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Just in case you need a little background on Hong Kong, here are some instant facts. Don’t worry, there isn't a test!
Hong Kong, is officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR). It was a British colony for 156 years until 1997, when it was transferred back to China.
It is now an autonomous territory of China operating under a one country, two systems principle with its own laws, currency and administration.
With a population of over 7 million, the territory is divided broadly into three regions: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories including the outlying islands.
Hong Kong is one of the most open and freest trading territories in the world and one of the world’s leading international financial centres. Known as Asia’s World City, Hong Kong is home to people from almost every country in the world. The city has two official languages, Cantonese and English, but Putonghua the national language of China is also widely spoken and understood.
Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with hot and humid summers (June to August) and cool and drier winters (December to February). Typhoons can be expected during summer and when typhoon no. 8 or above is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, most businesses and shops close down and flights may be cancelled. For updated climate information, please click here.
UTC/ GMT + 8 hours; no daylight saving time
Both Chinese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong, but Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect spoken, while Mandarin (or Putonghua) is also accepted and has been more widely used after Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997.
The standard voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, using the three-pronged type G plug (same as UK).
All visitors require a valid passport to enter Hong Kong, and depending on your nationality, most nationalities do not require a visa for tourism. To see if your travel documents apply, it is best to check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
You can also click here for more information.
Hong Kong has 17 public holidays with at least 1 public holiday in almost every month with most shops and dining restaurants still opened (except for Chinese New Year).
Click here to get the most updated public holidays in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and is considered to be a safe city with police patrolling many areas quite frequently. However, like any big city, please be careful of scams, pickpockets and petty theft. For more safety advice, please visit the Hong Kong Police Force website. If you need help from the Police, Fire Services Department or an ambulance, dial 999
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