Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. It has one of the largest ports in the world, is one of the leading financial centers in Asia and the world, is a fusion of Eastern and European cultures. Hong Kong is also called Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is located in southern China, 32 km east of the mouth of the Pearl River and 135 km southeast of Guangdong. The city is washed from the west, south and east by the South China Sea. Hong Kong is separated from the mainland by a harbor of natural origin. To the north, Hong Kong borders the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.
The Pearl of the Orient is the most common title to describe Hong Kong. This city-state is sometimes referred to as the New York of Asia. Name Hong Kong Chinese city difficult, it does not look like Chinese, if only because almost all the inhabitants speak English. At the same time, the Hong Kongers, despite the colonial history of the city, never became British, but they still ceased to be Chinese.
Hong Kong is not the best Big city on earth, and not even the largest city in China - only (by the standards of the region) 7.5 million people. However, Hong Kong is an important point of the financial world, National Geographic magazine calls Hong Kong "the third largest financial center in the world and the eleventh largest industrial zone." Hong Kong is famous for its gold and foreign exchange markets, trade, manufacturing, film industry and more. By the way, the port in Hong Kong is the third largest in the world. More than 7,000 ships from all over the world come to Hong Kong's pier every year.
Hong Kong earns and spends money with an inexplicable gluttony: b O More Rolls-Royces per square kilometer than anywhere else.
However, Hong Kong has another glory: the most populous city in the world. About 7 million Hong Kongers live on 1106.4 square kilometers of land, the population density is approximately 6732 people per square kilometer. However, such statistics can be misleading, as the city is unevenly populated. Only 10 percent of the area is inhabited, which means that on average there are more than 54,000 inhabitants per square kilometer! And in the Mang Gok area, there are 140,000 people per square kilometer! And although Hong Kong won a lot of land from the sea, there are still areas called "danga", where people huddle in junks or boats.
Founded: 1841
Square: 1,106.4 km2
Population: 7 448 900 people (2018)
Currency: hong kong dollar
Language: Chinese, English
Off.site: https://www.gov.hk
Current time in Hong Kong:
(UTC+8)
The majority of Hong Kong residents are Cantonese (95%), mostly speaking Cantonese. The country has two official languages: Cantonese Chinese and English. Many Chinese have moved to the city from the mainland, especially from Shanghai, as well as immigrants from India, Pakistan and Nepal, many of whom have lived in Hong Kong for generations. Recently, more and more immigrants from the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand have come to Hong Kong, most of them working as domestic workers. Moreover, Hong Kong has also become home to a significant number of people from North America, Japan and Europe, which makes the city truly international. While Hong Kong is legally part of China, the former English colony has its own laws. All the rights and freedoms inherent in a democratic state operate in the country.
How to get there
Airplane
Aeroflot flies from Moscow to Hong Kong 4 times a week, the travel time is 9 hours 50 minutes.
A number of airlines also offer flights with transfers in other cities, for example:
- Emirates (in Dubai),
- Qatar Airways (in Doha),
- Etihad (in Abu Dhabi)
as well as in Beijing, Bangkok, Delhi and other major hubs. Planes arrive at the airport "Chek Lap Kok".
A train
There is a daily train from mainland China to Hong Kong. The train consists of two parts: one follows from Beijing (26 hours), the other from Shanghai (24 hours). In addition to this rather long train, there are also commuter trains from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, and to Guangzhou.
Bus
The bus, paradoxically, is a good way to cross the border into mainland China, bypassing the queue. Hourly buses run to Guangzhou. There are also at least 6 bus routes that run between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
- Jordan, Kowloon area, bus departs from Scout Centre, Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (5 minutes walk from Jordan MRT).
- Mongkok, Kowloon departs from Portland Street, near Metropark Hotel Mongkok (departure from Prince Edward Hotel).
- Wanchai, Hong Kong Island departs from the Bus Station.
- Kuan Tong, Kowloon leaves from the bus station and from Kwun Tong Shopping Plaza.
- Tsuen Wan departs from the bus station (10 minutes walk from Tsuen Wan station).
- Kam Shen Road departs from Western Railway Station.
Buses run every 20-30 minutes. Lok Ma Chau crossing - with round-the-clock border crossing.
Helicopter and ferry
You can also use the Macau International Airport, and if you flew there, then it is easy to get from Macau by ferry. Or even by helicopter. Company helicopter « Sky Shuttle operates its short flights every 30 minutes from the Marítimo terminals in Macau to the pier in Hong Kong. The flight takes 16 minutes and costs about 3,000 Hong Kong dollars.
On foot
You can cross the border from mainland China to Hong Kong in Shenzhen. There are six checkpoints between Hong Kong and mainland China. Pedestrian crossings are: Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau. One of the crossings is located in the center of Shenzhen, the other is at the railway station.
Visa to Hong Kong
Russian citizens do not need visas to visit Hong Kong for a period not exceeding 14 days. The purpose of the trip must be tourism, transit, visiting friends or relatives, or a short-term business visit not related to making a profit in Hong Kong. Detailed information you can read in our special material "Visa to Hong Kong".
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Hello friends! Today we will talk about Hong Kong - a special administrative region of China, which is one of the main financial centers in Asia and the world and is located on more than 260 islands. Currently, up to 2047, Hong Kong has been granted autonomy, in which the Hong Kongers themselves manage their territory, have their own currency, legislation, immigration policy, police, and so on.
