Hong Kong Guide

Fast Facts

Best Time to Visit

Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination. It enjoys a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February, while the weather from May to mid-September is rather warm and humid.

Geography

Hong Kong is situated on the southeastern coast of China and spreads out over 1,100 square kilometres (425 square miles). The main areas are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. Hong Kong Island lies just south of Kowloon and the two are separated by Victoria Harbour. The New Territories lie north of Kowloon and run up to the boundary with mainland China. As well as making up the bulk of Hong Kong's land mass, the New Territories also include more than 260 outlying islands.

Hong Kong was a collection of fishing villages when claimed as a crown colony by Britain in 1841. At that time it was described as a "barren rock", much to the amusement of today's property barons. More than 70 per cent of Hong Kong's total area is rural, including about 40 per cent designated as protected country parks. This means Hong Kong has one of the world's highest ratios of designated parkland.

Language

Hong Kong's two official languages are English and Chinese. English is the language of business and the service industries; hotel employees, many urban Hong Kong residents, shop and service personnel speak some English. Other Chinese dialects such as Mandarin, Shanghainese and Chiu Chow can also be heard. Major hotels have employees with knowledge of other languages, such as French, German and Japanese.

Population

There are around 6.88 million people in Hong Kong. About 20% live on Hong Kong Island, around 30% in Kowloon, and 50% in the New Territories and on the Outlying Islands. More than 95 per cent of the population is ethnic Chinese. The international community includes people of many nationalities.

Visa

Both Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter Hong Kong for a period of up to three months without a visa, and it is recommended that their passport is valid for six months from the date of departure from Hong Kong. Those who wish to stay longer must apply for a visa from the Chinese Consulate, preferably a minimum of one week prior to departure. Applications can be addressed to either the Chinese Embassies or Consulate offices

Opening Hours

Generally, business hours are weekdays 9:00am-5:00pm, and Saturdays 9:00am-1:00pm. Major banks are open weekdays 9:00am-4:30pm, and Saturdays 9:00am-12:30pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.

The vast majority of shops are open every day. Generally, shops are open from 10:00am-7:00pm. But there are exceptions. Stores in busy retail areas like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui stay open even later, perhaps until 9:30pm. Those in Central, meanwhile, have usually closed their doors by 7:00pm.

Electricity

The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong.

Religion

Three ancient religions, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism - have wide followings in Hong Kong. Other widely followed religions include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism.