When in Hong Kong
While British rule in Hong Kong may have ended in 1997, a casual visitor to the islands may be forgiven for forgetting this fact, as the city is still teeming with ex-pats, not to mention visible Western influences.
Now administrated by the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong continues to welcome millions of foreign visitors every year, with tourists drawn to its mix of Chinese and Western cultures. Despite the dramatic changes in its politics, Hong Kong has retained its own legal system, immigration laws and currency, not to mention its own idiosyncratic customs. All of which make it an attractive prospect for Western tourists keen to explore the East but with some familiar touches. Lonely Planet declares: "the best thing about being in Hong Kong is getting flummoxed and fired by the confluences and contradictions of a Chinese city with multi-Asian and Western elements."
Hong Kong is actually some 236 islands, covering 424 square miles. It has a population of almost seven million people, many of whom are foreigners, creating a lively and diverse atmosphere. Hong Kong as a city justifiably has a reputation as a work-hard, play-hard destination, while the large proportion of English speakers and bilingual facilities make it a popular destination for Brits holidaying or working abroad. As a big city, it comes with all the negatives you might expect, namely smog, sweat and crowds. However, it also has a reputation as one of the safest cities and travellers can wonder around confidently, even at night.
Hong Kong has a distinct rainy season and many tourists may find the heat and rain from June to August too much to bear. Around 80 per cent of Hong Kong's precipitation falls between May and September, with August normally the wettest month. Temperatures hit an average of 28 degrees during July, however, sun lovers needn't feel like they are missing out by avoiding the wet season: average temperatures for February are still as high as 16 degrees and Hong Kong rarely experiences the extremes of cold seen in mainland China. The high tourist seasons run from March to April and October to November. Travellers booking outside these dates can often find cheaper accommodation and, of course, avoid the worst of the crowds. Savvy travellers are advised to visit between October and December for the optimum combination of price, climate and things to do.
Accommodation is still relatively expensive in Hong Kong, with many of the city's top-end hotels considered to be among the world's most luxurious. As tourism takes off, however, a mid-range market is swiftly developing, while there are guesthouses to be found for those holidaying on a budget.
Travel to Hong Kong is also becoming increasingly affordable, with British Airways offering flights between London and the city for around £400. Once on the islands, the airport express train takes tourists from the International Airport at Chek Lap Kok to Central Hong Kong station in 23 minutes. Taxis are expensive in the city, but there is a good selection of buses, ferries and trains to make getting around the city cheap and convenient.
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Introduction
