Joanna James
As one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations, Hong Kong welcomes visitors from around the world. Regardless of the duration or the nature of the visit, here are ten insights all travellers heading to this captivating part of Asia should know.
Hong Kong culture is an amalgamation of Han Cantonese culture hailing from south-eastern China and that of Britain thanks to the decades of colonial rule. Hong Kong is also a hub for immigrants from around the world so don't expect a homogenous populace in this dynamic and vibrant city that's in fact a melting pot of diverse ethnicities.
Unlike most Asian countries, Hong Kong offers visitors the best of both worlds in terms of urbanized modern landscapes and amenities and lush, verdant landscapes. Home to some of the region's biggest skyscrapers, nearly 70% of the island's land mass is covered in vegetation. Just look at the countless hiking trails, beaches and nature reserves covering Hong Kong and marvel at this contrast.
Hong Kong is celebration central all year round and its multicultural population is quite serious about maintaining their traditions and holidays. From Chinese Lunar New Year, Christmas Day, the Ching Ming Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, the festivities are truly endless.
Most tourists will be surprised to find that residents in Hong Kong are fluent in English and Cantonese. More than 50% of all Hong Kongers can speak English while nearly 90% can converse in Cantonese.
As a multi-religious country, don't be surprised to find temples and churches dedicated not only to conventional religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam but also Taoism, Confucianism and even ancestor worship.
Hong Kong opera is unlike Western opera to such a degree that it is recognized as its own art form. Blending ancient Chinese legends with drama and music, Hong Kong operas are performed in Cantonese.
Offering food lovers the chance to sample not only Chinese culinary delights but also the fusion cuisine as well as the remnants of continental leftovers from the colonial era, Hong Kong is the best place to sample Portuguese egg tarts as well as Thai, Malay and Indian treats to your heart's content.
Hong Kong is an immensely tourist-friendly country that's also rated among the safest destinations for travellers heading to Asia. With speedy public transport links, public parks and excellent hospitality hubs, it is little wonder that the Park Hotel Group and other global hotel chains have set up franchises in the country.
Those based at a Kowloon hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui will not fail to notice how many Kung Fu posters adorn the public spaces of the area. Considered a great form of exercise as well as an entertaining pastime, locals are keen to take up martial arts at some point in their lives.
Hong Kongers are very friendly and hospitable and are likely to help you in any way possible on your travels.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
