A cultural, innovative and natural beauty global hub A Global Hub of Culture, Innovation, and Natural Beauty

Hong Kong is an east-meets-west city and a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China that never sleeps. It is the land of tradition and modernity, and the place of cultural diversity. Hong Kong is a very dynamic city famous as the city of skyscraper buildings, the city having a busy port, cultural history and the diversity in cultures. Being attracted by its numerous and bright shopping districts, ancient historical sites, or beautiful landscapes of nature, Hong Kong is the irresistible adventure destination to the whole range of visitors.

Here in this comprehensive guide we will talk about the geography, history, various cultures of Hong Kong, the flourishing economy that Hong Kong has and all the highlights that we must visit so that Hong Kong is one of the most exciting cities in the world.

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Geographical Location

Hong Kong is situated on the coast of China, at the South region of China and faces the South China sea. It is located between 60 kilometers east of Macau, another Special Administrative Region of China, and about 180 kilometers South of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. Hong Kong is composed of the mainland part and more than 230 islands and the three most important geographical areas include Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and New Territories.

Hong Kong is an international trade and financial hub in spite of being fairly small in size (it consists of only 1,104 square kilometers). It has one of the busiest ports in the whole world with its natural harbor playing a great part in its identity as a major port city.

Natural features and landforms

Hong Kong is well known in the terms of its beauty of the scenery, to which dramatic urban developments are mixed with richness of the natural scenery. The land is hilly in nature and some of the high eminences include Victoria peak which provides a sprawling view of the city. With rocky coves, sandy beaches, and cliffs, the coast of Hong Kong is seen with several islands, which are the Lantau Island and Lamma Island.

In Hong Kong there are also many parks, nature reserves and hiking paths. Hong Kong Global Geopark presents the geological attributes of the region, such as volcanic rocks and coastal cliffs.

History The Ancient and The Colonial

The story of the city of Hong Kong dates much further back in history than when the city became a British colony in the 19 th century. It was once a realm of small fishing villages, though historically was considered to be part of the Guangdong Province under a number of Chinese dynasties. It was the strategic location of this region that made it an efficient trading centre particularly in the Tang Dynasty.

The real change of Hong Kong however took place in 1842 following the First Opium War between Britain and China. Due to the war Hong Kong fell into British hands and the British Crown was ceded by the treaty of Nanking which brought over a century, in the government of the British ruler in Hong Kong.

For an in-depth travel guide, visit the Official tourism guide for Hong Kong

British Era of Colonialism and the Gifting of China

Under British colonial rule, Hong Kong was an international trade center that emerged very fast out of a small fishing village. The presence of the British influence can be reflected in numerous spheres of Hong Kong architecture, law and culture.

In 1997 Hong Kong was returned to China following a period of more than 150 years under the British administration. Hong Kong was given a high degree of autonomy under the principle of one country and two systems where Hong Kong was allowed to have its political, economic and legal system as part of China. This was to be a 50 year agreement maintaining the special status of the region.

Hong Kong in Present Times

After the handover, Hong Kong has remained to be one of the best financial centers in the globe. It has managed to stay as a global center of trade and financial services, tourism and technology, even facing numerous political catching-up and conflicts with mainland China. Another role played by Hong Kong is it acts as an entry point to the trade between China and the world in general.

Diversity of Ethnic and Religious Sentiments

Hong Kong is a conglomeration of many cultures and the same can be displayed in its people. Most people believe that it is ethnically consisting of Han Chinese but there is also a considerable number of regular population of British Indians, Filipinos and other immigrants by population. The most promoted language spoken is Cantonese although English is used as well as a business and government language.

The religious pattern in Hong-Kong is no less diverse as well. The main belief systems are Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, but the number of the Christians, Muslims, and Hindus in Hebei is also noticeable. This religious diversity is echoed in the high number of places of worship in the region in terms of the temples, churches, mosques, and shrines.

Practices and Traditions Of The Culture

Hongkong can be called the land of color; it has festivals and events all year round including many traditions. The Chinese New Year is, perhaps, one of the most well-known holidays with such features as dragon dances, fireworks, and folk dances. Other major cultural celebrations are the Mid-Autumn festival, Chung Yeung festival and the Hong Kong Art festival.

International cultural events are also embraced in the city, e.g. Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament which have international participants and audiences as well.

The culture of Hong Kong includes its food. Some of the typical foods that depict the deep cultural heritage of the city include dim sum, roast duck, wonton noodles or char siu (barbecued pork). Certainly, Hong Kong is the city of the street food culture as well and night markets are the places where you can find numerous local snackers.

