Basic Information On Hong Kong:

Hong Kong is one of the two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of China (the other being Macau). Hong Kong became a British colony for nearly 150 years and as a result, most infrastructure inherits the design and standards of Britain. The Japanese occupied Hong Kong during World War II but the British resumed control in 1945. In the early 1980s, negotiations between the United Kingdom and China resulted in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which paved way for the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, when it became a special administrative region (SAR) with a high degree of autonomy.  Hong Kong maintains a separate political and economic system from China. Except in military defense and foreign affairs, Hong Kong maintains its independent executive, legislative and judiciary.

Hong Kong is now famous for being a leading financial center in East Asia, with the presence of local and some of the most recognized banks from around the world. Hong Kong is also famous for its transition port, transporting a significant volume of exports from China to the rest of the world.

Population: The population of the Hong Kong is about 7,373,046.

GDP:  $ 397.5 billion (2016).  Hong Kong is one of the leading financial centre in East Asia, with the presence of local and some of the most recognized banks from around the world

Climate:  Hong Kong has a monsoon-influenced subtropical climate and is is mild for more than half the year. There are mild, relatively dry winters, and hot, humid, and wet summers. The best time to visit Hong Kong is from October to early December, when the weather is sunny, cool, and pleasant.  

People:  Most English-speakers have adopted the term Hong Kongers.  For those who are ethnically Chinese (which is 95% of the population), they refer themselves as Hong Kong Chinese. 

Religion:  Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are the primary religions in Hong Kong. Approximately 43% of the population are religious, and the majority of these follow Chinese traditional religion in Hong Kong. There is a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, accentuated by local practices and beliefs.

Capital:  The capital of Hong Kong is Hong Kong.

Language:  The two official languages of Hong Kong are English and Chinese.

Currency:  The Hong Kong Dollar is the currency of Hong Kong.

Time Zone:  UTC+08:00 

Things to do in Hong Kong: (My top three)

Hong Kong Island Tour (4 -5 hours morning or afternoon departure)

• Visit Victoria Peak where you will find one of the most epic views of the beautiful Victoria Harbor.
• Explore Aberdeen Fishing Village, an old fishing village where the Tanka people dwell in Hong Kong since the old days. You can take the sampan ride to experience the water lifestyle of the fisherman.
• Observe the beauty of Repulse Bay, a picture example of early 20^th Century colonial architecture.
• Visit Stanley Market to explore one of the most popular open market in Hong Kong.
• Visit one of the most popular jewelry factories in Hong Kong.

Tsing Ma-Lantau and Monastery (6 – 7 hours)

• Visit the Tsing Ma Bridge and explore one of the longest road/rail suspension bridge in the world.
• Tai O Village – see the fishing junks, wooden stilt houses along the waterfront, tiny shops, shrines, and ancient temples from an interesting mosaic of a traditional fishing village.
• Depart for Po Lin Monastery and enjoy the scenic mountains. The monastery is one of the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue and museum.
• Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal prepared by the monks at the monastery for lunch.
• Take a ride on the Ngong Pine 360 cable car to go to Tung Chung. Enjoy the magnificent panoramas of the Lanatu and the South China Sea.

One day Macau Tour

• Take the high speed ferry from the Hong Kong-Macau ferry pier towards Macau.
• Complete the immigration process upon arrival in Macau.
• Explore the Ruins of St Paul, Mount Fortress, Section of the Old Wall, Na Tcha Temple, and Leal Senado Square.
• Visit the A ma Temple
• See the Nam Van Lake, Macau Tower, and Penha Church
• Visit the Casino