Hong Kong Fast Facts

Hong Kong is a special administrative region off the southern coast of China and is completely surrounded by water. The metropolis comprises the four regions of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the so-called Outer Islands and is one of the most exciting and modern cities in the world. Hong Kong is also known as a gourmet stronghold.

Fast facts to know

• Hong Kong is one of the largest metropolitan areas and one of the most important financial, business and cultural centers in Southeast Asia.
• Hong Kong’s buildings are well air-conditioned – don’t forget your jacket!
• Bus rides are paid for with small change.
• Hong Kong is a city full of hills – bring your physical condition!
• English as a language is widely spoken in Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong is written together in German, separately in English (Hong Kong).
• Hong Kong consists of 263 islands.
• Hong Kong residents are very tolerant.
• A passport that is valid for three months after the trip is required for entry.
• Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world.
• Hong Kong’s market economy as one of the most advanced in the world.

History of Hong Kong

• Settlement by the Han Chinese in the Chinese Empire.
• Heavy migration from northern China during the Song Dynasty.
• Further waves of immigration during the Yuan Dynasty.
• 1699 British East India Company enters China for the first time.
• 1841 British occupation of Hong Kong.
• 1843 Britain declares Hong Kong a crown colony.
• Hong Kong is developing into an important military base and exchange point for goods in East Asia for the kingdom.
• 1899-1901 Boxer Rebellion against colonial power and bloody suppression.
• 1925 Canton-Hong Kong strike.
• Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during WW2.
• 1950s: US economic embargo against China & allies.
• 1967 riots in Hong Kong with many dead and injured.
• 1982 First talks between Great Britain and the People’s Republic of China on the future of the territory.
• 1997 Hong Kong becomes a special administrative region of China.
• 2019 Mass protests against extradition law to mainland China.

Climate & travel weather in Hong Kong

• Humid, subtropical climate.
• Dry, mild winters.
• Hot, humid summers.
• During the monsoon season in spring to summer heavy rain and high humidity.
• Recommended travel time:
  • October – April.
  • Typhoons are to be expected in August and September – better to avoid them.

Ideas for trips in Hong Kong

• Enjoy the Hong Kong skyline from the southern end of Kowloon (8pm: Symphony of Lights).
• Shopping on Nathan Road.
• View from Victoria Peak.
• Hike on the Dragon’s Back.
• Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Big Buddha.
• Hong Kong History Museum.
• Visit Hong Kong Disneyland.
• marvel at Tai-O Village.
• Oceanpark Hong Kong (largest ocean park in the world with a huge aquarium).
• Man Mo Temple.
• Boat trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
• Markets in Kowloon.
• Use the 2km Mid-Level Escalators.
• Dine at a restaurant in Soho.
• Hike the Wisdom Path.
• 10,000 Buddha’s Monastery.
• Temple Street Night Market.
• Sky100 Observation Desk in Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper.
• Swim at beautiful Repulse Bay.

Food & Drink in Hong Kong

• Hong Kong is considered a gourmet stronghold – not just for Chinese food.
• Fresh vegetables, fruits and lots of fresh fish are often processed.
• The most famous regional cuisine is the Cantonese cuisine, which also uses many unusual ingredients (e.g. chicken feet & jellyfish).
• Spices are used very sparingly, and the food is freshly cooked – mostly by briefly roasting or steaming.
• Herbs are often used as spices.
• In addition to excellent dishes with seafood, poultry in particular, but also pork, is often processed.
• Other very good regional cuisines: Beijing cuisine, East Chinese cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, Chaozhou cuisine.
• It is best to eat in a group. It is common for everyone to share everything.
• Noodle soups, fried rice and fried noodles are mainly available from the many small snack bars and restaurants
• Foreign cuisines are also widely represented (e.g. from India, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia ).
• Breakfast in hotels is usually very expensive.
• You can eat inexpensively in one of the many small food stalls.
• The most important drink is tea. But there are also fresh juices and good beers.
• Regional beers are San Miguel and Tsingtao.
• Typical dishes:
  • Taro (dumplings filled with meat and vegetables).
  • Beggar’s chicken (whole chicken cooked in clay in its own juice).
  • Bird’s nest (nest of a cave swallow, served as a soup, often as a dessert).
  • Congee (rice soup, either plain or with vegetables or meat).
  • Hot pot (hot pot; meat, fish and vegetable fondue).
  • Peking duck (marinated Peking duck with crispy skin, cooked in the oven).
  • Wonton (dumpling stuffed with shrimp meat in broth).
  • Yangchow fried rice (pan-fried rice dish with chicken, egg, peas, shrimp, mushrooms).
  • Dim sum (small dumplings filled with fish, meat or vegetables).

Particularly scenic

• Nian Lan Garden
• Kowloon Park
• Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens