by admin on August 17, 2009
Geography
Hong Kong is made of a peninsula and a group of small islands, which are covering about 1000 square kilometers. It is located in Eastern Asia and it is bordering China and the South China Sea. Hong Kong can be divided into three parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.
Hong Kong Island is home to the financial and administrative centre. The Kowloon peninsula is home to the majority of people living in Hong Kong. The New Territories comprises the rest of Hong Kong’s land and it is made of new towns, picnic areas and beaches.
Economy
In recent years, Hong Kong’s economy has grown strongly. Its GDP per Capita in 2008 was estimated at around US$ 43,800 or HK$ 337,260; Hong Kong’s economy depends mostly on: International Trade, Finance, Services and Tourism.
International Trade
International Trade is a very important part of the Hong Kong economy with Mainland China being Hong Kong’s largest trading partners.
Finance
Hong Kong is without any hesitation the premier Stock Market for Chinese firms wanting to get listed abroad. Mainland Chinese Firms now account for 1/3 of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and represents about 60% of the market’s capitalization.
Services
Hong Kong is highly dependent on its service industry, which comprises of travel and tourism, trade related services, shipping, banking services and civil aviation. It is important to notice that the service industry accounts for more than 90% of Hong Kong’s GDP.
Tourism
Tourism contributes a significant portion of Hong Kong’s GDP. With China decision’s to ease travel restrictions for its citizens wanting to visit Hong Kong, the tourism industry has literally exploded. In 2008, 16.9 million Mainland Chinese visited Hong Kong compared to 3.8 million in 2000.
Government & Politics
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China with its own law, capitalist system and lifestyle. The structure of Hong Kong’s government can be found in “The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” which follows a set of agreements between Britain and China prior to 1997. The core of these agreements can be summarized as the following sentence: “one country, two systems” which means that until 2047, China agrees to maintain Hong Kong’s capitalist system, judicial and legislative power as it was prior to the handover. The Beijing government is mostly responsible for Hong Kong ‘s defense and foreign affairs.
The head of the Hong Kong’s government is the Chief Executive (CE). Its cabinet is made of secretaries from various departments who report to the CE. The legislative branch of the government is responsible for enacting laws, approving budgets and monitoring the work of the government. The current CE is Sir Donald Tsang.
Population
As of July 2009, the Hong Kong population was estimated to be around 7,055,071.
National Flag
Hong Kong’s national flag depicts the Bauhinia on a red background. Each morning at 8:00 the flag is raised by 5 police officers. The national flag can be seen outside of many government buildings.
by admin on July 21, 2009
Many large cities have skyscrapers that offer a view from the top. Hong Kong, as it so often does, takes a slightly different route and gives visitors Victoria Peak.
At 552m the Peak is higher than any existing skyscraper. From that height, visitors can look down on the lush, green mountainside and around at some of the $10 million homes that get to enjoy the view every day. Looking from there, tourists can see Victoria Harbor – one of the world’s most active ports.
The mountainside is alive with tropical vegetation thanks to the hot, humid summers and the cooling sea breezes of the area.
Though none of these houses offer tours, some angles offer a glimpse of homes that show how Hong Kong’s wealthiest residents live. Many homeowners here are entrepreneurs who made their fortunes in Hong Kong after starting out as poor residents of Canton and other parts of mainland China.
Looking down, you can get an expansive view of the ancient harbor and the ultra-modern city. Victoria Harbor is one of the deepest in the world, only one of the many natural attributes that has been used to good advantage by Hong Kong’s enterprising businessmen.
The port is always buzzing with the arrival and departure of ships that carry goods and passengers to and from China to every port on the globe. Ships of every national registry, both cargo and cruise, make it to Hong Kong regularly.
Using a pair of binoculars, you will be able to take a look at some of the many boat families that still populate Hong Kong’s wharves near the area where the ships dock. Here, as they have for over 200 years, fishermen and their families ply their trade in some of the toughest circumstances.
But to see all this, first you have to get there. Visitors have several choices, including bus and tram.
The bus is decidedly less crowded. This route has the added ‘benefit’ that you won’t feel the need for a rollercoaster ride again anytime soon.
