"Nei ho. Rho go hing ying sik lei" Hong Kong by seagoingJLW

Hong Kong Travel Guide: 10,195 reviews and 19,232 photos

Hong Kong

In Cantonese, Hong Kong (Heung Gong). means "Fragrant Harbor" which was the original name of a precolonial fishing port near Aberdeen. Kowloon, Kao Lung in Cantonese, meaning "nine dragons" derives from an ancient Chinese belief that dragons inhabit mountains. Kowloon has eight peaks. The ninth was named after the boy emperor, Ping, who, because of his regal status, was also believed to be a dragon. Hong Kong is a mix of East and West, old and new, where the abacus is almost as prevalent as the computer, and high tech architecture soars above ancient temples. This is a view from Victoria Peak on top of Hong Kong Island.

We have not been to Hong Kong since the territory was returned to China. The last time we were there we came from China. The feeling of freedom, after having been watched so closely in China, was a great relief. It was nice to be able to take a walk without the police following you.

History

The first regular settlement of Hong Kong by Chinese occurred during the Sung Dynasty (960-1280AD) with the Tang and Chan clans settling in the northern New Territories. In the 13th century, China was invaded by Genghis Khan and his Mongols. Kublai Khan completed the conquest 45 years later. The Sung Court fled to the south with the emperor's two young half brothers, Prince Ping and Prince Cheng who became the Emperor Ti Cheng. Ti Cheng fell ill and died at the age of eleven, at which time Ping, aged eight, became Emperor Ti Ping. When the Mongol Navy attacked in 1279, Ti Ping was dead and the Sung Dynasty with him.

Hong Kong was subject to neglect, oppression and famine until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In 1557 the Portuguese occupied Macao in return for helping to control piracy. The Ming Dynasty fell to Manchu invaders, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

The British East India Company established itself as the principal European agency trading with China, eventually taking over the Pearl River estuary.

Now, of course, China has taken over in Hong Kong.

Useful Information

The first thing you must do in Hong Kong is to go to the nearest Hong Kong Tourist Association Office and pick up all the literature they have to give away. There are directories for sightseeing, restaurants, hotels and cultural events. Do it. Here are the addresses:
Star Ferry Concourse, Kowloon
Shop 8, Basement, Jardine House
1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong is a fusion of east and west. In architecture, Fung Shui masters are still consulted. You will see locals every morning doin their tai chi exercises.

Hong Kong is the only place on earth that still fires the Noon Day Gun.

You can have a very English afternoon tea, or tea served in the ancient Chinese tradition. You can watch Cantonese Opera or attend a performance of the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Important festivals include the Dragon Boat Festival, the Tin Hau Festival and, of course, the Chinese New Year.

The Chinese New Year is different from the western New Year. Take a look at the Chinese horoscope symbols.

Hong Kong is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time with no Daylight Saving adjustment, thus during Daylight Saving Time it is 12 hours ahead.

Although there are plenty of public restrooms, they are not very inviting. Use hotel facilities and tip attendants HK$1-2.

Electric current is 220V 50 cycles AC and plugs are three pin.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Excellent shopping and lots to see
Cons:Now part of People's Republic of China
In a nutshell:East meets West

Last visit to Hong Kong: Sep 1994
Intro Updated Apr 1, 2004
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Reviews (24)

Nathan Road Shopping (3)

The main shopping street in Tsim Sha Tsui. Looking up Nathan Road from the waterfront. more travel advice

Go shopping Shopping (3)

Hong Kong offers malls, department stores, and designer boutiques, as well as open air markets. Did you know that... more travel advice

Check out the Jardine Centre Things to Do (5)

Check out the Jardine Centre (Connaught Tower) and all the other high rises on Hong Kong Island. more travel advice

Aberdeen Things to Do (5)

Aberdeen is a fascinating place. Many Chinese live on sampans there. It is also the home of the famouse Jumbo floating... more travel advice

Transportation (6)
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Restaurants (4)
See All Jumbo Floating Restaurant---Aberdeen
Favorites (3)
See All Repulse Bay Statuary

Tourist Traps (1)
Shopping in Harbor City
Hotels (2)
See All The Finest Hotel in Kowloon
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Comments (25)

masc4s Apr 7, 2005 at 3:27 PM Report Abuse

Excellent birds-eye view of one of the world's most exciting cities. The HKG skyline is just amazing! Great pages. The noon day gun is still fired in Guernsey, Channel Islands :-)!
magor65 Sep 10, 2004 at 6:06 AM Report Abuse

China is changing much these days, but I think that it still lacks this feeling of freedom that can be sensed in Hongkong.
condorito Nov 26, 2003 at 9:47 PM Report Abuse

Thanks very good information very helpful.Gregori
b1bob Apr 11, 2003 at 9:48 AM Report Abuse

Nice tips and photos. It never occurred to me to go there before.
zentrinko Jan 13, 2003 at 1:00 PM Report Abuse

A terrific skyline, and well presented page...completely enjoyed these pages, very good
Gypsystravels May 7, 2002 at 12:59 PM Report Abuse

What a fantastic page Joan!!! Thanxs
al3xwong Apr 29, 2002 at 8:32 AM Report Abuse

Absolutely amazing, fantastic sites... keep it up
syllybabe Apr 19, 2002 at 6:10 AM Report Abuse

I never had bad food in HK. Everything was good!
mary_birt Mar 20, 2002 at 1:20 PM Report Abuse

Excellent
MacKiwi Feb 5, 2002 at 6:20 AM Report Abuse

Super page Joan. This is where I live.