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China Travel Guide » Places in China » Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Places in China: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Is Hong Kong really China? Yes, of course it is, especially since 1997 when the British ended their one hundred fifty year sojourn there and gave the former colony back to China. However, a visit to Hong Kong reveals that its character is much worldlier than that in most of China. Hong Kong is one of two special administrative regions (SAR) in China.
The city is known as Xiang Gang in Chinese. It is off the coast of Guangdong Province but is not a part of Guangdong. After additions to the former British colony, Hong Kong now consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon on the mainland plus the Lidao Islands and some areas called New Territories. The six million three hundred thousand residents live on 1062 square kilometres of land.
On July 1, 1997, Great Britain gave the entire Hong Kong colony back to China since the 99 year British lease on Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and the outlying islands expired at that time.
Hong Kong is a tax-free port and a friendly blend of eastern and western cultures. The city has become synonymous with shopping and tourism. There have been so many tourist attractions added to the city that one can find nearly any type of entertainment one prefers.
Victoria Harbour is recognized worldwide. The view from Victoria Peak makes viewing the city from above a unique experience. The Peak has several entertainment venues to enable tourists to fill many hours. Taking the funicular railway to the top of the Peak has been a tourist treat since 1888. One of the better times to go to the peak is late afternoon so you can watch the harbour below become lit. The change from watching ships below in the daylight to seeing the bright lights coming on with the arrival of darkness is unforgettable.
A famous open-air market in Hong Kong is the Temple Street Night Market. Seeing people who live on their boats is still possible in Hong Kong if you take a twenty minute sampan ride to the old fishing community.
Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong's better-known amusement parks. There are forty or more major attractions in the park. Visit the underwater world at Marine Land. Seeing the Shark Aquarium helps one to understand these fish. Children's entertainment and amusement rides are also attractions to Ocean Park. A panda display as well as butterfly and goldfish displays provide educational activities.
Disneyland Hong Kong now welcomes visitors to enjoy the same types of activities that are found in other Disneyland venues such as in France, Japan and the originals in the USA.
Hong Kong has superior hotels, making the city a genuine top-spot for tourists. Great places to enjoy Chinese and other world-class cuisine are easy to find in Hong Kong, too.
Beaches and hiking trails may not seem to be Hong Kong's strengths. However, going to Tung Wan Beach for windsurfing, canoeing or swimming will change your mind.
Outlying islands are often overlooked by tourists. However, you can see 17th and 18th century temples by leaving the Kowloon and Hong King Island venues. On Lantau Island, you can see the tallest seated bronze Buddha in an outdoor setting.
Hong Kong is one of the major tourist destinations in Asia. It is a blend of many Asian cultures and the western British culture. No trip to Asia can be considered complete without a few days in Hong Kong.
Major cities in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
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