Hong Kong is home to over 7 million people. It is a major trading and banking centre and has the most liberal economy on the planet. Hong Kong is also a great tourist destination for there are many things to do and see. If seen by day or night, the panoramic view of ancient hills, reflective harbour, and city skyscrapers is not duplicated anywhere else on earth, and is surely a sight to remember of one of the world’s greatest cities.

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets west, reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with the culture brought to it during its time as a British colony/territory. Although over a decade has passed since the handover, Western cultural practices remain, and coexist seamlessly with the traditional philosophy and practices of Chinese culture.

Hong Kong is world famous for its rich cuisine and high reached sky scrapers. Hong Kong since being province of British rule till 1997 is now under one country and two systems rule. Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan place with dynamic personalities. The grapevine of this place is its vital colourful and extravagant look and feel. If you want to experience this place then forget about visiting air-conditioned malls real Hong Kong is live in streets pulsating throbbing with jubilance and its very Chinese culture like markets of Mong Kok. Due to combination of its Chinese connections and British influence it is more of like a cosmopolitan place. Hong Kong is a major tourist attraction in this part of Asia and Hong Kong hotels provide all the hospitality with diligence and sincerity.

When it comes to travel of any kind one of the prime necessities is finding the right hotel. The right hotel can make or break your trip. It can induce great smiles or tears of misery. It can make you feel at home or home sick the moment you enter. Hotel indeed are the resting point of any tourism industry. On them lies the onus of pampering the tourist and giving him the luxury he/she deserves.

Before you plan your trip to Hong Kong, one of the worlds’ leading commercial centres, Try to get some information about the city that would be a help for sure. The information can be about the best hotels, restaurants, weather, activities, culture etc. A bit of research would definitely make your trip all the more enjoyable and affordable. As for the best time, you may plan your visit in around October, November and through December as the weather remains pleasant with ample of sun shine. You must also experience the summer season as Hong Kong is the place which sees a lot of sun shine with heavy rains and heat. You can easily rent a bike for yourself to see Hong Kong at its best. In winters, you can also go on hiking. The city of Hong Kong has some excellent places for hiking.

As far as accommodation is concern choose a hotel that fulfils your requirements as well as fit in your budget, rather wasting time in searching Hotels after reaching the destination try to book hotel room as per your requirement by using best online hotel comparison and booking portal. Use such portals to view Hong Kong hotel reviews and Hong Kong hotels price comparison this will save your valuable time.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/hong-kong-travel-guide-reviews-and-price-comparison-974922.html

Harjeet, an Indian -born mass-market novelist who developed a successful formula with such bestsellers as Hotel, Airport, Holiday destinations. He wrote several articles for the top travel and hotel video reviews related websites http://www.hotelly.com/

Hong Kong has more than hundreds of reason to attract tourists from every nook and corner of the world. It does not matter whether you are a lover of sandy beaches, want to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city or visit the famous Buddhist shrines, a visit to Hong Kong will definitely make your senses revitalized and reenergized. Hong Kong showcases something for every type of visitor. From night clubs to sandy beaches, mountains to shrines of Buddha, Hong Kong is a rich blend of culture and modernity. That is the reason why Hong Kong witnessed double digit growth in number of visitors in last two years irrespective of the global economic depression.

To make your Hong Kong trip hassle free, there are more than 50 Hong Kong travel agent having international reputation and credibility. Apart from handling all the formalities required for your travel like booking tickets, arranging accommodation, car rental etc, they offer several attractive discounts and packages that will make your Hong Kong Tour more budget friendly. However, to avail all the above benefits, you need to pay attention to the underlying factors.

Plan your tour in advance :

Hong Kong is one of the bustling tourist destinations of the world. Hence, planning your tour in advance will help you in avoiding last minute embarrassments. While planning the tour, prepare schedule of the number of days you want to spend there, a list of people who are accompanying you and the places you want to visit in Hong Kong. Once the schedule is fixed haunt for a Hong Kong travel agency online that can provide you the required facilities according to your schedule.

Fix your budget :

Once schedule is prepared, the next step is focusing upon the amount you can afford on your Hong Kong tour. It varies from person to person. That is the reason why Hong Kong travel agents have several packages. Scan through the packages minutely and figure out the one that matches to your budget. However, while going for a package, make sure that all the desired tourist destinations are covered within your budget.

Book your tour with a credible Hong Kong travel agency :

The third step is choosing a credible Hong Kong travel agency which can help you in the above two directions perfectly. Scan internet intensively to figure out a credible Hong Kong travel agent. The agency you choose needs to have a secured online payment gateway. Along with, go through the reviews of other tourists who have earlier gone for the services of the concerned Hong Kong travel agency.

All the above tips will definitely make your trip to Hong Kong a memorable one for the life time.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/hong-kong-travel-agents-simplifying-all-the-complexities-associated-with-your-dream-hong-kong-tour-4066444.html

Myself webmaster of http://www.international-travel-agent.com/ we provide real information about hong kong travel agency and hong kong travel agent. Click here to get the detailed information about >> international travel agent

Hong Kong is an incredible tourist destination in Southeast Asia. You should take cheap flights to Hong Kong to get a feel of enormous adventure, excitement and amusement. This metropolitan has everything that can make your vacation the holiday of your life.

Following are most important attractions in Hong Kong:

Repulse Bay

While vacationing in Hong Kong, if you want to spend an easy going day, you should visit Repulse Bay. This exotic region is located in the southern part of the Hong Kong. Centuries back, this bay has experienced several pirate attacks. But today, it has emerged as an upscale residential area where you can enjoy world class dining and thrilling aquatic adventure. This area is one of the best regions for picnics. Therefore, thousands of families take flights to Hong Kong especially to visit Repulse Bay. Besides swimming and other aquatic activities, the area is also famous for its barbeque racks, supermarkets and sophisticated cafes. Another attraction in the bay is the Zhenhai Tower Park. This traditional Chinese styled park is home to huge statues of God of Mercy and Queen of Haven.

Tsim Sha Tsui

If you are traveling with your soul mate, you'd not find anything better than evenings at Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Across the harbor, you can capture the beautiful view of Hong Kong Island. This is one of the top notch tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Tsim Sha Tsui is worth visiting after taking Hong Kong flights. If you are a shopping buff, you will not find dearth of world class shops and branded stores. You'll also find some of the best hotels in the area. Delicious food in classy restaurants keeps people coming to this enticing part of Hong Kong. While roaming around Tsim Sha Tsui, you can also find some of the most important museums in the country. Most notable museums are Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Museum of Art. Visit Hong Kong cultural center to know more about the region's cultural values.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

If you want know about the traditions of Hong Kong, you should visit Wong Tai Sin Temple. Every year over a million people take flights to Hong Kong to visit the temple between January 1st and 15th to thank the immortal for answering their prayers. You should not miss on visiting the temple during Chinese New Year, if you are interested in looking at the spiritual beliefs of the locals. Numerous worshippers gather outside the temple before midnight and glow incense sticks in the main altar. Facilities of the temple also feature collection of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian literature.

Sheung Wan

Sheung Wan District is a "must visit" for people who want to know about the history of Hong Kong and take a look at its local flavors. The city is famous for its shark's fin stores. If you have taken cheap flights to Hong Kong, it is always recommended to visit Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road and Cat Street in Sheung Wan. The market is quite famous for dried seafood items.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/places-that-you-shouldnt-miss-while-vacationing-in-hong-kong-4804541.html

Chrish Watson is an expert content writer at crystal travel for business development. If you want to know about Flights to Hong Kong then you must visit crystaltravel.co.uk or call 0800 368 0300 for book your Hong Kong Flights.

Hong Kong - If there is one city that pushes the limit of glitz and glamour, this is it! Holidays to Hong Kong promises an incredible time to the tourists, the demographics of which ranges from infants to the aged!

