Visiting Hong Kong

Free Maps of Hong Kong on Google Maps

2008-04-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Google has free maps of Asia inside Google Maps. These now include road and street maps of major cities. Check out Hong Kong Google maps here:

Link to Google Maps

Hong Kong International Art Fair

2008-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

The dates of the 2009 Hong Kong International Art Fair are May 13-19, 2009.

The fair, which is also known as Art HK 09, is a modern art exhibition featuring the works of both Eastern and Western artists from 100 visiting galleries from 20 countries. Works on display at the Hong Kong International Art Fair will range from paintings by Picasso and Warhol to photography, and will also showcase emerging Hong Kong artists.

Admission prices for the Hong Kong International Art Fair are $150HKD at the door, or $120HKD in advance. Concessions are available.

Opening hours for the Hong Kong International Art Fair are 11am-7pm Thurs-Sat, and 11am-5pm Sun.

Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong

2008-01-16T11:39:00.001-08:00

Happy Valley Racetrack
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Happy Valley Racecourse Address:
2 Sports Rd., Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Happy Valley Racecourse Phone:
(852) 2895 1523

Happy Valley Racecourse Schedule:
Races at Happy Valley are held between September and June on Wednesday nights (7:30pm-10:30 or 11pm) and some weekend afternoons

Happy Valley Racecourse Admission: HK$10

If you like going to the horse races, Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong is the perfect spot for you. Built in 1846, Happy Valley is a rare example of an in-city racecourse. A Wednesday night or weekend afternoon at Happy Valley Racecourse is a lively event, and rumor has it that more money changes hands here in a single night than during the Kentucky Derby.

Hong Kong City Escalator

2008-01-16T11:29:00.001-08:00

P1020335.jpg
Originally uploaded by dinoboy

The mid-levels escalator in Hong Kong is the world's longest covered escalator. Running from Des Voeux Road in the Central district with Conduit Road in the Mid-levels, the Hong Kong city escalator is a great way to get around the city and avoid the traffic in the streets below. Raised one level above the street, the Hong Kong city escalator has great views of the bustling shops, restaurants, and roads below. The escalator has regular gaps to let people on and off at popular streets in Central and SoHo.

Dragon I Bar in Hong Kong

2008-01-16T11:24:00.001-08:00

Hong Kong - Drinking in Soho
Originally uploaded by Gaetan Lee

Dragon I Address: The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Hong Kong
Dragon I Phone: + 852 3110 1222

Located in Hong Kong's hip SoHo district, Dragon I bar is for those who want to see and be seen. The bar's swanky interior is matched by its upscale patrons. Wednesday night at Dragon I is model night, so be prepared to come face-to-face with the beautiful people.

NY Times: 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong

2007-12-20T03:16:00.000-08:00

Full Article: Seeing the Summer Olympics, but Not Bejing

Seeing the Summer Olympics, but Not Beijing
By KEITH BRADSHER

IF your favorite Olympic events involve horses, then the place to go next summer is Hong Kong, not Bejing.

The International Olympic Committee has decided to hold all six equestrian events of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong, after veterinarians raised concerns about equine diseases in mainland China. That decision is expected to bring throngs of horse lovers to Hong Kong, mainly from North America, Europe and Australia.

Continued on nytimes.com

Hong Kong Disneyland

2007-10-19T16:39:00.001-07:00

Disneyland Hong Kong
Originally uploaded by Marc van der Chijs

Hong Kong Disneyland is a Disney theme park located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Like Disney's resorts in the U.S., Hong Kong Disneyland offers fun rides and adventures for families visiting Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Prices:

Hong Kong Disneyland tickets for adults cost HKD$295-350
Hong Kong Disneyland tickets for children (3-11) cost HKD$210-250
Hong Kong Disneyland tickets for seniors (65+) cost HKD$170-200

How to Get to Hong Kong Disneyland:

Hong Kong Disneyland can be reached via the MTR Disneyland Resort Line, bus, car or taxi.

Hong Kong Shopping Festival

2007-10-19T16:32:00.001-07:00

Sale!
Originally uploaded by sfllaw

Hong Kong Shopping Festival 2008 Dates: July 1-September 21, 2008

For 2008, the Hong Kong Shopping Festival is called "Hong Kong Summer Temptations."

The annual Hong Kong Shopping Festival is a two month summer festival that showcases one of the things that Hong Kong is known for: great shopping.

During the Hong Kong Shopping Festival people visiting Hong Kong can find great sales and special shopping and dining promotions at Hong Kong shopping malls and department stores. Almost every shop from luxury brand stores to street market stalls in Hong Kong participate in the Hong Kong Shopping Festival, and there is also a Hong Kong Shopping Festival light show on Hong Kong's skyline over Victoria Harbor every night.

