However, if you think that at these times Hong Kong buckles under pressure, you are wrong. Hong Kong tourism is well equipped to cater to all your needs as well as desires. As far as dining is concerned, all you have top do is just take a taxi, MTR or bus and turn up at the area that is popularly termed as Lan Kwai Fong. This food district is sure to have the eating joint of your choice. However, this is not to say that there are no eateries anywhere else; Hong Kong is covered with them from end to end.
In Hong Kong tourism lodging options too are easily available to suite your style and budget. Some of them are: Central Park Hotel Hong Kong, Charterhouse Hotel, City Garden Hotel Hong Kong, Conrad Hotel Hong Kong, Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong, Emperor (Happy Valley) Hotel, Empire Hong Kong Hotel, Excelsior Hotel Hong Kong, Express by Holiday Inn Causeway Bay Hong Kong Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Garden View International House, Grand Hyatt Hotel Hong Kong and Harbour Plaza North Point.
The other pleasure of touring Hong Kong is shopping. There are plenty of stores, malls and plazas to take your pick from; moreover, this is one place where you can get every thing that you want, but also get them for the best bargains.
History of Hong Kong
The territory of Hong Kong or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region stands as one of the Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China along with Macau. Hong Kong is situated in the Pearl River Delta, along its eastern end, and boasts of 260 islands. Hong Kong is bordered by the Guangdong province along its northern side and is located opposite to the South China Sea towards its eastern, western and southern end. Though a territory of islands, the history of Hong Kong is steeped in a vibrant culture and has much to do with its topography.
The history of Hong Kong as a part of the modern Chinese republic began in the year 1842, when Hong Kong was the chief destination of the "Crown settlement" of the United Kingdom. This power was later reassigned to the People's Republic of China by the British Crown.
The history of Hong Kong as a human habitat, however, dates back to the Paleolithic era. It was during the Paleolithic era that Hong Kong witnessed its first human settlement. The area was a part of Imperial China during the Qin Dynasty, and it served as a famous trading centre. Ever since the era, it also functioned as a crucial naval base.
One of the most significant movements in the history of Hong Kong that led to British occupation was the 'Opium War'. In 1839, the authorities of Qing Dynasty opposed against the trading of opium which led to the occurrence of the First Opium War between China and Britain. Britishers occupied the Hong Kong Island in 1841 under the Treaty of Nanking and constructed a Crown Colony with Victoria City as its foundation. During the year 1860, China got defeated in the Second Opium War wherein the Kowloon Peninsula and the Stonecutter's Island were ultimately surrendered to Britain.
It was during the nineteenth century Hong Kong had become a base for the British Empire. In World War II, Hong Kong was attacked by the Empire of Japan in the year December 8, 1941. It was on December 25 - better known as the 'Black Christmas' in the history of Hong Kong - when the British yielded its colonies to Japan. During this period, the area witnessed extensive food shortages and hyper-inflation.
The People's Republic of China established a set of economic reforms which attracted several foreign investments in the land. It was in 1980, wherein the sovereignty of Hong Kong was brought to focus by the governments of the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China. In this matter during the 1984, the Sino-British Joint Declaration was issued. With that particular declaration in the history of Hong Kong, the territory became a Special Administrative Region and retained its autonomy. The sovereignty was assigned to Hong Kong during the July 1, 1997 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.Culture of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a city vibrant with dynamism and has gained its influences mainly from the Chinese, Asian and Western civilization. The province allocates itself within the Sinic cultural heritage specifically the post-Confucian moral values where it seems to confine to. The culture of Hong Kong seizes your mental spirits as you learn about the native traditions and people's way of living. From Chinese folklore to the Lignan ethnicity, from the shopper's bliss to the gourmet paradise, from the performance of tai chi martial art to the celebrating of Cheung Chau Bun Festival, from the Hong Kong tea culture to the Mong Kok Dressing styles, the city has everything to offer that underlines the cultural values of the province.
The local natives take part in designing the native arts and artifacts, which is one among the thriving culture of Hong Kong. Catch up with sights of beautiful vases, majestic embroidery, ancient pots, silk garments, musical instruments, seals, opium pipes along with historical photographs.
Architecture designing is yet another cultural aspect of this province. Hong Kong is known for its tall skyscrapers that are shaped in creative architecture. Ieoh Ming Pei's Bank of China Tower as well as the Kowloon Walled City is some of the stylized modeled architecture that has been beautifully designed.