Most, for good reason, take the tram up. This railway is among the world’s steepest and most scenic rides in Asia. Though the term may be unfamiliar, almost everyone has seen one in person or at the movies. It’s a long, suspended-cable system in which cabs go up and down the mountain in tandem. The weight of one cab coming down helps pull the one going up.
Lines can be long so be prepared. But the wait is well worth it, as you can get another spectacular view of the harbor looking down and of the mountain looking up. This is one ride you will definitely want to take at least twice – once during the day, and again at night.
by admin on July 20, 2009
Sited atop Lantau Island on the Ngong Ping plateau, lies one of the most frequently visited sights in Hong Kong – the Po Lin Monastery.
There’s enough to see and do in and around the monastery to take a vacation day or more, so plan ahead.
The trip there is an adventure in itself. Take the MTR to Tung Chung. At the bus terminal, board the No. 23. Riders get to see some of the superb countryside and seaside near Hong Kong and at the same time experience the harrowing joy of a typical Chinese rollercoaster bus ride.
Founded in 1924 as a sanctuary for Buddhist monks, the Po Lin Monastery offers superb sights both inside and out. The view from the top looking out over the sea and mountainside is breathtaking.
You’ll be free to look around at the exterior, which provides a superior example of the architecture and art of the period. The monastery is festooned with small statues and inscriptions. The surrounding grounds make it easy to imagine the tranquility that motivated the monks to make it their home.
You can experience a small taste of that lifestyle for yourself by purchasing a meal ticket and enjoying the vegetarian lunch prepared by the monks in the dining hall.
Inside the temple, it isn’t necessary to remove your shoes, nor to wear long pants as required by Buddhist temples elsewhere. Simply acquire an incense stick and offer three bows to the ancestors who watch over the monks and their sacred building. Place your incense sticks in the holder and then enjoy the many colorful and intricate carvings and decorations.
Visitors can even stay overnight and see the rising sun the next morning. The view of the light spilling onto Fong Wong Shan Mountain, twice the height of Victoria Peak, has inspired the monks for decades in their peaceful retreat.
From the temple gate, look out toward the top of Muyushan Mountain. You’ll be able to clearly make out a large copper statue of the seated Sakyamuni, reaching 26 meters (85 feet) high. Sakyamuni was the sage of the Sakyas, a Buddhist-Lamaist (Tibet) god and the historical Buddha.
Here known as Tian Tan or The Big Buddha, the statue was constructed over a steel frame and completed in 1993 after a 10-year construction effort. It sits atop the plateau which can be reached by climbing 268 steps.
Stand at the base and experience the setting first. Around the pedestal is a three-story exhibition hall containing a large bell. Rung 108 times per day, it is said to relieve the 108 vexations.
by admin on July 19, 2009
For a slightly quieter shopping experience than Nathan Road head over Hong Kong Island and visit Stanley Market.
Stanley hosts a wide variety of handicrafts, souvenirs and even a few designer labels. There are also a few restaurants and bars.
Here you will find Chinese artwork, collectibles and silk. Jade, of course, is frequently sought after and available in abundance.
Wherever you go to shop in Hong Kong, whether on the island or Kowloon or elsewhere, be prepared for the crowd. Hong Kong is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with small oases of tranquility.
To find one of those little oases, stop in at one of the many small temples and enjoy a few minutes of tranquility between moments of bargaining. The Tin Hau, honoring the goddess of the sea, is a good bet. Built in 1767, visitors can step in and see the genuine tiger skin and smell some relaxing incense.
While in the area, check out the Hong Kong Maritime Museum housed in Murry House. The museum holds over 500 exhibits of ancient pottery. There are also interactive games and displays showing Hong Kong’s historical connection to the sea.
Still in evidence are the remnants of British Colonial rule, and the navy that enforced it. But much farther back the Hakka called Hong Kong home and their history is recorded, as well.
Next to Murray House there is a shopping arcade and a community theater. Every Christmas, Stanley Plaza hosts a free concert by the Hong Kong International School Band.
Unlike Nathan Road, the area is frequented as much by locals as by the tourists. As with other shopping experiences in Hong Kong, visitors need to be prepared to bargain. It’s expected and great deals can be found for those willing to haggle.
Getting to Stanley is simple via bus. No. 6 but be prepared for a lengthy ride. For a quicker ride, take the MTR subway to Chai Wan Station and catch the No. 16M.
