Added: 11/28/2005 |
In Hong Kong -beautiful natural surroundingsLying just south of the tropic of Cancer at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong (Canton). The total land area of Hong Kong is 1,078 sq. km, comprising of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, including 235 outlying islands. The population of Hong Kong is more than 6 million people, almost 95 percent of which is Chinese. Chinese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong.
It would be hard to find a more exciting city than Hong Kong. Set among beautiful natural surroundings it has all the benefits of a thriving and vibrant commercial center. Here you can find the delights of modern living alongside an abundance of reminders of its historic past.
This legendary city has grown from what was a simple fishing village into the world's fourth largest banking and financial center and eighth largest trading economy.
The capital of the metropolis on Hong Kong Island is Victoria, which climbs almost vertical streets halfway up Victoria Peak.
An open city with a wonderful natural harbor, Hong Kong is the meeting place of various cultures that blend harmoniously with Chinese traditions and exotic influences. On one hand traces of British culture can be found everywhere as a result of former colonial rule. On the other hand, Hong Kong preserves traditional customs and the core values of Confucianism that have faded in Mainland China. This is reflected in its colorful festivals ranging from Spring Festival to Christmas. Nowhere else on earth do luxury restaurants, street side food-stalls known locally as dai pai dong, grand mansions and penthouses, tenements, office blocks, wooden boats and huge liners coupled with English in a variety of accents and multifarious Chinese dialects coexist peacefully.
Whether you visit the Hong Kong attractions like the stunning Ocean Park, the fantastic viewpoint of Victoria Peak or the beautiful Repulse Bay, Hong Kong is certain to exceed your expectations.
Ocean Park is among the top theme parks and aquariums in Southeast Asia, as well as the best marine education center. This is a must for children with its newly added entertaining facilities.
Aberdeen is the essence of a Hong Kong tour.
It is hard to imagine that the lighted trawlers are where fishermen and their families live. The Jumbo Floating Restaurant offers superb fresh seafood.
Victoria Peak is the best place in Hong Kong from which to admire the lights of this Oriental Pearl. The grotesque Ripley's Odditorium, the exciting Peak Explorer Motion Simulator, and the relaxing terraces and restaurants make up this entertainment center. Madame Tussaud Wax Museum is one of the most favorite attractions with figures of celebrities including local movie star Jackie Chan.
Star Ferry can be both inexpensive and romantic. For tourists a ride on the ferry provides the optimum angle from which to snatch fantastic views of Victoria Harbor.
Stanley Market will satisfy epicureans with its many stands, shops, original restaurants, outdoor cafes, and even a performance stage.
Open-air markets lure every tourist. No one leaves empty handed. There is something for every taste, from the fashionable bargains at Ladies' Market in Mong Kok, to the electronic gadgets and souvenirs in Yau Ma Tei's Temple Street Night Market.
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, patterned after an ancient Chinese palace and rich in Chinese culture, is the most famous temple in Hong Kong. Fortunetellers are active here.
Hong Kong's tropical latitude produces high temperatures most of the year and a short, mild winter. Spring is extremely wet, often causing dangerous landslides and floods. Autumn is dry. The most significant weather event is the typhoon season of late summer. Typhoon season normally begins in Hong Kong in June and ends in September.
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