Hong Kong is famous for exercising religious freedom, with several inhabitants resorting to the culture of Buddhism. A large number of Catholics and Protestants are also prevalent in the area sharing cultural principles with Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Bahá'ís. As far as music is concerned the province is known for its Cantonese opera that is widespread and is an important aspect in the culture of Hong Kong. Karaoke Songs dominates the pop music within the region.
Hong Kong is a cultural hub that comprises of several destinations like Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra that are worth a visit.
As you indulge in a cultural tour to Hong Kong watch out for street sellers judiciously selling herbal medicines while relish the roadside soups made out of shark fins. Or watch out the latest Hollywood movies, or delight your taste buds at the British-style pubs where one gets the refined flavor of local cultural ethics.Popular Hong Kong Destinations
Do you intend to begin or unwind your day relaxing in an open spread landscape? Are you in search of a tranquil oasis brimming with greenery on all ends? Do you intend to walk barefoot over the green grass while refreshing your mind in flowing fresh air? If your answer is yes then jaunt to a lovely location called Hong Kong. Hong Kong as a destination is packed with several parks & gardens freckled with innumerable open spaces to walk, stroll and settle down. Indulge in an expedition to Hong Kong Parks & Gardens that amuses you with its lush surrounding, incredible seascapes and ample scope for recreational activities.
Relax yourself behind a scenic backdrop while confining to the vivid landscape as you stroll down to one of the famous Hong Kong Parks & Gardens that is known as the native Hong Kong Park. Nestled along the Cotton Tree Drive the place comprises of one of largest aviary, while welcoming you to profuse excitement and adventure. Watch out for bird exhibition along the Vantage Point or spent time glancing through the local plant exposition especially those of Orchids within the greenhouse.
Tiger Balm Garden often referred, as Aw Boon Haw Garden is an ultimate destination for travelers to visit. This oriental theme park is renowned for portraying the native Chinese legendary, which is speckled with sculpture. A 7-story White Pagoda and the 10 Courts of Hell that treats tourists with plays and puppets shows give a picture of Chinese legendary tales.
Among the Hong Kong Parks & Gardens, Kowloon Walled City Park, a heritage park that is proposed as per the Jiangnan garden style of Qing Empire is worth a visit. Shielding the enchanted Walled City this park offers you a view of the ancient cannons, stone inscriptions and wells.
If wildlife tour is what you are planning for, then stopover at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden that would delight you with its scenic sights, floras and faunas. Set out to a splendid site, where one may come across the Ng Tung Chai waterfall in the midst of nature's sundry appeal.
Hoi Ha Wan popularly known as Jones Cove is an awe-inspiring aquatic park within the celebrated Hong Kong Parks & Gardens. It boasts of secluded inlets within unspoiled conditions, while providing variety of marine organisms to give you an idea. Corals underneath the sea are what attract you while traveling to this destination.
Discover in-depth information about the native Parks & Gardens present in Hong Kong where touring would be a pleasurable experience.Sightseeing in Hong Kong
Be it cruising along the eastern harbor or indulging in a scenic train ride up the flourishing mountainous region. Be it watching Hong Kong by its bird's eye view while riding in a helicopter or diving in the oceanic water of the beaches within the region, Hong Kong in China has loads of charisma to present. Hong Kong is a place of countless attractions where one has the boundless opportunity to explore. If sightseeing in Hong Kong is what you are aiming for then the place has no reason to disappoint you.
One would get attracted towards the Victoria Peak, one of important sightseeing in Hong Kong, from where catching up with glittering vistas of the glorious harbor along with the splendid city sights are worth welcoming. How about taking a virtual reality ride at the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Auditorium or taking a personal snap with Michael Jackson whose wax figures are displayed at the celebrated Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.
The 20th-century colonial architecture attracts travelers to visit the area of Repulse bay, which speaks about its so-called glorious days. A one-stop destination for watching migratory bird is at Mei Po where one can sight them during the months of October to May. If you desperately need to binge upon shopping then Stanley Market, a must place for sightseeing in Hong Kong serves all your purpose. A right place to shop and purchase souvenirs especially silk garments, Chinese costume jewelry, art and artifacts and much more.
