Tours and holidays with added interest
Hong Kong
- Name in Chinese characters: 香港
- Name in Pinyin: Xiānggǎng
- Status: Special Administrative Region
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Location within China
General Overview
Hong Kong was ceded to the British in the 19th Century and developed as a separate territory throughout the upheavals on the mainland in the early and mid 20th Century. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 and now operates as highly autonomous region with its own currency and visa regulations.
The region is composed of three main parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. There are also a number of smaller islands including Lantau Island with Hong Kong's New international airport.
Much of the territory is covered with steep hills. This has not deterred ambitious construction projects with the skyline of Hong Kong harbour being one of the most impressive anywhere. Many people would recognise it without even having been there.
Attractions For Visitors
Firstly, it is worth making it clear that entry into Hong Kong (which requires no visa in advance for most western nationalities) counts as an exit from the mainland of China. To return to the mainland from Hong Kong (or Macau for that matter) will require a double or multiple-entry Chinese visa, or a new one altogether.
Much of the sightseeing for visitors is to be found on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon. There are a few sites on Lantau Island and some of the smaller islands are of interest to the visitor with time. Few venture into the New Territories except on a special mission such as bird-watching.
The island that gives the territory its name is rugged and therefore pretty much every suitable bit of land has been developed. The bays facing Kowloon are crammed with commercial properties whereas the higher slopes are more often the homes of very rich residents. The south coast contains a few attractive townships as well as some of the more famous tourist theme parks such as Ocean World.
Many visitors like to take the Star Ferry over to the island. Once there, buses are perhaps the best option for travel. Double-deckers offer good views and are relatively easy to use with an Octupus card. The metro can be useful along the waterfront but trams also serve this same route and are more interesting. A furnicular railway runs up to Victoria Peak, probably the best spot for views out over the harbour.
The peninsula of Kowloon was ceded to the British at the same time as Hong Kong Island. Boundary Street still exists though it no longer serves any purpose. If you are curious it can be worth a trip as it is very close to a series of themed markets that then head back south. The flower, pet and ladies (clothes) markets are usually of interest; the electronics markets are now located elsewhere. The harbour area is of most imterest. There are several museums and exhibition halls here as well as lots of shopping opportunities. In the evenings there is a free light show that is well worth catching. In summer-time a trip to the open-air swimming complex next to Kowloon Park can be a welcome relief from the muggy weather.
Buses, ferries and the metro all operate to Lantau Island - mostly so as to ensure a speedy service for international travellers. There is also an airport express train service which serves only the airport. This has a downtown check-in service which is very useful. Lantau is home to the Tiantan Buddha, the largest copper statue of Buddha in the world, and also to the relatively new Hong Kong Disneyland.
Lamma Island is connected to Hong Kong Island by ferry. It offers an escape from the hubbub of the downtown areas and is therefore very popular with long-term expatriate workers. It has good beaches and several fishing villages that offer great sea-food.
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