In terms of travel, Hong Kong is by no means a budget destination, but it is a major transportation hub in South-East Asia, and there is a high probability of making a transfer there if you are flying further. In the city itself, there is a lot of interesting things to see, and the visa regime allows citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan to stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days without a visa in case of transit or tourism purposes. Especially for this case, if you have planned to spend a couple of days in Hong Kong, we have compiled a selection of 10 places to visit, based on our own travel experience.
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak, or "The Peak" for short, as many Hong Kongers call it, is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Its height is 554 meters above sea level. From there, a gorgeous and breathtaking view of downtown Hong Kong with its many skyscrapers, Victoria Harbor and Kowloon in the distance opens up.
The easiest and most economical way is to walk to the top, but the Peak Tram funicular is very popular among tourists and starts near the Central metro station. It looks like a tram and for 28HK$ one way or 40HK$ round trip it will save you time and energy. At the top there are two viewing platforms, one is a little lower and free, and the second is a little higher and paid. The paid site is called Sky Terrace 428 (altitude) and costs 40HK$. If you have reached Victoria Peak, we recommend that you spend this money. Let this be one of the most tourist places in all of Hong Kong, however, the view from there will make you forget about the crowds of people around. It is stunning both during the day and at night, and if you want to see both at once, come there by 5 pm - then you can catch both the light and dark hours of the day. And yes, as you probably already guessed, the observation deck is not located on the highest point of Victoria Peak, but this should not disappoint you at all. :)
On the map: Google Maps
Lion Mountain (Lion Rock)
Surprisingly, this place is not in most guidebooks and sightseeing reviews of Hong Kong, although it certainly deserves special attention. This is Lion Rock or "Lion Mountain" - perhaps the most adequate translation into Russian of the many possible. However, we will call it in the original - Lion Rock, because it is original name you can find it in Hong Kong. :)
Lion Rock is a 495-meter high mountain located in the Lion Rock Country Park in Kowloon, so named because its shape visually resembles a lion's head. Lion Rock can be considered an alternative to Victoria Peak - it offers a gorgeous view of the city, but from the other side. First of all, you will see Kowloon and only in the distance will you see Hong Kong Island.
Unlike Victoria Peak, Lion Rock is much less touristy, mostly locals and only occasionally people of European appearance. And there are no funiculars, it's completely walking route, taking 3 to 4 hours round trip, depending on your pace. There are quite steep slopes along the way, as well as quite a few steps, so climbing will require basic physical fitness. It is worth dressing comfortably and preferably in closed clothes - during the route, even at a temperature of 20 degrees, you can decently burn in the sun. We visited Lion Rock on March 3, 2016. We plan to write a separate article about how to get there and how not to get lost in the park, stay tuned for our updates. Well, what will you be rewarded with when you get to the very top, look at the photo. :)
On the map: Google Maps
Big Buddha Statue
Except for Kowloon, which is essentially a peninsula, Lantau is the largest of all the islands in Hong Kong. It is from here that your acquaintance will begin if you get to Hong Kong by plane, because this is where the international airport is located. In addition to the airport, Lantau has Disneyland, as well as another famous attraction - the Big Buddha statue. This statue, 34 meters high, is one of the 10 tallest Buddha statues in the world and is located in the small village of Ngong Ping, next to Po Lin Monastery. To see the sitting Buddha up close, you have to go a long way with 268 steps. However, it is worth it, in addition to the statue itself, from there it opens beautiful view on the monastery and located around the mountains.
There are two main ways to get to Ngong Ping - by bus number 23 from the Tung Chung metro station (the first after the airport), or from there, but by funicular, which travels 6 kilometers along cable car and shows passengers the beauty of Lantau Island and South China Sea. Pleasure is not the cheapest - for a regular booth you will be asked for $130HK one way or $185HK for a round-trip ticket. For greater beauty and fullness of sensations, there are cabins with a transparent bottom (Crystal Cabin), they are even more expensive - 180HK$ one way or 255HK$ round trip.
On the map: Google Maps
Avenue of Stars
Hong Kong has its own Avenue of Stars, created based on Hollywood, and this is no accident - for a long time Hong Kong was the third largest film industry in the world (after the USA and India). On the alley you can find sculptures, as well as handprints and names of famous Asian actors and directors, now there are already more than a hundred of them. Let's be honest, if you are not a connoisseur of Asian cinema, then most likely you will know the names of only two people - these are Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. The monument to the latter is the most prominent place along the entire alley, there is always a large number of people who want to be photographed in a similar pose. :)
But the avenue of stars is not only remarkable for movie stars. It is located on the waterfront, from where you can admire the beauty of Victoria Harbor with the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island on the opposite side. So, even if you are not interested in Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, this is a great place for a walk and for a series of cute shots in your archive.
Unfortunately, at the end of 2015, the Avenue of Stars was closed for reconstruction, which should last as long as 3 years. Judging by the length of the work, it must be redone very thoroughly.
