|
|
About Hong Kong
Click here to see a map of Hong KongHong Kong is divided into four main areas - Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are on a peninsula of the Chinese mainland, on the northern side of Victoria Harbour; Hong Kong Island is on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon; the Outlying Islands simply refers to any of the other 234 islands. Hong Kong Island is a bigger version of Kowloon. The amount of people living and working on the island is the biggest attraction. Aberdeen, on the southern side of the island, where the people live or work on junks anchored in the harbour is fascinating. The other major attraction is the floating restaurants. The most popular beach is Repulse Bay, also on the southern side of the island. City attractions include the Central Market, the old Man Mo Temple and the Zoological & Botanic Gardens. Hong Kong Island is steep, so ride the 800m outdoor escalator. Kowloon, is the territory's tourist ghetto with Tsim Sha Tsui at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula. It consists of one sq km of shops, restaurants and bars. Kowloon is also home to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum, the Peninsula Hotel and the Museum of History and the liveliest night market in the territory, situated on Temple St in Yau Ma Tei. While in Hong Kong, you absolutely must take a trip to the top of Victoria Peak, which is an amazing 552m above sea level. The views are breathtaking in all directions.
|
Culture
The Cantonese people have always existed on the outside of the empire, and their relationship with Beijing has not always been good. The traditional stereotype of the Cantonese is that they are proud people, frank in criticism, lacking in restraint, oriented to defending their own interests and hot tempered. They are also regarded as shrewd in business and as quick, lively and clever in catching on to new skills, which for the most part are those of small traders and craftspeople. Of all the Chinese, the Cantonese have probably been the most influenced by the outside world. Hong Kong is a very Westernised place that immediately latches on to the latest crazes in disco, punk, rock, new wave, miniskirts, roller blades or whatever it happens to be this week.
|
Local_Currency
The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. Bills come in denominations of HK$20 (grey), HK$50(blue), HK$100(red), HK$500 (brown) and HK$1000 (yellow). Coins are issued in denominations of 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, HK$1, HK$2, HK$5 and HK$10. Interestingly, Hong Kong currency is issued by three local banks, rather than by the government as in most other economies. The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank (often shortened to Hongkong Bank) and Standard Chartered Bank have long been Hong Kong's two designated note issuers. Though the bills issued by each share the same colours, their design is different. In May 1994 the Bank of China became the third note-issuing bank. In a further bow to 1997, the two British banks stopped issuing notes carrying references to the British monarchy, switching to designs that are more palatable to the Chinese government.
|
Transport
Train
The MRT (Mass Transit Railway) operates from Central across the harbour and up along Kowloon Peninsula. This ultramodern, high-speed subway system has been quite a hit with office commuters. The ticket machines do not give change and the tickets are valid only for the day they are purchased.Taxi
On Hong Kong island, the flagfall is HK$9 for the first two km and an extra.90 cents for every additional 0.2km. If you go through either the Cross-Harbour Tunnel or Eastern harbour Tunnel, you'll be charged an extra HK$20. The toll is only HK$10, but drivers are allowed to assume that they won't get a fare back so you have to pay. Tram
The tram runs east-west along the northern side of Hong Kong Island. As well as being ridiculously picturesque and fun to travel on, the tram is quite a bargain at HK$1 for any distance. You pay when you get off.
|
Visa_Information
Most visitors to Hong Kong still don't need a visa. The exception is for blacklisted countries, many of which (ironically) have or had communist regimes: Hong Kong has always made it difficult for nationals from such countries to enter its borders, and despite the return of Hong Kong to the communist motherland of China, this tradition paradoxically continues. Nationals that always require visas to travel to Hong Kong include those from China, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Romania, Vietnam and Cuba. The only real changes affect British travellers. Currently, British citizens who hold UK passports can stay for up to six months without a visa. This can be extended. Citizens of Commonwealth countries (including British Dependent Territories citizens, British Overseas citizens, British subjects and British protected persons) do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months. There is a British Citizens Unit on the 6th floor of Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, if you have any queries. Citizens of most western European countries are also permitted to stay for three months without a visa. Americans, Japanese, South Africans and Germans (and the majority of Latin American countries) do not require visas for a visit of one month or less. Officially, visitors have to show that they have adequate funds for their stay and that they have an onward ticket or a return ticket to their own country. In practice, this rule is seldom enforced, except in the case when a visa is required. Visitors from the following countries must have a visa: Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Combodia, China , Russia, Costa Rican provisional passport holders, Cuba, Czech Republic, Hungary, Iran, Itaq, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Mongolia, Myanniu (Burma), North Korea, Panamanian special passport holders, Vatican service passports, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia and all state- less persons. If you do need a visa, apply to the nearest Chinese consulate. Visitors are not permitted to take up employment, establish any business or enrol as students. If you want to engage in employment, education or residence you must have a work visa beforehand. It is very hard to change your visa status after arrival in Hong Kong. Anyone wishing to stay longer than the visa free period must apply for a visa before travelling to Hong Kong. Also be aware that the above is just a guide and that (although it is very unlikely) immigration authorities have the right to refuse permission to enter Hong Kong.
|
|