The attractions and charms of this city are infinite – be it fantastic sightseeing options, satiating dining venues, retail hot spots or a vibrant culture. With so much to experience and enjoy, it really comes as a no surprise that flights to Hong Kong are loved by all and sundry. Listing Hong Kong's each and every tourist attraction might take a long time so giving heed to the cause of brevity, let us delve deep and pluck out some of the most sparkling pearls that are sure to make that wait for cheap flights to Hong Kong absolutely worth it!

Disneyland
A recent addition to the gamut of Hong Kong attractions, Disneyland has become a kind of indispensable part of Hong Kong holiday packages. And if you are travelling with kids, even thinking of giving Disneyland a miss is utter blasphemy! It is no coincidence that the popularity of airlines offering cheap tickets on flights to Hong Kong has spiralled up since 2005, the year of Disneyland's opening. Located near the Lantau Island, Hong Kong's Disneyland is indeed a wonderful and enjoyable place to spend an afternoon.

Victoria Peak
Take a tram up to the Victoria Peak and behold the breathtaking sights! A wonderful refuge from the daily commotion of life, Victoria Peak provides you with a sense of bliss and serenity that is hard to find elsewhere. Presence of several souvenir shops at the peak enables you to get some gifts for your relatives and friends.

Times Square
Just like its namesake in the New York City, Times Square is one of the most happening venues for New Year's Eve celebrations in the region. Times Square is an incredible retail plaza that just might be the perfect venue to spend way all those pounds which you saved on your cheap airfares on flights to Hong Kong!

Hong Kong Museum of History
Hong Kong Museum of History offers you another perspective on Hong Kong holidays. This particular attraction speaks of the region's enchanting and interesting history and heritage. Hong Kong Museum of History displays a variety of art and artefacts, with some of them dating back to the prehistoric times. Some of the museum's most popular exhibits include village house replicas, ancient photograph collections and traditional costumes. An entire street replica is another feature of the museum that attracts crowds.

Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong's major allures, attracts visitors in hordes. The temple is renowned to portray the blend of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist traditions. It is an incredibly beautiful temple that boasts of fantastic latticework decorations and glowing golden ceiling. The red pillars of the edifice also lend it a completely unique character. Tourists who interested to witness the radiance of the Wong Tai Sin Temple in its full glory must book flights to Hong Kong during Chinese New Year Celebrations.

Ocean Park
Ocean Park is another must visit if you are travelling with kids. There are number of interesting and energetic rides that will catch the much-wavering attention of the kids. Then there is a riveting dolphin show that is surely a huge highlight of the Ocean Park.

Star Ferry
The Star Ferry is Hong Kong's passenger ferry service that carries passengers across the Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. People can enjoy some of the most absorbing views of the waterfronts while aboard.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/seven-reasons-to-grab-flights-to-hong-kong-5042045.html

Aston Morgan is a travel consultant and advisor for cheap flights and travel package deals from UK. His hobbies are Travelling, Writing, Biking and Snooker. He is interested in writing on travelling and flights to Hong Kong, India, Mauritius, Singapore, Seychelles and other global destinations. He is currently associated with http://www.southalltravel.co.uk/. His blog: http://astonmorgan.blogspot.com/.

However, it is interesting to note that it is not just companies from the west that are now interested in doing business in Hong Kong. Of late several entrepreneurs from within Asia itself have tried to relocate their business to Hong Kong. Even though most nations in Asia are going through an economic boom and foreign companies are waiting to enter those markets, the local entrepreneurs themselves dream of setting up their business in Hong Kong. While this phenomenon is quite interesting, for most business analysts it is nothing surprising. Over the years even though there have been several other emerging business hotspots in Asia, very few of them can match up to the advantages available in Hong Kong.