On the map: Google Maps
double-decker trams
From west to east and in the opposite direction, very colorful narrow double-decker trams run along Hong Kong Island, which you can’t help but pay attention to if they drive along the street. Unusual appearance trams made them a separate landmark of Hong Kong, without which it is already difficult to imagine this city. Such trams came to Hong Kong from England, whose colony it was for a long time. In Hong Kong, they have firmly taken root, but in England itself they are almost gone, as well as in the rest of the world, so, in fact (with a couple of small exceptions), Hong Kong is the only place in the world where you can admire such unusual transport. And not only admire it, you can and should ride it. The fare is only 2.3HK$, you can pay either in cash (coins) or with a local Octopus travel card. Such a low cost makes a trip on the Hong Kong tram the most inexpensive sightseeing tour by the city. And yes, they are only on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon you will not find them anymore. :)
The subway is not the only way to get from the Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island, there is another one - the Star Ferry. These white-and-green boats have been running along their route for more than 90 years and, like the double-decker trams, have already become one of the symbols of the city. The trip takes no more than 10 minutes, but it passes through Victoria Harbor, sailing along which you can admire the beauties of the cityscapes of Hong Kong on one side and Kowloon on the other. The cost of a trip on weekdays is 2.5HK$, and on weekends it is slightly more expensive, 3.4HK$. It is very likely that you will be even more impressed by a ferry ride at night, when all the skyscrapers are illuminated by a scattering of multi-colored lights and shine brightly in the dark. The spectacle is something else!
Hong Kong Park is a picturesque green oasis in the middle of the stone jungle and skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island. One can draw certain analogies with New York's Central Park, although it is, of course, much larger. Nevertheless, if you are tired of the abundance of glass, iron and concrete while walking around the city, feel free to dive there and admire the unusual picture - tropical greenery and trees against the backdrop of the tops of skyscrapers. Entrance to the park is free, it is very clean and comfortable, there are many benches and places to rest scattered throughout the territory, so it is perfect for taking a breath after long hiking. You can “stick” to fountains, waterfalls, lily ponds and fish and turtles swimming there, look into the aviary with more than 80 species of birds, visit the tea museum or have lunch at a restaurant. The nearest metro stations from which you can easily walk to the park are Central or Admiralty.
On the map: Google Maps
Another picturesque park among the bustle of a large metropolis is Kowloon Park. It is located, as you can guess from the name, in Kowloon, next to the Tsim Sha Tsui metro station. The park is notable for its bird lake (Bird Lake), where in addition to the usual ducks, swans and dives, you can stare at pink flamingos! In addition, there is a labyrinth garden, a fountain, an aviary with exotic birds, a Chinese garden, modern art sculptures, an observation deck and much more.
Kowloon Park can also be called the sports center of the city - there is a large 50-meter indoor swimming pool, two more training pools of 25 meters each and a 21-meter diving pool. And nearby - sports complex with playgrounds for volleyball, basketball, handball and other games. The Kowloon Park's sports facilities receive over 2,000 visitors daily. If the entrance to the park itself is free, then you will have to pay for the services of the sports center. But in general, like Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park is a great place for a leisurely walk among beautiful nature and rest from the city hustle and bustle - as for local residents as well as for tourists.
On the map: Google Maps
Wong Tai Sin is a large elegant temple that combines three religions - Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. In many ways, this is why it is the most visited temple complex in Hong Kong. It is located on the Kowloon Peninsula, next to the subway station of the same name. You will certainly see it if you decide to go trekking to Lion Rock, which we wrote about above, since by the beginning you need to come to the same metro station - Wong Tai Sin.
The temple is made in the traditional Chinese style - decorated with fine multi-colored carvings, impressive columns, a roof with upturned corners, painted with hieroglyphs. It looks very beautiful, elegant and colorful, especially for guests from Europe who rarely come across this kind of architecture. Wong Tai Sin Temple is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. On the territory of the temple is beautiful garden, and the temple itself is considered great place for making wishes that tend to come true. :)
On the map: Google Maps
Night Market (Temple Street Night Market)
Asian markets are the whole world, and Temple Street Night Market is the most famous and popular market in Hong Kong. It consists of numerous rows of brightly lit tents and kiosks where you can find almost everything your heart desires - clothes, shoes, leather goods, watches, electronics, accessories, antiques, Chinese souvenirs and trinkets, tea and everything for its preparation and consumption, as well as many other things, it is simply impossible to list everything! In addition to shopping, you can find a large selection of Chinese street food at the night market - rice, noodles, seafood and other dishes little known to foreign guests. And also massage, hairdressers, fortune tellers… In principle, when you come to the market, you don’t even have to buy anything, you can just admire the local flavor, feel the spirit of Asian trade and stare at a huge variety of all kinds of things. The night market is located on the Kowloon Peninsula, near the Jordan MRT station, on Temple Street (after which it got its name). It is open daily from 16:00 to midnight.Of course, what we have listed is far from everything that can be seen in Hong Kong, it is very large and there are many more interesting places. We made a selection based on our own experience of traveling to Hong Kong in 2014 and 2016. If you arrive for a couple of days, what we have listed will be enough for you to have an interesting and eventful time. If you plan to stay in Hong Kong for more than long term check out the following attractions:
- Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island, Disneyland Resort MRT station;
- Madame Tussauds - located on Victoria Peak;
- Observation deck of the closed type Sky 100 on the 100th floor (393 meters) of the international financial center ICC;
- Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas in the small village of Pai Tau Village in the Sha Tin area;
- Sha Tin Hippodrome;
- Hong Kong Ocean Park;
- Hong Kong Science Museum;
- Hong Kong History Museum;
- Hong Kong Museum of Art;
- Hong Kong Planetarium.
