City Focus - Hong Kong SAR

Hong Kong is located south of the so-called Pearl River Delta. Its immediate neighbours are Macau (a.k.a. Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China) to the west. It is also bordered in the north by the neighbouring Province of Guangdong. Geographically, Hong Kong is divided into 3 main regions; Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

Also known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong enjoys a relatively high degree of autonomy from its parent country, China (a.k.a. People's Republic of China). This autonomy extends to both its political and economic systems. Thus, Hong Kong has its own currency, the Hong Kong Dollar. While one may need a visa prior to visiting any parts of mainland China, this requirement may not apply when visiting Hong Kong and vice versa. Visa requirements for the city are generally dependent on the arrangements between your country of origin and the Hong Kong government. Thus, it is wise to check with the relevant Authorities on the updated visa requirements pertaining to your passport before visiting any Chinese cities and/or Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the leading financial centers of the World as well as Asia. With a population of over 7 million people crammed into a land area of just 1106 square kilometres (about 427 square miles), Hong Kong is indeed a very crowded city. This is evident in the peak hours rush when taking the city's subways as one travels around Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's Financial District at night, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

The main language spoken in the city is Cantonese. This is the same local dialect spoken in the neighbouring Guangdong Province. Besides Cantonese, English and Mandarin are also widely used.

The climate of Hong Kong can be considered sub-tropical. The hottest months are generally between May to September where mean day time temperatures can range between 26 deg C to as high as 30 deg C. In some years, the temperature during the "hot summer" months can be as high as 36 deg C. Night time temperatures during these months are usually slightly lower. The cooler months are between October to April when mean day time temperatures usually range between 25 deg C to 28 deg C.

My personal recommendation is to visit in the months between December to February where day time temperatures are at the more comfortable range. If visiting purely for vacation during the hotter months, then light clothing such as t-shirts and singlets will be more appropriate for the weather.

The Mid-Levels Escalator located at Central is the longest covered escalator system in the world, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

Hong Kong usually experience typhoons in the months between June and August. Direct typhoon hits on the city are rare but a strong typhoon system near the city may have impact on air transportations. If visiting during these months, it will be good to consider purchasing travel insurances to guard against flight disruptions and the occasional unintended extended stays in the city until the winds have cleared.

Trams are still in use in the city, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

Hong Kong is considered one of the most expensive cities in the World and Asia. When visiting on vacations, one can always skip the 5-star establishments for accommodations and dining and opt for stays in hotels at the lower end of the price spectrum if budget is a concern. The city has an abundance of hotels catering to a wide range of travellers with different budget requirements. Food is generally expensive when compared to other nearby cities such as Shenzhen and Taipei so do come prepared to spend a little more on your daily expenditures.

When visiting Hong Kong, one must simply try the large array of local food. These are simply delicious and you just have to try the dishes yourself to appreciate their awesomeness.

Roast chicken with noodles, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

Roast duck, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

This is a city that truly seldom or even never sleeps. Food outlets that operate 24 hours a day are quite common in the main areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Whenever I visit Hong Kong, I always enjoy late suppers as late as 1am to 2am in the early hours. These enjoyments of course mean a bigger tummy after each visit to this vibrant Asian city but still, I am always back for more food. :-)

Fishballs and wonton soup, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

Being a frequent visitor to Hong Kong because of business, I am now able to move around the main areas like a local. And I have also created a personal favourite list of eating spots and cafes. Some of these are listed in the articles in this blog. For easier references, I have included them and their URL links below in this page.