Things to know about Hong Kong before your next travel
Welcome to Hong Kong, a dazzling metropolis where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with cutting-edge modernity. This unique city-state, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, offers visitors an unforgettable experience filled with stunning skyscrapers, lush mountains, bustling markets, and world-class cuisine. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its current status as a global financial hub, Hong Kong has undergone a remarkable transformation that continues to captivate travelers from around the world.
Where is the country located?
Hong Kong is situated on the southeastern coast of China, nestled at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta. It consists of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 200 outlying islands. This strategic location has played a crucial role in Hong Kong’s development as a major port and international trade center. With a total area of about 1,104 square kilometers (426 square miles), Hong Kong is roughly the size of the Dutch province of Utrecht, making it a compact yet diverse destination for travelers.
Explore Hong Kong
- Essential Travel Tips for Hong Kong
- Hong Kong [Country / Territory Info]
- Popular Cities To Visit In Hong Kong
- Safety Guide For Travelers – Hong Kong
- Top 20 Vibrant Nightlife Cities Around The World
- Top 50 Things To Do In Hong Kong
History Of Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s history is a fascinating tale of resilience and adaptation. Originally inhabited by fishing communities, the area became a British colony in 1841 following the First Opium War. Under British rule, Hong Kong transformed from a small trading post into a thriving international port. The city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences began to take shape during this period, laying the foundation for its distinctive culture.
In 1997, Hong Kong was returned to Chinese sovereignty under the “one country, two systems” principle, which allows it to maintain its capitalist system and a high degree of autonomy. This handover marked a new chapter in Hong Kong’s history, as it continued to evolve while preserving its unique identity. Today, visitors can still see remnants of its colonial past alongside symbols of its Chinese heritage, creating a captivating historical tapestry.
Landscapes Of Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s landscape is a stunning juxtaposition of natural beauty and urban development. The city is renowned for its iconic skyline, dominated by sleek skyscrapers that seem to touch the clouds. However, what many visitors find surprising is the abundance of green spaces and natural wonders that coexist with the urban jungle.
The territory is characterized by its hilly and mountainous terrain, with about 75% of the land remaining undeveloped. Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and harbor below. The rugged coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and picturesque islands, providing a refreshing escape from the bustling city center.
Geographical Regions
Hong Kong can be divided into three main geographical regions:
- Hong Kong Island:
The financial and commercial heart of the city, featuring the iconic skyline and popular attractions like Victoria Peak and Aberdeen Harbor. - Kowloon Peninsula:
A densely populated area known for its vibrant street markets, cultural sites, and the famous Victoria Harbour waterfront. - New Territories and Outlying Islands:
This region encompasses the bulk of Hong Kong’s land area, offering a mix of rural landscapes, country parks, and traditional villages, as well as popular islands like Lantau and Lamma.
Tourism In Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a tourist’s paradise, offering a diverse range of attractions and experiences. The city’s efficient public transportation system, including the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), makes it easy for visitors to explore its many wonders.
Must-see attractions include the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) on Lantau Island, the bustling Temple Street Night Market, and the serene Chi Lin Nunnery. For stunning city views, take a ride on the historic Peak Tram to Victoria Peak or hop aboard the Star Ferry for a scenic harbor crossing.
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by Hong Kong’s numerous hiking trails, such as the Dragon’s Back and the challenging Lion Rock hike. Meanwhile, theme park lovers can enjoy Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park.
Cuisines Of Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s culinary scene is a gastronomic adventure that reflects its multicultural heritage. Cantonese cuisine forms the backbone of local food culture, with dim sum being a quintessential Hong Kong experience. These bite-sized delicacies, ranging from steamed dumplings to barbecued pork buns, are typically enjoyed during yum cha (tea drinking) sessions in traditional teahouses.
Street food is another integral part of Hong Kong’s food culture. Don’t miss out on trying local favorites like egg waffles, fish balls, and the famous pineapple bun (which, despite its name, doesn’t actually contain pineapple). For a unique dining experience, visit a cha chaan teng, a Hong Kong-style cafe that serves an eclectic mix of Chinese and Western dishes. Here, you can sample local specialties like milk tea, macaroni soup, and Hong Kong-style French toast.
