Hong Kong
From Wikiasiantravel
| Welcome!
Towering buildings and Buddhist temples.Shop till you drop or contemplate with solemnity. Be a witness to an admixture of Chinese culture and British influence. Hongkong was formerly a British colony from 1842 to 1997. Afterwards, sovereignty was transfered to the People's Republic of China. Being a Special Autonomous Region (SAR), it became one country with two system. PRC's State Council or the Central People Goverment is responsible for foreign affairs and territorial defense. However, Hongkong manages its own internal affairs and has its own legal system,police force,custom policy, immigration policy, and monetary system. It is also separately represented in international delegations. |
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| Basic Information |
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Language: Chinese and English Currency: Hongkong Dollar 1USD equals about 7.7 HK$ Government: Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China |
Contents |
Sights to See
Central District - Pay tribute to Hong Kong's financial and commerce district and get lost among the architectural giants.
Disneyland Hongkong- The latest and smallest of Disneyland Amusement Parks but had made it to the Forbes 24th place in the most visited tourist spots in the world.
Lantau Island- Was once reachable by a 20-25 minute cable ride over the city. THe cableway service had temporarily closed though but the village where a 34 meter tall bronze statue of Buddha as well as a village of great dining and entertainment awaits visitors.
Ocean Park - An entertainment area of 170 miles, one of the largest ocean parks in the world. Applaud sea creatures in their performance in the open Ocean Theater, observe pandas in their habitat, view the Shark Aquarium, Dinosaur exhibit, Butterfly House, Goldfish Pagoda, swim the Water Paradise, ride the thrilling Roller Coaster, Abyss Turbo Drop and Flying Swing. The list of things to do and see is endless.
Victoria Peak - The highest point within Hongkong where one may appreciate the city lights. It can be reached by taking an 8 minute tram ride in the 100 year old Peak Tram. Entertainment awaits every tourist in the Peak Tower- a floor with 100 wax images of famous personalities, two floors of Ripley's collection of Believe it or Not, and another floor for a high tech Motion Simulator adventure.
Shopping Spree
The Hollywood Road- Sells antiques, historic relics, and sorrel wood furniture
Tsim Sha Tsui – A tourist hub in Kowloon
Causeway Bay-
Jardine Crescent- Cheap but good prices for female clothings and other amenities
Sea Harbour City-
Tung Choi St.- An open air bazaar also known as Ladies Street where most stuff sold are for ladies.
Temple St.-also known as Men’s street- men’s costume and watches and jade stones at Yau Ma Tei
Accommodations
Hotels in Hongkong are usually expensive. For simple and not so luxurious backpackers, there are some lodgings that may cost less than $20- $40 and can be found amidst the shopping streets. However, there are many things that have to be taken into considerations; cleanliness, toilet and bathroom sharing, and space of the room.
Here are some cheap accomodations:
Dragon Hostel- Small but clean. You can check the room rates, room photos and do your reservation online.
Man Hing Lung Guest House- Rates vary by the seasons but still affordable and Wifi/ Broadband is available.
Yesinn – A stay here can be relatively cheap if you come with other persons and if booked online. Also the colorful rooms have internet access.
Average Hotels will cost $80-$120 for a standard room with single bed. Space, though, may still be limited. Convenience and cleanliness is a plus factor to the amenities they offer. It is good to check the websites of these hotels as they usually have special offers during off peak tourist seasons. Here are few to check:
Stanford Hillview Hotel
Ramada Hotel
Bishop Lei International House
Rosedale in the Park
Dining Places
It won't be hard to look for food in Hongkong. Restaurants abound and vendors are around almost everywhere. However, it would be hard to tell which is hygenically clean, well done and prepared food. In a place where there are massive people to serve, sanitation can be a big issue. Please read more on Food precaution in our General Precautions page. Below are some suggested places to eat by travelers to Hongkong:
Po-Lin Monastery in Lantau Island - They serve vegetarian meal. However you won't have much option because you will be served by what is in the garden and it will be prepared with whatever they may have in the kitchen. But you can be assured of cleanliness and a preparation according to Buddhist tradition. It will cost you less than $10 and is ususally paid with your entrance ticket if you opt for it.
Tai Ping Koon Restaurant in Causeway Bay- Recommended by Hongkong Tourism Authority so you can be at peace with sanitation issues. They specialize in Roast Pigeon. You will be spending at minimum about $11-$20.
San Francisco Coffee Company (part of New World Center although have several outlets in Hongkong)- Good for coffee and tea breaks and breakfasts.
Tai O - many restaurants here serve seafood. You can choose from live fishes, eels, prawns and other water creatures and have them cooked.
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