Hong Kong is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of
China. Situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China
Sea, Hong Kong is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With land
mass of 1,104 km2 and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most
densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong's population is 95% ethnic Chinese and 5%
from other groups.
On first acquaintance Hong Kong can overwhelm. Navigate its teeming, tightly packed idewalks
and you’re met at every turn with neon signage, steam-filled canteens, molasses-slow traffic
and a Babel of chatter.
Once this first sensory wave has rolled over you, though, take a deep breath and start
swimming with the current, because you’ll find Hong Kong is a place to delight in. Utterly
safe and fantastically well organised, Hong Kong offers little moments of perfection. You
may find them on a plastic stool enjoying a bargain bowl of beef brisket soup or simply
gazing at the thrilling harbour vistas. You’ll find them taking afternoon tea in the cool of
a five-star hotel lobby or enjoying balmy open-air beers in the party zones.
Hong Kong can nudge you out of your comfort zone but usually rewards you for it, so try the
stinky beancurd, sample the shredded jellyfish, brave the hordes at the city centre
horseracing and join in the dawn tai chi. Escape the city limits and other experiences await
– watching the sun rise from a remote mountain peak, hiking surf-beaten beaches or exploring
deserted islands.
If it’s pampering you’re after, money can buy the ultimate luxuries in a city well used to
serving its tiny, moneyed elite. Yet Hong Kong is also a city of simple pleasures. Most
often it’s the least pricey experiences – a $2 tram or ferry ride, a whiff of incense
curling from temple rafters, savouring fishing-village sundowners and seafood – that are the
stuff of priceless memories.
Hong Kong Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (1 USD = 7.76 HKD)
Hong Kong Time Difference: UTC/GMT +8 hours