Flights to Hong Kong
Many airlines fly from Moscow to Hong Kong - Aeroflot makes direct flights, and there are also many options to get there with 1 transfer: Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Hainan Airlines (Beijing), Air China (Beijing), Etihad (Abu Dhabi), Emirates ( Dubai), S7 (Doha), Finnair (Helsinki) and others. Find the most convenient for you:
Housing in Hong Kong
We recommend that you settle in the south of the Kowloon Peninsula - from there it is easy to get by bus to the airport, by Star Ferry - to Hong Kong Island, and we consider living there more attractive due to the more colorful Chinese Kowloon than the business and overly modern Hong Kong. Look for accommodation in Booking.com.
We stayed at a guesthouse called Inn Sight- a pretty and moderately priced place by Hong Kong standards. Recommended!
Do you want to relax unusually, excitingly and inexpensively? Travel to Hong Kong with Go China. In one city you will find dozens of attractions, and we will fully organize the trip so that nothing distracts the traveler from new experiences.
From a street crowded with cars, people and incessant noise, you find yourself in a corner of the tranquility of a Buddhist temple, and then completely find yourself in a quiet countryside. In such a city it is easy to find an interesting activity for everyone:
What are the must-see attractions in Hong Kong?
Below is a list of the 21 main attractions in Hong Kong with photos that you need to familiarize yourself with first.
The Hong Kong Avenue of Stars is an alley of fame created in 2004 similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in order to recognize the significant contribution of artists, directors, screenwriters and other figures to the development of Hong Kong cinema.
Located in Hong Kong city. It was opened on September 12, 2005. Located on Lantau Island, not far from Hong Kong Airport. It is the most compact of all existing Disneylands - an area of 27.4 hectares.
3. Repulse Bay. Repulse Bay is a Hong Kong district that is part of the South District. Situated on south coast Hong Kong Islands. It is a predominantly residential area with very expensive real estate.
The popular Night Market, named after the Tin Hau Temple located in the center of the main part of the market; there is such an inimitable atmosphere here that it has served as the setting for many famous films.
5. Square of the Golden Bauhinia. Bauhinia is a symbol of Hong Kong. The statue of the Bauhinia of Eternal Blossoms, which gave the Expo Promenade its most commonly used name, Golden Bauhinia Square, was a gift from the Central Government to commemorate the 1997 Transfer, a moment of great significance for the world's largest nation and one that stands out as a landmark event in the history of the 20th century.
6. Hong Kong Wetland Park. Hong Kong Wetland Park, opened in 2006, is adjacent to Mai Po - it is part of the Deep Bay Ramsar Reserve. Here you can find many birds nesting in the mangroves.
7. Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Seekers of enlightenment go on tours to Hong Kong to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery with its amazing statue of Tai Sui, the temples of Man Mo, Tin Hau and other monasteries of Buddhists and Taoists. On one of the islands that form the territory of the metropolis, there is the Po Lin Temple, famous for the world's largest bronze statue of the imperturbable Buddha. The height of the statue is 26 meters.
A visit to the giant amusement park Ocean Park with its charming inhabitants, Jia-Jia and An-An, a pair of giant pandas, will make a particularly memorable tour to Hong Kong. Here you can also ride water and roller coasters, an attraction with an imitation of free fall from a height of 72 meters, etc.
The peak is located in the west of the island. The mountain was named "Victoria" in honor of the Queen. Its second name is Mount Austin. This majestic mountainous formation combines an ensemble of several peaks, the highest of which is 554 m (relative to sea level).
Lantau Island is the largest of the archipelago. The island has a developed infrastructure, a favorable territorial location and is part of Hong Kong. The island is home to Chak Lap Kok Airport, which is one of the best in the world.
It is located at a distance of 15 kilometers from the main territory of the country. Lamma is popular place among tourists. They are attracted by peace and quiet, combined with the amazing beauty of the nature of the island.
12. Po Ling Monastery This is a highly revered place among Buddhists, because it is here that the largest Buddha statue in the world called Tian Tau, reaching 26 meters, is stored. Bronze bodhisattvas are installed near the monument - prototypes of people leaving for nirvana, wishing to bring good to mankind.
For travelers, it is best to start exploring Lantau Island with a visit to a village called Ngong Ping 360. You can get to it from the town of Tung Chung using a funicular that will take you in 25 minutes.
It is worth noting that the Happy Valley Racehouse is the oldest and most famous hippodrome in Hong Kong, which, in turn, accommodates at least 55,000 spectators.
15. Hong Kong History Museum. In 1983, the historical exhibits of the museum moved to a building located in Kowloon Park, and already in 1998, the newest modern building with an impressive area was allocated for the Hong Kong Museum. The constructed building is 17,500 square meters, and the cost of its construction amounted to about 390 million Hong Kong dollars (HKD).
Hong Kong's shopping area called Causeway Bay is especially popular with the people of this island. The main street of the district is considered to be Yee Woo Street, which runs through its center. Around it are various shops, hotels, beauty salons, small hotels for a small number of places, there are restaurants and cinemas.
