Experience Macau and Hong Kong

• Country: Hong Kong
• City: Hong Kong
• Area: 2,755 km2
• Weather: 28°C
• Local time: Hong Kong Time (UTC+8)
• Currency: Hong Kong dollar
• Language: Chinese and English
• Population: 7,374,900

History of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s history dates back to 50 BCE when China absorbed the whole region of a small fishing community. Hong Kong was under china’s Qing dynasty government until it was defeated in the First Opium War in 1842 and conceded to Britain. Prior to this incident it was a community of travelers, pirates and fishermen.

As a British colony, it served as a centre of international trade. In early 20th century, Hong Kong served as a refuge for the people exiled from China following the establishment of Chinese Republic in 1912. This huge immigration created a growing textile and manufacturing industries and made in Hong Kong goods were exported to all over the world. As Hong Kong enjoyed the principle of one country, two systems, it became a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in 1997. With this special treatment it owned a high degree of autonomy, Capitalism, independent judiciary and law, freedom of speech and free trade.

In recent times, Hong Kong has witnessed a change and has transformed into more of a service based economy and it serves as an important hub of world’s largest market. Hong Kong has a colorful and interesting past which includes pirates, fishermen and traders making it a melting pot of various cultures and heritage.

Destinations

There is a reason why Hong Kong holds a title of “Asia’s World City”. Breathtaking skyline with shimmering harbor in the backdrop, fast moving trams and serene temples, everything is fascinating in this financial and business hub.

Hong Kong is a melting pot of two completely different cultures: China and Britain and this blend have created something unique and addictive. It is a very much popular travel destination among the domestic as well as international travelers and it undoubtedly satisfy every individual who comes here. You can enjoy the view of futuristic skyscrapers at night, eat some of the best food you have ever tasted, indulge in the amazing shopping experience or can simply explore the vibrant streets. Those who like to spend time alone or are looking for tranquility can go for hiking, bird watching and climbing in the beautiful mountainous regions.

Hong Kong is one of the safest and travel friendly cities in the world. You will find cheap taxis, high-tech transportation and bilingual signage makes it easy to wander around. It is a worth visiting city and once explored you will crave to come again and again.

Places to see in Hong Kong

People of Hong Kong

The people living in Hong Kong are known as Hong Kongese or Hong Kongers. The majority of Hong Kongese are Chinese but there are people from outside like: India, Nepal, Indonesia, Pakistan, Britain, etc. The people of Hong Kong are impatient, not in a negative sense but because of their fast paced life, they are always running around and are in a hurry. Hong Kongers are lovers of food and they also believe in “sharing is caring” and they like to eat their food with family or friends but never alone. They enjoy their meals when it is shared with their loved ones. As the people here are always busy with their hectic schedules and busy lives it is usually prejudiced them as rude and no politeness for others with is completely untrue. They are very hardworking people just like Chinese. Overall, Hong Kongers are adventurous, generous, fast and efficient and big time foodies yet skinny people.

Weather

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate and mild for more than half of the year. The weather is always pleasant which makes it a round the year travel destination. The summers are hot, humid and wet while winters are dry and mild. July is considered as the hottest month with average temperature going to 29 degrees and January is the coldest month with average temperature of 16 degrees.

Summers range from May to September and it is best to keep umbrellas, sunscreen cream, hat, and summer clothes along.

Winters range from mid December to February. It does not snow in Hong Kong. Winters are considered as the best time to shop in Hong Kong. It is advisable to keep sweaters and light jackets while traveling here.

Generally, the temperature remains in the 20s for most of the time in Hong Kong. Still the best to visit this city would be from October to December when the climate is sunny, cool and pleasant.

Currency

The Hong Kong dollar (HK$ or HKD) is the official currency of Hong Kong region since 1863. It is divided into 100 cents. The notes are issued from three commercial banks: HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China. Hong Kong dollar is one of the most exchanged currencies in the world.

Exchanging currency is not a problem in Hong Kong as there are plenty of options available. But it is best to exchange money from a exchanger that is accredited by the Quality Tourism Services scheme. You can easily exchange money at Hong Kong airport and also at the counters located within the city. Apart from this, international such as American Express, VISA and MasterCard are welcome at many hotels, shops and restaurants. For quick money ATMs are spread across the city and can be found anywhere. Hong Kong dollar has an exchange rate to American dollar of 7.80 HK$ for 1 US$ and Indian rupee 1 HKD equals to 8.20 INR.

Nightlife

Hong Kong nightlife is vibrant and cheerful. There is something for everyone who believes in seizing the night. Although Hong Kongers are perceived to be as hardworking and workaholics, when it comes to partying they are unbeatable. That is the reason Hong Kong has such a great nightlife. You can either visit pubs, bars and clubs to groove and drink the finest cocktails or take a blissful and quiet cruise over the Victoria harbor at night. Hong Kong will not disappoint anybody.

There is an array of nighclubs in Hong Kong which offer fantastic night scenes with youthful spirits and party animals grooving on fine music and quality drinks.

Some nightclubs in Hong kong:

Language

Chinese and English are two official languages of Hong Kong. During the British rule, English was the solo official language until 1974.

Cantonese is spoken by 88% people in Hong kong. Other than this, dialects of Chinese like Hakka, Taishanese, mandarin, and Teochiu are also spoken. English is considered as the major working language of Hong Kong and is used in government, business and tourism sector. All official signs, public transports and menus are bilingual.