First of all, it is actually easier for Asian entrepreneurs to incorporate a company in Hong Kong than in their own countries. Only Singapore has as simple company incorporation procedure as Hong Kong. Otherwise many entrepreneurs from across Asia say it is far simpler and straightforward for them to register their business in Hong Kong. They are even allowed 100 per cent company ownership and the entire registration process can be completed within a week. After company incorporation, foreign entrepreneurs have a choice either to manage the Hong Kong Company from overseas or apply for the appropriate visa and relocate to Hong Kong. Asian entrepreneurs can continue to live in their own home country but setup and manage a business in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's own vibrant economy and the fact that it is the freest economy in the world are also extremely attractive for any Asian entrepreneur. They know that to really take advantage of the Asian economic boom, they need a presence in Hong Kong as well and it is not surprising that many of them prefer making Hong Kong their main base for company operations and open subsidiaries or branch offices in other Asian nations.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/entrepreneurship-articles/attractiveness-of-hong-kong-for-entrepreneurs-from-rest-of-asia-5163138.html

Bryan Wong is a business analyst in the Asia-Pacific region and in his free time writes business articles. In this article, Bryan talks about Hong Kong company registration and Hong Kong subsidiary company.

Although millions of people pass through Hong Kong every year, on their way from here to there, many of them don't really know what are the best ways to spend a day in this exciting metropolis.

This article will show you how to cover Hong Kong's most popular attractions in a one day stopover.

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After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the luggage storage counter at the 'Meeters and Greeters Hall', where you can store your trolley or bag till you come back... Buy an Octopus Card from the Airport Express Counter at the Arrivals Hall and hop on the Airport Express Train, with which you travel all the way to Hong Kong Station.

Victoria Peak (or simply "The Peak") is one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist attractions and probably the best starting point. Having your breakfast or morning coffee while enjoying some spectacular views is definitely a nice way to start your Hong Kong day-tour.

The Peak Tram is the most popular (and scenic) way of getting to The Peak. It operates daily, 7 am - 12 midnight and climbs the full distance in approximately 7 minutes.

A short walk from Hong Kong Station (exit C) will bring you to the Lower Terminus, on Garden Road, where you can buy the ticket and board the tram (you can also pay with your "Octopus Card")

Pacific Coffee, near the "upper terminus", is open daily from as early as 7:30 am, and is the best place to enjoy your "coffee with a view" at such an early hour.

Down from "The Peak" walk back towards Hong Kong Station and through "the elevated walkway" to the pier from which the Star Ferry departs to Tsim sha Tsui. This historic ferry route is very popular with tourists and has long become one of Hong Kong's most prominent icons.

From the ferry building, turn right and walk along the waterfront to the Avenue of Stars: Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, where floor plaques of Hong Kong film industry's who's who can be seen. This is also the best place to take photos of Hong Kong's spectacular skyline.

From here, you can take a short walk to the Hong Kong Museum of History, where "the story of Hong Kong" is told... From the geological changes that took place hundreds of millions of years ago, through prehistoric eras, notable historical events and until present day. The museum is fairly rich and boasts plenty of interesting exhibits.

Continue to Nathan Road, Kowloon's main thoroughfare, and proceed through Jordan Road to Canton Road, which is popularly known as Jade Street.

Jade and its products are the specialty of most of the shops along this section of Canton Road, as well of those in the neighboring Jade Market, and there is certainly a lot to see (and to buy...). From Jade Street. you can turn right to Ning Po Street where many traditional Chinese shops and businesses can be found.

The Old Tin Hau Temple, just a few minutes walk from the Jade Market, was built in the 1880s and is one of Kowloon's oldest temples. It is dedicated to Tin Hau (Matsu), Goddess of the sea, protector of seafarers and one of Hong Kong's most beloved deities.

From the temple, you can either walk or take the MTR to Mong Kok area, where some of Hong Kong's best open-air markets can be found:

As its name denotes, Ladies' Market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the like, although you can find here more than a few stalls that sell men's and children's products, including toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few...

