Chic, loud and cosmopolitan – this is how the financial and trade metropolis of Hong Kong presents itself to its visitors. Hong Kong is a breathtaking world city and is located on the south coast of the People’s Republic of China. It can look back on a long and moving history. The first settlements took place about 5,000 years ago.
The city was an insignificant fishing community until the 19th century and was mainly populated by pirates and smugglers. During the Opium Wars from 1840 to 1842 and from 1856 to 1858, western powers invaded China, and in 1842 the island fell into the hands of Great Britain. Until 1997, Hong Kong was a British crown colony and was contractually returned to the People’s Republic of China on July 1, 1997. Since then, Hong Kong has been considered a special administrative zone.
According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, the unique metropolis of Hong Kong is today an attractive travel destination and captivates countless tourists every year. With a size of approximately 1,092 km², Hong Kong is distributed over a peninsula and 253 other islands. The lively life pulsates especially on Hong Kong Island. Great sights such as temples, markets, parks and countless shops shape the cityscape of Hong Kong. Those who spend their holidays here do not have to worry about active leisure activities – there is a lot to experience in Hong Kong at any time of the day or night.
“The fragrant harbor” means Hong Kong in German, a beautiful and romantic name. From a distance, many Europeans assume that Hong Kong is sterile and, above all, has a strong sense of making money. But that is a misconception. Because the number of museums in Hong Kong has been increasing for some time. The most diverse cultural events from a wide variety of genres are also offered here.
The traditional arts in Hong Kong are also experiencing an upward trend. The multitude of artists, traditional artists and collections is due to the cultural revolution of China at that time. Many of the Chinese artists fled to Hong Kong to escape the chaos.
Area: 1,104 km² (land: 1,054 km², water: 50 km²)
Population 7.1 million inhabitants (July 2011, CIA estimate). Chinese 95%, Philipino 1.6%, Indonesians 1.3%, others 2.1% (2006 census)
Population density: 6,452 people per sq . Km
Population growth: 0.448% per year (2011, CIA)
Highest point: Tai Mo Shan, 958 m
Lowest point: South China Sea, 0 m
Form of government: Hong Kong has been a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China (ceded by the United Kingdom) since July 1, 1997. There is limited democracy in Hong Kong, the unicameral parliament consists of a legislative council with 60 members. Hong Kong has 36 MPs in the Chinese People’s Congress.
Administrative division: a unitary administration with 18 districts:
Hong Kong Island: Central and Western, Eastern, Southern, Wan Chai
Peninsula Kowloon: Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, Yau Tsim Mong
New Territories: Islands, Kwai Tsing, North, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long
Prime Minister: Donald Tsang, since June 25, 2005
Head of state: Chinese President Hu Jintao, since March 15, 2003
Language: The official languages in Hong Kong are Cantonese and English. Cantonese is spoken most frequently (89.2%), other Chinese dialects make up 6.4%. English is spoken primarily in business matters (3.2%). Other languages 1.2% (2001 census).
Religion: local religions 90%, Christians 10%
Local time: CET + 7 h. In Hong Kong there is no change between summer and winter time.
The time difference to Central Europe is + 7 h in winter and + 6 h in summer.
International dialing code: +852
Internet ID:.hk
Mains voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz throughout the country. Adapters are required.
Hong Kong climate
The weather in Hong Kong is cool in winter. Early winter is usually light and dry, in late winter it is mostly cloudy and there are occasional cold fronts. Snow and frost are rare in Hong Kong. The rainfall is not particularly high in winter.
In spring rainfall and humidity increase.
June to September are the hottest months of the year. The maximum temperatures are between 26 and 34 °C with a humidity of 60 – 70% during the day and even higher at night. Thunderstorms with heavy rain are common. Hong Kong can be affected by typhoons in summer and early autumn (less often in late spring).
In autumn, the weather in Hong Kong is mostly sunny with decreasing rainfall.
Best time to go to Hong Kong
Due to the mild temperatures and the not too high humidity, autumn is often described as the most beautiful time.
Money
Currency: 1 Hong Kong dollar equals 100 cents
Currency code: HKD (ISO code), HK $
banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 HK $. Coins are issued in amounts of 10, 20 and 50 cents as well as 1, 2, 5 and 10 HK $.
Exchange rate:
October 2009
1 USD = HK $ 7.75 (the Hong Kong Monetary Authority guarantees an exchange rate between KK 7.75 and KK 7.85 for USD
1 ) 1 Euro = HK $ 11.44
Sightseeing
A magnificent view awaits tourists on the 552 meter high mountain “The Peak”. The cable car, the so-called “Peak Tram”, takes you up the mountain. Here is the “Peak Tower” with the shopping center “Peak Galleria” and the viewing platform. It reveals a breathtaking view of the Hong Kong skyline.
A visit to the “Avenue of Stars” is also exciting and worthwhile. The promenade, which is worth seeing, has been on the Kowloon peninsula since 2004, right on the water in Tsim Sha Tsiu. It was built after the famous “Walk of Fame” in Los Angeles and shows the handprints and the golden stars of major film stars such as Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee or John Woo. The famous “Hong Kong Museum of Art” is right next to the promenade. It is worth a detour, because here Chinese antiques, valuable art objects as well as contemporary art can be viewed in four large exhibition halls.
A tourist attraction can be visited on Lantau Island, the largest island in Hong Kong. At “Po Lin” monastery, 286 steps lead to the large Buddha “Tian Tan Buddha”. Since 2007 this has been the largest seated Buddha statue in the world. It is surrounded by eight other small statues, is 34 meters high and weighs 250 tons.
In the north of Kowloon, on an area of about 18,000 square kilometers, the Taoist temple complex “Wong Tai Sin” opened in 1921, which means “The great immortal Wong”. He is considered one of the most popular saints in Hong Kong. The temple with its red columns, the golden roof, the “Sangheng Hall” and the “Good Wish Garden” with its exotic Chinese plants are very well known in Hong Kong and are a popular destination.
In the colors green and white, the nostalgic ferries of the Star Ferry run every five minutes from Victoria Island to the Kowloon peninsula. You can shoot the most beautiful photo opportunities while driving, because the view of the skyline is fantastic.
Hong Kong is also an ideal destination for extensive shopping. A lot of fun is guaranteed on the markets. The “Western Market” is the oldest market hall in the city. It is located west of Central in Sheung Wan. The red brick building with its four corner towers and the large marble arch above the entrance invites you to browse the small shops for souvenirs, fabrics, clothing and much more.
How about a shopping tour in the middle of the night? The “Temple Street Night Market” offers the opportunity to do so. The popular night market is primarily geared towards inexpensive things, and trading at a good price is an essential part of a successful business.
Hong Kong, a world metropolis with a multitude of attractive leisure and entertainment opportunities is waiting to be discovered!