A nice walk in Central and Western District (6)

Hollywood Road (Antiques Street) / Upper
Lascar Row (Cat Street)
Hollywood Road (Antiques Street)

Built in 1844 by the British army, this road took its
name from the many holly shrubs lining it. Linking
Sheung Wan to Central, Hollywood Road is famous for its many
curios and antiques shops.
You can find items as small
and delicate as a perfume
bottle to large antique
Chinese furniture. The
shops can help you
arrange shipping of
large items back home.

Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street)

Lined with traditional street stalls, Upper Lascar Row is a great
place to pick up a wide variety of antiques, curios and other
collectables.

A nice walk in Central and Western District (5)

Bonham Strand West
(Ginseng and Bird’s Nest Street)

Previously known as Nam Pak Hong after
the Nam Pak Hong Chamber of
Commerce (North-South Chamber of
Commerce) located there, Bonham
Strand West is now an extension of
Ginseng and Bird’s Nest Street.

Po Lin Monastery

Po Lin Monastery (traditional Chinese: 寶蓮禪寺, Literally "Precious Lotus Zen Temple") is a Buddhist monastery, located on Ngong Ping Plateau, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.


The monastery was founded in 1906 by three monks visiting from Jiangsu and was initially known as "The Big Hut". It was renamed to its present name in 1924. The main temple houses 3 bronze statues of the Buddha representing his past, present and future lives as well as many Buddhist scriptures.

Tian Tan Buddha, a giant Buddha statue completed in 1993, is an extension of the monastery.

The Ngong Ping 360, consisting of the Ngong Ping Village and a gondola lift running between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping, was built near to the Po Lin Monastery.

Walled villages of Hong Kong

Most of the walled villages in Hong Kong are located in the New Territories.

A walled village (traditional Chinese: 圍村) is a kind of traditional building which is completely surrounded by thick defensive walls, protecting the residents from the attack of wild animals and enemies. Usually, people living in the walled village are extended families or clans sharing the same surname.

Walled villages can be found in mainland China and Hong Kong.

A nice walk in Central and Western District (4)

Ko Shing Street
(Herbal Medicine
Street)
This is the wholesale centre
of Hong Kong’s thriving herbal
medicine trade. It is renowned
for its wide selection of herbal
medicine and shops with
experienced staff.

Computer DIY Acrade - Golden Computer Center and Acrade

Golden Computer Centre (traditional Chinese: 高登電腦中心) and Golden Computer Arcade (traditional Chinese: 黃金電腦商場) are two markets for computer and computer related products in the same building in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong.

The Golden Computer Arcade occupied the basement and the first floor of the building. The shops in the basement mainly sell computer books and computer accessories such as CD-R discs, cables, keyboards while the ones in first floor sell video game machines and electronic products. The Golden Computer Centre stacks above the arcade. Its shops mainly sell computers, printers, and many other computer parts and peripherals.



People often come here and acquire relatively cheap parts to build their personal computers, which often demonstrate superior performance to branded computers of the same price as the components, provided they were assembled properly.

Hong Kong Taoism Praying for Hong Kong Return 10th Anniversary and 2008 Beijing Olympic

In last friday, that was 19th October, there was a pray for hong kong taoism. In that pray, I could see a lot of stuff of Chinese traditon "tao" religious. I have walked the 7 stars' array and the "treasure bridge". It was very fantastic.

Henrich

Shatin Cycling Tour

Enjoy the cycling tour from Shatin to Tai Po Via the bicycle track along the Tolo harbour. During the trip, you can have a very beautiful views of Tolo harbour, race course and paranomic view of Chinese University.

Aberdeen - Waterfront wonders

Whatever you do, don't miss the picturesque Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen. Its traditional Chinese glamour showcases a delicious menu for the whole family. This is the right place to indulge in lobster and Peking Duck. Get your photo taken on a Chinese “throne” and take away some Jumbo souvenirs.

From economical to upscale in Causeway Bay / Happy Valley

In Causeway Bay, budget eateries serve delicious noodles and other Asian fare. The dining scene here is eclectic and informal, with many small, brightly lit and cheerfully noisy restaurants. Don't miss the glamorous boutique shopping at Times Square and Lee Theatre Plaza. Then again, the Japanese department stores nearby the Excelsior Hotel offer top quality and real bargains whenever there is a sale.

At the end of a long day of retail therapy, a pint at The Chapel, on Yik Yam St – on the doorstep of the Happy Valley racetrack – is sure to go down well. Proffering irresistible Indian curries, real British ales and fun quiz nights, this pub is the perfect escape from Hong Kong's hubbub.

Relax in Wan Chai

The harbourfront location of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was once a favourite haunt for sailors. Nowadays, the neighbourhood has turned naughty-but-nice, with fun nightclubs, bars and eateries springing up amid the sample clothing outlets and electronics stores.

Soho and Mid-levels : fashionable and fascinating

Lan Kwai Fong and Soho are the most popular dining and entertainment centres on the Hong Kong island, just north of the Ritz Carlton Hotel. You can virtually eat your way across the globe in this cornucopia of international restaurants: French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Middle-Eastern, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and many more.

Trendy discos featuring live pop, rock and jazz also abound here. Conveniently situated near some of Hong Kong's finest art galleries, nestles the romantic and cosy Bohemian Lounge, featuring live jazz, occasional salsa dancing, and a light tapas menu.

Enjoy fresh seafood in Sai Kung

Feast on extremely fresh seafood, swimming in the water one minute, on your plate the next! The restaurants at these outlying areas of Hong Kong make for an exciting break in routine. Juicy prawns, plump scallops, lobsters, fish and shellfish – they are all it takes to complete the lovely picture that the charming alfresco restaurants have to offer.

Repulse Bay / Stanley: simply scrumptious

With numerous casual eateries dotting its seafront, Stanley is a great place to go to ease any tension. Enjoy a drink at one of the cosy neighbourhood pubs before tucking into a delightful culinary presentation in the open air.

Several Asian restaurants are located here – one of Hong Kong Island's most romantic spots, also home to the ever-popular Stanley Market. Also on the south side of Hong Kong Island, Repulse Bay is known for The Verandah, a premier restaurant with classical décor, nestled in the lush, sub-tropical hillside.

Ladies Street - Hong Kong

Where in Hong Kong can you find the cheapest and largest selection of clothes, toys, cosmetics and more? What is Ladies’ Street? Ladies’ Street is a street (or should I say open-air bazaar) famous in Hong Kong for cheaper goods. It is one of the busiest places in Hong Kong. Ladies’ Street, as it is nicknamed, is also known as “Ladies’ Market”. Its official name is Tung Choi Street. Despite its name, not only ladies’ products are sold there, even though it was once devoted to ladies’ clothing only. Ladies’ Street must not be missed by the tourist. But watch out for fakes or pirates. After all, like they say, you can’t be a tourist without being scammed!

Starting Time
The Market opens at about noon and operates up to around half past ten to eleven. It is said to be the “day version” of Temple Street’s night market. Along the stalls, you will find mainly inexpensive items such as clothing for men and women of all ages, watches, accessories, bags, cosmetics, small household items and toys. The market gets its name because it is particularly well known for fashionable ladies’ clothing and is renowned for good bargains. It makes a popular shopping place for both locals and tourists.



Location
Located conveniently near Mong Kok’s MTR station, Ladies’ Street is crowded with people at all times. Extending from Dundas Street north to Argyle Street, it shares a lot of customers with the Goldfish Market, on a different section of the same street. Walking down the street, besides people and more people, you can see many stalls set up along side the road. Hold your children’s hand tight as you squeeze in between crowds to look at the products each merchant has to offer. If you find something to your liking, you may bargain with the shop keepers, enjoying a different kind of pleasure. It is the delightful place of collecting cheaper goods. Absolutely don’t forget to haggle with the merchants. The owners are very competitive and may drop their prices, but don’t forget the law of shopping – “you will always find what you just bought cheaper somewhere else; that is, after you buy it”.

...If you’re a tourist coming to Hong Kong, you simply can’t miss this famed street. It may not be Hollywood Boulevard, but no visitor can leave Hong Kong without buying anything, and Ladies’ Market is THE place to buy Hong Kong style souvenirs: a mix of both oriental and western style. You may easily overspend your time there looking through the many accessories and might find some items you like. But remember “Hong Kong style” shopping is to look through all the stalls first!...

Transportation
Take the MTR to Mong Kok Station, then take the B2 exit. Walk east along Prince Edward West Road until you reach Tung Choi Street. The Ladies' Market is just next to the Goldfish Market.

A Night Club of Common People - Temple Street

Location
Temple Street is located in the Yau Ma Tei area of Kowloon in Hong Kong. It is the Night Market which is a perfect place to pick up a few bargains as well as to have a large meal.

History
It is named "Temple Street" because a temple to Tin Hau was built there. It was built during the Qing Dynasty. It settled at banyan at the middle of the street (the place is called jung syu tau). Contrast that with the Ladies' Market in Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok.

Attractions
Temple Street is known as "Men's Street" because it is very popular for men's clothing. Temple Street comes to life at dusk each day. Traffic stops going into the street and people begin to swarm there. Nearly a hundred little stalls appear with colourful lights along the street. Carts bulge with goods, from clothing to mobile phones and watches. Merchants sell inexpensive items mostly for men, from jeans and t-shirts to lighters and shoes. There are also old cassettes, video tapes, old newspapers, antiques and nearly any kind of cheap merchandise one can imagine. Shoppers can bargain for cheaper prices there. There are also Chinese street opera singers, fortune tellers, and food stalls. In the past, Anita Mui sang on stage on Temple Street, starting her fantastic career. Her performances are a legend of Temple Street.



This down-to-earth open bazaar usually opens at 2 p.m. It is not uncommon to see the street gradually become crowded with foreign visitors and locals in the evening. Unlike many other cities' flea markets, Temple Street is busiest at night. During weekends or on public holidays, it is extremely crowded with people.

One reason why Temple Street is so popular for men is because of the sexual activities inside the tentament houses. It is not difficult to see prostitutes wearing few clothes exchanging glances with the passers-by. Some hustlers on the street bring men upstairs, where there are many simple rooms with no more than a bed. There are lots of light boxes on the street that advertise those activities at night.


Thanks to its unique characteristics, Temple Street is often chosen as a location for films made in Hong Kong such as Queen of Temple Street in 1990. The street was used as a symbol for public life in Hong Kong at that time.

Clinics
There are old clinics using the traditional Chinese method for curing illnesses and diseases in this street. Instead of doctors, the practitioners are usually called 'Masters'. They have run the clinics for many years and their ability to cure patients is very reliable.


Food and necessities
Temple Street is famous for its midnight snacks and its street-side dining, featuring local cuisine. The busy food stalls offer a wide range of delicacies to tempt appetites.

There are also lots of restaurants selling seafood. These "hot pots" can be perfect for an intimate dinner. They are delicious as well as cheap. All of these culinary delicacies represent Hong Kong's traditional and unique food culture.



Interestingly, to find out if one wants to buy clothes, shoes, leather, watches and everyday items in Temple Street, one has to hunt for the shops hidden in the streets behind the stalls rather than looking in the stalls themselves. This is one of the characteristics of Temple Street.

Entertainment
In addition to the food and clothes collections available in Temple Street, bands of traditional Cantonese opera singers can also be found. These bands seem to be competing with the pop music bands, and they set up their own corners for entertainment in Temple Street where they have mini-concerts every night. Temple Street is a treasure island for collectors. Very old CD collections or nice audio instruments can easily be purchased for a reasonable price. Majong shops can also be found.


There are a groups of fortune tellers who set up their stalls in Temple Street, key feature that makes the market feel typically Hong Kong. This group of people earns a living by telling the fortunes of people who want to know about their past and future. These fortune tellers charge HK$50-HK$500 depending on what subject people are willing to foresee. Apart from that, the jade market at Yau Ma Tei is a great place to find cheap jade stones for souvenirs.

Temple Street Festival
During September 2003, the first Temple Street Festival was organised and supported by local governmental authorities such as the Home Affairs Bureau and the Hong Kong Tourist Board.

Transportation
To visit the Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei, go from the Nathan Road MTR station exit and turn onto Nathan Road towards the Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium. Go north on Nathan and walk for two or three blocks. Temple Street can be found on the left. The best time to go is after 8:00 p.m. because you can experience the busy night market at its peak hour of the day.

