Hong Kong: Checklist

Here is a list of some very important things you should put in mind when traveling to Hong Kong.

Passport/Visa:
Visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months. A number of countries have visa-free privileges for entry into Hong Kong, but time limits vary, so here is the LIST for you to check. Separate visa arrangements are necessary for crossing the border into mainland China, though entry into neighboring Macau is visa-free for most nationalities.

Climate:
Hong Kong is in a subtropical zone, and the weather can change quickly, though it is generally cool and dry from December through February, and hot and humid from April through September. Monsoons and tropical storms do affect the surrounding area. Go and check the HK Observatory website.

Immunizations:
No proof is required for entry, though those traveling on to other parts of Asia should check requirements for their final destinations.

Insect Repellent:
Mosquitoes are a bother most of the year in outlying districts close to water and/or heavy vegetation. Malaria is not a concern in Hong Kong, but dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis do occur. Most convenience stores and pharmacies sell insect repellent sprays and patches.

Hiking Gear:
Bring sensible, non-slip shoes. The city is mostly flat but there are older areas with cobblestone steps and hilly terrain, both of which can become slippery during rainy weather. Most of Hong Kong's hiking trails are well-paved. Carry sunscreen.

Toiletries:
Many products can be found at the city's two big pharmacy chains, numerous department stores, and neighborhood shops. For departure from Hong Kong, note that there are rules on carry-on liquids and aerosols. For details, click HERE.

Attire:
Weather in Hong Kong ranges from cool to hot, but the air conditioning in some restaurants, concert halls, and theaters is downright cold. Wear multiple light layers of clothing so that you can easily adjust to your surroundings.

Voltage Converter:
Hong Kong electricity is 220 volts, so a converter will be needed to protect computers and appliances that are set to operate on lower-voltage currents. Try HERE.

Traveler Magazine

Central Mid-Levels Escalator

A visit just to see an escalator may seem boring. But during your stay in Hong Kong, a quick sneak-peek of the Central Mid-Levels Escalator may worth an experince of a lifetime.

The Central Mid-Levels Escalator is the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world. It stretches from downtown Central business district up to the Mid-Levels residential area. It is an incredible 800 metres long and moves about 36,000 people a day.

An Art Gallery Director John Batten once said, "It kickstarted the gallery and dining area known as Soho." Beginning at Queen's Road in Central, there are numerous entry points along the way. Art galleries and antique shops cluster around the Hollywood and Staunton Street exits. Not only that! Trendy bars, cafes, restaurants and Chinese medicine also stalls along its route.

I just want to warn you though that the escalator only goes in one direction at a time. It goes down towards Central in the morning, then goes back up the hill in the afternoon. There are steps alongside but it would be a shame, not to mention hard work, to do the journey against the flow.

Horse Racing

Eyewitness Travel's Top 10 Hong Kong says: "This local passion takes place from September to June in the suburban town of Shatin on Saturdays and at the 55,000-capacity Happy Valley track on Hong Kong Island on Wednesday nights, the more exciting choice. The enthusiasm among the big-betting, chain-smoking punters is infectious."


Hong Kong has a rich tradition of organized horse racing, dating back to the founding of the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 1884, and the sport remains wildly popular today with fans both young and old.

Hong Kong's two premiere racing venues, the Happy Valley and Sha Tin racecourses, host high-stakes races from September through July, drawing fervent hordes of spectators who come to cheer on their favorite jockeys and steeds for the big win and bigger payoff.

Happy Valley, situated in a residential area in the northern part of Hong Kong Island, is considered the "city track," and it hosts races on Wednesday nights with a striking backdrop of glimmering skyscrapers. Weekend races are held at the "country track" of Sha Tin, widely considered one of the world's finest racing facilities.

Sha Tin hosts the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races, the world's richest day of turf racing, every December, and the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby is held every March. And if the thoroughbreds at Sha Tin aren't interesting enough for you, check out the longest TV display in the world, a high-resolution Diamond Vision screen 26 feet tall and 231 feet wide, giving everyone a great view of the action.

Both Happy Valley and Sha Tin are easily accessible by taxi or public transportation from the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers and Le Méridien Cyberport.

Victor Ozols, The Lobby.com

Star Ferry

With a history of over 100 years, the Star Ferry is a witness to the many changes that have taken place in Hong Kong over the years. As both a vehicle and a tourist attraction it is a symbol of Hong Kong. The Star Ferry Company came into existence around 1898 and since then its ferries have been shuttling busily between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The Star Ferry now owns 12 double-deck ferries and each ferry has a cabin on the upper deck that is equipped with air conditioning. All of its ferries have the word 'star' in their names, such as Night Star, Morning Star, Gold Star, and Heaven Star.