Sai Yeung Choi Street South boasts shops of consumer electronic products at street level and upstairs bookstores above.

Fa Yuen Street concentrates many retailers of sports equipment and clothing, while Fa Yuen Street Market, in the north part of Fa Yuen Street, is full of shops selling bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children.

While in Mong Kok, you should also make a point to visit the Goldfish Market, the Flower Market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or just "Bird Garden"), where dozens of bird shops are located and hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen...

Mong Kok is also packed with many authentic eateries and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious local food at reasonable prices:

Curry A La King, on 88 Soy Street, is a paradise for curry lovers, serving a wide selection of scrumptious curries from different Asian cuisines.

Satay King, on ladies market, specializes in Southeast Asian satays.

MongKok Fung Shing Restaurant, on 749 Nathan Road, is known for its superb dim-sum and delicious crispy chicken.

Lucky Corner Restaurant, on 146 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, is a rather humble eatery which has been serving some of the best Wonton Noodles in Hong Kong for God knows how many years.

Little Sheep (4th floor, 16 Argyle Street)is one of Hong Kong's most favorite hotpot restaurants.

Fu Kei Restaurant, in King Wah Centre, is serving fabulous food from different Chinese cuisines.

That's it... You can now take the MTR to Central, from which you link to Hong Kong Station (there is a pedestrian passage) and continue with the Airport Express, back to Hong Kong Airport.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/hong-kong-transit-a-day-stop-in-asias-world-city-755663.html

For more travel information on Hong Kong, including recommended hotels, suggested city-walks and sightseeing, a Restaurant & Nightlife Guide, great shopping tips, and much more: visit Metropolasia - Hong Kong Travel Guide where all the information you may want or need, is compiled in one easy-to-use website.



Roni Shwartz is a travel consultant and writes for Metropolasia

So you have always heard about Hong Kong, but never visited it, or are some what gloomy as to what you can do in Chinese city. What is the food going to be like, the people, the culture, the temperature and most important of all whatever will you do there? Well, these instincts are ordinary, but incorrect. You see, I have always just heard about hong kong and its progress in their infrastructure and design, but never had I imagined it to be my favorite town in the world. I'm not Chinese, neither did I have any Chinese friends convincing me to go.

I knew that I wanted to go to China to experience their culture, food and to especially discover what makes them so unique and different in the world. So, I prepared a flight to Hong Kong and next the thing I knew, I was in hong kong in the scorching hot summer with 32 degree and 95% humidity. My experience in hong kong was spectacular. Words unfortunately have limits ; pictures can only give you a feeling of how a town is, but when you basically live in town of hong kong the experience is bind blowing. You've got to be there experience the harbor View towards hong kong Island, you have to be there to experience the climb to 'the peak' to see the complete view of the beautiful city of hong kong, you've got to sit in the ferry to sniff the sweet air of hong kong.

Now before I left to hong kong, just like any travel, some research and planning must be done about the town. For example, what sort of attractions it must offer, how to say a few phrases in Cantonese so you can get round the city and most vital of all, the Do's and the Don't's. I searched google continually, but failed to find a site with great professional photos that described the way of life of hong kong and some of the things I should and shouldn't do in hong kong.

All the websites that I found were by corporations throwing their bias pitch towards their product, either a hotel, or a tourism package. After endless looking, I finally found an ideal internet site by a student who went to college of hong kong to study for one month from University of Toronto. I have to say, the way I saw hong kong was exactly like it was displayed in his photos. If your inquisitive about visiting hong kong, then visiting his site is an absolute must and even if your not interested in hong kong, then just checking out the city is still a thrill!

Hong Kong Photos:
http://viewhongkong.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/hong-kong-photos-and-blog-check-before-you-go-to-hong-kong-1076519.html

IT consultant for IBM

Hong Kong General Strike in 1925

Hong Kong general strike in Guangzhou, the Hong Kong manufacturing workers against imperialism, "Divergence" tragedy, support the people of Shanghai, held anti-imperialist struggle and the political strike.

The strike is under the direct leadership of the ACFTU, organized, and prepared to be held. "Divergence" tragedy occurred, the CPC Guangdong Federation of Trade Unions School District and in the summer of Deng, Yang Yin, Su Zhaozheng, Lin Weimin, Li Qihan and others to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Shamian union concessions and the masses of workers went on strike preparations.

Trade Unions in Hong Kong to the British Hong Kong Government made solemn request conditions: (a) support and adhere to the Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Union of the 17 conditions, including the withdrawal of foreign embassies and the armed forces, etc; (b) of the Chinese in British Hong Kong authorities to ensure freedom of assembly, association, speech and other freedoms and rights. The British failed to respond to the above requirements.

June 19, 1925, the Hong Kong Seamen, tram workers, printing workers strike first, followed by workers in other industries have to respond, the number of strikers reached 25 million people. Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Workers Union of declared support for "Divergence" tragedy of the 17 proposed conditions and the implementation in Hong Kong for the British imperialist policy of discrimination in the Chinese put forward the "political freedom, legal equality, universal suffrage, labor legislation to reduce the rent, freedom of residence, "the six requirements. There are more than 10 million workers and others, led by Su Zhaozheng back to Guangzhou. Guangzhou British, American, Japanese and Western companies Shamian concession workers also joined the ranks of the strike.

June 23, accompanied by striking workers back to Guangzhou, Guangzhou, workers, peasants, students, and revolutionary soldiers, a total of 10 million people held demonstrations. When the procession through the Chaki Street, in the sand surface in Britain, France and other imperialist soldiers suddenly opened fire on the procession and mass, parked in sand near the masses of imperialist warships have bombarded the procession, killing 52 people, More than 170 people injured, numerous minor injuries, and this is the famous "Shaji Massacre."

After the massacre, the country people are extremely angry, and actively support the Hong Kong general strike. Federation of Trade Unions to strengthen the leadership of the strike, held in Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, the sand of the Trade Union Congress, set up a Hong Kong general strike committee, was elected chairman Su Zhaozheng of Finance chairman, Deng-Hong Kong strike committee of any summer caucus secretary, consultants and workers picket discipline long. The use of a strike committee, rejected the British goods, blocked three powerful weapon in Hong Kong and the fight against British imperialism, and more than 2,000 workers formed armed pickets, stationed at all ports, tight blockade of Hong Kong. Traffic cut off, plant shutdown, shops closed, supply difficulties, soaring prices, no one to clean garbage and fecal, Hong Kong became a "stinking Hong Kong," "hungry, Hong Kong", "dead in Hong Kong."

Under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, the majority of striking workers united and actively participate in the struggle against imperialism and warlords, the unity of the revolutionary base areas in Guangdong to make an important contribution to become a strong pillar of the revolutionary government of Guangzhou. The summer of 1926, the Revolutionary Government apprenticeship Northern Expedition, composed of thousands of transport workers on strike teams, publicity team, medical team, reward teams to the front, striking workers and workers in the mass pickets guarding the rear, March to victory in the Northern Expedition to provide a strong guarantee. In the same year in October, the CPC Guangdong Province, Hong Kong District and to changes in the strike committee, announced an end to the strike. Hong Kong general strike which lasted 1 year and 4 months, the longest in the world labor movement in the history of a strike.

Hong Kong general strike, not only politically but also economically a heavy blow to British imperialism. According to statistics, since the strike, the average monthly losses of British imperialism of 2.1 billion. This strikes a heavy blow to imperialism, to consolidate the revolutionary base areas and to prepare the Northern Expedition, Guangdong played a significant role.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/hong-kong-general-strike-in-1925-3922209.html

Control fashion field , Serena suggests you can go to antique engagement rings & amber pendants & golden earring for more.

Hong Kong, an erstwhile British colony makes for a pretty cheap destination compared to quite a few other places in the world. Here are some tips for a wrinkle free travel experience in Hong Kong.

