Hong Kong - Hong Kong

Hong Kong 中華人民共和國 香港特別行政區 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
Flag
State	China
Surface	1,104 km²
Inhabitants	7.053.189 (2012)
Prefix tel	852
POSTAL CODE	no value
Time zone	UTC 8
Position Hong Kong
Tourism site
Institutional website

ATTENTION: In recent weeks, there have been civil conflicts in cities over a legislative proposal from the government. The protests turned violent, with protesters targeting passengers using the city's subway, as well as clashes between protesters and police. Travelers should follow the news and avoid approaching the protests; the local government has set up a portal to keep travelers updated. In August 2019, protests spread to the airport and led to the cancellation of flights, which means that passengers in transit are also affected.

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Hong Kong (Chinese: 香港, pinyin: Xiānggǎng; literally "Port perfumed") is a special administrative region of the China. It borders the city of Shenzhen.

To know

It is formed by a small peninsula on the south coast of China (Kowloon) and from 236 islands in the South China Sea, including Hong Kong Island, second largest to the island of Lantau (from the previous name 爛頭 島 lan tau do, "Island of the broken head"; today called in Chinese 大嶼山 pinyin: gives yǔ shān, Cantonese: tai yue shan). With the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong enjoys administrative autonomy and its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar. Very important commercial and financial center, tourist and airport, it has connections with all of East Asia.

Geographical notes

Hong Kong is formed by the island of the same name, Kowloon and i New Territories: the last two territories are very close to the island, but attached to the mainland. Kowloon is contiguous to Hong Kong but separated by a small stretch of sea, and separated from China by the New Territories, which in turn are separated by the region of Shenzhen from the Sham Chun River and Sha Tau Kok only. The Shing Mun River flows near the Sha Tin District.

When to go

To decide when to go to Hong Kong it must be borne in mind that the climate is subtropical so it is prone to monsoons and is occasionally hit by typhoons. The best times to visit Hong Kong are early spring or late autumn (October-November). Between December and March the daily monthly average is 16-19 ° C, while from May to October this average rises to between 25 ° C and 29 ° C. The wettest season is undoubtedly summer (from May to September), proving to be too hot and too humid.

Background

Archaeological finds demonstrate the presence of man around 35,000 BC. while the first settlements in Wong Tei Tung and Kei Ling Ha Hoi date back to 6,000 BC.

The annexation of the territories forming part of present-day Hong Kong into the Chinese empire began in 214 BC. with Qin Shi Huang: the first emperor of the China.

The oldest European visitor who arrived in these places and of which we have news, was Jorge Alvares, a Portuguese explorer who arrived here in 1513, starting the first trade between China and Portugal which, however, were abruptly interrupted due to conflicts between the two countries. Conflicts that led to the almost total evacuation of Hong Kong residents. In 1685, Kangxi became the first emperor to reopen to trade with foreigners. Benefiting from this was the successful East India Company which began its profitable activities in China in 1699 and subsequently focused on the marketing of opium. When the opium trade was banned in 1839, the first opium war broke out, leading to the Great Britain to occupy Hong Kong on January 20, 1841. With the treaty of Nanjing, entered into on 29 August 1842, the island was formally ceded to the United Kingdom in perpetuity. In 1860 after China's defeat in the Second Opium War, the peninsula of Kowloon and the island of Stonecutter passed definitively, following the convention of Beijing, to Great Britain.

Hong Kong experienced great socio-economic development during the rule of the British Empire. But on 8 December 1941 it was invaded by Japanese causing a strong recession and a famine that has reduced the number of inhabitants by about 60%. In 1945 the United Kingdom regained control of Hong Kong giving rise to a fervent industrial development.

In 1984 the joint declaration between China and Great Britain was signed, an agreement for the transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China, which established that Hong Kong would be governed, starting from 1 July 1997, as a special administrative region, preserving its laws and a high degree. autonomy for at least 50 years.

