Hong Kong
Hong Kong was a British Crown Colony until 1997 when it became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. After the handover, economically Hong Kong was in a slump, however today Hong Kong's economy is booming. This city-state is frequented by businessmen and tourists alike, which only adds to its blend of eastern and western culture. The presence of east and west makes for an exciting mix of culture and cuisine, but be prepared to spend, because Hong Kong is the fifth most expensive city in the world. Not only will you need to shell out serious cash but you will need to face huge crowds in order to see Hong Kong the way it is meant to be seen.
Fast Facts about Hong Kong
Official Languages: Cantonese, English
Currency: 1$CAD = ~HK$7.3 (Hong Kong dollars)
Population: 7 million
Time Zone: GMT +8hours
Currency: 1$CAD = ~HK$7.3 (Hong Kong dollars)
Population: 7 million
Time Zone: GMT +8hours
Click on a photo to learn more about Hong Kong
Interesting things to know about Hong Kong:
Name:
The name Hong Kong translates to Fragrant Harbour
Population:
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the entire world with over 6,200 people per km squared
MTR:
The Hong Kong underground train system is one of the best in the world. You can ride the train from the airport, to Disney and even into China. It is the cheapest and best way to get around while touring.
Dumplings:
Hong Kong has a large Cantonese population and therefore has amazing dumplings. Note: dumplings are meant to be eaten for breakfast, but many of the dumplings shops open in the early hours of the morning, so if you've been out on the town and want to top off your night with a snack, than dumplings are the way to go in HK.
Horse Racing:
The horse races are every Wednesday in Hong Kong and it is definitely something to see. Also the race track is the largest amount of and pretty much the only grass you will see on your visit to HK.
The name Hong Kong translates to Fragrant Harbour
Population:
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the entire world with over 6,200 people per km squared
MTR:
The Hong Kong underground train system is one of the best in the world. You can ride the train from the airport, to Disney and even into China. It is the cheapest and best way to get around while touring.
Dumplings:
Hong Kong has a large Cantonese population and therefore has amazing dumplings. Note: dumplings are meant to be eaten for breakfast, but many of the dumplings shops open in the early hours of the morning, so if you've been out on the town and want to top off your night with a snack, than dumplings are the way to go in HK.
Horse Racing:
The horse races are every Wednesday in Hong Kong and it is definitely something to see. Also the race track is the largest amount of and pretty much the only grass you will see on your visit to HK.
Getting Around:
While Native HKers speak Cantonese everyone speaks English in Hong Kong so don't worry about asking questions and getting around easily.
HK on the Cheap:
Hong Kong is an expensive city to visit, but there are ways to get around on the cheap if you know how.
Read Lonely Planets article "Maximum Fun, Minimum Money: Hong Kong's best freebies." for some useful tips to spend less.
Read Lonely Planets article "Maximum Fun, Minimum Money: Hong Kong's best freebies." for some useful tips to spend less.
