Overview
Climate & When to Visit
Transportation
Facts
Public Holiday
Overview
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Hong Kong, the Pearl of East and jewel of The Orient is famous for its gold and foreign exchange market. Hong Kong consists of four parts, Hong Kong island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and 260 surrounding smaller islands and overall covers an area of 1095 square kilometres. Culture and heritage is what sets Hong Kong apart from the rest of Asia - indeed the world. Hong Kong is a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures where the old and the new live side by side have made Hong Kong become the premier tourist destination in Asia. Hong Kong's cuisine is renowned for its exotic fusion of Eastern and Western flavours along with a wide variety of culinary delights. Its cultural blend, proximity to mainland China and reputation for quality have made Hong Kong a Gourmet Paradise. When it comes to a serious shopping experience, Hong Kong has everything in abundance. |
Climate and when to visit
Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination. It enjoys a mild climate. The most popular time to visit Hong Kong is from September to December, while the weather is rather calm and sunny with moderate temperature.
Spring (March to mid-May)
Temperatures and humidity rise gradually in spring. Evenings can be cool but lightweight jackets should suffice. The average temperature ranges from 18℃-27℃ (64℉-80℉), humidity about 82 per cent.
Summer (late May to mid-September)
Hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 26℃-33℃ (78℉-91℉) and humidity near 86 per cent. Short sleeves and cotton clothes should be worn with a lightweight sweater for indoors as restaurants tend to set air-conditioning on high. An umbrella or hat is useful to ward off the sun.
Autumn (late September to early December)
Clear and sunny days are the norm in autumn. Short sleeves and light jackets are most suitable at this time of year. The average temperature ranges from 18℃-28℃ (64℉-82℉), humidity about 72 per cent.
Winter (mid-December to February)
Winters are mild with low humidity at 72 per cent. Though the temperature ranging from 14℃-20℃ (57℉-68℉), the mercury can drop to 10℃ (50℉). Occasional chills make woolens and overcoats necessary.
Transportation
Hong Kong is geographically compact and boasts one of the world's most efficient, safe, affordable and frequent public transport systems. Whether by taxi, ferry, rail, bus or tram, you can get around easily and catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way. |
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Octopus Cards Make use of the Octopus Card, an electronic fare card that is accepted by almost all public transport, and at many restaurants and stores. It's easy and convenient to use, saves time and eliminates need for small change. |
Buses Bus routes, with double-decker and single-level buses, cover almost all of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Fares are low, usually ranging from HK$1.20 to HK$45, and are based on distance travelled. Exact change is required. Octopus cards are accepted. The Light Rail Transit System Serving Tuen Mun and Yuen Long new towns and the network was extended to Tin Shui Wai New Town. The system comprises 119 single-deck light rail vehicles and 57 stops. The adult single fares range from HKD$4 to $5.8. |
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) MTR Tourist Day Pass can be purchased here or in the package of Hong Kong Tourist Pass. |
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Minibuses Tour that include riding the Tram: Hong Kong Story, Different Taste of Hong Kong |
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Peak Tram Tour that include riding a Peak Tram: Hong Kong Island Tour, Hong Kong Night Cruise Tour |
Star Ferry Tour that include riding Star Ferries: Different Taste of Hong Kong
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Taxis Red taxis operate in most of Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road and the south side of Lantau Island, green taxis serve the rural areas of the New Territories and blue taxis operate on Lantau Island. |
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Fact
Population | Estimate 7,200,000 |
Capital | Hong Kong is a city of China PRC since July 1997. China 's capital city - Beijing ( Peking ) is about 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) further north. |
People | Chinese make up 95% of the population with the other groups floating at around 5%.Recently, the word 'Hongkongese' is also found and is getting more popular to describe the unique local culture of Hong Kong or to refer to Hongkongers. |
Language | English and Chinese are both official languages of Hong Kong under the Hong Kong Basic Law, with Cantonese being acknowledged as the official spoken variety of Chinese in Hong Kong, while also accepting the use of Mandarin. |
Religion | Religious freedom is one of the fundamental rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. It is protected by Basic Law and the relevant legislation. The various religious traditions practised in Hong Kong are, among others, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism. All of these traditions have a considerable number of followers. Apart from offering religious instruction, many major religious bodies have established schools and provide health and welfare facilities. |
Country Dialing Code | + 852 |
Mobile Phone | 3G and 4G networks are very common and well-covered in Hong Kong |
Time Zone | GMT/UTC +8 (Greenwich Mean Time) |
Currency | Hong Kong Dollar (HK$). Notes are in denominations of HK$1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of HK$10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents. |
Electric Plug & voltage | The electrical current in Hong Kong is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC, 50HZ) |
Emergency Contact(s) | 999 |
Tipping | 10% of service charge is usually applied for most of fine dining restaurants and the loose change is regarded as an extra return for outstanding services. Also, taxi drivers, bellboys and doormen are expecting for a small gratuity, but only comply with satisfied service. |
Currency exchange | Foreign currency can be changed in banks, hotels and bureaux de change. Banks usually offer the best rate of exchange. |
Useful Telephone Numbers | Citizen's Easy Link (24-hour): 1823 GovHK Help Desk: 183 5500 Emergency Services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) :999 Hong Kong Tourism Board- visitor hotline : 2508 1234 Collect calls : 10010 Telephone directory service : 1081 IDD and cardphone enquries : 10013 Weather : 1878066 Immigration Department (24hr) : 2824 6111 |
2015 Hong Kong Public Holidays | |
Every Sunday | |
1 Jan: | The first day of January |
19 Feb: | Lunar New Year's Day |
20 Feb: | The second day of Lunar New Year |
21 Feb: | The third day of Lunar New Year |
3 Apr: | Good Firday |
4 Apr:: | The day following Good Friday |
6 Apr: | Ching Ming Festival |
7 Apr: | The Monday following Easter Resurrection Sunday |
1 May: | Labour Day |
25 May: | The Birthday of the Buddha |
20 Jun: | Tuen Ng Festival |
1 Jul: |
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day |
28 Sep: | The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival |
1 Oct: | National Day |
21Oct: | Chung Yeung Festival |
25 Dec: | Christmas Day |
26 Dec: | The first weekday after Christmas Day |