Welcome to Hong Kong

Where is Hong Kong?	Hong Kong Local History	Hong Kong Attractions
Hong Kong Shopping	Hong Kong Restaurants	Hong Kong Bars and Clubs

Where is Hong Kong?

Back in 1841, the British took control of Hong Kong, only to then relinquish control in return for overall rule to the Chinese the following year. Surrounding land masses would later be added to the area now known as Hong Kong. In 1984, the UK and China signed an agreement to allow Hong Kong it's independence from British rule in 1997, and in doing so, became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. This agreement included the proviso that China, under its "one country, two systems" formula, could not impose it's socialist economic system on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would retain a high degree autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Location wise, Hong Kong is in Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China. It's population of approximately 6.85 million inhabitants live on 1,042 sq km of land.

China Map - Hong Kong

Honk Kong Local History

Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. Britain actually owned Hong Kong Island (effectively as booty from the Opium Wars) but the New Territories - the part of Hong Kong on the mainland - had been leased from China in 1898. By the end of the 1970's it became clear that China was not about to extend the lease on the New Territories and, from this point on, the days of British rule were literally numbered.

Hong Kong Island contained little more than a peaceful fishing community until the British and other Europeans began to arrive in the 19 th century. British merchants had developed a lucrative business trading Indian opium for Chinese goods. This rather shameful trade led to the opium wars and, thanks largely to ‘gunboat diplomacy,' victory for the British. Their prizes were Hong Kong and (later) Kowloon.

With an excellent natural harbour at its disposal Britain had secured itself a trading hub in South East Asia. The colony was further consolidated in 1898 when Britain negotiated the 99-year lease for the New Territories. The growth of the economy was only halted briefly during the Japanese occupation during WWII. People flocked back after the war, closely followed by the money and entrepreneurial know-how that sought to avoid the government of victorious Chinese Communist Party.

Cheap labour brought manufacturing to the fore but by the 1970's Hong Kong had begun to make its mark as a global financial hub. In 1984 Deng Xiaoping and Margaret Thatcher agreed that Hong Kong would revert to Chinese rule on schedule in 1997 following the expiry of the lease on the New Territories, but that it would be a “special administrative region” under the principle of “one country, two systems”. Hong Kong's political, social and economic freedoms were to be largely preserved. On July 1st, 1997 the British colony again became Chinese.

Since then little has really changed. Hong Kong is still all about business and this continues unabated. Integration with the mainland economy continues but Hong Kong retains its unique dynamic.

Hong Kong Attractions

Museums & places to visit:

Hong Kong Museum of Art

Don't be put off by the rather dull exterior, the interior more than makes up for it! There are five floors of galleries devoted to historic photographs, prints, and artefacts of Hong Kong, Macau, and other parts of the Pearl River delta. Elsewhere, other galleries highlight Chinese antiquities, fine art, and visiting exhibits.

The museum is a few minutes' walk from either the Star Ferry or Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stop. OPEN: Fri.-Wed. 10-6.

Address: 10 Salisbury Rd., Hong Kong, China

See Hong Kong Harbour on the Star Ferry

A definite must see, must do! What ever else you do in Hong Kong you simply must ride the star ferry to appreciate the bustling harbour and the magnificent skyline. Try it at night to appreciate the free neon spectacular.

Hong Kong Museum of History

Another ugly duckling of a building but full of fascinating insights into Hong Kong's colourful past. The scope is impressive too with exhibits addressing some 6,000 years of the territory's cultural heritage and history. The museum is a few minutes' walk from either the Star Ferry or Tsim Sha Tsui MTR stop. OPEN: Mon. and Wed.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-7.

Address: 100 Chatham Rd. S, Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong Shopping

Like so many things, shopping in modern South East Asia ‘ain't what it used to be'. Which isn't to say you won't find a bewildering selection of goods at highly competitive prices – you almost certainly will. What you'll have to look harder for though is the more characterful and authentic face of Hong Kong retailing.

The malls do have their advantages however being both sheltered and air-conditioned. They often specialise in types of goods too making it easy to find what you want. Choose from four main shopping areas in the centre: Tsim Sha Tsui at the southern tip of Kowloon and Central, Admiralty and Causeway Bay on the north side of Hong Kong island.

Causeway Bay is extremely popular with the locals and there are lots of smaller shops on secluded side streets that offer a more charismatic shopping experience. If you're heading up-market the arcades of the Admiralty district are you best bet.

Honk Kong Restaurants

If there is a capital of cuisine in SE Asia then Hong Kong is probably it. As far as top destinations for ‘foodies' goes HK is right up there with France and Italy. The choice of food is incredible and in addition to the various Chinese regional cuisines you'll find plenty of Asian restaurants offering Vietnamese and Thai plus some excellent Western style restaurant too.

Whatever else you do in Hong Kong, make sure you treat yourself to an authentic Dim Sum for lunch.

Hong Kong Bars & Clubs

If you're looking for a lively night out in Hong Kong head for Lan Kwai Fong in Central. Here every night appears to be Saturday night with plenty of customers propping up the numerous bars or lining their stomachs at the numerous restaurants! The area has been recently pedestrianised allowing some of the more hedonistic revellers to weave from venue to venue in comparative safety. The district also includes the neighbouring streets D'Aguilar Street, Wo On Lane and Wing Wah Lane.

Wan Chai is the other main bar area on Hong Kong Island. Recently ‘gentrified' and full of new upmarket bars it retains its lively, authentic and non-touristy feel. Try the KBG – Klong Bar & Grill and soak up the Hong Kong atmosphere with a Thai twist.

China Escorted Touring Holidays, China Tours & China Cruises.