This corner of China was once an impoverished area of paddy fields and a harbour for pirate junks.  In 1841 following the Opium Wars the British took control and the area blossomed to become the major city and trading center we know as Hong Kong.

Hong Kong consists of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories and some outer islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are on a peninsula of the Chinese mainland, to the north of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island is on the south side of the harbour facing Kowloon. Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination with a mild climate from the mid September to the end of February while May to mid-September is warm and humid.

Today Hong Kong is a thriving modern city filled with skyscrapers and by Western standards is over crowded and the only room for new buildings is up, so the skyline is constantly changing, yet within the city there are a few open and green spaces like Kowloon Park in the middle of downtown Tsim Sha Tsui. Once the site of a military barracks, the 14 hectare Park is an oasis of green with a bird lake, aviary, a maze, Chinese gardens, a banyan tree court, and the Museum of History.

Hong Kong is renowned as a great shopping destination with bargains galore where you can have clothing made to measure in the same day and find treasures from all corners of the world. The Golden Mile is in the heart of the Hong Kong commercial, shopping and entertainment district with excellent accommodation . Harbour City is Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall with hundreds of local and international stores and most shops close at 9pm.

There is even an unique outdoor escalator that runs up the incline connecting Queen's Road Central, Des Voeux Road Central near the harbour to Conduit Road in the Mid-Levels. It is best to avoid it during the morning rush hour. Nathan Road is known as the "Golden Mile" due to its many shops and hotels.

The most popular tourist spot is Victoria Peak where you get an excellent view of the region. The Peak Tram runs every 10–15 minutes, daily 7am–midnight It features the city's oldest and most reliable mode of public transport, The Peak Tram, in operation since 1888. A scenic ride up from the city centre to The Peak takes only 7 minutes. Once there, you will find not only great views, but shopping and entertainment, nature walks, a park, a children's play area and information.

Hong Kong is well serviced by a modern mass transport system with a railway providing fast and reliable service between the Airport and downtown Hong Kong and services into mainland China. To get about, the MTR is excellent, then there are many busses, ferries, taxis and tours. A tourist MTR 1-Day Pass is tailored for tourist travel around Hong Kong.

Walking the streets of Hong Kong, you will see old men dozing on benches, the contrast of modern buildings alongside the old and fading glamour of art deco all with an edge of dirtiness and the constant noise of people and machines, and overall an irresistible charm to satisfy all tastes. 

You will find Great hotels in Hong Kong, fine views, best restaurants and if the bustle of Hong Kong is to much, then head out to the New Territories where there are some excellent swimming beaches and space to be totally alone.

Lantau Island is bigger than Hong Kong Island and has a rocky coastline with white sand  beaches. Here you can visit the famous Po Lin Monastery with it's 34 m high giant Buddha statue or take a hiking tour to Lantau Peak at 934 meters.

Hong Kong Disneyland will open on September 12, 2005 and is located on Lantau Island, near the Hong Kong  International Airport and is a 30-minute MTR ride from Central Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Accommodation Guide

Your guide, Patrick Lueng.

Hong Kong Links