Hong Kong's history is based on more than 20 archaeological sites that attest to Neolithic settlements in what is now considered to be Hong Kong. The people are thought to have come from Northern China during the second millennium BC. The area came under Chinese control sometime around 220BC.

Hong Kong Map

One of the great cities of the world, Hong Kong is legendary and a 'must see' for any would-be world traveler. Its very name summons imagery from a bygone era of far east trading ships laden with silk and spice, opium wars, and the mystery of the orient. Or, could it be the burgeoning metropolis of more recent times calling to mind the carnival of colour, culture and cosmopolitan panache? Sitting on the doorstep to China and serving as a portal to the largest consumer potential of any single country, Hong Kong invites the world to come and experience a unique perspective. "Live It! Love It!" is the new slogan adopted by the Tourism Board of Hong Kong. Suggesting perhaps, that all of our senses must experience this hyperactive kaleidoscope of 'humanity meets urbanity' in order to appreciate the bold character that is Hong Kong. It's one thing to see pictures of a densely packed skyline at the base of a steep hill across a bay tossed up by high speed ferries and sampans jostling for position, quite another to actually be there-part of the scenery-to feel the throbbing heartbeat of Hong Kong.

Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall, Hong Kong

Say "Hong Kong" and one immediately thinks, "Big city", but Hong Kong is more than a massive metropolis that never turns out the lights: In 1997 China assumed control of the colony, which encompasses a group of more than 200 islands (Hong Kong island being one of the largest), Kowloon and the New Territories from the former British administrators. It is now known as a Special Administrative Region under an agreement that provides for the continuation of Hong Kong's unique social, economic, and legal systems for another 50 years beyond 1997. The region is situated among a cluster of islands, deep bays and rivers along China's sub-tropical south coast and at the top of the South China Sea between Taiwan and Vietnam.

Today, as a leading contender for global trade, finance and manufacturing, Hong Kong is hopping to the fast-paced beat of world markets. Tourism is a front-runner in the economic powerhouse of the city as well. Visitors to Victoria are treated to a sensation unlike any other. (Victoria is the compact strip of skyscrapers hugging the shore below Victoria Peak, and is one of world's most expensive and densely populated bits of real estate.) Under the looming towers, the crush of the human race in constant motion by every imaginable carriage creates a dizzying effect. Gangs of rioting signs and billboards crowd and push for dominance luring your eye every which way. A million and one sounds combine in a bizarre tempo of unrestrained street music. The nose is filled with a heady blend of aromas rising from great steaming pots, burning incense and congested traffic. This colourful festival of sights, sounds and smells invade your senses and fills you with an urge. An urge to jump in with both feet and join the momentum-the lifeblood-of the one and only, Hong Kong.

Aberdeen - home to the Tanka Boat People

Shopping galore! Entertainment 'extraordinaire'! Spectacular sights! Sizzling cuisine! Outstanding cultural and historical treasures! Hong Kong resounds with exclamations so indulge, enjoy and experience the vast array of activities available to you in one of Asia's premier destinations. The open-air markets of Kowloon specialize in everything and guarantee a bargain bonanza for everyone. Then again, maybe your tastes run to an exquisite luxury item, in which case, you should be looking in one of the uptown, upmarket centres like Landmark Shopping Mall. The giant Ocean Park entertainment complex on the south side of the island provides a fantastic family outing. It has a thrilling roller coaster ride and an aquarium and Panda bears and centres of discovery for children and grown-ups alike. On the way there, stop in Aberdeen and view the bobbing city of boat people while you wine and dine in a ritzy floating restaurant. Cross over to Tai Yue Shan Island, home to a number of different religious orders including Trappist Haven, a closed Christian order whose members have taken a strict vow of silence. On the other hand, if you lean a little more the other way, you can place your bets at the track along with as many as 75,000 other horseracing enthusiasts. Thankfully, museums, temples and parks offer the sanctuary and respite necessary to soothe the soul after a day of full-on shopping. Repulse Bay-believe it or not-is the name of one of the most attractive beaches on Hong Kong Island. And, lucky you because the Chinese lunar calendar is filled with festivals so chances are, you are never very far away from another sensational extravaganza complete with fireworks, dragon dances and fabulous food. Hong Kong-"Live It! Love It!"

Hong Kong

Arrival

Container Port of Hong Kong

Passengers touching down at Hong Kong's new International Airport are awe-struck by the enormity of the facility. It is one of the largest, busiest, most modern passenger terminals in the entire world. The Airport Express train, public busses, ferry service and taxis are on hand to transport you to the city. Travelers should exchange sufficient money for transportation at the airport exchange facility located immediately outside the baggage claim area. Upon arrival and departure in Hong Kong, visitors are asked to fill in the health declaration form provided to all passengers (including transit passengers) at the airport, ports and border points. There are number of taxes levied by the Hong Kong Airport Authority such as the Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT) and the Airport Security Surcharge (ASS). Some of these charges may already be included in your ticket purchase so check with your travel agent for up to date information. Like almost anywhere, visitors to Hong Kong must hold a passport valid beyond the intended length of stay and evidence of onward / return transportation by sea / air. Visas and vaccinations are not a prerequisite for most countries but, as always, it is a good idea to check with your local Chinese embassy or consulate. Frequent visitors should look into a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Travel Pass available through the immigration department. Visas for mainland China can be obtained in Hong Kong through the Visa Office of People's Republic of China, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, China Travel Service (HK) Ltd, or China International Travel Service HK Ltd. For the most current information concerning entry and exit requirements, travelers should consult the Hong Kong Immigration Department homepage: http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/

