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Hong Kong

Hong Kong Island is the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with a population of around 1.3 million, density 16,390/sq km (as of 2008). The island is home to Hong Kong’s most famous sites, as well as the historical, political, and economic centres. Victoria Harbour, on the north coast of Hong Kong Island, is chiefly responsible for the advanced development of Hong Kong due to its deep waters which accommodate large trade ships.

Country

Hong Kong’s landscapes range from hilly to mountainous. The highest elevation is at Tai Mo Shan, which reaches 3,140 ft (957 m) above sea level. Less than 25% of the landmass is developed, and 40% is made up of parks and nature reserves. Along the jagged coastline there are many bays, rivers, and beaches.

The Hakka people first inhabited this ancient fishing village, dating back to the late Paleolithic era. The Qing Dynasty’s refusal to import opium resulted in the First Opium War between China and Britain in 1839, resulting in the British occupation of Hong Kong in 1841. The British established Hong Kong as a major trading centre during the 20th century, and today remains one of the world’s largest commercial areas. An official ceremony marking the handover of sovereignty to China took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in 1997.

Geographical Location

Hong Kong is located on the south coast of China at 22ºN, 114ºE, 37 mi (60 km) east of Macau on the Pearl River Delta. Hong Kong’s territory consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and more than 200 islands including the largest, Lantau Island.

Weather

Situated just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate with a relatively mild, dry winter. February is typically the coolest month of the year, with average high temperatures around 60ºF (16ºC). Temperatures may be cooler in urban areas.

Government

Hong Kong and Macau are the two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Although Hong Kong is technically part of China, its political and economic systems are different to the mainland institutions. As one of the world’s leading financial centres, Hong Kong’s capitalist economy is characterized by low taxes, free trade, and minimal government intervention.

Hong Kong has an independent judiciary and a multi-party system. An 800-person committee selects the Chief Executive of Hong Kong to serve as head of government.

Economic Profile

Hong Kong is one of the Four Asian Tigers, marked for high growth and rapid development between the 1960s and the 1990s. Since the establishment of the Index of Economic Freedom in 1995, Hong Kong has held the top ranking as the world’s freest economy. Hong Kong is home to the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia Pacific, and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the sixth largest in the world.

Following WWII Hong Kong industrialized by becoming an export-driven manufacturing centre; then in the 1980s, transitioned into a service-based economy. Today the service sector accounts for over 90% of GDP.

With limited natural resources, Hong Kong imports most of its food and raw materials.  A major world trading entity, Hong Kong’s imports and exports exceed the Gross Domestic Product. Most of Hong Kong’s exports are in fact re-exports, mostly from mainland China.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Currency

The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) has been pegged to the US dollar since 1983, meaning the HKD follows the same ups and downs as the USD. AUD1 = HKD6.54 at the time of publication. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, moneychangers, and most hotels. Most moneychangers will charge a commission to exchange currency, so visitors may wish to compare rates. Banks offer account holders currency exchange free of charge.

For current exchange rates, please refer to:

www.xe.com/ucc

Banking Hours

As one of the world’s leading banking and financial centres, Hong Kong has more than 250 banks from more than 30 countries. Banks are generally open from 09:00 – 16:30 Monday to Friday, and 09:00 – 12:30 Saturday. Automatic Teller Machines, operated by various banks, can be found all over the metropolitan area. It’s best to avoid banks at lunchtime.

Post Office

Post offices on Hong Kong Island are open from 09:30 – 17:00 Monday to Friday and 09:30 – 13:00 Saturday.

Time

Hong Kong Time is UTC +8. There is no Daylight Savings Time in Hong Kong.

Electricity

Supply voltage is 220, 50Hz. A standard grounded Hong Kong outlet supports the Type G British plug. The older Type M outlets, used in some parts of Africa, can also be found.

Type G                                                           Type M

Weight and Measurement

Hong Kong measurement units are a combination of the Qing Dynasty, British Imperial, and metric systems. The government favours metric units rather than the traditional, but the Chinese system is used in many aspects of daily life.

• Length is often expressed with the Imperial system, using mile, yard, foot, and inch.
• Weight is measured in Chinese and Imperial units, depending on the type and origin of goods (e.g. fruits are often measured in Imperial units and vegetables, meats, precious metals, and Chinese medicines are usually measured in Chinese units.)
• Flat area is measured in square feet; however, traditionally agricultural plots are measured in Chinese units.
• Volume can be measured in either Chinese or Imperial units.

Apliu Street Market

This flea market can be a cheaper, more interesting shop than the Temple Street Night Market. Browsers can find anything from clothing and antiques to second-hand electronics. Exit A1 from the Sham Shui Po MTR station.

Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter

See the harbour from a fisherman’s perspective by chartering a sampan for HKD50 – 80.

Chi Lin Nunnery

This large Buddhist complex is considered the most beautiful built environment in Hong Kong. The Nunnery originally dates to the 1930s, but was rebuilt in the Tang Dynasty style in 1988. Take a break from the hectic city in this tranquil area, filled with lotus ponds, pristine bonsais, and silent nuns making their offerings.

Chinese University of Hong Kong Art Museum

The East Wing Galleries hold permanent Chinese collections, including ancient bronze seals, paintings, and jade flower carvings. The West Wing Galleries present several special exhibitions each year.

Happy Valley Racecourse

Horse racing is the most popular form of gambling in Hong Kong and a quintessential part of the Hong Kong experience. Enjoy the electric atmosphere, whether or not you choose to place a bet!

Hong Kong Film Archive

Discover the history of Hong Kong’s film industry at the Archive, which is home to more than 4,300 films and other film paraphernalia exhibits. Regular screenings showcase a wide variety of local and foreign films.

Hong Kong Museum of Medicinal Sciences

This small museum boasts striking architecture and an attached herb garden. The unusual, yet informative exhibits compare Chinese and Western approaches to medicine.

Hong Kong Park

One of the most distinctive parks in the world, Hong Kong Park is weird and wonderful with its attractions that include a fountain plaza, conservatory, artificial waterfall, and t’ai chi garden among others. Enclosed on one side by a wall of skyscrapers and mountains on the other, this place makes for some dramatic photographs.

Kowloon Mosque & Islamic Centre

This is the largest Islamic house of worship in Hong Kong, able to accommodate 2,000 worshipers. On the  site of an 1896 mosque built for Muslim Indian troops, the present carved marble mosque and dome was completed in 1984.

Kwun Yam Shrine

According to local wisdom, crossing the Longevity Bridge in front of this unique shrine will add three days to your life. Around the shrine is an assortment of deities and other figures, including the Chinese goddesses of mercy. Throw a coin into the open mouth of a fish statue for good fortune!

Sheung Shui and Fanling Markets

These bustling markets are worth a look, particularly in the morning. These markets feature exotic produce, including ‘thousand-year’ eggs and the freshest selection of fish.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden & Flower Market

In this lovely market, you are likely to see Chinese men fussing over their prized songbirds, which are often kept as pets. Birds and elaborate cages carved from teak and bamboo are available for sale. Some birds are regarded as lucky, making them a common sight at the racetrack.