Information on Flights to Hong Kong

• Cathay Pacific is the national carrier of Hong Kong.

• Some of the popular airlines operating flights to Hong Kong are KLM, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, British Airways, and Air New Zealand.

• Usually, cheap flights to Hong Kong are available during March to May. This is the off season time airlines try to lure travellers with cheap fares.

Entry requirements for Hong Kong

Travellers must check entry requirements conditions for Hong Kong with relevant authorities. Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website is also a good source of travel advice.

• Despite being part of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region and has its own set of immigration controls. Visitors without a visa can stay in Hong Kong for a maximum period of six months.

• British nationals holding a passport, which is valid for at least six months, are usually allowed to stay for a period of six months. However, if the validity of the passport is less than six months, visitors can only extend their stay by a month. This clause is also subject to the validity of the passport. In simple words, before snapping up the ticket on some cheap flight to Hong Kong, ensure that the passport is valid for the entire period of your visit.

• Single parents travelling alone with children need to know that some places require documents certifying parental responsibility before allowing entry. There are even places that don't allow the children to leave without this proof. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London has exhaustive information on this topic.

• A British passport holder travelling to Mainland China through Hong Kong needs to get hold of a Chinese visa before reaching the border. British passport holders can't get a visa after arriving at the Chinese border. Violating the rule can lead to a fine as well as detention. Travellers entering Hong Kong through Mainland China and leaving again through the same route need to have a double or multiple entry visa for Mainland China.

• In June 1997, ‘The UK and Hong Kong Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement' came to an end.

Legal Information

• By and large, Hong Kong's legal system is modelled after the UK. Activities like littering or spitting attract on the spot fines. Similarly, tolerance level is zero for dodging a ticket for travelling on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR).

• Don't get involved with illicit drugs of any kind. Possession of such illicit drugs can land you in jail.

• It is advisable not to click military installations in Hong Kong. Ever since the handover in 1997, Hong Kong's defence has become the responsibility of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). In fact, previous British military barracks are now under the PLA.

Medical Information

• Temperature screenings maybe carried out at the border and additional medical tests can also be ordered depending upon the temperature screening results.

• Dengue fever is highly prevalent in Hong Kong.

• Exercise usual precautions against HIV/AIDS. This includes refraining from unprotected sex with strangers and avoiding tattoos and acupuncture therapies.

• Seek medical advice before booking your flights to Hong Kong. Visitors should make sure that all the required vaccinations have been taken. The websites of the NHS Scotland's Fit for Travel and the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) have further information on vaccinations, overall disease prevention, and health outbreaks. Information can also be obtained by calling NHS Direct on the number 0845 46 47.

• Medical care is very expensive in Hong Kong and travellers should be armed with comprehensive travel and medical insurance. Make sure that the policy covers things like adventure sports or other activities that you are likely to indulge in. Keep a sharp lookout for exclusions on the policy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/tips-to-consider-before-booking-flights-to-hong-kong-4118241.html

Aston Morgan is a travel consultant and advisor for cheap flights and travel package deals from UK. His hobbies are Travelling, Writing, Biking and Snooker. He is interested in writing on travelling and flights to Hong Kong, India, South Africa, USA and other global destinations. He is currently associated with http://www.southalltravel.co.uk/. His blog: http://www.astonmorgan.blogspot.com.

Welcome to Hong Kong - a place where deeply rooted Chinese traditions are blended with Western influences to create a truly unique living experience.

Traditional temples, colonial buildings, and modern skyscrapers offer a glimpse into each era responsible for shaping the Hong Kong of today: an international business hub with an eclectic mix of foreign nationals from more than 50 countries around the world.

Location

Hong Kong sits on China's south coast, just below the Tropic of Cancer. With seven million people settled on a 426 square mile (1,104 sq km) plot of land, Hong Kong qualifies as one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Aside from claiming some of the world's tallest buildings, the region also boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities as 40 percent of the land is divided into 23 country parks.