17. Tower of the Bank of China. The Bank of China Tower is China's most famous skyscraper. The construction of the building was completed in 1989, and at that time it was the tallest building in all of Asia. The height of the building is 315 meters. At that time, only the United States could boast of buildings above 300 meters.
18. Hong Kong Museum of Art. The Hong Kong Museum of Art, built in 1962, is considered the largest art museum country. Its collection includes more than 15,000 exhibits, including valuable engravings, old paintings, unique handmade jewelry, antique furniture, as well as popular works by contemporary authors.
The Museum of Optical Illusion, which is often called a 3D museum, allows you to escape from the everyday life of the real world and plunge into an amazing atmosphere, having been in an unusual situation. At the same time, the visitor himself determines exactly how the plot of the picture will unfold.
The Symphony of Lights show is one of the main business cards Hong Kong. Many tourists come here just for the sake of it. A unique spectacle that you can watch from the "Avenue of Stars". To enjoy the laser performance, it is enough to be on the opposite shore of Victoria Bay. Every evening at 20:00, approximately 40 skyscrapers together ignite laser beams. This is an amazing synchronous performance with musical accompaniment.
Hong Kong is world famous not only for its geographical features- the city is spread over more than 250 islands. Hong Kong also stands out from other Chinese cities with its architecture: here you can see both modern skyscrapers and historical buildings that have been preserved from the period of the reign of imperial dynasties and the British monarchy. Therefore, the city must be seen from a bird's eye view.
Obviously, this city is definitely worth visiting for everyone. Moreover, it has now become much easier to do this - for a trip of no more than 14 days, you do not need to apply for a visa.
5 reasons to visit Hong Kong from Go China
- Save time - book a ticket directly on our website, and we will quickly organize a trip. what you are interested in from a large assortment of tours to Hong Kong and other cities in China.
— Shift all the worries about the organization of the trip to us. The cost of services includes air tickets, transfers, hotels, meals, excursions with a Russian-speaking guide, medical insurance.
— Customer support during the trip 24/7.
— A real guarantee of the quality of services is the company's liability insurance for 30 million rubles.
Weather in Hong Kong
The climate of Hong Kong is tropical monsoonal. It is characterized by a cool dry season, which lasts from December to March, and is hot and muggy. wet season which lasts from April to November.
How to get there
For a long time, Hong Kong's main link with the outside world was its heart - the resplendent Victoria Harbour. But these days, developed infrastructure linking the city to the rest of the world, offers a variety of options for arriving in Hong Kong.
Airplane
Hong Kong is a key hub, served by over 100 airlines that connect to major cities around the world. Your gateway to Hong Kong - open 24/7 International Airport Hong Kong, which is considered one of the best airports peace.
Ferry
Hong Kong is connected to many ports in mainland China by high-speed ferries that serve Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Hong Kong International Airport (Lantau Island is not served).
A train
Visitors to Hong Kong arriving from Shenzhen or heading to Shenzhen via Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chui can take the local commuter train to the city after clearing customs.
Brief video review
Uniqueness tourist center lies in the harmonious fusion of past and present, urbanism and the cult of nature. The sights of Hong Kong are Buddhist monasteries and Asia's largest markets and shops, ancient vehicles and museums with exclusive exhibits. Natural and man-made objects create a colorful image of a huge metropolis, which millions of tourists aspire to see.
The city-state is located on the islands of Hong Kong, Lantau and the Kowloon Peninsula. The metropolis is of interest in historical, cultural, scientific and educational terms.
For almost 2 centuries, the territory was part of the British colonies. During World War II, it was occupied by the Japanese. Since 1997 - autonomous region China, with its laws, government, domestic policy, occupies a leading position among the developed regions of the world. The basis of the economy is financial services, re-export of Chinese goods.
Main attractions
Numerous monuments will visually tell the history of the city, its present. From a long list of interesting objects, it is imperative to choose the main ones that give an idea of the features of the region.
Victoria Peak
It is impossible to visit Hong Kong and not climb this peak. On the mountain, fleeing the heat, the British colonialists built their houses. To overcome the steep ascent, a funicular was built, which is still in operation, lifting visitors 500 m above sea level.
At an altitude of 428 m, one of the main pearls is located - Ski Terrace, from which a panorama of the city and the bay opens. A little lower there are free viewing platforms.
Working hours - from 8 am - on weekends and public holidays, from 10 a.m. on weekdays. The end is at 23.00. The funicular starts at 7 am.
The mountain peak, resembling the head of the king of beasts, is located in the Kowloon region. On the opposite side, from a height of almost 0.5 km, a beautiful view of Hong Kong. To get to the Lion Mountain, you need to make a two-hour climb along a hiking trail winding along steep slopes.
Finding this beautiful place is not easy: you need to get to the metro stop with the same name. temple complex located at the foot of the Lion Rock. On an area of 18 thousand square meters. three religious movements coexist peacefully: Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism. Hundreds of people come to temples every day, leaving burning sticks at the altars with the hope that their wishes will be fulfilled.
Sights in the Chinese style look very impressive: gable roofs with upturned corners, patterned carvings, painting with hieroglyphs. Schedule of the complex - 7-17.00
A majestic bronze monument crowns the top of a wooded hill on Lantau Island. Climbing up the steep long stairs, you can see the deity in the lotus position and 6 bronze figures with gifts to achieve nirvana. Inside the statue is a beautiful museum, the main exhibit of which is a particle of the relics of the Buddha.
During the tour you can see:
- cable car Ngong Ping;
- old village;
- Po Lin Po Monastery.
A two-rope funicular allows you to quickly get to the base of the hill, where the figure of the deity rises. Within 25 minutes from a bird's eye view, an excellent panorama of the sea, the island opens up. The final station is the village of Ngong Ping. Tourists will see typical Chinese houses, buy souvenirs, visit the monkey theater, and have a bite to eat with local cuisine.
The Buddha statue is located in the Po Lin Po Monastery, the entrance is free, it is allowed to take pictures of the interior decoration, except for the praying parishioners.
The complex is designed for children under 10 years old, extreme entertainment for adults no. All around laid Railway, by which you can get to any thematic sector:
- on the street with American cartoon characters;
- to the country of Adventures with Tarzan, Moana;
- territory of Fairy tales with Winnie the Pooh, Cinderella;
- worlds of the past and future.
Every evening, Disneyland hosts the Disney Character Night Parade. Working hours are from 10 am to 9 pm.
ocean park
The best amusement park in the world, it is visited by about 8 million people every year. Half of the territory is occupied by attractions for children and adults, "Ocean Theatre", on the other 45 hectares there are a zoo and an aquarium. The cable car and railway - funiculars - connect both parts of the entertainment complex.
The cost of the entrance ticket gives the visitor the right to:
- try 80 rides;
- watch performances of marine animals;
- ride the funiculars;
- see the aquarium with 2000 inhabitants;
- zoo with pandas, flamingos, pinnipeds.
Ocean Park is open: Monday-Wednesday, from 10.00 to 18.00; Thursday-Sunday, from 10.00 to 23.00. You can get there by metro, bus, taxi.
What to see in 1 day
When there is little time to explore interesting places, it is worth considering how to plan a route. It depends on the desire and financial capabilities.
The most budget option:
- take a ride on a double-decker tram;
- take a walk in the Hong Kong park;
- visit Wong Tai Sin temple;
- walk along the Avenue of Stars;
- watch a laser show
- end the tour with shopping at the night market.
With the exception of the tram ride, everything else is free.
You can also visit other places of interest:
- Victoria peak;
- Chi Ling Nunnery;
- Kowloon park.
The observation deck can be changed to Ski 100, instead of the monastery, visit any museum.
Tours and their cost
Tour service is available in English/Russian. Ordering a guide is useful if you want to get to know the culture and history of the country better.
For example, what you can see in 3 days with a tour:
- Individual program in English. . Duration - from 5 hours. Cost - from $ 98, a children's ticket up to 6 years old is paid extra.
- Group tour in English. Overview of Mount Victoria, Aberdeen, Otpor Bay, Stanley Market. Duration - from 5 hours. The cost is $58 and $68 for children and adults, respectively.
Hong Kong is a paradise for shopaholics. People come to the metropolis for shopping tours to purchase quality goods at an affordable price. To find something to do, you need to stroll along Canton Road and see the boutiques of famous world brands lined up in a row. V shopping malls several hundred stores are concentrated under one roof. Buyers will find here any goods from European, American, Asian manufacturers.
Between December and January, in Chinese New Year, at the end of summer the sale begins. Outlets are open year-round in Hong Kong, where discounts reach 70%. All trading establishments open at 10 am, there are no days off.
The most affordable prices are in the classic and specialized markets. Here you can reduce the cost by bargaining with the seller.
But, when purchasing a product, it is necessary to check its completeness and quality.
Shopping mania has created a demand for shopping guides, who are easy to find. For 40 euros per hour, a local resident will show you where and what to buy at the most low prices.
What can you see in Hong Kong in 2 days? Sights that do not require special comments are parks, viewing platforms, ferry rides. Knowledge in English will help you to visit museums on your own. To save the route, you need to plan in advance and purchase entrance tickets online.
Hong Kong has the status of a special administrative region and is different from the rest of China. At the same time, the region was under the control of the British Empire for a long time. The influence of European culture with originally Asian roots made this area so unusual.
There is not so much land and it is not customary to scatter land. The building is very dense, there are many skyscrapers, modern and historical buildings are often side by side. For tourists, this is a real find: you can see rarities in museums or ancient monuments without leaving a comfortable modern environment.
Shopping in Hong Kong is amazing, with street markets and high-profile shops everywhere. Funiculars, double-decker trams and ferries can get to the most remote sights, which becomes an adventure in itself.
The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see and where to go in Hong Kong?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and a short description.
1. Hong Kong Skyline
Skyscrapers are built in a row on the shores of Victoria Bay. Their main feature is night illumination. It transforms the already noticeable and majestic buildings into the main characters of the laser show. The "Symphony of Lights" starts every day at 8 pm. Thanks to the constancy, the phenomenon even got into the Guinness Book of Records. Everyone can watch what is happening for free.