Conclusion
Temple Street is an impressive place that attracts many tourists as well as local residents. This street is spiced up with the traditional culture of Hong Kong. Apart from the tourists, many locals go there for inexpensive items, such as T-shirts, jeans, luggage, etc. However, shoppers need to know how much they want to spend since the prices are negotiable, just as they are while shopping in Mainland China, such as in Shenzhen. Safety is also an issue here, so shoppers should be aware of their personal belongings. Girls should not hang out there alone.

Special shopping on Ap Liu Street

Ap Liu Street in Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, aka Apliu Street, is like a flea market and a electronics shopping center all at one place. There are probably over 100 stores on that street and the side streets connected to it. Then in the middle of the streets, there are stalls selling both new and pre-owned stuff. Here is a list of the kind of products found in the area: (as of 2006.8.27)

audio equipment e.g. mixers, microphones (new)
automobile paraphernalia (new)
camera lenses (used)
cameras (used)
cell phones (new / used)
clothing (new / used)
consumer electronics (new / used)
electrical appliances (used)
electronic parts (new)
fishing rods (new)
florescent light tube, different colors, shapes, and sizes (new)
ham radio and equipment (new)
hand tools (new / used)
hi-fi (new / used)
phones, wired or wireless (new / used)
photographic accessories (new)
pots and pans (used)
power tools (used)
radio-controlled toys (new)
remote controls for TV, hi-fi, air-conditioners (new / used)
satellite dishes and reception equipment (new)
security monitoring equipment (new)
telescopes and binoculars (new)
TV sets (used)
tripods and monopods (new)
walki-talkies (new)
watches (used)
It is right outside the Sham Shui Po MTR.

Cheapest Transportation - HK Tramways

With 2HKD, you can go from the western part to the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. Of course, you can learn some history of Hong Kong when travelling on th tram. Unfortunately, you cannot find this oldest transportation mean other than Hong Kong Island.

Dream World - Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland (Traditional Chinese: 香港迪士尼樂園; Cantonese Jyutping: hoeng1 gong2 dik6 si6 nei4 lok6 jyun4; Mandarin Pinyin: Xiānggǎng Díshìní Lèyuán) is the first theme park inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which is owned and managed by the Hong Kong International Theme Parks, an incorporated company jointly owned by The Walt Disney Company and the Government of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Disneyland, the fifth and most recent Disneyland in the world, is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. After years of negotiations and construction, the park finally opened to visitors on September 12, 2005. Currently, the park is able to handle a maximum of 32000 visitors daily.The park consists of four themed lands similar to those found in the other Disneyland parks around the world. They are Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Adventureland in Hong Kong Disneyland is the biggest one among all the Disneyland parks.

Although the park is the smallest Disneyland in the world, the park has announced to open two new attractions in summer 2007. In addition, the classic Disney attraction, it's a small world, will open in early 2008. The park will continue to expand by adding more new attractions in the future. After completing the expansion in the Disneyland park, the park will be able to handle 10 million visitors annually.

The theme park uses both English and Chinese (mainly in Traditional for text, both in Traditional and Simplified for Guide Maps, Cantonese and Mandarin in verbal) in its communication. The park also provides Guide Maps in Japanese.

http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/zh_HK/home/home?name=HomePage&CMP=ILC-SemSum07HkYahoHKDL

Hong Kong Marathon 2008

This event, part of the Greatest Race on Earth that comprises four marathons in different continents, attracts some of the world's top runners competing for over US$1.5 million in prize money. More than 43,000 runners took part in the 2007 Hong Kong Marathon, the territory's biggest outdoor sporting event. It involves a full marathon, a half marathon and a 10km run on courses that take participants past some of Hong Kong's most awesome scenery.
To learn more about this exciting event,

please visit the official website.
Date : 17 February 2008

Hong Kong WinterFest leaves everybody happy!

Visitors and locals alike shared in the happiness and warmth of the holiday season during the 2006 Hong Kong WinterFest that concluded on 1 January.Every day from 24 November couples and families flocked to the enchanting Santa’s Town set up in the heart of the business district, where a Dazzling Christmas Tree and other seasonal features and entertainment kept everyone enthralled.The annual festival also featured winter sales and special treats for shoppers, while diners enjoyed great deals on tasty seasonal dishes. So start counting the days and be sure to visit Hong Kong for the 2007 WinterFest!

