed hotels and guesthouse. The online directory can be found here.
A few 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. For the truly budget-minded, there are numerous cheap hostels that can be found inside Chungking Mansions and Mirador Mansions buildings, near the intersection of Nathan Road and Mody Road in Kowloon. Chungking Mansions have the bad "reputation" of sleeping places for many illegal foreign workers and non-documented immigrants. Unless you cannot find another place to stay, stay in another budget hotels or hostels along Nathan Road.
Learn
The major tertiary/post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong are
- University of Hong Kong, The
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Hong Kong Institute of Education
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Lingnan University
- Open 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, largely in reaction to the economic slump and high unemployment, this has changed so that the spouse does not get the privilege, and must be sponsored by an employer.
Stay safe
Crime
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 Police, Fire and Ambulance is 999.
Be careful when hiking alone. With the loosening up of border restrictions to allow mainland tourists there have been some instances of people being held captive by one person whilst another takes their Cashpoint card to withdraw money, although in fact this is quite rare.
Weather
Typhoons normally occur during the months of May to November, and are particularly prevalent during September. Whenever a typhoon approaches within 800km of Hong Kong, typhoon signal 1 is raised. Signal 3 is raised as the storm approaches. When the storm is expected to hit, signal 8 is raised. At this point, most of Hong Kong shuts down, including shops, restaurants and the transport system. Signal 9 and 10 may be raised depending on the intensity of the storm.
Taxis may still available when signal 8 or above is raised, but then they are under no obligation to transport you. It is quite possible to negotiate a fare with the driver, typically up to twice the meter fare.
Rainstorms also have their own warning system. In increasing order of severity, the levels are amber, red and black.
Note that most cinemas remain open thoughout all adverse weather warning signals.
Stay healthy
One unexpected cause of sickness in Hong Kong is the extreme temperature change between 35°C (95°F) humid summer weather outdoors and 18°C (65°F) air-conditioned buildings and shopping malls. Some people experience cold symptoms after moving between the two extremes so much; it is not unusual to need a sweater or covering to stay warm indoors (though the Hong Kong Government currently encourages the temperature in air-conditioned buildings be kept at 25.5 °C for energy saving, etc.)
Whilst tap water is technically safe to drink (taste aside), the government recommends boiling it before consumption. Most locals boil or filter their water, or buy inexpensive bottled water.
Because of recent concerns about SARS and the threat of Avian Flu, there are hygiene stations around town featuring antiseptic hand 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. Basically, it's a safe place to visit.
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. Even on a night out, the atmosphere is rarely menacing and most people in shops and restaurants are helpful and friendly. 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. Some Hong Kong people use the term gwai lo (commonly translated as "foreign ghost" in English; it literally means "ghost guy") to refer to Caucasian foreigners. However, locally, this term is simply used as a term to refer to Caucasians and usually no derogatory meaning is intended.
Manners and Etiquette
Manners are very important to local people, however, their ideas of manners can be very 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.
Post
Postal services are efficient and of high quality. You will find post offices in major city areas. You can buy stamps from many convenience stores such as 7-Eleven or Circle K.
Internet Access
Cyber cafes are widespread in the city, but they tend to be geared towards online gamers rather than travellers. For simply accessing the Internet, you may want to go to terminals in cafes like Pacific Coffee, Delifrance or equivalent, including those at the airport, can be used for free by customers. Free terminals can also be found in some public areas, such as shopping malls (Times Square), certain MTR stations and the public libraries. The central public library in Causeway Bay, just opposite Victoria Park, has hundred of free terminals and free broadband access if you bring your notebook.
Telephone
The prefix for international calls 001. Hong Kong's country-code is 852 (different from China and Macau). Local phone numbers (mobile and landlines) are typically 8 digits; no area codes are used. For the operator, dial 1000.
Mobile phone subscriber penetration is very high (115% in 2004). If you have a GSM handset (GSM 900, 1800, 1900), purchase a prepaid SIM card to use in your phone. They can be bought for cash at most convienience stores. 2G card (cheaper) and newer 3G cards are available. A card with value of around HK$50 should be sufficient unless you are making international calls. Most cards provide standard services such as SMS and voice mail. For the adventurous types, discounted prepaid SIM Cards can be purchased in Ap Liu Street in Sham Shui Po, and "Sin Daat" arcade in Mongkok (Argyle St - close to Lady street). Cheap GSM and 3G phones can be purchased here as well. Mobile phone numbers also have eight digits and begin with 6 or 9.
Payphones are available (but rare, due to high mobile penetration), HK$1 for local call. If you don't have a mobile and need to make a short local call, most restaurants, supermarkets and shops will oblige if you ask nicely. The airport have a courtesy phone just before you step out of the glassed area after the customs - you cannot go back there, once you left.
Get out
- Macau, the former Portuguese colony and present gambling haven is just an hour away by TurboJet ferry. Ticket prices start at HK$141 for the one-hour ride to Macau. The ferry building is near the Sheung Wan MTR station.
- Zhuhai, across the border from Macau, is 70 minutes away by ferry.
- Shenzhen, mainland China boomtown just across the border can be reached by KCR East Rail in about 40 minutes. The train is convenient if you are keen on shopping as it terminates in the Lo Wu commercial center. Another alternative, especially if you are starting from the island is the ferry to Shekou which takes around 50 minutes and costs around $100.
- Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province can be reached by Through Train within 1h30 and 2h depending on the type of train.
- The MaxTravelz itinerary A week near Hong Kong has suggestions for travel from a Hong Kong base
| This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |