As the Pearl of the Orient, Hong Kong is a popular tourist attraction besides being an important financial market of the world. Situated in the southeast corner of China and east of Pearl River's (Zhu Jiang) entrance, it connects with Shenzhen city in the north and occupies an area of 1,092 square kilometers (422 square miles). Hong Kong has a total population of 6.78 million, of which 96 percent is Chinese, and the rest are various nationalities. English and Chinese are the official languages in Hong Kong.

History

According to historical records, since the Song Dynasty (960 ~ 1279), people inhabiting small villages lived on the production of incense sticks, which were then shipped from a nearby port (called "gang"). Hence the village gained its name Xianggang, which became Hong Kong in English. In ancient time, Hong Kong belonged to Guangdong Province. After the Opium War in 1842, it was handed over to Great Britain as a colony. Upon Hong Kong's return back to China in 1997, it was made a Special Administrative Region. Thus, the policy of "one country, two systems" has been successfully implemented from then on.

When to go

Located by the ocean, Hong Kong's climate is a sub-tropical. Both spring and autumn are sunny and comfortable, with the temperature is averaging at about 23C. Summer with an average temperature of 28C is sweltering and humid. Winter is dry and cool, with an average temperature of 17C. So in the summer and winter, Hong Kong is respectively neither, too hot or too cold. This makes Hong Kong a year round travel destination. Of course, ideally speaking, spring and autumn are the best time for a visit.

Hong Kong is geographically and administratively divided into three main regions: Hongkong Island, Kowloon and New Territories. Kowloon and New Territories border on Guangdong Province and the famous Victoria Bay is between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Hong Kong Island is the main island in Hongkong. The central part of Hong Kong Island is the business center, which is also an important venue for international trade and finance. Its towering skyscrapers and bustling activities give an impression of great wealth and prosperity. Boasting both eastern and western cultures, Hong Kong is both a shopper's and a tourist's paradise. Recommended attractions on this wonderful island are Ocean Park, with the longest pedestrian escalator in the world, which is the largest leisure theme park in southeast Asia; Victoria Peak, with the oldest Peak tram, which is the highest peak on this island and Hong Kong's most enduring tourist attraction; and the Hongkong Convention & Exhibition Center, with its grand architecture and luxurious decor.

Kowloon is the trading estate and residential area of Hong Kong, while Tsim Sha Tsui is the liveliest section in Kowloon. Shopping malls in Kowloon are numerous and this makes Hong Kong one of the top shopping destinations in the world. In Kowloon, Song Dynasty Town is a must-see for travelers. It gives you the opportunity to experience China during the Song Dynasty (960 ~1279). The Star Ferry is very popular among tourists for a very inexpensive fare, and you can enjoy the magnificent panorama of Victoria Harbour on it. Besides, it runs regularly every few minutes and only takes about ten minutes of your time.

New Territories is the farm belt of Hong Kong. Most local residents and immigrants would rather live here than anywhere else, because it is located in a rural setting far away from the bustling business center. Here you can see the rapid growth of Hong Kong's new town, Sha Tin, and take in the sights of small farms, rustic countryside and pretty coastline on the Sai Kung Peninsula.

Hong Kong varies its offered experiences from the quieter and more relaxing that one finds by visiting its small fishing village to the more active day and night lives found in a metropolis. It is the entry gate to China in one direction and to the world in the other direction. At the beginning of the 90's, a bronze Buddha statue was built in Hong Kong. Standing at 34 meters in height and weighing 250 tons, it is the world's largest bronze Sakyamuni Buddha statue and one of Hong Kong's newest tourist attractions. In addition, Hong Kong is also home to famous film stars like Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fatt and Jet Li.

Maybe you have seen a lot and known much about Hong Kong from the silver screen. Why not come here to see this wonderland in person? A memorable time awaits you in Hong Kong.