Soaring Dinosaurs - Chinese Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Venture back 120 million years when dinosaurs - including winged ones - roamed the earth. This exhibition features exotic dinosaur fossils as well as a variety of ancient animals and plants unearthed in China. Among the precious collection is a 9-metre-tall dinosaur and a 9-metre-long mammoth, one of the largest ever into be discovered in the world. This is one of the events under the HKSAR's 10th Anniversary Celebration Programme.


Date: 25 May - 25 Nov 2007
Time: 1pm - 9pm (Mon - Wed and Fri); 10am - 9pm (Sat, Sun and Public Holidays);
Close on Thursdays
Venue: Hong Kong Science Museum

Event Website:
http://hk.science.museum/
Organisation:
Hong Kong Science Museum

Hallowen's coming

Every year, people in HK are enjoy having fun in Halloween. There are no exceptions in this year. The 2 main theme parks - Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park are promoting their special events about the Halloween. You can visit http://www.hkdisneyland.com/ or http://www.oceanpark.com.hk/ for the program details.

A nice walk in Central and Western District (3)

Des Voeux Road West
(Dried Seafood Street)*

Discover the surprising
varieties of exotic dried seafood
available on this street. You’ll find rare and expensive items, like
abalone, gathered from around the world.

Accommodation guide for Traveler at Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a wide variety of accommodation to suit every budget, from luxury six-star equivalent hotels to modest guesthouses - some accredited to the Quality Tourism Services Scheme and youth hostels. Most hotels and guesthouses are situated on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, but you can also find a good selection in the New Territories (including the outlying islands). Most of the more expensive accommodation has views over Victoria Harbour.
You can stay among the big city lights, in the verdant countryside or near the beach - the choice is yours. No matter where you stay, all of Hong Kong's attractions are close at hand. The excellent public transport system means you are only a short journey away from the hustle and bustle of the city or the tranquillity of the outlying islands. The below link is to search your favourite hotel.

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/mustknow/search/mk_sear_inde.jsp


HONG KONG HOTELS ASSOCIATION:
Visitors arriving at the airport without a hotel reservation can receive assistance at the Hotel Reservation Centres inside the Buffer Hall located after the Customs Area. The desk is open daily from 6am to midnight. The Centres can arrange accommodation, at no extra charge, at any hotel that is a member of the Hong Kong Hotels Association (HKHA).


BUDGET ACCOMMODATION :
Hong Kong guesthouses and hostels provide a convenient and affordable accommodation option for budget travellers. While the facilities are limited, most rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite shower and toilet. The government maintains a list of licensed hotels and guesthouses, which can be accessed the below weblink :

http://www.hadla.gov.hk/english/


YOUTH HOSTELS :
While the YMCA and YWCA hostels in Hong Kong are more akin to 3-4 star hotels with similar rates, young travellers on minimal budgets have the choice of seven hostels run by the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association. Most of these hostels are located in the New Territories (including the outlying islands) and are fairly remote. However, most are in scenic areas (one is atop a mountain) and close to outdoor attractions like hiking trails and a marine park. Getting back and forth to town is not a problem. You can book online which saves you time and guarantees you have accommodation waiting for you when you arrive in Hong Kong.
Whatever your budget, Hong Kong has accommodation to fit your needs. But to be on the safe side, be sure to book and confirm your accommodation before you leave home!

Anything Considered - " Wong Tai Sin "

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 also called Sik Sik Yuen. The architecture of Wong Tai Sin Temple is in the traditional Chinese temple style: grand red pillars, a magnificent golden roof adorned with blue friezes, yellow latticework, and resplendent multi-colored carvings. Aside from the Daxiong-baodian or Grand Hall, Sansheng Hall and the Good Wish Garden are also worth seeing. The temple grounds also feature three memorial archways. The first one stands outside the temple and is carved with the name of the temple. If you walk past the soothsayers and the fortune-telling stalls, you can see another memorial archway. And if you continue further along the third memorial archway standing before you. Memorial archways are a common feature of traditional Chinese architecture. Also at the temple are the Nine Dragon Wall--a replica of the renowned Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing, and the Good Wish Garden - a miniature copy of Beijing's Summer Palace .

Additionally, Wong Tai Sin Temple is the only temple that offers facilities for wedding ceremonies in Hong Kong.