2. Victoria Bay
Natural harbor in the South China Sea. Thanks to the bay, the area has turned into a successful trading area since the days of British rule here. Now there is dense modern development on the coast: tourist facilities, offices, residential buildings. There was also a similar Hollywood Walk of Fame. Every evening there is a show "Symphony of Lights". From here depart the most popular water excursions.
3. Embankment of Tsim Sha Tsui
Most of the total length of the embankment is occupied by the Avenue of Stars. In addition to the handprints of local celebrities, there are several cinema-themed sculptures installed here. At eight in the evening, tourists gather on the coast to watch the Symphony of Lights. Other attractions: the clock tower - all that remains of the station, museums, a mirror installation, the former headquarters of the Marine Police.
4. Victoria Peak
The most high point islands - 552 meters above sea level. Many entertainment facilities have been built on the mountain, including a seven-story tower. Its lower floors are reserved for museums. The first exhibited wax figures of Madame Tussauds, the second and third - about 450 amazing items from all over the world. You can climb to the top by funicular, which appeared here at the end of the 19th century.
5. Big Buddha
Located on Lantau Island near Po Lin Monastery. Height - about 34 meters, weight - 250 tons. It was erected starting from 1990, the opening took place 3 years later. The face of the statue is turned to the north, which is not typical for monuments of this size. get to Big Buddha You can take a winding road or a staircase with 268 steps. Access to the statue is free, but you have to pay to get inside.
6 Hong Kong Park
Founded in 1991. Located in the Central region. The area is more than 8 hectares. One of its features is modern buildings and buildings are harmoniously inscribed in the surrounding landscape. Entrance to the territory is free, the park is open until sunset. About 600 birds live in the local aviation. Tourists are also attracted by the Olympic Square, the Tai Chi Garden, the Tea Ware Museum, the Conservatory and the Squash Center.
7. Nan Lian Garden
Has existed since 2006. A real oasis and an island of freshness among the dense construction of the stone jungle. The garden begins under the car overpass. Then there are paved paths, bridges over an artificial pond, a restaurant surrounded by waterfalls, elegant Chinese-style buildings. Everywhere there is a backlight, so that the territory remains bright even in the dark.
8. Kowloon Park
Tsim Sha Tsui Public Park covers an area of more than 13 hectares. The park hosts major events, including exhibitions and festivals. It contains bright representatives of the animal world, for example, large turtles and flamingos. Notable objects: sculpture garden, rose garden, football field, labyrinth garden, bird lake, mosque, national comics stars avenue.
9. Hong Kong History Museum
Works since 1998. Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. The exposition tells about the history of the region from ancient times to the present day. Square exhibition halls- about 17.5 thousand m². The collections of minerals, insects and fossils are also presented in 8 halls. There are separate stands dedicated to the sights of Hong Kong. Temporary exhibitions are held to mark important dates or events.
10. Hong Kong Science Museum
Opened in 1991. The area is about 6.5 thousand m². There are more than 500 exhibits, most of them can and should be touched and examined closer. The first floor is dedicated to mathematics and life sciences. The second talks, among other things, about hygiene and scientific innovations. The third contains all kinds of layouts, as well as exhibitions related to telecommunications. The fourth one is more suitable for children - there are many interactive programs.
11. Hong Kong Museum of Cultural Heritage
Formed in 2000 in the New Territories. The collection does not bypass any of the branches of culture, both the directions that have existed since antiquity and modern trends. Cantonese opera, photography, design, calligraphy, ceramics, painting - everything has a place here. There is a separate exhibition dedicated to Bruce Lee. Entrance on Wednesdays is free, on other days there are discounts for different groups visitors.
12. Hong Kong Museum of Art
Founded in 1962, moved to the current building in 1991. The funds contain about 15 thousand units of storage. The collection consists of samples of painting, graphics, calligraphy, antiques, jewelry. Exhibitions are distributed over three floors and occupy five large halls. The museum also accepts temporary exhibitions, especially if they are directly or indirectly related to Asian art.
13. Hong Kong Coastal Defense Museum
It is located in a fort built in 1887. At that time, the building was erected and used by the British. The area of the fort is more than 34 thousand m². The exposition tells about the protection of the coast in different periods of the country's history: from the Ming and Qing dynasties to world wars. The museum includes a redoubt, a reception hall and a historical path. Exhibited inside military equipment, next to it is a torpedo station.
14. Chilin Nunnery
Founded in the Kowloon Peninsula in 1934. The area is 33 thousand m². Approximately 60 nuns live here on a permanent basis. The complex consists of the main building of the monastery, a hotel for pilgrims and landscaped gardens in traditional Chinese style. Buddha statues made of stones, wood, clay are placed around the territory, some of them are covered with gilding. Entrance to the monastery is free.
15. Po Lin Monastery
It originally opened in 1905 as an orphanage for monks. Gradually grew and acquired several temples. Here one of the most big statues seated Buddha made of bronze, whose height is about 26 meters. Entrance to the monastery is free. Vegetarian dishes are served in the refectory. Since Po Lin is a popular tourist site, it is better to visit it during weekdays for prayer and meditation.
16. Wong Tai Sin Temple
Erected in honor of the Taoist deity. It can be found in the south of Lion Rock. The complex covers an area of 18 thousand m². Its history dates back to 1921, when, according to legend, Wong Tai Sin showed his followers a place to build. Only in 1956 the sanctuary became open to everyone. The architecture is typical for China: red color, columns, roofs with golden inserts. Tourists are attracted by the Garden of Good Wishes.
17. Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas
Laid down in 1949 in the Sha Tin area. It is not an active religious institution, but is popular with tourists. A distinctive feature is about 13 thousand clay figures of Buddha covered with gilding. One of the main relics is the mummy of Yuet Kai, the founder of the monastery. She is exhibited in great hall monastery. The buildings are among the historical buildings of Hong Kong and are maintained in impeccable condition.
18. Tai O Fishing Village
Also called the "Venice of Hong Kong". You can move around the village either by special crossings or by boats. All houses here are built on piles. Close to the dwellings there is a market where you can buy not only souvenirs, but also a fresh catch. There are dolphins in the area. The possibility of observing them attracts tourists. There are two museums, a closed police station building and a temple.
19. Tsingma Bridge
Crosses the Mavan channel. Opened in 1997. The ceremony was attended by Margaret Thatcher. The total length is 2160 meters, including 1377 meters of the main span. The height of the structure is 206 meters. 6th in the world suspension bridge by lenght. There are two levels: the first is the motorway, the second is the railway track. No sidewalks, no parking. Each section is monitored by surveillance cameras.
20. Happy Valley and Sa Thin Racecourses
Opened in 1845 and 1978 respectively. The first accommodates about 55 thousand people, the second - 30 thousand more. During the calendar year, about 700 races are held in total at both hippodromes. Traditionally, they are held on Wednesdays, but some of the most important ones are transferred to weekends and holidays. Since 1996, the Horse Racing Museum has been open in Happy Valley. Sathin was used for the 2008 Olympic equestrian competition.
21. Hong Kong Markets
Markets are a familiar part of the way of life in Asian cities, including modern ones like Hong Kong. The “Ladies Market” is popular with those who like to buy fairly high-quality fakes of famous brands. Stanley Market has a wide variety of goods and is not so crowded. The jade market is famous for all kinds of products made from this stone, which is popular among the Chinese. The Temple Street Market is open at night. In addition, typical Hong Kong snacks are available here at any time of the day. In the bird market of Kowloon Island, you can buy not only birds, but also, for example, song grasshoppers.
22. "Street of lazy pedestrians"
A section of the road 800 meters long, which is a continuous escalator. It stretches from the business districts towards Victoria Peak. The mechanism was created in France, the opening of the "street" took place in 1993. It is a free, albeit slow, alternative to the bus. It is possible to get off at any of the crossed streets. There is a canopy in case of bad weather or heat.
23. Hong Kong Tram
This mode of transport has been available to local residents since 1904. The difference between the local network and all the others in the world is the use of exclusively double-decker trams. The park has 160 wagons. The total number of stops on the line is 120. At the moment, trams remain relevant as public transport. About 200 thousand people use them daily.
24. Star Ferry
A ferry operating between the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. An alternative to such a journey is the subway. However, the ferry is faster and more exciting. Departure corresponds to the declared schedule. It can be found on the net or on the piers. Each ferry has 3 halls: 2 fully enclosed with air conditioning and windows, 1 is open. It is especially interesting to move around the bay in this way during the "Symphony of Lights".
25. Peak Tram
Funicular running from Central region to Victoria Peak. The length of the network is 1365 meters, it includes 6 stations. It has been in existence since 1888, making it the first cable-type funicular in Asia. Near the upper station there is an observation deck. Peak Tram operates from 7 am to 12 am. Two carriages are coupled together, leave every 10-15 minutes and carry up to 120 passengers at the same time.
26. Ngonping 360
The cable car opened in 2005. It leads to Lantau Island, where interesting sights are collected, such as the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and the Path of Wisdom. The journey takes about half an hour and is an amazing adventure in itself. There are three types of cabins: standard, glass bottom and private. There are many entertainment venues at the upper station.
27. Sky 100
Also called "Sky Terrace". The observation deck is equipped on the 100th floor of the high building Hong Kong - Center international trade. Since the view from here opens to 360 degrees, you can see the entire city from a height of almost 400 meters. In addition, multimedia exhibitions are organized on the site, as if presenting the main attractions. This will help you create your own itinerary.
28. Back of the Dragon
The tourist route laid here is the most popular in Hong Kong. Prepared 5 trails for beginner hikers. While hiking, you can enjoy coastal beauty, panoramic views and local nature. Along the route there are interesting places for parking, like observation deck on Shek O Peak. In addition, on the Dragon's Back Ridge, paragliding and kite flying are practiced.
29. Disneyland
Opened in 2005. Area - 126 hectares. The territory is divided into 3 entertainment zones: the world of fairy tales, exciting adventures, the world of the future. Regardless of preferences, all tourists, without exception, are attracted the main street where souvenir shops, shops and cafes are concentrated. Life-size puppets, meeting with your favorite characters, modern technologies and bright decorations - all this is in the park.
30. Ocean Park Amusement Park
It occupies a vast area in the southern part of Hong Kong. The park is divided into two parts. They are connected to each other by a cable car and a tunnel. A huge aquarium was built in the lower part, there is a lagoon with fountains, a building with pandas. There are many more rides at the top, including a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel. Picturesque views of the area open from different points.