Population and Demographics
As of 2021, Hong Kong’s population stands at approximately 7.4 million people, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The city’s urban core, which covers only about 120 square kilometers, houses most of this population, resulting in a staggering density of around 66,000 people per square kilometer in some areas.
Hong Kong’s population is predominantly Chinese, with about 91.6% of residents identifying as ethnically Chinese. The remaining 8.4% is composed of various ethnic minorities, including Filipinos, Indonesians, South Asians, and Westerners. This diverse mix of cultures contributes to Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and adds to its appeal as an international city.
Languages Spoken In Hong Kong
Cantonese is the most widely spoken language in Hong Kong, used by about 88% of the population. It’s the de facto official spoken language, used in government, media, and everyday life. However, due to Hong Kong’s international nature and historical ties with Britain, English also plays a significant role in the city.
English is an official language alongside Chinese (written) and is widely used in business, higher education, and tourism sectors. Many signs and announcements in public areas are bilingual. Visitors will find that while not everyone speaks fluent English, it’s generally easy to get by using English in most tourist areas and major establishments.
Travel Safety For Hong Kong
Hong Kong is generally considered a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and efficient law enforcement. The city’s excellent public transportation system is safe and reliable, even late at night. However, as with any major urban area, it’s always wise to exercise common sense and take standard precautions.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy markets or on public transport. It’s also advisable to be cautious when using ATMs and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Hong Kong’s tropical climate means that typhoons can occur between May and November, so check weather forecasts and heed any warnings issued by local authorities.
Emergency Numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance: 999
- Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Hotline: 2508 1234
Currency Used In Hong Kong
The official currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), represented by the symbol HK$. It’s one of the most traded currencies in the world and is used not only in Hong Kong but also accepted in neighboring Macau alongside the Macanese pataca.
The Hong Kong dollar is issued by three commercial banks under the authority of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, and Bank of China. Coins and HK$10 notes are issued by the government. The currency is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.75-7.85 HKD to 1 USD, which has helped maintain Hong Kong’s economic stability.
Top 20 Cities (names only)
- Central
- Tsim Sha Tsui
- Mong Kok
- Causeway Bay
- Wan Chai
- Sham Shui Po
- Yau Ma Tei
- North Point
- Kwun Tong
- Tai Po
- Sha Tin
- Tuen Mun
- Tsuen Wan
- Yuen Long
- Sheung Wan
- Kennedy Town
- Aberdeen
- Sai Kung
- Stanley
- Discovery Bay
Interesting Facts About Hong Kong
- Hong Kong has more skyscrapers than any other city in the world.
- The name “Hong Kong” means “Fragrant Harbor” in Cantonese.
- Hong Kong’s subway system, the MTR, is considered one of the most efficient in the world.
- The city has one of the world’s longest covered escalator systems, the Central-Mid-Levels escalator.
- Hong Kong Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is the only one in the world with a different design.
- The city has over 250 islands, many of which are uninhabited.
- Hong Kong’s Star Ferry has been in operation since 1888.
- The city has more Rolls Royce cars per capita than any other city in the world.
- Hong Kong’s Ocean Park is older than its Disneyland.
- The Hong Kong International Airport is built on land reclaimed from the sea.
Customs, Norms and Etiquettes
Greetings:
- A handshake is the most common form of greeting.
- Bowing is not a common practice in Hong Kong, unlike in some other Asian countries.
Dining:
- It’s polite to use chopsticks for most meals, but don’t stick them upright in your rice as this resembles incense sticks used at funerals.
- Tapping the table with two fingers while someone pours tea is a silent way of saying “thank you.”
Gift-giving:
- Gifts are often given for special occasions, but avoid wrapping them in white as this color is associated with funerals.
- When receiving a gift, it’s polite to refuse it once or twice before accepting.
Business Etiquette:
- Punctuality is highly valued in Hong Kong’s business culture.
- Business cards are exchanged with both hands, and it’s respectful to study the card briefly before putting it away.
Public Behavior:
- Queue-jumping is considered very rude.
- Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
- It’s polite to give up your seat on public transport to elderly, pregnant, or disabled individuals.
External Resources
- World Factbook – Hong Kong:
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/hong-kong/ - Wiki Travel – Hong Kong:
https://wikitravel.org/en/Hong_Kong - State Travel Advisory – Hong Kong:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/HongKong.html
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