Enjoy Peak Tram Travel

Peak Tram - One of the most interesting transportation in the world. Founded in 1888, serving tourists for more than 100 years. The total length of the journey is 1.4 KM, starting from Central and up to the Peak Terminal. You can view the most beatiful part of HK during the journey.
For more information, please visit
www.thepeak.com.hk

A nice walk in Central and Western District (2)

Wing Lok Street (Ginseng and Bird’s Nest Street)

This street is lined with specialty shops selling ginseng and bird’s
nest. Both are believed to be essential for longevity, energy and
fair complexion. They also make distinctive souvenirs.

➜ At the end of Wing Lok Street, turn left into
Des Voeux Road West.

A nice walk in Central and Western District (1)

1. Western Market & Sheung Wan Fong

The Western Market, an
Edwardian-style building originally
housing the waterfront Harbour
Office when built in 1906, later became a food
market before closing in 1988. Two years later,
it was declared a historical monument, renovated and then re-opened
in 1991 with themed shops. Next to it is a compass-like piazza
named Sheung Wan Fong – an ideal spot to orientate to the many
traditional trades and shopping streets in Sheung Wan.

Hong Kong Walks

Hong Kong is a non-stop experience filled with the exotic and the exciting. Along every street, down every lane, you are sure to encounter Hong Kong's living culture. From the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown streets and the flamboyant colours and sounds of a local market, to the wonderment and serenity that comes from a visit to a centuries-old temple and a brief experience of a bygone-era - Hong Kong offers a living, breathing cultural experience like no other in Asia or indeed the world.

Six themed walks:
Hong Kong
Central & Western District - Travel Through Time

Shau Kei Wan - Evolvement of a Fishing Village

Kowloon
Tsim Sha Tsui - Cornucopia of Delights

Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok - Markets for Leisure and Pleasure

Wong Tai Sin & Kowloon City - A Popular Temple and A City Transformed

New Territories
Sha Tin - Suburban Hong Kong

The best area to stay at Hong Kong

Hong Kong is compact, so visitors are never too far from shopping and major sights.

Hong Kong also has an excellent transportation system so visitors can easily reach other areas, no matter where they stay. Most hotels are located in the heart of the city, in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. There are also a growing number of resort-style hotels in the New Territories that offer relaxing alternatives.

Introduction of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is located in the Far East, just south of the Tropic of Cancer. Hong Kong Island is 32km (20 miles) east of the mouth of Pearl River and 135km (84 miles) southeast of Canton. It is separated from the mainland by a good natural harbour. Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain in 1842 by the Treaty of Nanking; and the Kowloon Peninsula (south of Boundary Street and Stonecutters Island) in 1860 by the Convention of Peking.

The area of Boundary Street to Shenzhen River and a group of 260 islands, now known as the New Territories, were leased to Britain in 1898 for a period of 99 years. The New Territories (plus the 260 islands) comprise 891 sq km (380 sq miles). Shortage of land suitable for development has led to reclamation from the sea, principally from the seafronts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Area: 1097 sq km (423.6 sq miles).
Population: 6,687,200 (1998).
Population Density: 6,096 per sq km.

Time Zone
Time: GMT + 8.
Hong Kong is 13 hours ahead of New York, 14 hours ahead of Chicago, and 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles. Since Hong Kong does not have a daylight saving time, subtract one hour from the above times if it's summer.

Because Hong Kong is on the other side of the international Date Line, you lose one day when traveling from the United States to Asian. Don't worry-you gain or back when you return to North America, which means that you arrive back home the same day you left Hong Kong.
Government: Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China since 1997. Head of Government: Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa .

Cheung Chau Bun Festival 2007

Though most attention on the Bun Festival focuses on the parade day - this year to be held on 24 May - it's actually held over several days: this year's Bun Festival starts on 21 May (there's also a Climbing Carnival the day before) and ends on the 25th.

On the Hong Kong Toursim Board's page CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL 21 - 26 May, you can find a little info and download a pdf file with some more details and an events calendar - though, curiously, this omits the grand exorcism, which is a key function of the festival.

The Climbing Carnival is scheduled for noon - 6pm on 20 May; will be held on the Bun Festival space rocket cum climbing tower thing in the football court in front of Pak Tei Temple