The Star Ferry operates on four routes: between Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, Central and Hung Hom, and Hung Hom and Wanchai. Service times and ticket prices vary with the different routes. On weekdays ferries operate from about 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Hung Hom and Wanchai, and Hung Hom and Central and from about 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. between Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. On weekends these schedules change.

The Star Ferry is a favorite among the local people because it is affordable, convenient and quick. Its ticket prices are the cheapest in Hong Kong; ferries run very frequently; and it takes only about 10 minutes to travel across the harbor. In the evening, passengers can enjoy the gentle breeze from the sea and the world-famous sights of Victoria Harbor. Far from the hustle and bustle, a ride on the Star Ferry provides a rare chance to relax.

In 2003, the Star Ferry Company designed a custom-built ferry to use for tours of Victoria Harbor. This ferry is a reproduction of a ferry of the 1920s and features a coffee house and a deck for sunbathing. It has proved to be very popular with tourists who can enjoy a cup of coffee or just relax while feasting their eyes on the sights of Victoria Harbor.

TravelChinaGuide.com

The Victoria Peak

The 1,800-foot-high (548 meters) Victoria Peak offers great views of Hong Kong's well-developed skyline. Climb beyond the point where the tram drops passengers off via Mount Austin Road to glimpse outlying islands, or stroll on other paths to enjoy views.

Offering a stunning 360-degree panoramic view across the Hong Kong, the brand new Sky Terrace is a scenic spot that visitors could not miss. An added attraction on the terrace is The Sky Gallery, which showcases the works of the city's talented artists.

The Sky Terrace is now open for booking as a party venue, which is an unparalleled choice for all kinds of private party and business gathering.

Moreover, the venerable Peak Tram is, as most passengers agree, the only way to truly experience the beauty of Hong Kong's natural wonders. Ten of millions of people from every corner of the globe have taken the ride, which affords a uniquely spectacular perspective of the city.


For more infos, please visit http://www.thepeak.com

Dining and entertainment...

In Hong Kong, do not ever underestimate the importance of participating in dining and after-dinner entertainment. It is an excellent way to build relationship between people.

Although sometimes Chinese people seem to be impolite according to Western norms, Chinese courtesies have always been formal to follow strict rules. Especially in dining and entertainment.

So here are some guidelines for you to be aware of when dining with some friends in Hong Kong!

There are no firm rules regarding dinner conversation. Depending on the closeness of the relationship, business may or may not be discussed. Just follow the host's lead.

With chopsticks, more formal restaurants have separate resting places for them. Don't rest them on your plate. Avoid spearing food with your chopsticks or pointing them at someone. Under no circumstances should chopsticks be placed in the rice standing up. This symbolizes death.

When dining in company, fill others' teacups before your own. When being served, tap the table lightly with the tips or knuckles of your forefinger and middle finger to wordlessly indicate both "thanks" and "that's enough." Leave your cup more than half full if you don't want it refilled constantly.

Drinking is an important part of Chinese entertaining and is considered a social lubricant. The drinking officially begins after the host offers a short toast to the group. It is always a good idea for the guest to return the toast either right away or after a few courses have been served.

Safe topics for toasts are friendship, pledges for cooperation, the desire to reciprocate the hospitality, and mutual benefit. Meanwhile, do not pour your own drink. It shows a lack of protocol.

The Chinese understand if you are unable to drink alcohol. Stating medical reasons is always a good way to get out of drinking alcohol. The most common expression for toasting is Yam bui, meaning "dry cup", or bottoms up.

The Chinese are not as understanding of tipsy guests as are the Japanese or Koreans. If you feel you have had enough, smile and politely indicate this to your host.

Red packet tradition...

A Red Packet is simply a red envelope with money in it, often decorated with lucky symbols, which symbolizes luck and wealth.

Traditionally red packets are handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. They are also popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular.

As how much to give, depends on the situation. If you give red packets to kids for the New Year, age will be an important factor. Usually the older the kids are, the more money they will get. For a kid of five years old, one or two dollars will be fine. It will be better to have enough money in the red packet for a 15-years old to buy something himself.

If you go to a wedding, the money in the red packet should be about right for a nice gift. Naturally you will be glad to put a little more money in it if you have a very close relation with the couple. But it should be based on your financial situation and don't overdo it. It is similar for birthdays. The red packets usually contain less money since birthdays are not as important as weddings. People often just bring gifts for birthdays. You can also bring gifts for weddings.

Giving red packets to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the red packet and hand it out in an office.

