Hong Kong
The Orient.
General Information
Other Name: The Harbour City, District: Hong Kong, State: SOUTH CHINA, China
Area: 1092 km2
Languages Spoken: Cantonese
Long Distance Code: +852
Importance: Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial centres. Its highly capitalist economy, built on a policy of free markets, low taxation and government non-intervention
Best Time to Visit: March to May and Sep.-Dec.
International Access: Well connected to all the major cities of the world.Description
Hong Kong Island was the site of the original British settlement. The northern part of the Island is densely populated. Here, because of the scarcity of land, you'll find most of Hong Kong's skyscrapers and the famous skyline along the northern coastline.Location
Hong Kong is located on China's south coast, 60 km (37 mi) east of Macau on the opposite side of the Pearl River Delta. It is surrounded by the South China Sea on the east, south, and west, and borders the city of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province to the north over the Sham Chun River.Climate
Subtropical
Aberdeen: Aberdeen Bay remains the characteristic of a traditional fishing village in the 18s. The village still inhabits hundreds of fishing men. Here, you can tour around the bay by a sampan. Fishing boats ranging from the traditional Chinese sailing boat to the luxuriously furnished modern ship fill the bay.
Inaugurated in April 1983, the Hong Kong Coliseum is located in the southeast part of Kowloon. The coliseum took six full years to build and looks like an inverted pyramid. With 12,500 seats and a 1,681 sq meters (18094sq ft) stage, the Hong Kong Coliseum is one of the major venues for world-class events in the city.
The coliseum offers a full range of facilities for cultural performances, sports, ceremonies, meetings, and convocations. As the largest coliseum in Hong Kong, most concerts are held here. Hundreds of pop stars including Air Supply, Elton John, Ricky Martin, Jackie Chan, and Andy Lau have held concerts here. Even 'New York Philharmonic', 'Miss Hong Kong', 'Hong Kong Film Awards', 'Disney on Ice' and Placido Domingo have made the famous Hong Kong Coliseum an arena of laughter and tears.
Next to the Kowloon-Canton Railway Terminus in Hung Hom and the entrance of the Cross Harbor Tunnel, the coliseum is easily accessible. One can easily get there by train, the Cross Harbor Tunnel Bus, or by taxi.
The coliseum offers a full range of facilities for cultural performances, sports, ceremonies, meetings, and convocations. As the largest coliseum in Hong Kong, most concerts are held here. Hundreds of pop stars including Air Supply, Elton John, Ricky Martin, Jackie Chan, and Andy Lau have held concerts here. Even 'New York Philharmonic', 'Miss Hong Kong', 'Hong Kong Film Awards', 'Disney on Ice' and Placido Domingo have made the famous Hong Kong Coliseum an arena of laughter and tears.
Next to the Kowloon-Canton Railway Terminus in Hung Hom and the entrance of the Cross Harbor Tunnel, the coliseum is easily accessible. One can easily get there by train, the Cross Harbor Tunnel Bus, or by taxi.
As the newest Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-see because of its special attractions and the inimitable sense of Chinese culture. Walking into Hong Kong Disneyland, you feel you are in a wonderland. Accompanied by Mickey Mouse and other Disney friends, you start a fantastic and magical journey. With unique scenic spots and Disney Theme Hotels, you can go escape from the real world, and make your dreams come true. The availability of delicious Chinese and Asian food is also a lure for many visitors and Disney fans.
The first theme park you might come across is 'Main Street, U.S.A.'. Entering Main Street, you will be amazed by the delicate buildings, dim gas lamp and Paddy Wagon passing by. Antique taxicabs, Disneyland Railroad and the City Hall transports you back to America of the early 20th century. There are Chinese elements here too. Plaza Inn, the first Chinese restaurant in Main Street, complete with 19th Century Chinese table service. With the image of cartoon heroine Mulan everywhere, you come to the conclusion that Mulan is really at home now. Market House Bakery and Main Street Corner Cafe are also good places for you to enjoy. Lingering in Emporium and Main Street Mercantile, having a look in The Curiosity Shop and Silhouette Shop, you will surely find timeless treasures.
