As one of countries starting with H, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China as Hong Kong is officially called is a special region within the People’s Republic of China and can be seen as an independent country. This will in any case remain until 2047. After this, the situation will be reviewed. Hong Kong has long been part of the British Kingdom and has itself been a British crown possession for several years. The British first set foot here at the end of the seventeenth century and by the beginning of the nineteenth century a thriving trade in opium had developed between the two countries. Halfway through this century, China was forced to cede this region to the British and this remained so until July 1, 1997. Only during the Second World War were the British expelled here for a few years by the Japanese.
After World War II, Hong Kong’s population increased more than tenfold. The population grew from 600,000 in 1945 to more than seven million in 2012. The explosive growth of the region will now be brought about quickly by the one-child policy in China.
When Hong Kong became independent, it was agreed that the same laws would not apply in Hong Kong as in the rest of communist China and that this would remain so for at least another fifty years. The influence of the British is still very noticeable in Hong Kong. English is still an official language here and cars still drive on the left side of the road.
Sights
Hong Kong is actually one big attraction, the skyline alone is an image that you will never forget. One of the top attractions of the region is Hong Kong Disneyland. This park is one of the most visited places in Hong Kong. Another popular park in Hong Kong is the zoo-cum-theme park Ocean Park. On the island of Lantau, the Big Buddha is also known as the Tian Tan Buddha in the Po Link Monastery. This is the largest seated Buddha in the open air. Around this Buddha there are several smaller statues called Bodhisattva statues. This monastery is easiest to reach via the Ngong Ping 360 a cable car that is an attraction in itself.
Repulse Bay is the place to be to enjoy the sun in Hong Kong. The place to shop in Hong Kong is Harbor City, but if you want a more authentic shopping street, it is best to go to Temple street. In the evenings a market is held here where everything is for sale. Another popular market in Hong Kong is the Jade Market. One of the most beautiful monuments in the city and a clear remnant of British rule is the Clock Tower.
Climate
Hong Kong has a warm maritime climate that is strongly influenced by the South China Sea. Due to this influence, traffic extremes will occur less quickly here than in the more inland parts of China. In the summer months, the average daytime temperature is around thirty degrees Celsius. This, in combination with the large amount of precipitation that falls in this area, ensures a high humidity in the summer period. On the hottest days of the year, the combination of high air pressure and smog in the city can create an unpleasant climate. on these days it is best to stay indoors with the air conditioning. During this period you also have a chance of tropical storms and hurricanes in Hong Kong. In the winter months the average daytime temperature is about ten degrees lower and the chance of long-term precipitation is much smaller.
Geography
Hong consists of 235 islands and the Kowloon Peninsula. Most of these islands are uninhabited and little more than a rocky outcrop that rises above the South China Sea. The largest island of Hong Kong is Lantau Island followed closely by Hong Kong Island. The island of Hong Kong is located west of the Zhujiang River and has grown considerably in recent years due to various land reclamation projects. All the small islands together are also called the New Territories. This is also the name of the largest of the three main areas within Hong Kong. The other main areas are Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. The Hong Kong International Airport is located on Lantau Island and is home to some of Hong Kong’s most beautiful sights. The highest point in Hong Kong is Mount Tai Mo Shan at 958 metres. However, the most famous mountain in the region is ‘The Peak’ on Hong Kong Island. It is only 552 meters high but gives you a fantastic view over Hong Kong.
Travel advice
There are no special travel advices for a visit to Hong Kong. You will not encounter any special security risks during a trip or holiday to Hong Kong. In the summer period from May to November you have a chance of tropical storms or hurricanes. However, few tropical storms eventually grow to hurricane strength here. You do not need any special vaccinations to visit Hong Kong. The vaccination against this is only mandatory if you have been in a yellow fever area seven days before your visit to Hong Kong.
Travel documents
For a visit to Hong Kong you must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months on the date of departure. On the plane you have to fill in a form with, among other things, your flight number, your whereabouts and your personal details. This form will be placed in your passport when you go through border control. Keep it safe because you will need this form again when you leave Hong Kong. For a visit shorter than 90 days you do not need a visa for Hong Kong.
Info table
| Capital city | Victoria |
| Phone (country code) | 852 |
| Internetdomein | .hk |
| Language(s) (official) | English, Standard Cantonese and Standard Mandarin |
| Language(s) (colloquial) | English, Standard Cantonese, Standard Mandarin and multiple Chinese dialects |
| Religion(s) | traditional chinese religion |
| Time zone(s) | UTC+8 |
| Time difference summer | In Hong Kong it is 6 hours later than in the Netherlands |
| Time difference winter | In Hong Kong it is 7 hours later than in the Netherlands |
| Daylight Saving Time Control | nee |
| Currency | Hong Kong dollar |