Trade and Financial Services

The good economy of Hong Kong is pushed by its own strong financial services section that constitutes banking, securities, insurance and asset management. The city hosts one of the busiest stock exchanges in the world and it is likened as a global financial center given its free market policies, low taxes, and governments easy-intervention acts.

Another important global trading point with China is also the territory of Hong Kong. The port of the city is one of the most active in the world and many of the exports of China pass through it, as well as Hong Kong remains a central part of the Belt and Road Initiative of China.

Tourism and retail

Tourism is one of the major industries in the economy of Hong Kong that has received millions of visitors annually. The city has been known to have shopping malls, luxurious brands as well as crowded markets. Most famous shopping zones include Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok, where it is possible to find either designer products, or the unique products of the local industry.

Considered to be one of the most attractive cities, the city has numerous attractions such as the Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park and the Victoria peak which makes it to be a preferred choice both as a leisure and business travel destination.

Technology and Innovation

When it comes to modern technology and innovation, especially FinTech, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce, Hong Kong has been trying to establish itself as the frontrunner in recent years. Weak intellectual property protections and a lousy startup environment do not draw entrepreneurs and investors to the technology world. Strong intellectual property protections and robust startup ecosystem are strong reasons to find the city attractive.

Historical Destinations and Cultural sites

Victoria Peak – Located at the highest point in Hong Kong Island, the tourists can see the panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and islands around it.

Hong Kong Museum of History– This is a very interesting museum with all the history of Hong Kong that unfolds beginning with the prehistoric times to the colonial period.

Man Mo Temple – It is one of the oldest and well known temples of Hong Kong devoted to the deities of literature and war god.

Nature and Contemporary Sights

Victoria Harbour– The historical harbor which has a beautiful skyline view and lights. To have a beautiful sight of the waterfront, one can visit Star Ferry.

Hong Kong Disneyland – a Disney magic theme park where the magic and Disney characters come to life.

Lantau Island, Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), stony nature paths and calm beaches.

Entertainment and Shopping

Mong Kok- A busy shopping area with its street markets, ladies market and temple street night market.

Tsim Sha Tsui – It is a shopping area which is full of luxury shops and famous sites such as Avenue of Stars and Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Healthcare System

Hong Kong is a well-developed country in terms of healthcare; there are public and private hospitals, which can offer top quality medical services. The government subsidizes the public healthcare system, which becomes affordable to both the locals and visitors. The privatized sector of health is also well established with most of the leading hospitals and other practitioners offering speculative services.

Education System

There is a very excellent system of education in Hong Kong whereby academic excellence is highly stressed. Multiple reputable universities are based in the city such as the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which host international students. Education is mandatory among children between the ages of 6-15 and literacy rate is high in the area.

Ideal Seasons

The ideal time to visit Hong Kong is fall season (September to November) and spring (March to May) since the weather there is moderate and good. The weather is extremely hot in summer and moderately cool and dry in winter and this makes a summer period quite suitable to go out and enjoy the outdoor attractions of the city.

Festivals and Events

There are plenty of festivals and events held in Hong Kong all year round and these are some of the things that offer unique cultural experiences including the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the Chinese New Year and the Hong Kong Sevens.

Conclusion :

Hong Kong can be described as a city of contrasts -here, both, the ancient history and cultural heritage of the East on the one hand and the progressive, rushed development of the West on the other hand intersect. Being a financial center, a hub of culture and a tourism dynasty, Hong Kong remains an adventurous and exciting destination to any tourist. Depending on your interest in the historic side of it, its natural attractions, shopping opportunities or gourmet pleasures, you will always be fascinated by this Hong-Kong.

Questions and Answers

When is the most suitable time to travel to Hong Kong?

The time to visit Hong Kong is during the fall (September to November) and the spring (March to May) seasons when weather is fine and comfortable.

What are the Hong Kong highlights?

Some of the top attractions in Hong Kong are Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Harbour and Man Mo Temple.

Which languages are spoken in Hong-kong?

Cantonese and English are its official languages.

What is Hong-Kong famous about?

Hong Kong has an iconic view among its buildings, a crowded harbor, shoppreneurs, expected night-life, and its rich culture.

Is Hong Kong a tourist safe place?

Yes, Hong Kong is deemed as one of the safest cities to tourists and criminal activities are few.

Which are the cultural festivals to look forward to in Hong Kong?

To experience the culture of Hong Kong do not miss the Chinese New Year gatherings, the Hong Kong Arts festival and the Hong Kong seven rugby match.