If you feel courageous, try Adventureland. Guided by a brave captain, Jungle River Cruise will take you into the heart of hidden regions. Hippos, cobras, elephants, orangutans and startling jungle events are waiting for you. As an attraction originally conceived by Walt Disney fifty years ago, it has been given an entirely new appearance with exciting 21st century Disney magic especially for Hong Kong Disneyland! Festival of the Lion King will keep your eyes glued on the show. Adapted from Disney's animated classic 'The Lion King', this colorful pageant of music and dance is just like a classic music drama because of its consummate performers, costumes and exotic scenery. This is a show that will appeal to all ages. Traveling by raft in the Rivers of Adventure, you land at your destination: Tarzan Island. Exploring Tarzan Island and visiting Tarzan's Treehouse reminds you of the story of this human child raised by gorillas. After your travel to Tarzan Island, follow the rhythm of jungle drums to find the secret of Liki Tikis. Once you are in the circle, the refreshing blasts of water will surprise even the hardiest explorer. Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and River View Cafe here will make you feel satisfied to dine in the jungle. You can even buy a jungle leaf in Professor Porter's Trading Post as a keepsake.
Have you ever been touched by Cinderella's extraordinary story and Winnie the Pooh's adventures in the forest? Have you ever wanted to be a princess such as Snow White or Sleeping Beauty? Do you still remember the little Flying Elephant and Alice in Wonderland? Don't hesitate to come into Fantasyland. Cinderella Carrousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Sword in the Stone, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Snow White Grotto to make all your storybook dreams come true. You can also join Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many other friends at a dizzying 3-D attraction in Mickey's PhilharMagic. Wearing special glasses, you can lie on the magic carpet with Aladdin and smell the flavor of Donald Duck soup. Watch carefully and don't forget you are a part of the program; otherwise you might be sprinkled by the soup! The most fantastic place must be The Golden Mickeys at Disney's Storybook Theater. Adapting all the Disney classics into a 25-minute musical drama, mixing acrobatics and special effects, this will make you stop blinking. In the theater, Tarzan swings quickly on the rigging, just like the fan on the ceiling. When The Little Mermaid Ariel appears, the whole theater is submerged by bubbles descending from the ceiling; you really feel that you are at sea. Mulan practicing martial arts and traditional flag dances show the combination of eastern and western culture.
Leave the fairytale wonderland perfectly contented; you can step into Tomorrowland. Screaming in Space Mountain, you will have no time to appreciate the sparkling stars because of the exciting roller coaster. In Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, you can fly in your space capsule and fight against the aliens with your space gun. If you are weary of the breathtaking attractions, Orbitron is a good choice for you to fly above Tomorrowland and take a rest. After space traveling, take a break at Starliner Diner and Comet Cafe to enjoy some 'earth' cuisine that you can not taste in outer space. Also, Space Traders and Star Command Suppliers will gives you a chance to do some space shopping. Don't forget to watch the Grand Parade and Firework Play after a whole day's play!
When night falls, you crash out at a choice of Disney Theme Hotels all with unparalleled accommodation. Whether you are at the Victorian style Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or being a big star in Disney Hollywood Hotel, the magic of Disneyland can never stop
Located in the central zone of Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong, Kowloon Park is one of the larger parks in Kowloon, covering an area of about 13.5 hectares (about 33 acres). It is said to be the 'green lung' at the centre of city.
The park is built in a classical Chinese style, and is visited by many tourists. Flowers and trees are plenty in the park. There is an attractive variety of rarely-seen beautiful birds and flowers.
There is an abundance of scenic spots and enough establishments for tourists to enjoy themselves. The scenic spots include Bird Lake, Bainiao Garden, the pretty birds and flowers of which make a visual feast for visitors. The establishments include a children's amusement park, a mini-sized football playground, a swimming pool and a gymnasium, among which the swimming pool is one of the best equipped in Hong Kong and can hold 1,500 people. There is also a labyrinth, banyan courtyard, and an open air sculpture exhibition. When night falls, shadows thrown by lamps make these artistic sculptures more charming.
Next to the park is 'Bolin Shopping Road' which imitates the American style. The three gardens in the road provide a comfortable place to rest after sight-seeing in the park and strolling on the shopping road.
Take the subway and get off at Tsim Sha Tsui to reach the park. The park is open every day except Friday and festival days.
The park is built in a classical Chinese style, and is visited by many tourists. Flowers and trees are plenty in the park. There is an attractive variety of rarely-seen beautiful birds and flowers.
There is an abundance of scenic spots and enough establishments for tourists to enjoy themselves. The scenic spots include Bird Lake, Bainiao Garden, the pretty birds and flowers of which make a visual feast for visitors. The establishments include a children's amusement park, a mini-sized football playground, a swimming pool and a gymnasium, among which the swimming pool is one of the best equipped in Hong Kong and can hold 1,500 people. There is also a labyrinth, banyan courtyard, and an open air sculpture exhibition. When night falls, shadows thrown by lamps make these artistic sculptures more charming.
Next to the park is 'Bolin Shopping Road' which imitates the American style. The three gardens in the road provide a comfortable place to rest after sight-seeing in the park and strolling on the shopping road.
Take the subway and get off at Tsim Sha Tsui to reach the park. The park is open every day except Friday and festival days.
The sparsely populated Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island. Ever since 70's, lots of Hong Kong residents have preferred to escape into Lantau Island for a refreshing rest during weekends and holidays. Visitors can explore its hilly walking trails, enjoy its crowded beach and inhale the fresh air. The most crowded place of the island is Tai O Town in the southwest.
The Po Lin Monastery is located in Ngong Ping on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Originally, the Buddhist monastery was built by three monks and was initially called Da Maopeng. In 1924, however, it was renamed Po Lin Monastery. About 70 years later, the Po Lin Monastery has become one of the most renowned and most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong.
The Monastery consists of the Da Xiong Bao Dian (the Great Hall of Treasure), the Maitreya Hall, the Hall of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, the Weituo Hall, the Banruo Hall, the Sutra-Collection Hall and other impressive structures. In the Da Xiong Bao Dian, for example, are enshrined three Buddhas - Sakyamuni, Dipamkarara and Maitreya. In the Hall of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva there stands a bronze statue of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, which weighs approximately 200 kilograms (441 pounds). There is also a 1,000 kilogram bronze bell.
Located on the peak of the Muyu Mountain, the Tian Tan Big Buddha is perhaps the most famous. It depicts Sakyamuni who sits on a lotus pedestal in meditation position. Covering an area of about 2,339 square meters (2,797 square yards), the Buddha, with its pedestal, is about 34 meters (112 feet) high.
The pedestal consists of a three-storied exhibition Hall. It includes the Gongde Hall, the Fajie Hall, and the Sakyamuni Memorial Hall. The Fajie Hall displays a wooden book which records about 160 bodhisattvas gathering together to discuss the sutras. In the Gongde Hall is enshrined a statue of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, standing on the lotus pedestal with a cane in his hand. In the Sakyamuni Memorial Hall the relic of Sakyamuni is worshipped, as it was received from Sri Lanka in 1992. There is also a bell in the exhibition hall, which is engraved with figures of Buddhas and the Buddhist sutras. It is rung every seven minutes, 108 times per day. Mythologically, it is said that the powers of the bell can 'cure' people's 108 kinds of vexations.
The Monastery consists of the Da Xiong Bao Dian (the Great Hall of Treasure), the Maitreya Hall, the Hall of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, the Weituo Hall, the Banruo Hall, the Sutra-Collection Hall and other impressive structures. In the Da Xiong Bao Dian, for example, are enshrined three Buddhas - Sakyamuni, Dipamkarara and Maitreya. In the Hall of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva there stands a bronze statue of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, which weighs approximately 200 kilograms (441 pounds). There is also a 1,000 kilogram bronze bell.