Top 5 Things to Do in Hong Kong

2007-10-19T16:22:00.001-07:00

5. Ride on Hong Kong's Star Ferry

4. Hike to the top of Victoria Peak

3. Eat Dim Sum

2. Visit The Peninsula Hotel for afternoon tea

1. Explore the modern architecture in Hong Kong's Central district

Hong Kong Visa Requirements

2007-10-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

oldpassport6
Originally uploaded by rixmail99

Hong Kong Visa requirements are different for each country. Make sure to check the Visa / Entry Permit Requirements for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region before you travel so that you are up to date on any changes to the Hong Kong visa requirements.

Hong Kong Visa requirements for US citizens:

US citizens don't need a visa to visit Hong Kong for tourism or business as long as you stay for less than 90 days.

Hong Kong Visa requirements for Canadian citizens:

Canadian citizens don't need a visa to visit Hong Kong for tourism or business as long as you stay for less than 90 days.

Hong Kong Visa requirements for UK citizens:

British citizens don't need a visa to visit Hong Kong for tourism or business as long as you stay for less than 90 days.

Hong Kong Visa requirements for Australian citizens:

Australian citizens don't need a visa to visit Hong Kong for tourism or business as long as you stay for less than 90 days.

Hong Kong Currency

2007-10-19T16:12:00.001-07:00

Hong Kong Dollars
Originally uploaded by Refracted Moments™

The Hong Kong currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Hong Kong dollars are divided into 100 cents and 1,000 mils.

The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar.

Official Language of Hong Kong

2007-10-19T16:07:00.001-07:00

Dinner at Top Cantonese Cuisine Restaurant
Originally uploaded by roland

Cantonese is the main official language of Hong Kong and several other regions in China. English is also an official language of Hong Kong, owing to the fact that Hong Kong was until recently a British colony. Most people in Hong Kong, particularly those working in the hospitality and services sector, speak English as well.

Chinese New Year, Hong Kong

2007-10-19T16:02:00.001-07:00

Chinese New Year Fireworks
Originally uploaded by kev/null

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is one of the biggest festivals of the year. The first three days of January on the lunar calendar are public holidays (the dates change every year), and there are Chinese New Year fireworks and huge Chinese New Year markets in Hong Kong selling flowers, food, and toys.

On the first night of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong there is an International Chinese New Year Parade. On the second night of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong there is a huge fireworks show above Victoria Harbor.

Note: Most stores and small restaurants in Hong Kong are closed the three days of Chinese New Year, and some are closed for up to a week. Big dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong are open during Chinese New Year, but expect to pay higher service charges.

The Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong

2007-10-19T15:55:00.001-07:00

The Peninsula
Originally uploaded by avidday

The Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong
Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR

The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong is by far the most famous Hong Kong hotel. Opened in the 1920's, the Peninsual Hotel in Hong Kong is known as a premier luxury hotel complete with Rolls-Royces to drive guests around town and a helipad to help them get there! The Peninsula Hotel has several premier restaurants, including Gaddi's, Felix, and Spring Moon.

For those that can't afford the steep room rates, the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong serves a famous afternoon tea that can be enjoyed for a bit less.

Hong Kong Dim Sum

2007-10-19T15:48:00.001-07:00

Siu lung bao
Originally uploaded by selva

Dim Sum is a popular way to dine in Hong Kong. Dim Sum in Hong Kong is generally eaten for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. Dim Sum is served in small portions and is shared around the table. Sometimes dim sum in Hong Kong is ordered from a menu, and otehr times (usually on weekends), servers come by with carts of food and you can pick what you want from the trays.

Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong are everywhere. A couple of good ones are Fook Lam Moon in Kowloon and Luk Yu Tea House in Central Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Zoo

2007-10-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

Bright
Originally uploaded by wok

Hong Kong Zoo
Albany Road, Central, Hong Kong

Located on the north side of Hong Kong's Victoria Peak, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) is more commonly known as the Hong Kong Zoo. The Hong Kong Zoo is around 150 years old and is home to large populations of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Hong Kong Zoo Opening Hours:

Hong Kong Zoo Fountain Terrace Garden Opening Hours: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Hong Kong Zoo Green House Opening Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Hong Kong Zoo Other Areas Opening Hours: 6:00am - 7:00pm

Hong Kong Zoo Admission:

Hong Kong Zoo admission is free

Day Trip from Hong Kong - Macau

2007-10-19T15:36:00.001-07:00

Macau - St Paul Church 03
Originally uploaded by betta design

Macau is a great day trip from Hong Kong. Macau was a Portugese colony until 1999 and Macau's rich culture is a blend of Asian and European elements.

Macau attracts visitors from all over the world, most of them coming to take part in Macau's gambling industry. Gambling in Macau was once a place for serious gamblers only, but recent development has made gambling in Macau much more similar to gambling in Las Vegas.

For those that want to see more of Macau than the card tables, there are plenty of cultural and historical sights in Macau. The Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO world heritage site, has almost 30 historic monuments and eight public squares.