Geography

Hong Kong is comprised of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and over 260 outlying islands.

North of the Island, across Victoria Harbor, is the Kowloon Peninsula. Traditionally, Kowloon has always been known as the entertainment district of Hong Kong. Streets are lined with shops, markets, the best hotels, and several forms of entertainment. There are also a number of historical and cultural museums portraying the Hong Kong of yesterday.

The New Territories, set in the northernmost reaches of Hong Kong, share a border with Mainland China, and cover 306 square miles (796 sq km). The New Territories are characterized by a diverse terrain of sandy beaches, wildlife reserves and mountain peaks, which have towns and country farms nestled in valley lowlands throughout.

More than 260 islands dot the surrounding waters of the South China Sea. Lantau Island is a throne to the world's largest seated outdoor Buddha. The 202-ton, bronze statue sits atop the island's Ngong Ping plateau and can be seen for miles around.

To the east is Discovery Bay, a popular home to expats who want to enjoy a more peaceful and laid back environment.

Lamma Island is another popular destination with good hiking, beaches, and fresh seafood being the major attractions.

Located in between these two islands are two more islands worth noting: Cheung Chau and Peng Chau.

History

Hong Kong was not always the lively metropolis it is today. With its ideal location on the South China Sea, Hong Kong attracted the attention of fishermen and pearl hunters from Mainland China, and later, Western traders looking for silks, silver, tea, and spices.

The British traded opium for Chinese commodities but when the Qing Empire banned the drug trade, the First Opium War took place.At the close of the First Opium War in 1841, Hong Kong Island was surrendered to the British. In 1860, with the end of the Second Opium War, the colony was enlarged to include the Kowloon Peninsula; and in 1898 the New Territories and more than 200 islands were handed over to Britain on a 99-year lease.

Aside from four years of Japanese occupation during World War II, Hong Kong remained a British colony until it was officially turned over to the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 July 1997.

With the hand over of '97, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China that operates under the "one country, two systems" policy. This means that, although Hong Kong is officially run by the PRC, it maintains its own political, social, and economic systems; therefore, English continues to be an official language and many treaties, freedoms, and international relationships have remained in place.

Getting around

For the millions of people with several tasks at hand, there is need for a transportation system capable of meeting immeasurable expectations. Hong Kong is well prepared with one of the most advanced, comprehensible transportation systems in the world. The truth is that most people don't even feel the need to buy a car.

Complete with the MTRC, buses, ferries, taxis, and trams, there are several options for reaching any destination in a timely manner. Hong Kong's railway system, known as the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC), includes 131.5 miles (211.6 km) of rail and 150 stations.

Double-decker buses, minibuses, taxis, and the Hong Kong Island trams are frequent and easy to use. Ferries provide transportation across Victoria Harbor and to many of the outlying islands. Daily travel is made convenient by the Octopus Card, a card with a built-in microchip that manages fares electronically. The Octopus card can be used with almost all forms of public transportation, as well as at public pay phones, vending machines, photo booths, grocery stores, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants.

Things to do

Shopping, eating, and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, and several water sports, are favorite pastimes for residents and tourists alike.

Ocean Park and Disneyland Hong Kong are two largely visited theme parks of the area.

Locals also enjoy playing mahjong as well as Chinese chess, checkers, and card games. Arcades and karaoke clubs are popular hangouts for the younger generations.

Economy

With endless choices for entertainment, the tourism industry has thrived in recent years and, in turn, plays a key role in sustaining Hong Kong's economy.

This is part of the transformation of the last few decades where Hong Kong has shifted from relying on manufacturing centers to the service-based industries, which also includes the internationally appealing corporate and finance sectors.

Trade is, as it always has been, another major contributor to the growing economy.

With these components in place, Hong Kong has made a steady recovery from the East Asian financial crisis of 1997 and the economy continues to grow stronger.

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