Hong Kong (Hong Kong) is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) owned by the People's Republic of China. Many associate it with a separate mini-state. There is nothing surprising - it has its own laws, its own power, which retains sovereignty over all affairs and issues. The shores of the area are washed by the South China Sea. Hong Kong includes a large number of islands (Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon Peninsula and 259 small lands of the South China Sea).
Since 1842, the SAR was part of the UK, but in 1997 it was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Republic of China. Today, more than 7 million people live in Hong Kong, 98% of them are Chinese. In contrast to the mainland relatives, the Hong Kongers go one step with Europe. Taking the habits of the former "owners", they adhere to the European lifestyle.
Traditionally, they speak Chinese in Hong Kong, but do not forget about the powerful influence of Britain on all spheres of the region’s life, including colloquial speech, which is why most residents consider English to be their second native language. Even the Hong Kong dollar is officially recognized as the monetary unit.
SAR is an important religious center. There is no single religion, there are many of them. However, the survey identified three main ones, namely Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Often there are Christianity, Islam and shamanism. A huge number of monasteries and temples are concentrated on the territory of the city, which are a national treasure and are in great demand among tourists.
Hong Kong - holidays and tours
There are a thousand and one reasons why you should visit Hong Kong. This is a very colorful, delightful place. The successful interweaving of West and East gives the SAR a certain mystery, uniqueness. English pubs and shops of Chinese accessories, Catholic churches and Buddhist temples, the bustling areas of the city of modern civilization are adjacent to quiet streets, where, except for bicycles, you will not find a single transport - a skillful interweaving is felt in everything. Residents respect ancient traditions, but keep up with the times, develop and achieve their goals.
Today's Hong Kong is a developed metropolis, a peculiar city-country, offering its guests a lot of opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Everything is surprising: double-decker trams and buses, underwater subway, huge skyscrapers. And the night life is in full swing. It is especially beautiful here at night, when millions of colorful lights make their way through the darkness.
Beach holidays are considered one of the best in the world. The beaches here are excellent. Water enthusiasts will be able to pamper themselves. Diving, surfing, water skiing, boat trips and more - choose and enjoy.
Tours to Hong Kong include visits to centers specializing in exotic treatments. Competent specialists will offer you such procedures as: herbal wrap, acupuncture, Thai massage, etc. - you will certainly be satisfied.
And, of course, a holiday in Hong Kong is a unique opportunity to visit local attractions, climb the cable car to the peak of Victoria Bay and see a stunning panorama of the city from 550 meters high.
Hong Kong Attractions
Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the most visited places of worship. The main religions of the SAR are concentrated in the temple. The name was given to him in honor of a shepherd, who, according to legend, had the gift of healing.
The Symphony of Lights is a truly magnificent sight, the most striking landmark in Hong Kong. This is a laser light and sound show, which is organized every evening. When dusk covers the city, over Victoria Bay, you can watch how many fireworks and salutes soar up above the highest skyscrapers.
Hong Kong Park - located in the very center of the city, its area reaches 8 hectares. The park is popular among visitors, many people come to admire the local beauties and unusual relief. Favorable atmosphere, greenery, spreading flower carpets, waterfalls, fountains, exotic animals - a small paradise world, is not it?
For lovers of art and culture, the city offers numerous museums. Of particular interest to tourists are:
- Historical Museum. Its exhibits tell about the historical life of the ATS;
- Madame Tussauds - a branch of the London Wax Museum;
- Museum of Fine Arts - presents a rich collection of both ancient and modern Chinese painting.
Ocean Park is the largest entertainment complex, certainly worthy of the attention of guests. Tropical vegetation, ponds with pink flamingos, goldfish, the House of butterflies, exotic birds and dinosaurs, crocodiles, elephants, trees of extraordinary beauty and shape - will allow you from a stone jungle to be transported for a moment to pristine tropical places smelling of primitiveness.
The above attractions - only the tip of the iceberg, a small part. It is not possible to describe everything - this can only be seen with your own eyes.
Hong Kong - weather (climate)
The prevailing climate in the ATS is the tropical monsoon. In summer, he brings with him rains, sometimes typhoons. The rainy season is in June, when the main amount of annual precipitation falls. The average daily temperature in summer varies from + 28 ... +35 degrees, falling at night to + 24 ... +26 gr.
Winter is warm and dry, not typical of precipitation. Daytime temperature ranges from + 19 ... +22, and at night the instruments show + 14 ... +16.
The most favorable time for a trip to the "city-country" is from late September to early January. It is during this period that the most comfortable and stable weather is observed.
Weather in Hong Kong now:
Hong Kong - National Cuisine
Hong Kong cuisine is a true gourmet paradise. It is diverse and full of surprises. In it you will find shades of Chinese and English cuisines, as well as many other countries. Therefore, lovers of delicious food, get ready!
Local culinary experts know a lot about the kitchen and can offer a different assortment of both ordinary and exotic dishes. Selected fresh ingredients are a must! Roasted Milk Pig is an element of Cantonese cuisine. For lovers of exotic cooks will make an original dish - "the battle of the dragon with the tiger," made from cat and snake meat. It sounds pretty wild, but those who have tried the dish describe its incredible taste.
Traditionally, the Cantonese delicacy - Dim Sum - a mixture of dumplings and dumplings, steamed in a bamboo basket. If you are hungry but don’t have time to visit the restaurant, order a meal in any outdoor cafe and enjoy.
Hong Kong is also rich in seafood, which complement many of the dishes on the Hong Kong table. In the local restaurants you can taste the magnificent crab fried with garlic, herbs and red pepper.
Tinjai porridge is a traditional dish made from rice with the addition of tender pork, squid and peanuts. Simple at first glance, the dish is in demand even in the most luxurious restaurants in the area.
And sweet for dessert! You should definitely try mango jelly, pineapple pie, glutinous rice with slices of exotic fruits and coconut milk, as well as great ice cream with sago palm seeds.
Hong Kong - interesting facts
1. ATS - duty free trade area. This makes it attractive in the eyes of shoppers.
2. The English education system has been preserved in the area.
3. Apartments here are usually small - the city is used to living in tight conditions.
4. Banknotes are made of plastic.
Hong Kong visa application
Residents of Russia need a visa to enter the ATS. There are several types of visas depending on the duration and purpose of stay: type C - short-term (up to 90 days), types A and B - transit, type D - national. Most often a type C visa is issued. Its cost is $ 90; days. You can get detailed information at the consulate of China.
Consular Section of China in Moscow
Address: 117330, st. Friendship, 6
Phones: +7 (095) 143-1543
Hong Kong Map
