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

Hong Kong Travel Guide: 8,194 reviews and 19,580 photos

View from Victoria Peak - Hong Kong
View from Victoria Peak
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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