About.com

Business cards...

This will no doubt seem strange, but one of the most important things to arm yourself with, before doing business in Hong Kong, is Business Cards, or Name Cards as they are also known.

Name cards are used all over the globe, but nowhere are they taken more seriously than Hong Kong. Hong Kong business card etiquette is essential to doing business in the city.

Literally, everybody has a business card in Hong Kong. From the chairman of a company to shop assistants, they are a way of life. Any employee who represents a company to outsiders should carry name cards.

To Hong Kongers, business cards represent that a company is proud to be associated with their representative. In a town that thrives on commerce, exchanging business cards is an important formality.

If you are given a name card and don't offer one in return, you can basically close-up business then and there.

Offer your card with both hands, printed side up and facing the receiver for easy reading. Accept someone else's card with both hands and give it due attention before putting it away. And please... Don't write on someone's business card.

Lucky numbers...

Just like people all over the world, people in China traditionally associate luck with various things and numbers. If you remember this, you will gain an understanding of Chinese manners and customs and will not embarrass yourself or your Chinese friends.

As a rule in day-to-day life of Chinese, it is customary to regard even numbers as being more auspicious than odd numbers. Traditional gifts are given as a part of the celebration for all occasions. Thus, guests will always give even-numbered presents.

As the number TWO, usually suggests harmony, at wedding celebrations, decorations are invariably setout in pairs: a pair of red candles, a pair of pillows, and couplets hung on two sides of the hall.

SIX, conveys indirectly its homophony's meaning - do everything smoothly.

EIGHT, in Chinese has a similar sound to a word that simply means to make a fortune. All business men favor this number very much.

However FOUR, is the exception to the even number rule as it sounds like death. So when people choose car license tags, phone numbers, and room numbers, they try to avoid it.

For odd numbers, SEVEN implies anger and abandon, but NINE, sometimes means longevity and eternality.

Based on these notions, it is the fashion for young lovers to send roses. ONE rose represents that 'you are my only love'; TWO, 'only we two in the world'; THREE, the three moving words 'I love you'; and NINE, 'everlasting love'.

The Chinese zodiac is also related to lucky numbers, as well as 'fengshui', a set of principle to the layout of furniture and the structure of the house.

Hong Kong: The Basics

Here is a nuts-and-bolts information to plan your trip to Hong Kong.

Entry Requirements:
A passport valid for at least another 6 months, and for some nationalities, a visa. U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.

Time:
13 hours ahead of U.S. eastern standard time.

Money:
The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 7.8 to 1. For quick conversions when out shopping or dining, divide the Hong Kong amount by 8. Neighboring Macau and Shenzhen have their own currencies but many tourist-heavy places just over the border will accept Hong Kong dollars.

Phone Calls:
Local directory assistance is 1081. Emergency is 999. Standard phone numbers in Hong Kong are 8-digit. No need to dial the city code, 852, if you are in the city. The biggest cell phone networks are on the GSM standard; inexpensive temporary SIM cards can be bought at convenience stores and phone shops.

When to Go:
Peak summer months (mid-June through mid-September) are hot and humid. November through April has comfortable temperatures, from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (14 to 25 degrees Celsius).

Getting There:
Hong Kong International Airport is connected to over 150 cities through 800 flights a day.

Getting Around:
The fastest way to get into town from the airport is the Airport Express train, which begins just outside the baggage pickup area. For shorter stays, ask station attendants about farecards for travelers. If staying more than four days, consider getting an Octopus stored value card that can be used on MTR underground railway and many other systems, including minibuses and ferries, as well as at some convenience stores and cafes.

Traveler Magazine

Summer in Hong Kong...

Hong Kong weather in summer from June to August, can seem like swimming through soup. The sun beats down, the air is laced with humidity and shirts become tissues to stop sweat.

Locals walking around in the heat during lunchtimes look like they have just completed a marathon. Added to this misery is the constant threat of summer showers, thunderstorms and Hong Kong typhoons. Summer weather in Hong Kong is best avoided, unless absolutely necessary.

T-shirts and shorts are best, although those who easily burn in the sun may want to consider long sleeves, and if not very high factor sun cream. Raincoats are useless, as the sun will melt you and it like a candle. Just pick up an umbrella in town.

The temperature averages at 28 for much of the summer and even at night doesn't drop significantly. Rainfall can be extremely erratic, but on average you can expect 80-100mm.

Rory Boland, About.com

Spring in Hong Kong...

Like an unwanted hitchhiker; accompanying spring's warmer weather is a raft of rain and showers. Spring weather in Hong Kong from March to May, can bring wonderfully warm days with clear blue skies, or it can bring apocalyptic downfalls, resulting in black rainstorm warnings.

