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ABOUT HONG KONG

ABOUT HONG KONG
                             
HONG KONG PACKAG PLACES OF ATTRACTION FACTS FOR TRAVELLERS
Hong Kong's dynamism is unforgettable. From the vantage point of Victoria Peak, overlooking the world's busiest deepwater port, you can see a city geared not only to making money but feeling good about it. At night, it's like looking down into a volcano. Despite its British colonial past, Hong Kong has always stuck to its roots and the culture beneath the glitz is pure Chinese. That didn't stop locals from feeling apprehensive about being re-united with the motherland when the British handed the colony back to China in 1997, but their unease has largely evaporated. Visitors often find it takes a few days in Hong Kong to get accustomed to the whirlwind pace. If you need some respite, check out the Outlying Islands for a change of tempo and scene.
Area:1098 sq km (424 sq mi)
Population: 6.7 million
People: 95% Chinese, 1.5% European
Province: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8
Telephone Area Code: 852
Orientation Hong 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. The New Territories has a 20km (12mi) land border with China proper.

The city itself is centred around Victoria Harbour. The main business district is Central, on Hong Kong Island. East of Central lies the Admiralty commercial district; Wan Chai, known for restaurants and clubs; then Causeway Bay, a major shopping area. Towering above it all is the Peak, Hong Kong's premier scenic outlook and residential district, which happily has plenty of public green space. In Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui (on the southern tip), Jordan and Yau Ma Tei are busy hotel and shopping areas, while Mong Kok is a bustling residential and shopping area.
Facts for the Traveler When to Go : Many prefer to visit Hong Kong during November and December when there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. January and February are okay months, but the temperature can drop to below 10°C (50°F). Warmer temperatures make March and April pleasant months to go, but as the year progresses into May the air becomes uncomfortably sticky and humid, and by September you can expect typhoons. Hotels tends to offer substantial discounts outside the high seasons of March-April and October-November. Travel can be difficult during Chinese New Year, late January/early February
Events : Use of the Western calendar and the Chinese lunar calendar can make trying to determine the exact date of festivals a bit tricky. Chinese New Year takes place in late January/early February, and many people get four days off for the event. Expect a massive fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. Lantern Festival takes place in mid to late February. Lanterns are lit in homes, restaurants and temples. February also has the Hong Kong Arts Festival. In late March/early April the Hong Kong International Film Festival comes to town. The Tin Hau Festival is a Taoist festival falling around late April. Junks are decorated and sail in long rows to Tin Hau temples to pray for clear skies and good fishing. The Dragon Boat Festival is held in June, with dragon boat races taking place in Hong Kong and Outlying Islands. In mid-September the Mid-Autumn Festival happens. The Festival of Asian Arts is a major international event and usually occurs in October or November.