Hong Kong Travel Guide
Travel guide to Hong Kong, China with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Hong Kong sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Hong Kong Overview
Hong Kong is made up of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, and is known as a Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China. What this means is that it operates a lot of its own policies - legal systems, immigration, economy and so on, but follows Chinese policy on national defence and diplomatic relations.
The two most well known parts of Hong Kong are island, where the enormous commercial district is to be found, with the magnificent office buildings towering into the sky, and Kowloon, which is the most densely populated city in the world. Economically Hong Kong is often seen as a superpower, a position that is well justified since they are the world's tenth largest trading entity and the eleventh largest banking centre.
In contrast to China, Hong Kong has a relatively unrestricted night life, one that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. A particularly popular area is Lan Kwai Fong, where there are many restaurants bars and clubs. It is a square of streets primarily that has developed over time to become such a magnet for visitors. It is certainly an experience, always busy, with standing room only a lot of the time, but greatly enjoyable.
Top Hong Kong Attractions
One of the many fascinating sights in Hong Kong is the Kowloon Walled City Park, one of the most historic places in the territory. It was first used in the 15th century, being fortified though only in the 17th century. It has now been renovated and a park created within it, in which can be found many original artefacts, bringing to life the history of the place.
Shopping in Hong Kong
Shopping in Hong Kong can be a wonderful experience, combining as it does good prices, great variety and a wonderful environment. The island tends to have the modern, high end malls and big brand stores, while Kowloon is home to the more traditional markets. It is important to be aware of Nathan Road in Kowloon, where copies abound and the ill advised shopper can find themselves stuck with something that is far from a bargain. Electrical goods are especially prevalent here and these shops are places that are best seen as an experience, with the wallet kept firmly in the pocket.
Hong Kong Sporting Events
In such a built up and densely populated area the opportunity for sport and recreation is somewhat limited, although the residents are adept at using all of the space available to them. The martial arts are popular here, as are table tennis, badminton and, in the hills that surround the area, hiking.
The Happy Valley horse racing track just outside Central is a great place to watch a few races, and is one of the only legal places to bet in Hong Kong, while a great annual event is the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Tournament.
