General Information
Hong Kong
With a land area of 1,114.35 square km, Hong Kong's economy is characterised by free trade, low taxation and minimum government intervention. It is the world's 10th largest trading economy, with the mainland of China as its most significant trading partner. Hong Kong is also a major service economy, with particularly strong links to mainland China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.
The estimated population is 7.35 million (about 91.6% of whom are Chinese). The official languages are Chinese and English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin dialect is also spoken.
On 1 July 1997, Hong Kong reverted to China and became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. Its existing capitalist system and lifestyle has been guaranteed after 1997.
Airport
The Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong and is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok and has commenced service since 6 July 1998. It has two runways in operation.
The Airport Railway operates to link the new airport and Lantau Island with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The Airport Express train takes 23 minutes to get to Central, Hong Kong.
In 2017 the airport won the International Airport Review Award for Airside Operations.
Visa
Hong Kong is visa-free for visitors from most of the countries. However, you are strongly suggested to review the information on the website of the Immigration Department of HKSAR Government: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html or to check with your local travel agency and apply one soon if needed. Kindly be reminded to double check your passport to ensure it has at least six months' validity remaining.
Climate and Clothing
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. November is generally fine and dry with pleasantly cool weather, and may on occasion be relatively cold at night and in the early morning. Daytime temperatures in November vary between 22°C and 27°C. Evening temperatures vary between 20°C and 22°C. Light clothing is suggested during the day even though a jacket may be required in some air-conditioning places in the evening.
Currency
The Hong Kong Dollar is the unit of currency. The official exchange rate of the Hong Kong Dollar to the US Dollar is 7.78. Most currencies and travellers' cheques can be changed at banks and hotels. Major credit cards are readily accepted in Hong Kong. There are no restrictions on the type or amount of money that can be brought into or taken out of Hong Kong.
Electricity
The electricity is supplied at alternating current and the voltage is 220 volts/frequency 50Hz. Most hotels provide adapters.
Public Transportation
Public transport is inexpensive, efficient and frequent. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) allows easy passage throughout the territory. Ferries run regularly between Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the Outlying Islands. Buses, trams and metered taxis are inexpensive and easily available. For more information on local attracts, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board: ww.discoverhongkong.com
Discover Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable, culturally distinctive Disney experiences for guests of all ages and nationalities. Filled with your favorite Disney stories and characters, Hong Kong Disneyland offers guests the opportunity to explore seven diverse themed lands that are home to award-winning, unique attractions and entertainment. Complete your adventure with stays at the resort's luxurious Disney hotels. The magic doesn't end at our doorstep; as a dedicated member of the local community that cares deeply about societal wellbeing, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort spreads its magic through community service programs that help families in need, boost creativity among children and families, encourage the protection of the environment and inspire healthier living.
The World of Frozen, the world's first and largest "Frozen" themed land has been opened since 20 November 2023.
Avenue of Stars
Thanks to the efforts of Hong Kong's movie industry over the past century, many in Asia and farther afield are familiar with the city's sights before they've even set foot here. The Avenue of Stars pays tribute to the names that helped make Hong Kong the 'Hollywood of the East', while giving visitors a panoramic view of the city's most iconic sight: its glorious skyline, dramatically set against the Peak.
With commemorative plaques, celebrity handprints, descriptive milestones, movie memorabilia, a life-size statue of kung fu action hero Bruce Lee, a singer, actress and undisputed superstar Anita Mui as 'the Daughter of Hong Kong' and a bronze rendering of popular cartoon character McDull, the Avenue of Stars fittingly sets the glamour of Hong Kong's film industry against the captivating dazzle of Victoria Harbour.
The Peak
The highest point on Hong Kong Island, this has been the city's most exclusive neighborhood since colonial times – back then it was the cooler air that attracted the rich and famous; in the post air-conditioning era, the views of one of the world's most spectacular cityscapes keep them coming.
That view is also what makes The Peak one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. By day your eyes stretch across sparkling skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour all the way to the green hills of the New Territories. In early evening this panorama melts into pink and orange before reincarnating as a dazzling galaxy of light, shimmering beneath you. And if you listen carefully enough, you can hear Asia's world city humming below.
Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong is a marine-life theme park featuring animal exhibits, thrill rides and shows. In 2012, its impressive ability to offer guests a world-class experience that blends entertainment with education and conservation was confirmed when it became the first Asian winner of the biannual Applause Award, the most prestigious award in the amusement and theme park industry. Water World is the Asia's first all-weather, year-round seaside water park.
The park is located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, covering more than 870,000 square metres. The Waterfront and The Summit areas are connected by the Cable Car and Ocean Express funicular train.
The West Kowloon Cultural District
The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of the largest and most significant cultural projects in the world, blending together art, education, open space, hotel, office and residential developments and retail, dining and entertainment facilities.
Its vision is to create a vibrant cultural quarter for Hong Kong where the local arts scene can interact, develop and collaborate. As a host of arts and cultural facilities that will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and arts and cultural events.
The District's major cultural facilities, the Arts Pavilion, the Art Park, Freespace, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, M+ and the Xiqu Centre are already open and present a diverse and exciting programme of events.
Ngong Ping 360
The world-renowned cable car experience offers day tours and packages for your in-depth tour around Lantau, Hong Kong!
The Ngong Ping Cable Car ride connects Tung Chung with Ngong Ping and offers the serene panorama of Lantau, Hong Kong. Ngong Ping Terminal is right next to Ngong Ping Village - the best starting point to reach other Hong Kong attractions such as the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Tai O fishing village, etc. Ngong Ping Village is the home to recreation, shopping, and four entertaining themed attractions loved by locals and tourists alike!
