HONG KONG
GEOGRAPHY
A nation with skyscrapers horizon has a history of being a trading outpost in the previous era. Today even though the land is congested it is tech sound and full of life activities. Asia includes some overseas territories ruled by non-Asian countries Hong Kong is one of them. It is pronounced as a Special Administrative Region of China.
It is located in East Asia off the south coast of China towards south of Tropic of Cancer. The nation is a cape headland beginning projection from south east China; it has as part of is territory many scattered islands. The borderline is common with South China Sea and China. The shoreline extends to 733 km. Hong Kong includes three districts namely island of Hong Kong or Victoria 423 sq km the flat Kowloon Peninsula in 4 square miles and Stonecutters Island together with the flat but fertile New Territories-comprising more than 234 islands some of them remotely placed and an area on the mainland which was leased from China for 99 years.
The terrain of the island is firm but volcanic; the land is interspersed by mountains and smaller elevations.
The most elevated peak at 3140 ft is Ta Mo Shan of central New Territories; at deepest spot is the South China Sea.
The credit of being the biggest island goes to Lantau; it is here that sophisticated technologically advanced Chek Lap Kok International Airport is coming up. Kowloon is an important port and industrial hub.
Hong Kong is a major industrial banking and commercial center with a fine natural harbor, large dockyards and freight facilities. The Main Island is encircled by unfathomable waters; the harbor is surrounded by mountains in north as well as in south. The harbor is vital for connectivity between Asia and the other parts of the world. Hong Kong International Airport is a major air traffic junction. Manufacturing tourism and trading are the leading activities.
Among the natural disaster typhoon is the foremost; even though the country is on volcanic plains but recorded history does not show its occurrence for a long time now.
THE CAPITAL
Victoria a place located on Hong Kong islands is the capital city and is referred to as Hong Kong. It is a shoppers den because of its duty free port, and a busy port for transshipping.
THE CLIMATE
The winter is chilly and wet; it is scorching with occasional rains beginning from spring months of March up to May and concludes in summers which coincide with the months of June lasting till September. October till December is the favorite time for tourists when the heat is not at its peak; thus autumn and winter are the favored months. January has peak winters. Seasons and wind direction influences climate variations. The winter months merge into summers with perpetual rains or showers at times fog; many find these changes extremely uncomfortable.
POPULATION
The national composition is mostly Chinese; Buddhism is practiced extensively.
The language in official use is Chinese, and English; Chinese speak Cantonese language.
Currency transactions are done through Hong Kong dollars.
HISTORY
Way back in 1842 China relinquished Hong Kong Islands to Britain; later in 1860 Kowloon Peninsula was also given up. It was in 1898 British acquired 99 year annex; they then brought about unprecedented progress of the place. In between starting from 1941-1945 Japan ruled the land. It was after World War II that Chinese refuges entered Hong Kong to sell their inexpensive labor; Henceforth this lead to Hong Kong being recognized as a trade center. Once again in 1984 Britain conceded to relocate Hong Kong to China. The formalities concluded in 1997 and henceforth it is called Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
TOURISM
There is a lot that may interest tourists and business visitors as well. Kowloon attracts by its Golden Mile shopping outlet and equally attractive nightlife. New Territories has cluster of islands to laze around for a day’s outing. The most tracked down is Lantau. The Deep bay region and the surrounding mangroves are inhabited by assorted breed of aviary and butterflies; Even though transportation connectivity is convenient its fun to explore the place on foot.
Exclusive and uncommon structural design in buildings is worth the admiration. The unproductive buildings are abolished and that is the reason when each time you visit the place do not be surprised by new structures strictly adhering to Feng Shui rules. The Peninsular Hotel is a heritage building. The world appreciates their architectural proficiency.
Water sports facilities and activities are available in abundance for professionals and amateur. These include swimming, diving, wind-surfing, water-skiing, in and around the country. Tennis players can enjoy a good game at the public courts. Take a recreation tour to enjoy a leisure game of golf one of the most liked game of the nation.
The mountain and other elevations are fun to climb or go hiking under guidance. Tourists find it a good leisure activity. The cycle enthusiast ride along the Tolo Harbor Cycling Track for exercise, fresh air and the picturesque beauty.
There are 23 parks with walking trails. Tourists have a good time in picnics and barbecue parties at the park or near water bodies. Lantau Trail is a 70 km trail covering the different topology of the land; all through the surrounding view is breath taking. Many couples visit a granite tall structure the Lover’s Rock for everlasting love in their life.
The Victoria Peak 552 meters offer a sneak view of the harbor, Kowloon as well as Wan Chai strip. Take a ride at Peak Tram of 1888 and enjoy the slopes of the peak. There are a couple of Museums highlighting the important turn of the history. Many sacred and revered temples visited by devotees all through the year.
Hire a ferry and sail around the harbor; the small voyage will give the glimpse of many important points of the city. Ascend 268 steps to pay homage at the Big Buddha built in a decade.
Nature explorers will enjoy and so do many families an outing at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Children enjoy rides at The Ocean Park.
ACCOMMODATION
As tourism is a prosperous industry there are many 3, 4, and 5 star hotels. Then one can pick from best value hotels, city center hotels and the airport hotels. Lantau has well planned resorts for visitors. The facilities at the hotel are modern; the place is compact, and the service efficient.
FOOD
The fundamental way of cooking resembles the Chinese cuisine; the sweet sour crunchy-smooth texture based dishes are delicious. The rare category of dishes like monkey’s brain, bear paw, snake, pigeon, sparrow, frogs, dog, baby mice and lizards are consumed by them. Not all visitors are tempted to try out such dishes.
MUSIC AND DANCE
At special occasions the traditional lion dance is performed for prosperity; it is unique to the place. It is Chinese belief as stated in mythology that lion is a pious creature with spirit. This is why crackers blares are heard during the dance to keep evil spirits at bay. Giant puppet operated by group of people in dragon dance makes a pretty picture.
SHOPPING
For some Hong Kong is synonymous with shopping sprees; it is true as people from all over the globe indulge in this here. The malls and the shopping complex cater to the rush and shopping demands by being open from wee hours till late night. All international brands and swift changing fashion are available at a deal here. The prices are economical and within reach of most of the visitors.
Those wanting to shop for souvenirs will not be disappointed. Chinese art and craft is on sale at reasonable price. This includes embroidery carpets, porcelain, jade, wood bamboo ivory craved and crafted items; the traditional scissor cut products look very delicate. Try to purchase the gifts from reputed well established shops offering some kind of guarantee. Bargaining is an accepted way of getting a good deal.
Hong Kong some attraction for every age group, for holiday makers, business inclined and culture studying historians. Take a break and enjoy the break!
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