Climate

Street side shop in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Hong Kong is subtropical and therefore humid conditions prevail with moderate temperature fluctuations depending on the season. Extreme weather, although rare, comes in the form of tropical cyclones or depressions. Ample and adequate warning signals are given to alert the public. In springtime (Mar.-May), evenings can be cool enough to warrant a lightweight jacket or sweater. Summer (June-Sept.) has the humidity at its highest (86% avg.) and temperatures hover between 18C-33C. Be warned that air conditioned buildings can set you to shivering. Autumn sees clear sunny days and wonderful temperatures-even the humidity is backed off some. Winter months are from December to February and generally mild with occasional drops in temperature to a chilly 10C (50F).

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar

There are 100 cents in one Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Coins are in denominations as follows: bronze coloured 10, 20, and 50-cent pieces; 1, 2, and 5-dollar coins which are silver in colour; and finally, the 10-dollar coin of nickel and bronze. Notes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000-dollar amounts.

Most places in the world charge a minor commission to exchange currency and Hong Kong is no different. Moneychangers are obliged by law to display rates of exchange. Whether dealing with a hotel, retail outlet or moneychanger, you are well advised to check rates and all applicable commissions before handing over your cash or travellers checks. Receipts must be issued by law. There are no restrictions on currencies being brought in or taken out of Hong Kong. ATMs (automated teller machines) are found almost everywhere. Major credit card holders can usually pay for their transaction with their card or access local currency via ATMs or banks.

Time

UTC / GMT (+8 hours) Eight in the evening in Hong Kong means it is lunchtime in London, 7 am in New York and Los Angeles is still asleep at 4 am. During summer (daylight savings time), add one hour to the above.

Business Hours

Major banks open from 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing. Generally, business hours are weekdays 9:00 am-5:00 pm, and Saturdays 9:00 am-1:00 pm. The vast majority of shops are open seven days a week from 10:00 am-7:00 pm although some busy retail areas like Causeway Bay and the popular tourist haunts of Kowloon stay open even later.

Communication

Bank of China and Citibank

Thoroughly modern telecommunication services are available to Hong Kong visitors. Rent a cellular phone at the airport if your home network is not covered by one of Hong Kong's many international roaming service agreements. Payphones, fax and internet access are easy to find. Dependable postal service is readily available and inexpensive. International newspapers are available at major hotels, bookstores and news stands. The South China Morning Post and The Standard are both local English-language dailies. There are also a couple of English-language television channels as well as cable and satellite networks.

Electricity

220 volts AC (50 cycles) Some better hotels supply hairdryers and such.

Language

Close to 98 percent of the Hong Kong residences are Cantonese Chinese and as such the Cantonese dialect is the official language along with English. Street signs, telephone directories, and most government documents are written in both languages.

Dress Code

Lightweight clothing from fabrics that 'breathe' is best. Depending on the time of year, you may want to consider a woollen sweater or coat. Casual dress is appropriate for most occasions unless the establishment dictates a more formal attire.

Transport

Chinese New Year fireworks display at Victoria Harbour

The Hong Kong Tourist Authority publishes a complimentary booklet called Places of Interest by Public Transport, which is full of helpful tips, area maps, and routing advice. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is considered the easiest way to get around even if the public bus or ferry is more economical. What trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a crossing on the famous Star Ferry or a ride on the Peak Tram? A great way to tour the length of the north shore from Kennedy Town to the Shau Kei Wan district is on the turn of the century double-decker streetcars. Taxis come in three colours and correspond to areas of service: red for Hong Kong Island, green for New Territories, and blue for Lantau Island (where the international airport is located). They are metered and air conditioned with drivers who speak reasonably good English. An Octopus card frees you from fumbling for exact change required on most public transport. You can even use it in convenience stores or fast food outlets. Being an electronic stored-value card enables you to simply place it on the card-reading device and the fare is deducted automatically. Unused credit is refunded along with your deposit when you return the card. It is available at the Airport Express Customer Service Counters on Level 5 of the Hong Kong International Airport, and most public transport customer service centres.

Health Facilities

Qualified doctors and dental surgeons, many of whom are western-trained, provide a level of care commensurate with international health organisations standards. Visitors are required to pay HKD 570 if they make use of the Accident and Emergency services in Hong Kong public hospitals. The Hong Kong Government assures visitors they will receive the emergency care they require. People who cannot pay immediately will be billed later. For complete details, contact the Hospital Authority's website: http://www.ha.org.hk/