Located on the peak of the Muyu Mountain, the Tian Tan Big Buddha is perhaps the most famous. It depicts Sakyamuni who sits on a lotus pedestal in meditation position. Covering an area of about 2,339 square meters (2,797 square yards), the Buddha, with its pedestal, is about 34 meters (112 feet) high.
The pedestal consists of a three-storied exhibition Hall. It includes the Gongde Hall, the Fajie Hall, and the Sakyamuni Memorial Hall. The Fajie Hall displays a wooden book which records about 160 bodhisattvas gathering together to discuss the sutras. In the Gongde Hall is enshrined a statue of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, standing on the lotus pedestal with a cane in his hand. In the Sakyamuni Memorial Hall the relic of Sakyamuni is worshipped, as it was received from Sri Lanka in 1992. There is also a bell in the exhibition hall, which is engraved with figures of Buddhas and the Buddhist sutras. It is rung every seven minutes, 108 times per day. Mythologically, it is said that the powers of the bell can 'cure' people's 108 kinds of vexations.
Victoria Peak is the highest peak in Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 554 meters and has been considered as a landmark of the island.
It is the best spot to have a bird's eye view of the Victoria Harbor and the whole thriving island. Viewed from the peak, the scenes are different between day time and night. At day time, you can see high and crowded buildings and the busy Victoria Harbor. At night, lit up by colorful lights, the whole scene is dazzling as a fairly-tale world. The best spot to enjoy the scene is the Peak Tower and the Lion Kiosk beside the peak tram terminal.
It is the best spot to have a bird's eye view of the Victoria Harbor and the whole thriving island. Viewed from the peak, the scenes are different between day time and night. At day time, you can see high and crowded buildings and the busy Victoria Harbor. At night, lit up by colorful lights, the whole scene is dazzling as a fairly-tale world. The best spot to enjoy the scene is the Peak Tower and the Lion Kiosk beside the peak tram terminal.
Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple established in 1921, is one of the most famous temples in Hong Kong. It is also renowned among overseas Chinese in Southern Asia, Europe, and America.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is named after Wong Chuping. When Wong Chuping was 15, he began to follow Taoism. Forty years later, he achieved enlightenment and became immortal. People called him Wong Tai Sin from then on. It is said that he punishes evils, heals the wounded, and rescues the dying. The influence of Wong Tai Sin spread from Guangdong Province to Hong Kong in the early 20th century. With his mercy and his power, he is said to grant whatever is requested. Wong Tai Sin Temple is known for its fortune-telling. The fortune sticks (or lots) in Wong Tai Sin Temple are very accurate. Many people who visit the temple come to have their fortunes told. Generally, worshippers entreat the fate of the same year. They light worship sticks, kneel before the main altar, make a wish, and shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until one falls out. The stick is exchanged for a piece of paper bearing the same number, and the soothsayer then interprets the fortune on the paper for the worshipper. Wong Tai Sin has many worshippers in Hong Kong, so the joss sticks and candles burn exuberantly all year round, especially during the Chinese Lunar New Year and Wong Tai Sin's birthday - the 23rd day of the eighth lunar month.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is named after Wong Chuping. When Wong Chuping was 15, he began to follow Taoism. Forty years later, he achieved enlightenment and became immortal. People called him Wong Tai Sin from then on. It is said that he punishes evils, heals the wounded, and rescues the dying. The influence of Wong Tai Sin spread from Guangdong Province to Hong Kong in the early 20th century. With his mercy and his power, he is said to grant whatever is requested. Wong Tai Sin Temple is known for its fortune-telling. The fortune sticks (or lots) in Wong Tai Sin Temple are very accurate. Many people who visit the temple come to have their fortunes told. Generally, worshippers entreat the fate of the same year. They light worship sticks, kneel before the main altar, make a wish, and shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until one falls out. The stick is exchanged for a piece of paper bearing the same number, and the soothsayer then interprets the fortune on the paper for the worshipper. Wong Tai Sin has many worshippers in Hong Kong, so the joss sticks and candles burn exuberantly all year round, especially during the Chinese Lunar New Year and Wong Tai Sin's birthday - the 23rd day of the eighth lunar month.