H O N G K O N G
HONG KONG (香港), the 'Pearl of the Orient', was a British Colony for a 100 years before returning to China
ruling on July 1, 1997. A territory of China now (known as SAR - Special Administrative Region), what one sees
in Hong Kong (HK) now had been under the influence of the western world; architecture, economy & the
people's way of life.

In fact, the HK$ is still pegged to the US$! Being an international financial centre and one of the world's most
frequented city by tourists, HK is very cosmopolitan; Citibank, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sach, BoA, Standard
Chartered, BNP, etc... all has headquarters in this small yet vibrant city. As a matter of fact, there are
countless of foreign companies based here for their Asian operations. Thus, you may also meet many expats
around business centres and offices in Central.

My first orientation of HK was when I was only 11 years old. It was so long ago... but I've since been
returning to this invigorating city for many times, one of the main reason being my aunt who had migrated to
this land since 1985 & visiting my good friends from university. Luckily for me, having an accommodation to put
up with means I can visit more often: HK is a very expensive city to not only live in but tour in. It's one of the
most expensive city after the Silicon Valley, Manhattan, Tokyo & London! Property prices (as well as carpark
spaces) are exhorbitantly high. Perhaps due to this reason most Hongkongers are very pragmatic - time is
mostly spent on figuring how to accumulate money and staying ahead of others in life. If you've been here
before you may have noticed that people walk & talk faster here than anywhere else in Asia!

Hong Kong is one of the most crowded city I've ever been. (Just walk in Causeway Bay & you'll know what I
mean.) Many families (of 5 or more) in HK may live in an area of only 500 sq foot! Due to limited space, people
in HK don't like to stay home. Many don't sleep till 1 a.m. or later. Night life in HK is excellent! Many pubs &
eating places/restaurants & nightclubs are opened till the early willy hours. Lan Kwai Fong is a local & tourists
favorite night spot.

Shopping is the most favorite past-time in HK (aside from playing Mahjong (a Chinese 'tile' game), eating &
drinking). Everywhere you go in HK there are major departmental stores & boutiques to quench your desires
for the better things in life. "Don't leave home without it", Amex says: that's my sentiment exactly! Going to
HK without a credit card is like a handicap traveling without any help!
UP UP & AWAY!!!

Hong Kong is a scarce in land & yet a land of much
opportunity. It is here in Asia (other than Tokyo) that
skyscrapers were spotted as early as 30 years ago & as
closely built together.

I love the creativity that's reflected in these buildings in the
compactness of the city. It is a land of architectural delight &
talent. Over the last 10 years, buildings such as the
Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Building, Bank of China Tower,
Central Plaza & the latest International Finance Centre; each
& everyone of them shaped the entire Hong Kong skyline
making it one of the very most beautiful in the world!
Highlights
Fact File
  • SAR - Special Administrative Region of China.
  • Population around 7 millions
  • Area Code: 852.
  • 18 Districts: HK Island - Wan Chai, Central & Western,
    Eastern, Southern. Kowloon - Kowloon City, Wong Tai
    Sin, Kwun Tong, Sham Sui Po, Yau Tsim Mong. New
    Territories - Islands, Kwai Tsing, North, Sai Kung, Sha
    Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long.
 Synopsis
  • A british colony for 100 years.
  • Main tourism sights: Ferry crossing between HK &
    Kowloon, The Peak, Causeway Bay, Wong Tai Sin
    Temple, Ocean Park, Stanley Bay, Hong Kong
    Disneyland
  • Has one of the most beautiful skylines, landscapes &
    cityscapes in the world!
  • A major Asian airport hub. Direct links to all parts of
    Asia. Its airport is one of the best in the world.
  • One of Asia's major banking & financial centers.
  • Once the shopping capital of Asia. It now faces fierce
    competition from Bangkok & Shanghai.
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