Try and check the weather ahead of time, where possible, to find a clear patch, if you're thinking of hitting Hong Kong in spring.

Wearing goggles and a snorkel might be the best advice. But seriously some effective waterproofs are a must, as well as shorts and t-shirts for warmer days and sweaters for evenings.

Temperatures rocket through the spring, starting at around 20 (68) until they hit the 30s (86) towards summer. Rainfall is equally spectacular, with an average of 90-120mm through the season.

Rory Boland, About.com

Winter in Hong Kong...

Winter in Hong Kong between mid-December to February, is noticeably cooler than the city's other seasons, it is nevertheless mild. Snow is unheard of in Hong Kong and frost occurs only one once or twice a year.

Crisp, clear days, with little rain, do make winter a viable time to visit Hong Kong. Seemingly, the locals don't notice that it isn't really winter outside, and will wrap themselves up like Polar Bears regardless.

Sweaters will be needed for most days and a light jacket or coat for evenings. Despite the locals, gloves and scarves are only needed by those particularly susceptible to the cold.

Temperatures never plummet to the bone chilling and you can expect 17C or 63 F. Rainfall is reasonably uncommon in winter, averaging 30-40mm.

Rory Boland, About.com

Fall in Hong Kong...

Fall season by September to Mid of December, is firmly the best time to be in Hong Kong. During fall, humidity is low, while temperatures are warming and skies are bright.

Autumn is the best time for outdoor activities, and to stroll around and enjoy the city, with summer being far to hot. Fall weather in Hong Kong is also the most predicatble, with sudden changes in the weather unlikely.

T-Shirt and shorts weather for most of the season, although it is advisable for you to bring a sweater for evenings, especially towards the end of the fall.

The average temperature during fall is 24C or 75F. Rainfall is very light with few rainy days, especially towards the end of the year. 20-30mm.

Rory Boland, About.com

Weathering the weather...

Hong Kong weather is so famous for it's unpredicatability. Rain can turn to shine in just a matter of seconds. The city of Hong Kong also hosts some of the world's more extreme weather.

In no particular order, Hong Kong weather warnings can be issued for; black rain, direct-hit typhoons, extreme heat, thunderstorms and landslides.

But don't be put off! The city is also blessed with gallons of sunshine for plenty of the year! Despite having a sub-tropical climate, the city does have four distinct seasons.

Rory Boland, About.com

On my next posts, find out about Hong Kong's weather on four different seasons!

A short history...

Vibrant and dynamic Hong Kong city was just a “barren rock”, housing a collection of fishing villages when claimed by Britain in 1842 following the First Opium War in China.

Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking. The Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island were handed over in 1860 and a 99-year lease was granted on the New Territories, comprising the area north of Kowloon up to the Shenzhen River and 235 outlying islands, in 1898.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty on 1st of July 1997, and is now a Special Administrative Region on the People’s Republic of China operating under the “one country, two system” principle.

Today, Hong Kong isa flourishing international center with a population of more than 6.9 million people. With a land area of more than 1,100 square kilometers and over 260 outlying islands, Hong Kong is compact and accessible. It consists of Hong Kong Islands, separated from the Kowloon Peninsula by Victoria Harbour, and the New Territories that begin north of Kowloon and extend to the Mainland China boundary.

A unique combination of more than 150 years of colonial influence and 5,000 years of Chinese tradition, Hong Kong is a fantastic holiday experience that anyone would treasure forever!!!

Hong Kong Tourism Board

All about Hong Kong...

Hong Kong is the place where I live, the place where I work and is gonna be my home for the years to come, probably 'till the day of my retirement. But I'm young! And retirement is totally out of the map. So, I might have to stay for another 40 to 50 years.

And so it would be my great pleasure to share the things that I already know about Hong Kong and the things that I may have to discover on these days to come.

So, welcome to this blog! This will be your guide to the dynamic experience that is Asia's world city, the living culture of unrivalled shopping, superb dining, and unique blend of Easter and Western heritage, matched by spectacular harbour vistas and the rural splendour of mountains, beaches and outlying islands.

On this site, you can immerse yourself in ageless traditions and festivals, or enjoy themed attractions and cutting edge sophistication. Interesting places, cultures, events, foods, night life, etc... Every helpful information will be posted here just for the love of Hong Kong!

So if you're a creature with interest about Hong Kong, this should be the right site for you!!! Keep on visiting and begin your Hong Kong experience.

And believe me, once you live it, you're sure to love it!

Enjoy!!!