Suggested readings

• "Tai-pan, 1966", by James Clavell, Bompiani publisher, 2005 (famous novel about the birth of Hong Kong following the first opium war).
• "And in the sky clouds like dragons. Hong Kong between history and legend", by Stefano Di Marino. Touring 2006.
• "The dragon. Hong Kong, China and the West on the eve of the new millennium", by Lina Tamburrino. Publisher Donzelli 1997.

How to orient yourself

The territory of the former Hong Kong colony consists of a continental and an island part. The insular part is made up of more than 200 islands, many of which are uninhabited or very small.

      Hong Kong Island (香港 島) - Includes the Central District of Hong Kong, the Northern District of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Southern District. Hong Kong Island is home to the central districts and is the site of the original British settlement. Most of the tallest skyscrapers and the business district are located here, including its famous one skyline along the northern coast. The island is the most modern and richest part of the entire metropolis. Central Hong Kong, commonly referred to as "Central" in colonial times, comprises the business district and is located on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. Also on the north shore are the Western District, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.

      Kowloon (九龍) - The urban area occupying the peninsula of the same name extending towards the island of Hong Kong. The most interesting neighborhood in Kowloon is Tsim Sha Tsui, at the southern end of the peninsula. It is full of hotels and restaurants and is connected to Hong Kong Island by a comeback of ferries. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world which today offers a mix of shopping malls, markets and council houses.

      New Territories (新界) - Named after the British when they "leased" it from the Chinese government in 1898. This area contains a curious mix of small farms, villages, industrial plants and mountain national parks.

      Lantau (大嶼山) - The largest of the islands surrounding the center of Hong Kong which is twice the size of Hong Kong Island and is famous for its high peaks, wild landscapes, great beaches and the international airport.

      Remote islands of Hong Kong (離島) - Popular destination for locals for relaxing weekends. These islands range from densely populated centers to simple rocks that emerge from the sea. Among the various islands, the following are noteworthy:

• Lamma Island is located off the southern coast of Hong Kong. Very quiet, Lamma is known for its seafood restaurants that surround the pier where ferries from Hong Kong dock.
• The islet of Cheung Chau is home to a traditional village whose inhabitants still fish. The "bun", a very popular Taoist festival, takes place here.

Neighborhoods

Hong Kong: full screen map.

• Central District it is the original nucleus of the colony founded by the British in 1840 and baptized by them Victoria in honor of the then reigning queen. The Central District has kept very few traces of its past and today looks like a forest of steel and glass skyscrapers interrupted by a few green spaces such as the botanical and zoological gardens. The center includes the neighborhoods of Lan Kwai Fong is SoHo, both known for their traditional Chinese restaurants and numerous nightclubs where you linger until the first light of dawn.
• Western District it is located, as the name suggests, to the west of the center. It still retains the air of the good old days as the cement advances, relentless, year after year. The western district is famous for its antique shops and traditional Chinese products.
• Wan Chai it is located east of the center and is today the district of academies and trade fairs. In fact, there are the Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, a building on the waterfront which with its large windows and curvilinear shape recalls, in a modest manner, the Opera House of Sydney.

How to get

Entry requirements

Map of countries that do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a separate immigration system from that of the Chinese motherland, so many visitors do not need a visa upon entry. It is understood that anyone who wanted to enter the China from Hong Kong must apply for the appropriate visa.

Below is a complete list of the states that do not require a visa in 2013 divided by the days of maximum stay in the territory.

