City Info: Hong Kong
Hong Kong is located in the Far East, just south of the Tropic of Cancer. Hong Kong Island is 32km east of the mouth of Pearl River and 135km southeast of Canton. It is separated from the mainland by a good natural harbor. Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain in 1842 by the Treaty of Nanking; and the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 by the Convention of Peking. The area of Boundary Street to Shenzhen River and a group of 260 islands, now known as the New Territories, were leased to Britain in 1898 for a period of 99 years. The New Territories comprise 891 sq km. Shortage of land suitable for development has led to reclamation from the sea, principally from the seafronts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong’s economy has moved away from manufacturing and is now service-based, acting as a major corporate and banking center as well as a conduit for China’s burgeoning exports. Manufacturing is concentrated in textiles, consumer electronics and other consumer goods. Hong Kong’s natural deep-water harbor is probably the best in the region. Much regional trade is still conducted through Hong Kong. And Hong Kong is also a city which has lots of events and conventions all the year. Horseracing is the sport that defines Hong Kong——fast paced, a field of international competitors, vast amounts of money and a favorite of all. From September to June, on most Wednesday evenings and weekends, hoofs pounding down the stretch can be heard at the two glittering racetracks——Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island and Sha Tin in the New Territories.
Population
6,900,000 （2007）
Cuisine
 Cantonese cuisine and cuisine of Eastern and Western
When to Go
All year round, especially a few days before Halloween
Hong Kong International Airport
Located off Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport is the main entry point to Asia's world city, gateway to Mainland China and a major regional hub. There are nine convenient Airbus routes called “A” routes that can take you to and from the airport with fewer stops than an ordinary city bus. Fares range between HK$14 and HK$45. When you exit the Arrivals Hall, turn right for Airbuses and ordinary city buses (“E” route buses). www.hongkongairport.com/gb/ Taxis are readily available from the taxi pick-up area in front of the Arrivals Hall. All taxis can go to and from the airport. All fares are metered and there are fare details inside each cab.
Mass-Transit Railway
The quickest connection between Hong Kong International Airport and Central district is the Airport Express railway, operated by the Mass Transit Railway Corporation. It departs every 12 minutes from the airport and reaches Central in about 23 minutes with stops in Kowloon and Tsing Yi. You can travel via the MTR to districts throughout Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. A free Airport Express Shuttle Bus service takes Airport Express passengers to and from major hotels, transportation interchanges and the Hong Kong and Kowloon stations. The underground MTR is fast, clean, efficient and inexpensive. Fares range from HK$4 to HK$26 and can be paid with single-journey tickets or travel passes like the Octopus card. Look for signs pointing to nearby MTR station entrances. The MTR is great for getting to Hong Kong's attractions as well as a host of shopping and dining outlets. www.mtr.com.hk/prehome/index.html
Ferry A plethora of ferries ply the waters of Hong Kong connecting Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the Outlying Islands, Macau and Mainland China. For travellers wishing to sail further afield, there are also fast ferries to and from Macau and destinations along the coast of Mainland China. This service is provided from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan and the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. |
Accommodations
Official Websites |