Hong Kong
Hong Kong was from 1842 the territory of the United Kingdom. In 1997 Hong Kong was transferred to China but kept a high degree of autonomy. The population is about 7 million people. The port and financial center are important for the economy.
Airport
Hong Kong International Airport is located 40 kilometres west of of Hong Kong.
It is a relatively new airport (1998) build on an artificial island. The Airport Express Train operates between 05.50 to 01.15 daily and takes passengers in 24 minutes to Central District. Fare is HKD110. Much cheaper but slower is the transportation by one of the city buses. SkyPier at Hong Kong International Airport provides fast ferry service for transit passengers to Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Macau and Zongshan. Coach services to China are available at the Mainland Coach Station of Terminal 2. A taxi to Kowloon is HKD245, to Central and Causeway Bay HKD295.
Star Ferry
The Star Ferry connects Hong Kong Island with Kowloon. Fare is HKD6. Keep small money for the self-service ticket machines. There are 4 routes:
Hung Hom <-> Central
Hung Hom <-> Wanchai
Wanchai <-> Tsim Sha Tsui
Central <-> Tsim Sha Tsui
Attractions
Victoria Peak (The Peak) : Hong Kong’s most popular tourist attraction
At the summit visitors have spectacular views of the Hong Kong and Kowloon skylines
Star Ferry ferry boats between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Bank of China Tower: skyscraper in Central. Height is 369 meter
Ocean Park: attractions, shows, dining and shopping
Kowloon Park: the most popular park in Kowloon
Lantau Island: the biggest island with many outdoor activities
Aberdeen: largest satellite town on Hong Kong Island
Stanley Market famous open air market on Hong Kong Island
Temple Street: large nighttime open-air bazaar
Man Mo Temple: old and famous temples in Hong Kong
Shopping
– department stores in Central and Causeway Bay (Sogo, Seibu)
– Nathan Road (clothing, jewelry,electronic goods,luggage)
– Times Square (Causeway Bay)
– Stanley Market (Chinese crafts and products, silk)
Popular hotels Hong Kong
– Royal Plaza Hotel (5 stars, 7356 reviews, 8.6)
– Regal Airport Hotel (5 stars, 6884 reviews, 7.9)
– Holiday Inn Golden Mile (4 stars, 5619 reviews, 8.2)
– Empire Hotel Hong Kong – Wan Chai (4 stars, 4427 reviews, 7.6)
– Eaton Hotel (Nathan Road) (4 stars, 4276 reviews, 8.2)
– Hotel ICON (5 stars, 4133 reviews, 9.3)
– Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Soho (3 stars, 3512 reviews, 8.3)
– Shamrock Hotel (3 stars, 3331 reviews, 8.3)
– Hong Kong Hostel (1 star, 2008 reviews, 7.3)
– Comfort Hostel (1 star, 1067 reviews, 8.7)
Metro
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has 7 lines including the Airport Express and the Disneyland Resort Line.
An average single ticket is between 4-11 HongKong Dollar (HKD). A Tourist Day Pass for 24hour is HKD55. A Child Tourist Day Pass (age 3-11) is HKD25. For HKD220/300, you can buy the 3-Day Airport Express Octopus Pass. This card includes an one-way/return Airport Express ride + 3 days of unlimited travel with the metro. At the end you get the HKD50 deposit back when you return the card.
Railway
Train company in Hong Kong is the Kowloon-Canton Railway(KCR). Train services to the area outside Hong Kong city ( called New Territories). From station Hung Hom in Kowloon depart several trains every hour to Shenzhen Journey is 40 minutes. Fare is around HKD65 for a first class seat and HKD35 for second class.
From Hung Hom are about 10 (express)trains daily to Guangzhou. Journey takes 2 hours. Fare between HKD180-230.
Taxis
Urban taxis (red) generally serve all destinations throughout Hong Kong including the airport. New Territories taxis (green) serve only the New Territories. Lantau taxis (blue) serve all destinations in Lantau and the airport. Start rate for the red taxi is HKD15 for the first 2km. Every km or minute waiting time, HKD7 will be added.