Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a cultural melting pot, a fusion of East and West. Situated on the southeast coast of China at the mouth of the Pearl River facing the South China Sea, and covering an area of 1,104 square kilometres (425 square miles), the territory is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. At the core is Victoria Harbour, which separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and beyond that, the New Territories that run up to the boundary with Mainland China. Although a part of the Peoples Republic of China, Hong Kong is a special administrative region, with different political, law and judiciary systems and enjoys a high degree of autonomy from mainland China.

The history of Hong Kong is a fascinating one. In 1842, Hong Kong Island which comprised just a few fishing villages was claimed by the British during the first Opium War with China. The Kowloon Peninsula was handed over in 1860 and a 99 year lease on the New Territories was granted in 1898. The main attraction of the area for the British was Victoria Harbour a natural deep water harbour, which enabled the area to become an important entrepôt for the British Empire in Asia in the first half of the 20th century. During the Chinese civil war in the late 1940s, there was a mass population influx from the Mainland, which led to a new dawn for Hong Kong that brought about economic prosperity and a dramatic increase in living standards for the whole population. Hong Kong’s rapid industrialisation was firstly driven by textile and other manufacturing exports, however, when Shenzhen, immediately north of Hong Kong, became a special economic zone of China in the 80’s, Hong Kong became the main source of foreign investment in China. As the manufacturing industry in southern China developed, Hong Kong’s manufacturing industry declined in contrast its service industry increased dramatically.
The repatriation of Hong Kong to China in 1997 has only added to the area’s interesting history and not detracted from one of the Region’s most sought after tourist destinations. Today Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial centres, the world’s most vertical city and a centre for modern architecture.

The British influence on the city is still heavily evident; English is widely spoken, with the education system being historically British based. The cuisine is a fusion of traditional Chinese and European, with dim sum, hot pot, and fast food restaurants coexisting with haute cuisine. The major sporting events being the Hong Kong 6’s cricket tournament, the Hong Kong Golf Open and the famous Hong Kong 7’s rugby tournament - all have former colonial roots. However, Hong Kong, is very much Chinese, and the ancient culture is felt throughout the city, martial arts are still practiced, with the Hong Kong film scene and specifically its martial arts film genre, having worldwide following and influence, again an example of ancient east meeting modern west.

There are numerous attractions available in Hong Kong from the (Victoria) peak and Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen Harbour on Hong Kong Island to the famous markets on Kowloon including the temple street night market and Jade Market to name a few. Although Hong Kong is known for its dense population about three quarters of Hong Kong’s total area is countryside, including about 40% designated as country parks, which has numerous wetlands and trails mostly situated in the ‘New Territory’ and ‘outlying islands’. The Hotels, eateries and public transportation are absolutely world class and the city is extremely safe for tourists.

Hong Kong pulsates with energy, its spectacular lights enjoyed walking the streets or crossing the bay on a famous ferry, its happy and pleasant people, the hustle and bustle of the markets on Kowloon, the gleaning glass skyscrapers on the island invigorate and draw one in to this famous and fabulous city and should be on all travelers ‘must visit’ destinations.