How to Get from Hong Kong International Airport to the City Center

2007-10-19T15:29:00.001-07:00

Hong Kong International Airport
Originally uploaded by http2007

There are several ways to get from Hong Kong International Airport to the Hong Kong city center. The Airport Express, CityFlyers and Airbuses all take passengers from Hong Kong International Airport to the city center.

The fastest way to get from the airport to the city center is the Airport Express, which takes people visiting Hong Kong to the Central district in 23 minutes.

Star Ferry, Hong Kong

2007-10-19T15:25:00.001-07:00

Hong Kong Ferry
Originally uploaded by Ian Muttoo

Hong Kong's Star Ferry takes people across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and back. While there are four Star Ferry routes across Victoria Harbor, the most popular one connects the Central district on Hong Kong Island to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon.

The Star Ferry in Hong Kong is a great way to see the famous Hong Kong skyline, and is worth a trip.

Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong

2007-10-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong
Originally uploaded by kleinmatt66

I. M. Pei's Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, was built in 1990 and is one of Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers. The Bank of China Tower is also one of Hong Kong's most well known skyscrapers.

The Bank of China Tower has a public observation deck on the 43rd floor. People visiting Hong Kong can also go to the Bank of China Tower's main observation deck on the 70th floor by appointment.

Modern Architecture in Hong Kong

2007-10-19T15:15:00.001-07:00

Three Towers
Originally uploaded by Not Quite a Photographr

Hong Kong's skyline is one of the most famous skylines in the world. Spanning the coast of Victoria Harbour, the buildings in Hong Kong's central district are some of the best examples of modern architecture in the world.

One of the best known modern buildings in Hong Kong is I. M. Pei's Bank of China Tower. The Bank of China Tower, in Hong Kong's Central district, was completed in 1990 and is one of the tallest skyscrapers in Hong Kong.

Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau, Hong Kong

2007-10-19T15:10:00.001-07:00

Big Buddha - Head
Originally uploaded by caro wanders by mistake

The Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau, Hong Kong, is the tallest outdoor statue of buddha in the world. The Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong is a bronze statue that was erected in 1993 near Po Lin Monastery on the island of Lantau. While the Tian Tan Buddha is a religious statue, it also attracts visitors from around the world.

Tian Tan Buddha Opening Hours:

Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha are open between 10:00am and 5:45pm. Access to the Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong is free of charge.

Best Time of Year to Visit Hong Kong

2007-10-19T15:05:00.001-07:00

Shifty Hong Kong
Originally uploaded by earth2marsh

The best time of year to visit Hong Kong is December-March. Hong Kong is fairly temperate year round, but the best time of year to visit Hong Kong remains late winter or early spring.

Hong Kong's rainy season runs from May-September and the dry season is from October-March. From July-September Hong Kong is very hot and humid, and typhoons are not rare during this time.

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

2007-10-19T15:00:00.001-07:00

View from the top
Originally uploaded by Image Zen

Victoria Peak is a popular destination with people visiting Hong Kong. Situated high above the bustling city, Victoria Peak is a great place to view Hong Kong's skyline.

People visiting Hong Kong can hike up to the top of Victoria Peak or take the Victoria Peak tram. At the top of Victoria Peak there is a cafe and shopping mall, as well as observation areas for photography and sightseeing.

Victoria Peak Tram Operating Hours:

The Victoria Peak tram runs from 5:40am to 1:00am

Visiting Hong Kong

2007-10-19T14:56:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Hong Kong
Originally uploaded by cblee

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. A British colony until 1997, Hong Kong is one of Asia's most powerful financial centres and draws visitors from around the world.

Bustling and energetic, Hong Kong is a great place to taste urban life and beautiful nature in one small area. Whether you want to explore the feats of modern architecture in Hong Kong's financial district, visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art, or hike up to the top of Victoria Peak, there is plenty to keep you busy in Hong Kong.

Visiting Hong Kong

Free Maps of Hong Kong on Google Maps

Hong Kong International Art Fair

Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong

Hong Kong City Escalator

Dragon I Bar in Hong Kong

NY Times: 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong

Full Article: Seeing the Summer Olympics, but Not BejingSeeing the Summer Olympics, but Not BeijingBy KEITH BRADSHER

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Shopping Festival

Top 5 Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Visa Requirements

Hong Kong Currency

Official Language of Hong Kong

Chinese New Year, Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Dim Sum

Hong Kong Zoo

Day Trip from Hong Kong - Macau

How to Get from Hong Kong International Airport to the City Center

Star Ferry, Hong Kong

Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong

Modern Architecture in Hong Kong

Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau, Hong Kong

Best Time of Year to Visit Hong Kong

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

Visiting Hong Kong

Full Article: Seeing the Summer Olympics, but Not Bejing

Seeing the Summer Olympics, but Not Beijing
By KEITH BRADSHER