The thrill of horse riding along the Causeway Bay along with watching wild pink dolphins somersaulting in the Lantau Island waters is enough to ignite your spirits. Participate in the Chinese shadow boxing at Kowloon Park or take part in the Chinese rhythmic dance, juggling, and acrobatics at the Ocean Park, while sightseeing in Hong Kong.
Apart from this one has several places to visit like the Wong Tai Sin Temple, Peak Tower, Jardine House, St. John's Cathedral, Tai Fu Tai Mansion, Old Bank of China Tower, Sha Tin Racecourse and many others where traveling to would be an exciting experience.Hong Kong Museums
How many among you have ever made an attempt to visit Hong Kong for its museums? How many do you think have taken interest in learning the Chinese artistic past through its preserved exhibits? And, how many have even given a single thought about the ancient relics that have been excavated and displayed? If you are not among them then a must visit to the native Hong Kong Museums is what one may try hands at. A worthwhile tour widens your horizon about the region and keeps you updated of the associated cultures and traditional legacy. Hong Kong has innumerable museums to boast about. From traces of historical artifacts to native art curios, from art and antiquities to knowing about fact relating to coastal defenses, space, science, medicine, police, and much more.
Glance through the Chinese masterpieces belonging to the Han-Ming and Qing dynasties at the famous Hong Kong Museum of Art, one of the distinguished Hong Kong Museums. The museum has in store some of the finest antique treasures along with calligraphic work of art. It known for exhibiting Xubaizhai Chinese painting and displays Mr Low Chuck-tiew calligraphic works right for the tourist to admire.
The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, stands as a foremost medical museums in the world, which is one of its kind that was set up way back in 1996. The region seem to survey more about the Chinese and Western medicine along with preserving medical substances of historical importance.
Take a virtual ride in the interactive sessions held in the Hong Kong Science Museum, a worth mentioning among the Hong Kong Museums that is nestled in the province of Tsim Tsa Tsui East. Learn about the latest technology of robotics while enjoying the audiovisual illustration of assorted energy forms.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum is instituted along the Chinese open courtyards where one can have access to thematic exhibitions. Learn about the prehistoric heritage relating to the Cantonese opera and to that of the New Territories.
Hong Kong Space Museum enlightens you about the astronomy related factors and about the prevalent space technology. Watch out for Omnimax screening along with Sky shows held within the in-house space theatre.
Apart from the presence of some of the important museums, some least important museums even thrive within the province. Discover in-depth information about the historical museums in Hong Kong that gives detailed description about the local society and their evolution.Hong Kong Parks & Gardens
Do you intend to begin or unwind your day relaxing in an open spread landscape? Are you in search of a tranquil oasis brimming with greenery on all ends? Do you intend to walk barefoot over the green grass while refreshing your mind in flowing fresh air? If your answer is yes then jaunt to a lovely location called Hong Kong. Hong Kong as a destination is packed with several parks & gardens freckled with innumerable open spaces to walk, stroll and settle down. Indulge in an expedition to Hong Kong Parks & Gardens that amuses you with its lush surrounding, incredible seascapes and ample scope for recreational activities.
Relax yourself behind a scenic backdrop while confining to the vivid landscape as you stroll down to one of the famous Hong Kong Parks & Gardens that is known as the native Hong Kong Park. Nestled along the Cotton Tree Drive the place comprises of one of largest aviary, while welcoming you to profuse excitement and adventure. Watch out for bird exhibition along the Vantage Point or spent time glancing through the local plant exposition especially those of Orchids within the greenhouse.
Tiger Balm Garden often referred, as Aw Boon Haw Garden is an ultimate destination for travelers to visit. This oriental theme park is renowned for portraying the native Chinese legendary, which is speckled with sculpture. A 7-story White Pagoda and the 10 Courts of Hell that treats tourists with plays and puppets shows give a picture of Chinese legendary tales.
Among the Hong Kong Parks & Gardens, Kowloon Walled City Park, a heritage park that is proposed as per the Jiangnan garden style of Qing Empire is worth a visit. Shielding the enchanted Walled City this park offers you a view of the ancient cannons, stone inscriptions and wells.
If wildlife tour is what you are planning for, then stopover at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden that would delight you with its scenic sights, floras and faunas. Set out to a splendid site, where one may come across the Ng Tung Chai waterfall in the midst of nature's sundry appeal.
