Hong Kong

placed in the category: Cities

Hong Kong, now also known as The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China used to be a British Colony until 1997. It enjoys a "one country, two systems" policy such that it is autonomous in terms of almost all areas except foreign policy and national defense which is the responsibility of mainland China.

Hong Kong is one of the leading financial centers in the world, with its stock market ranking sixth. It has a population of 7 million, the same number of tourists that visit it ever year. Famous for its entertainment industry, particularly martial arts, Hong Kong is also known as a place "where East meets West", reflecting a balanced mix of Chinese culture and the modern culture brought about the British during its colonization.

Hong Kong is a major tourist attraction where not only most of mainland China's tourists go to, but the many tourists around the world as well. Its ultramodern airport is considered as a hub connecting to many of the world's cities. Climate is subtropical, and its landscape is rural, with rocky islands and cloudy mountains. It is more than one city subdivided into four geographical areas, distinct from each other,--Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, The New Territories and The Outlying Islands.

Most Westerners can enter Hong Kong without an advanced visa, but they cannot enter mainland China from Hong Kong without a visa. Tourists can go to Macau, a gambling haven through a 1-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong Island.

Among its famous tourist attractions are Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Giant Buddha, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Wong Tai Sin Temple, etc. Ideal months to visit Hong Kong are October to December when it is sunny, warm and dry. It is cool from January to March, the ideal time for those who want to get away from the humidity of the tropics. February to April are the best months for those who are culturally inclined, with Chinese New Year and the Hong Kong Arts Festival.