180 days

• UK
  • British citizens
• Macau
  • Macau permanent identity card holders

90 days

30 days

14 days

7 days

• East Timor

By plane

To learn more, see: Airports in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong International Airport, known as Chek Lap Kok Airport is located on Lantau Island. Among the companies that make a stopover we mention:

• Cathay Pacific - Flights from many European cities including Milan is Rome

How to get around

A train at the East Rail Tai Wai Line Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station

A map of the Mass Transit rail network (152 stations)

By public transport

Hong Kong's transport network is highly developed. Over 90% of daily journeys take place thanks to public transport: the highest percentage in the world! Payment can be made using the Octopus card, a system introduced by the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). The card is widely accepted on railways, buses and ferries and can also be used as a payment system in some local outlets

What see

• Ocean Park (Out of the center). 
• The Peak (Victoria Peak), ☎ 852 2849 0668, fax: 852 2849 6237, @[email protected]. Tram Terrace: HK $ 63 (one way) and HK $ 75 return, children and seniors pay around half. Terrace only: HK $ 40 for adults and half for children and seniors. (August 2013). The peak tram: Mon-Sun 7: 00-00: 00. Sky Terrace 428: Mon-Fri 10: 00-23: 00 Sat-Sun and holidays: 8: 00-23: 00. The highest point on the island from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view both day and night. A funicular built over a century ago will facilitate the climb of these 800 m (be prepared to make a long queue during peak hours), alternatively, the more trained, can also do it on foot surrounded by greenery. Near the terrace you can dine in one of the many restaurants or go shopping in one of the souvenir shops. 

Events and parties

• Chinese New Year. It takes place between the end of January and the beginning of February. Hong Kong's best-loved festival. 

What to do

Currency and purchases

The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) Here are the links to know the current exchange rate with the main world currencies:

How to have fun

Where to eat

Where stay

The center is home to the most expensive hotels while Kowloon has a high concentration of affordable accommodation.

In general, prices are at high levels, comparable to those ofItaly, albeit with a greater number of good deals.

Hong Kong hotels charge high season rates in the periods March-May and October-November when the weather conditions are favorable for a visit. Prices tend to rise even in conjunction with more popular trade fairs.

Those who are inclined towards low-priced accommodation should not forget to take a look at the websites of exclusive hotels. Particularly attractive offers are launched, especially when the high season has just ended.

Below is a small selection of the most renowned hotels in Hong Kong, grouped by category. Precisely because they are hotels known to most, their rooms sell out quickly; booking well in advance is therefore necessary.

Moderate prices

• YMCA, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (2 minutes from the ferry dock and Tsim Sha Tsui metro station), ☎ 852 2268 7000, 852 2268 7888. Without doubt the cheapest of the hotels in Hong Kong in relation to the quality of services. The prices, in reality, are higher than those charged by other YMCA hotels around the world but are justified by a large number of facilities such as connecting to the network via Wi-Fi. The Hong Kong YMCA also houses two restaurants, two swimming pools, a sauna, a gym room and a launderette. Of the 368 rooms, 250 are doubles and only 17 are singles. There are also beds in special dormitory rooms for those who want to save as much as possible. 

Average prices

• Booth Lodge, 11 Wing Sing Lane, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon (near the Jade market). Hotel with 43 standard and deluxe rooms (double only). Those facing the street are very noisy. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, fridge and Wi-Fi. 
• BP International House, 8 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (On the north side of Kowloon Park). Hotel with 529 rooms spread over 25 floors. It is also suitable for those traveling in groups of 4 people. The Quadriletto (Family Rooms) have a super affordable price. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, fridge, safe, Wi-Fi. The bathrooms have a shower instead of a bathtub. 2 restaurants, launderette. 
• Guangdong Hotel, 18 Prat Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. 

Safety

How to keep in touch

Around

Hong Kong is one of the major gateways to China. The city of Shenzhen, at the center of a Special Economic Zone, is just across the border. Canton (Guangzhou) is 154 km from Shenzen.

• Macau - 64 km from Hong Kong, Macau it is easily reachable by scheduled ferries. The excursion takes a whole day but nothing prevents you from staying overnight. The former Portuguese colony is called today "Las Vegas ofFar East", attracting a large number of gambling enthusiasts mainly from the China.

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Hong Kong
• Commons contains images or other files on Hong Kong
• Wikiquote contains quotes from or about Hong Kong
• Wikinews contains current news on Hong Kong

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