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Hong Kong
General
Information
Located on the southeast coast of China, Hong
Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon,
and the New Territories, with a total area of
1,092 sq km.
Chinese territory since ancient times, Hong
Kong had been occupied by Britain after the
Opium War in 1840. In 1997, in accordance
with the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the
two governments held a hand-over ceremony.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)
of the PRC was formally established and the
Basic Law of the HKSAR was adopted in April
1990. The Basic Law makes clear and definite
specifications on a high degree of autonomy,
and the political, economic, cultural and
education systems of the HKSAR.
The People of Hong
Kong
The 1995 population in Hong Kong was roughly 6
million, with 98% of the population being
Cantonese (Chinese). The lowest point in Hong
Kong's population during British rule, was
during World War II with the Japanese
occupying the city. After the war, with the
changeover of mainland China to Communism,
many Chinese moved to Hong Kong. This was
the beginning of Hong Kong's population and
economical boom.
For the most part,
Asians have a strong work ethic: they work
hard thus putting a lot of energy into what
they do. As a result, Hong Kong has benefited
by becoming a tremendous economic force in the
world. In spite of the fact that many wealthy
Chinese have taken on Western ways, they still
uphold their traditional beliefs, and
Confucianism's role in societal relationships.
With the eminent
turnover of Hong Kong from Britain to China,
many Chinese left to emigrate to other
countries such as Australia, the United States
and Canada. Now, those who immigrated are
returning, but secure with the fact that they
have citizenship or permanent residency
outside of China.
Three religions,
or some elements from each, define the
religious life of most people in Hong Kong.
These religions are Buddhism, from India, and
Taoism and Confucianism from China. Not
unlike other Asian countries with these
religions, there is ancestral worship as a way
of honoring the dead ancestors. Hong Kong
also has representation of almost all the main
religions in the world.
Hong Kong's
Geography
The subtropical climate of Hong Kong with its
four distinct seasons is best visited when its
relatively dry and cool which is from October
to December. Hong Kong's summers have average
temperatures of 82 degrees F (28 C) and are
extremely hot and humid. Rainfall is
plentiful during this time, April to
September, as Hong Kong's residents are
subjected to typhoons. There is a short
spring and fall period and the winter
temperatures average about 59 degrees F ( 15
C).
Hong Kong can be divided into three distinct
areas: Hong Kong Island (Victoria), Kowloon
and the New Territories. Located across the
bay from Kowloon is what is commonly known as
Hong Kong Island, or Victoria. This section
of Hong Kong has several notorious areas: the
Central District, which is the center of
business; the Western District is heavily
influenced by the Chinese, it is also where
the British first settled; Causeway Bay,
initially known as East Point by the British,
is home to Victoria Park as well as many high
rises; Stanley, located on the southern side,
is infamous for its beaches, Stanley Market,
and the nearby Stanley Prison; Aberdeen, also
on the south side, was the main fishing port
before the British arrived and is home to
thousands of boats.
Kowloon is less than 4 square miles (11 sq km)
but in its Mong Kok district (as well as on
Hong Kong Island), the population density is
one of the highest on Earth at 116,400 per
square km. In this area is the "Golden Mile,"
a strip known for its shops/vendors as well as
its nightlife. When Britain leased land from
Boundary Street (in Kowloon) up the the
Shenzhen river (along with over 200 islands),
this area became known as the New
Territories. In the New Territories are many
villages as well as numerous islands favored
for weekend trips to relax. One of those
favored islands, Lantau Island, is actually
larger than Hong Kong Island and has been
developed with resorts and town homes.
Hong
Kong's Attractions
Although Hong
Kong is relatively small in size, the things
that can be seen and experienced are
immense. Depending on which part of Hong
Kong you are in, there are many places to go
whether it's sightseeing, shopping or looking
for food! The Chinese food in Hong Kong is
great and there are a wide variety of
restaurants with varying cuisines available.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen, located on Hong Kong Island's south
side is home to about 600 junks which house
over 6,000 boat dwellers. This area, which
had originally been the most important fishing
port in Hong Kong before British rule, is one
of the oldest and most popular tourist
attractions.
Ocean Park / Water World
Ocean Park is an entertainment center with an
oceanarium, Atoll Reef, a marine section with
penguins and performing orcas, a roller
coaster, 2,000 bird aviary, butterfly house,
and the Middle Kingdom, which is a passage
through Chinese history from China's inception
to the current era. Visitors can take cable
cars to the top of Brick Hill from the park
entrance, an experience that takes an hour
from the entrance up to the top. Avoid going
to the park on windy days, as the cable cars
aren't operated when it's windy. Next to
Ocean Park is Water World, a water park that
is open during the summer.
Stanley
Stanley has an interesting background as a
pirate hideout as well as a fishing village
and has since become a bustling area known for
it's beaches, shopping at Stanley Market, and
Stanley Prison. Also found in here is the Tin
Hua Temple and the Hong Kong Sea School.
Repulse Bay
The most popular beach in Hong Kong is found
at Repulse Bay, found on the southern part of
the island. On weekends, the beaches are
filled with people enjoying the sand and the
views of some islands in the South China Sea.
Unfortunately, some tend to call it "Repulsive
Bay" after the weekend crowds go away because
of all the garbage left behind.
Shopping
Shops are plentiful in Tsim Sha Tsui up to
Nathan Road, located in Kowloon. This area,
otherwise known as "the Golden Mile," is known
for its great shopping and colorful
nightlife. Other great shopping areas in
Kowloon include Mongkok, and Yaumati.
Cultural Activities
Also found on Kowloon is the Hong Kong
Cultural Center, which opened in 1989. It is
in Tsim Sha Tsui as well and is located across
from the well-known Peninsula Hotel. The
Cultural Center is home to the Hong Kong
Museum of Art and has a theater, studio, and
concert hall as well as Chinese and European
restaurants.
Victoria Park
There are several things to be experienced
while at Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island.
There is the Peak Tram, a historic landmark
since it was built in 1888, that takes you
from Garden Road to the Tower on Victoria
Peak. The Peak Tower is about 410 meters
(1,350 ft) and has an area for snacks or
meals. The view on Victoria Peak is beautiful
and well worth the money and time spent.
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