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Hong Kong - introduction
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is much more than a harbor city. The traveler weary of its crowded streets may be tempted to describe it as “Hong Kong Crete”. Yet, this SAR with its cloudy mountains and rocky islands is mostly a rural landscape. Much of the countryside is classified as Country Park and, although 7 million people are never far away, it is possible to find pockets of wilderness that will reward the more intrepid tourist.
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with at least one season to match your comfort zone. Boasting one of the world’s best airports, it is the ideal stopover for those who wish to travel deeper into the Orient.
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History
Hong Kong was part of China before coming under British administration as a result of the 19th-century Opium Wars. When peace terms were drawn up in 1841, Hong Kong Island was ceded by China to Britain. It remained under British control (apart from a four-year period under Japanese occupation during WWII) until the 1997 handover.
On 1 July 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China in an arrangement lasting 50 years. Under the ‘one country, two systems' policy, Hong Kong maintains its own political, social and economic systems. English remains an official language and Hong Kong's border with China still exists. |
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Cities
Hong Kong is much more than one city and can be divided into four geographic areas, each with its own unique character that merits separate exploration.
Hong Kong Island was the site of the original British settlement. The northern part of the Island is densely populated. Here, because of the scarcity of land, you'll find most of Hong Kong's skyscrapers and the famous skyline along the northern coastline. The main business, shopping 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 south towards Hong Kong Island. It is the most populous area in Hong Kong. Kowloon literally means nine dragons and refers to the eight hills that were once visible before the skyscrapers took the view away. Legend has it that the ninth dragon was the boy emperor who counted the hills.
The New Territories, are a curious mix of farms, abandoned villages, industrial installations, mountainous country parks and New Towns that have populations the size of small cities.
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.
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Weather
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There are four distinct seasons in Hong Kong. The best times of year to visit are thus, spring (March-May), when the average temperature is around 25°C and autumn (September-December). |
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To do
MacLehose Trail
Hong Kong's longest hike at 100km (62 miles), the MacLehose Trail crosses the New Territories, taking in Hong Kong's highest peak, Tai Mo Shan (985m/3,231ft).
Dragon's Back
Walk along the Dragon's Back on Hong Kong Island, which follows a ridge, giving spectacular views. This can be concluded with dinner in one of the restaurants in Shek-O Village.
Star Ferry
The famous Star Ferry (www.starferry.com.hk) goes to Kowloon from Central, Hong Kong Island's financial and commercial hub. For a different harbour view, take a morning harbour cruise and watch the Noon Day Gun that has fired at midday since the 1840s at Causeway Bay.
Shopping
Go shopping down bustling Nathan Road in Kowloon. Grab a bargain at Stanley Market. In Yau Ma Tei, stalls set up at 1400 on Temple Street for the Night Market, selling everything from electrical goods to incense sticks.
Tolo Harbour Cycling Track
For an easy ride through scenic countryside, cycle on the Tolo Harbour Cycling Track, running from Sha Tin to Tai Po. Bikes are available for hire near KCR stations. Most outlying islands do not allow cars.
Disneyland Hong Kong
Disneyland Hong Kong, on Lantau Island, incorporates four themed lands and two hotels. Attractions range from the adventurous Jungle River Cruise to the dizzying heights of Orbitron, where visitors pilot their own rocket. |
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Map
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Photo gallery
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