Hoi Ha Wan popularly known as Jones Cove is an awe-inspiring aquatic park within the celebrated Hong Kong Parks & Gardens. It boasts of secluded inlets within unspoiled conditions, while providing variety of marine organisms to give you an idea. Corals underneath the sea are what attract you while traveling to this destination.
Discover in-depth information about the native Parks & Gardens present in Hong Kong where touring would be a pleasurable experience.Hong Kong Festivals & Events
The festivals in every city and country signify the culture and tradition of that place. Similarly, the occasions and events taking place in Hong Kong reflect the rich heritage and custom of this gorgeous city. People from every strata of the society participate and revel in such gala events. Hong Kong Festivals & Events offers description of the myriad occasions organized in that city.
Some of the major festivals are as follow:
Chinese New Year, Hong Kong
This day is celebrated as the first day of the first moon that states the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The event features a colorful parade, fireworks over Victoria Harbor, and illuminated buildings and temples. People visit relatives' places and also the temples to pay homage to the Gods. There is also the custom of lending out money in Lai See envelopes.
Birthday of Che Kung, Hong Kong
This day is dedicated to the Sung Dynasty general Che Kung who saved the people of Sha Tin from a plague.
Spring Lantern Festival, Hong Kong
This festival refers to the conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The public places, buildings, parks and eateries are all lighted up brightly with traditional lanterns.
Hong Kong International Film Festival
This festival recognizes the achievements of eminent film-makers and also honors many Asian films. It lasts for two weeks and screens every type of movies - modern award-winning movies to old classics.
The festive mood and spirit of the Chinese people are also reflected in certain other Hong Kong Festivals & Events. The Hong Kong Arts Festival is an elaborate festival arranged to honor different Chinese forms of entertainment including opera shows, jazz, ballet and theatrical performances. During the Nosso Sendor dos Passos festival, the image of Christ with the Cross is escorted from the St. Augustine's Church to the Cathedral in Macau with great pomp and show. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and the Hong Kong Derby events acknowledge the two popular sports in Hong Kong - rugby and derby respectively. The Le French May Festival of Arts celebrates French art and culture. It showcases classical and modern French paintings, exhibitions, musical and dance shows and much more. The Dragon Boat Festival, Hong Kong marks the sacrifice of Qu Yuan who was a Chinese national hero raising his voice against the demoralized rulers.
The Feast of Maidens is consecrated to young girls who gather around Lover's Rock and make offerings and burn incense. The International Fireworks Display Contest features glittering firecrackers lighted up with the application of modern technology. This sparkling event is worth watching. Another prominent festival in Hong Kong is Dong Zhi, Hong Kong when people celebrate the advent of winter season.Getting There
Hong Kong is well-connected by land, water and air. By land, the only way into Hong Kong is through mainland China. Since the handover, transport options have increased dramatically, connecting places as close as Shenzhen and as far as Beijing. Although the Hong Kong SAR is now an integral part of China, visas are still required to cross the border with the mainland.
Getting to Hong Kong by Air: After the completion of the new International Airport - Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island - in June 1998, Hong Kong has emerged as a major transport hub to China and much of Southeast Asia. Several international and Hong Kong airlines such as the Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Air Hong Kong, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express offer regular flights connecting Hong Kong to major destinations in Asia, Europe and the USA.
Getting to Hong Kong by Ferry: Regular ferry service connect Hong Kong to Macau and several destinations in Guangdong Province in mainland China. Macau is just a one-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong. Ferries to Macau and mainland China can be taken from the Macau Ferry Terminal on the Connaught Road and China Ferry Terminal in Kowloon in Hong Kong.
Getting to Hong Kong by Road: There are good network of roads between Hong Kong and mainland China. Visitors can cross borders from 5 checkpoints on the Hong Kong-China border, including the famous Lo Wu. A number of transport companies offer direct bus services between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other destinations in mainland China. Regular buses to depart from Kowloon, the New Territories, and Hong Kong Island.
Getting to Hong Kong by Train: Hong Kong has an excellent rail network, connecting it to mainland China. Regular trains run between Kowloon Canton Railway Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Dongguan, Foshan, Shanghai and Beijing, the capital city of China. If you love long train journey, you can take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Europe to Beijing and then on to Hong Kong.
Entertainment in Hong Kong
Music Clubs and Theaters in Hong Kong
