Hong Kong means Fragrant Harbor in Chinese and is derived from the once flourishing trade of scented incense and fragrant wood in the area. Hong Kong mainly consists of Hong Kong Island , Lantau Island , Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, which are attached to the Mainland and several smaller outlying islands. The Economy is uniformly capitalist and thrives on a free market, minimum taxation system. It is one of the world's largest trading centers and has a very high annual GDP.
Formerly a Crown Colony , Hong Kong became a Chinese Special Administrative Region ( SAR ) in July 1997. Pursuant to the Sino British Joint Declaration , Hong Kong follows a unique “one country, two systems” policy whereby, till 2047, it remains autonomous in all matters of trade and administration except in foreign affairs and defense policies. The flag is red with a stylized bauhinia flower emblem. The currency used is the Hong Kong Dollar .
To have an Hong Kong Tour you must know that the climate is typically subtropical and quite humid. Winters from December to March, tend to be cooler and drier. Summers are warm with frequent showers, the temperature peaks in July-August to over 31 o C. Autumn is sunny and dry. There are occasional instances of cyclonic winds in late summer and early autumn. October to December are good months to travel to Hong Kong.
Kowloon or Kau Lung is located in the North. The name literally translates to “Nine Dragons”. It is one of the most populated areas and has a distinct Chinese character. The Tsim Sha Tsui Harbor is a popular tourist haunt.
Hong Kong has a high profile and very developed transport system. The Octopus Card facility is used to pay for trains, ferries and buses. The Peak Tram follows a uniquely vertical railroad. There are moving sidewalks, aerial cable cars and the new Skyrail . The Hong Kong International Airport is located at Chek Lap Kok . The greenhouse like airport building is one of the most impressive in the world.
Hong Kong has a thriving film industry and is the third largest worldwide. Famous for both action packed Kung Fu Movies and sensitive artistic films, it boasts of international stars such as Jackie Chan and Chow Yun Fat and well-known directors like John Woo .
Things to experience in Hong Kong -
- Learning Tai Chi or the ancient Chinese form of Shadow Boxing. Free classes are also given at the Tsim Sha Tsui harbor front and the Peak .
- Hiking in Lantau Island or Biking in the Tolo Harbor . There are well-maintained beaches for swimming on the outlying Islands.
- Visiting the city's restaurants for fresh seafood and nouvelle Chinese cuisine. Unique Century Eggs, layered Fruit Shakes and indigenous Egg Tarts are available. Traditional Cha Chaan Teng restaurants offer tea; dimsums and cheap filling “set meals”. Dai Pai Dong food stalls offer congee, rice, noodles and delicious siu mei.
- Shopping can be termed as the national pastime. Everything from designer originals to stunning copies to beautiful antiques to the latest in gadgetry is available at the city's markets and shopping malls.
- The weekend displays of Kung Fu at Kowloon Walled City Park, accompanied by traditional drummers and lion and dragon dancers.
- Exploring Hong Kong 's varied Architecture . The Architecture Walk through the city's famous Fringe Club or the old French Mission Building is accompanied by knowledgeable Architect hosts.
- Boarding a Chinese Junk to view the amazing skyline from the harbor.
- Visiting the various Museums , like the Hong Kong Heritage Museum or the Maritime Museum or the Sun Yet-san Museum.
- Learning Feng Shui from geomancers or Chinese medicine from an experienced traditional doctor.
- Participating in traditional festivals . There are fireworks, parties and elaborate Lion and Dragon Dances.
