Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic cities on earth, a living fusion of East and West. Visitors will be swept up in its energy, dazzled by its multifaceted, multinational character and awed by the pace of life. Prosperous, vigorous and upbeat, Hong Kong has entered a new era, capitalizing on its position at the heart of Asia and the gateway to China.

The unique fascination of Hong Kong is the seamless blending of the colonial influence woven into 5,000 years of Chinese heritage and culture. You will also find towering skyscrapers set against lush green hills; a vibrant nightlife balanced by quiet nature trails; and bustling city streets just 30 minutes from scenic outlying islands.

Come celebrate the festivals - Chinese New Year with fireworks and an international parades, Mid-Autumn Festival where the parks and streets are adorned with lanterns and the Fire Dragon parade.

Treat your palate to local, provincial and international cuisine at one of 10,000 restaurants. Shop in the splendor of a glitzy shopping mall or bargain at the street markets. Attain serenity and calmness in the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, relax on a sandy beach on one of the charming outlying islands or simply walk among the rolling hills of the New Territories. Mingle with the local experts at the Cultural Kaleidoscope Meet the People program to experience Tai Chi, Feng Shui, Tea Ceremony or take an architectural walk with a famed architect.

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10 THINGS TO DO

  • 1

    Symphony of Lights - It’s in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest outdoor light and music show, taking place nightly at 8pm across Victoria Harbor.

  • 2

    Star Ferry – Take a ride on the Star Ferry, an ages-old cruise through Victoria Harbor; on the Peak Tram, a century’s old tradition of getting to Victoria Peak; or aboard the double-decker street car deemed the ‘ding, ding’ by locals.

  • 3

    Giant Buddha on Lantau Island – Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car over land & water to the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha and adjacent Po Lin Monastery set amongst Hong Kong’s verdant green mountains.

  • 4

    Shopping - Hone your bargaining skills at the city’s numerous outdoor markets offering goods, fortune-telling and mouth-watering Dai Pai Dong (food stalls).

  • 5

    Architecture – Tour Hong Kong’s unique architectural history including Chinese temples, colonial edifices & ultra-modern skyscrapers.

  • 6

    Cultural Kaleidoscope - Cruise Victoria Harbor in a restored Chinese Junk Boat or mingle with local experts to experience cultural arts like Tai Chi, Feng Shui & more...

  • 7

    Outlying Islands – Explore the quieter side of Hong Kong and venture to secluded beaches & fisherfolk communities set amongst its 260 islands.

  • 8

    Cooking – Partake in one of Hong Kong’s cooking classes. Shop the fresh food markets before learning to make the region’s famed dim sum or specialty Chinese dishes.

  • 9

    Nightlife – Drink in Hong Kong’s nightlife at the city’s famed Lan Kwai Fong district or storied Wan Chai area where clubs and pubs reign.

  • 10

    Sunset at the Peak – Enjoy the beautiful Hong Kong sunset atop Victoria Peak offering panoramic views of city and harbor.

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BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to travel is between November & February (winter.) Hong Kong has subtropical weather - cool & less humid winters and hot & humid summers:

Spring
March - Mid-May: 68-86'F (15-30'C), Humidity 82%, Occasional showers.

Summer
Late May - Mid-Sept: 77-90'F (25-32'C), Humidity 83%, Hot and Sunny. This is also typhoon (hurricane) season.

Fall
Late Sept - Early December: 59-86'F (15-30'C), Humidity 75%, Sunny & Clear - ideal for walking or hiking.

Winter
Early December - February: 57-66'F (14-19'C), Humidity 76%, Sunny & Cool.
 

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TOP BUYS

Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme

The QTS display signifies that the merchant has passed a stringent annual
assessment showing it:
• Provides clearly displayed prices
• Displays clear information
• Ensures superb customer service

There are several “must buys” in Hong Kong, including:
     Tailor made suits/dresses - Fine tailors can be found in most hotels

     Chinese Arts & Antiques - Hollywood Road in Central District or the Chinese Arts &
     Crafts Department Stores located throughout the city

     Jewelry & Precious Stones - Jewelry shops in Tsim Sha Tsui, Nathan Road
     and Central District

     Chinese clothes - Tailor-made or visit the Chinese Arts & Crafts Department Stores

     Electronics & Computers - Cutting edge models, stores mostly located on Nathan
     Road and in Mong Kok...check adaptability and voltage!
 

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KEY WORDS

How are you? - Neih hou ma?
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Very well - Hou hou
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Thank you - Dor jeh
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Good morning - Jou sun
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Goodbye - Joi gin
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Today - Gam yaht
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Yesterday - Jok yaht
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Tomorrow - Ting yaht
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Americans - Mei kuok yun
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How much? - Gai dor chin?
...................................................
Numbers:
1 – yat
2 – yih
3 – saam
4 – sei
5 – ngh
6 – luhk
7 – chat
8 – baat
9 – gau
10 – sahp
100 – yat baak

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FAQ

Do I need a Visa?
A visa is not required for visitors holding U.S. Passports for stays up to 90 days.

What is Hong Kong Currency?
The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at US$1=HK$7.8. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, shops and restaurants. 24-hour ATMs can be found almost everywhere.

Do I need vaccinations?
No vaccinations are required for travel to Hong Kong.

What language is spoken in Hong Kong?
The two Official Languages are English & Chinese. All major signage is in English or bilingual text.

Do I need special adapter plugs for electricity?
The current electricity is 220 volts. Most hotels provide adapter plugs for travel appliances.

What is Hong Kong weather like?
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, along the same latitude as Mexico City, The Bahamas and Hawaii. Typhoons occasionally go through Hong Kong between May and November.

How do I get around?
Hong Kong maintains a sophisticated, convenient mass transit system of subways, trains, buses and ferries. Taxis are also readily available.

What time zone is Hong Kong in?
Hong Kong is 12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

What is Hong Kong population?
7 million people live in Hong Kong with 95% being of Chinese decent.

How much do I tip?
Most restaurants add a 10% service charge, marked on the bill. An additional 5% can be left as tip. When a service charge is not included, tipping 10% is acceptable.

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LEARN MORE

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD