Hong Kong

THE CITY OF HONG KONG

Hong Kong has a population of 7 million people but the land area is only 1,108 km2 (428 sq mi). Therefore, it is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Officially called the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, it is a largely self-governing territory of the People's Republic of China. To the north is Guangdong whereas to the east, south and west Hong Kong is bordered by the South China Sea. Nowadays, Hong Kong is a global metropolitan and international financial centre with a highly developed capitalist economy.

Beginning as a trading port, Hong Kong became a crown colony of the United Kingdom in 1842, reclassified as a British dependent territory in 1983, and remained so until the transfer of its sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997.

Under the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy in all areas with the exception of foreign affairs and defence, which are the responsibility of the PRC Government. As part of this arrangement, Hong Kong continues to maintain its own currency, legal system, political system, immigration control, rule of the road and other aspects that concern its way of life, many of which are distinct from those of mainland China.

Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, its identity as a cosmopolitan centre where the East meets the West is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions. The city's population is 95% Chinese and 5% people of other ethnicities.

THE PORT OF HONG KONG

Harbour City Ocean Terminal has a beautiful position on the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula which is close to Hong Kong’s busiest shopping district, Tsim Sha Tsui. Ocean Terminal is a finger pier of overall length 381 metres orientated from the east to the west, and of open piled construction. Berths are provided symmetrically about the pier centreline on both its north and south side. It is the sole cruise terminal in Hong Kong and can accommodate many luxurious and elegant cruise vessels like Queen Elizabeth 2, Norway, and the latest Star Princess since its debut. However, ships over 50,000 tonnes have to berth in the Kwai Chung container port. Harbour City Ocean Terminal is too small for the mighty Queen Mary 2 and other ships of her size.

The terminal building of 58 metres wide extends from the shore westwards along the centreline of the pier for 305 metres. It is constructed on its own substantial substructure passing through the main pier deck. Including the rooftop, it is a 5-storey multi-purpose building. The lower three floors are shops providing variety of merchandise and delicious food while the upper two floors are car parks.

TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong has a highly developed transportation network, encompassing both public and private transport. Over 90% of daily travels (11 million) are on public transport, making it the highest percentage in the world. The Octopus card, a stored value smart card payment system, can be used to pay for fares on almost all railways, buses and ferries, and also for parking and purchases at convenience stores, supermarkets, and fast-food restaurants.

The city's rapid transit system, MTR, has 150 stations and serves 3.4 million people a day. A tramway system, serving the city since 1904, covers the northern parts of Hong Kong Island and is the only tram system in the world run exclusively with double-deckers. Double-decker buses were introduced to Hong Kong in 1949, and are now almost exclusively used, with single-decker buses remaining in use for routes with lower demand or roads with lower carrying capacity. Most normal franchised bus routes in Hong Kong operate until 1 am. Public light buses run the length and breadth of Hong Kong, through areas where standard bus lines cannot reach or do not reach as frequently, quickly, or directly.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong is one of the cities in the world that offer an awesome and really beautiful spectacle to the visitor. Especially the view from the harbour view reflects the architectural boom of the 1980s and 1990s. Hong Kong presents a mesmerizing mixture of ancient Eastern culture and Western innovation:  5.000 years of Chinese history and traditions covered with a varnish of 150 years of British colonial influence.

Especially at night the view from the Peak of Hong Kong's glittering lights is unforgettable. The towers of Central seen from the lovers' walk of Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade are truly impressive.

The British gave Hong Kong back to China in 1997 but the city remains a "free-market zone," a real centre of capitalism within the communist Chinese system. For the local people of Hong Kong there is still a border between them and China. Visitors still have to go through a three-day procedure to obtain tourist visas in order to cross.

The city is made up of three main districts. The outdoor markets are in the Kowloon Peninsula, whereas the upscale shops are situated on Nathan Road's "golden mile," and the busy, tourist-friendly Tsim Sha Tsui area. Between Kowloon and mainland China are the scenic New Territories with their large and elaborate temples and woodlands. Hong Kong Island contains the city's financial district, and is situated across Victoria Harbour.

Some highlights are:
• Ocean Park
• Miu Fat Monastery
• Fishing villages such as Aberdeen
• Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island
• Night markets
• Victoria Peak (The Peak)
• Hong Kong Museum of History
• Ngong Ping 360 cable car
• Disneyland Hong Kong