china: hong kong 

Hong Kong’s magnificent natural setting on the tip of the Chinese mainland is a natural gateway to the Orient. It is an intense, vibrant and colorful city of dramatic contrasts. Towering skyscrapers, monuments to Hong Kong’s development as a world financial centre, form the backdrop to the busy harbour, with its constant traffic of ferries, junks, sampans and ocean-going liners. Yet in the teeming alleys, festooned with red and gold signs, street markets remain untouched by western influences, and still provide an intoxicating taste of mystique and intrigue. At night the city is ablaze with neon signs, their reflections shimmering in the harbour.

WHEN TO TRAVEL?

The Climate

Spring (March to mid-May)

Temperatures and humidity rise gradually in spring. Evenings can be cool but lightweight jackets suffice. The average temperature ranges from 18oC-27oC (64oF-80oF), humidity about 82 per cent.

Summer (late May to mid-September)

Hot and humid with temperatures ranges from 26’C-33’C (78’F-91’F) and humidity near 86%. Short sleeves and cotton clothes work best, with a lightweight sweater for indoors as restaurants tend to set air-conditioning on high. An umbrella or hat works well 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’C-28’C (64’F-82’F), humidity about 72 %.

Winter (mid-December to February)

Winters are mild with low humidity at 72 per cent. Though the temperature ranges from 14’C-20’C (57’F-68’F), the mercury can drop to 10’C (50’F). Occasional chills make woollens and overcoats necessary.

Festivals

Experiencing a major Chinese festival in Hong Kong is an enchanting and mesmerising adventure. Hong Kong's major traditional festivals are colourful and noisy affairs, at which thousands upon thousands of people turn out to join the celebrations. Fireworks, festive feasting, lion and dragon dancers, incense smoke, Chinese opera, mah jong, fortune-telling, carnivals and parades come together in a variety of combinations to create a uniquely festive atmosphere seen nowhere else in the world.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Experience the non-stop excitement of Chinese New Year Celebrations in Hong Kong. Visitors will be awestruck by the myriad of New Year celebrations in Hong Kong that last 15 days. A carnival atmosphere prevails with flower markets, a fantastic parade, skyscrapers sparkling with special festive lighting and much more. This is one of the best times to visit Hong Kong as it goes into overdrive to provide a feast for the senses during this holiday season.

Kung Hei Fat Choi (Prosperous New Year)

International Chinese New Year Parade: Highlighting the New Year's festivities is the International Chinese New Year Parade held on the first day of every Chinese New Year. The harbour front on Hong Kong Island is filled with colourful floats, marching bands and costumed groups from around the world. There are also street entertainers along with dragon and lion dancers. It's a scintillating fusion of international and Chinese elements that defines Hong Kong as the city where East meets West.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

Accommodation

Hong Kong is compact, so visitors are never too far from shopping and major sights. Hong Kong also has an excellent transportation system so visitors can easily reach other areas, no matter where they stay. Most hotels are located in the heart of the city, in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon.

Banks

Major Banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. They close on Sundays and public holidays. Some banks and branches are open slightly longer hours. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing. Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere

Climate

Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination. The most popular time to visit is from the middle of September to the end of February, when the weather is cooler. At its coolest (mid-December to February), the temperature may fall to 10’C (50’F); at its warmest (late May to mid-September), it averages 28’C (82’F) but may reach 33’C (91’F).

Currencies

Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). Notes issued by HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank have denominations of HK$10, HK$20, HK$50, HK$100, HK$500, and HK$1,000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10.

Since the mid-1980s, the value of the Hong Kong dollar has been pegged at HK$7.8 to the US dollar, and consequent rates of exchange to other currencies. However, the market rate exchange to the US dollar fluctuates marginally.

Getting Around

Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efficient, relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers extension areas of Hong Kong with signs in English and Chinese.

Gratuities

Most restaurants will levy a 10% service charge but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10% tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.

Health

Like many international cities, Hong Kong has world-class hospitals providing outstanding care. Vaccination certificates are usually not required. Check with your local carriers because requirements can change.

Immigration & Customs

Visitors to Hong Kong must hold a valid passport. Passports should be valid for at least one month after your planned departure date from Hong Kong. For some nationalities, this condition extends to six months. Nationals of most countries are not required to obtain visas for periods varying from seven days to 180 days, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status.

Language

The local language is Cantonese however English is very widely spoken. There will be no problems in communicating with people in most hotels, restaurants and even some taxis.

Safety

Hong Kong is a remarkably safe city day or night. Police officers patrol frequently and they are very helpful. To ensure that your stay is a pleasant one and hassle free, please pay attention to the following points:

* Keep your money, valuables and travel documents in a safe place, like the hotel or room safe.

* Attend to your belongings especially when you are in a crowded place.

* Beware of people making dubious offers and those who may try to distract you and take away your belongings.

* Be wary of people offering gambling or investment opportunities.

Voltage

Voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts, so a transformer will be needed to operate 100-volt appliances. Most major hotels provide hair dryers and other amenities.

What to Pack

Hong Kong's subtropical climate means you won't need warm clothing for most of the year. Loose-fitting cotton clothing generally fits the bill. The exception is from mid-December to February, when the temperature might fall to a mild 10’C (50’F). But even in the summer, it pays to bring along a light sweater - air-conditioning in some buildings is quite cold. Rain showers are possible during the rainy season (around May to September). 

Hong Kong will pervade the senses with its unique blend of fast paced hustle and age old traditions harmoniously blended to make one of Asia's most enthraling cities. Touring Hong Kong will take you from the sunning views of the city at Victoria Peak to the bustling Stanley Markets.

Hong Kong also allows you to visit the old Portuguese town of Macau and is the gateway to China. Hong Kong offers so many different experinces to the traveller - from learning the ancient art of Fung Shui to dining in some trendiest restaurants any where in the world - Hong Kong has it all.

Hong Kong boasts a large variety of top accomodation for the discerning traveller, not to mention the wide range of facilities that are on offer for incentive groups.