Hong Kong, China(444 views)

Release date:2011-05-19 21:05:01

Once a small fishing village at the edge of South China Sea, Hong Kong has grown out to become an economic powerhouse and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The British administration during the mid-19th century transformed this modest village in China in to a modern, vivacious and a sophisticated city. Hong Kong was officially returned to China by the British in 1997 and it became a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. At present, Hong Kong is regarded as one of the world’s leading international financial centres and Hong Kong dollar is the ninth most traded currency in the world.

Known as ‘Fragrant Harbour’ in English, Hong Kong is renowned for its deep natural harbour and incredible skyline. Situated on China’s south coast, Hong Kong is enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea. Also known as the Oriental Pearl for its natural beauty, the vibrant city attracts tourists for its cultural diversity as well. The city is divided in to three main areas - Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. Apart from that, there are more than 200 offshore islands that float in the surrounding waters. Being a center for commerce, economy, entertainment, shopping and politics, Northern side of the Hong Kong Island is more familiar to the world. The city is quite popular for its natural scenic beauty as well. Geography states that apart from the hilly terrains and the developed area, about 40% of the remaining land area is reserved as country parks and natural reserves. These are excellent tourist spots as well. The Eastern side of the Island has residential areas and the Southern side showcases the beautiful sea shores and bays.

All four major modes of transportation – roadways, railways, waterways and airways are readily available in Hong Kong. Like other cities in China, public transportation is widely preferred by the people of Hong Kong. Public transportation is used for about 90% of daily travels, which is the highest in the world. The city boasts of a highly developed system of transport with a rail network that connects the territory’s 152 stations, the franchised bus service with more than 700 routes owned by 5 different private companies, the Star Ferry service that operates four lines across the Victoria Harbour that provides scenic views of the skyline and a leading air passenger gateway – the Hong Kong International Airport. Although there is readily available means of transport, walking is a good way to explore the city.

The incredible Skyline of Hong Kong adds a touch of beauty to the vibrant city and attracts immense tourist attention. Hong Kong has the highest number of skyscrapers in the world, with 7,650 tall buildings standing high creating an incredible skyline. One thing that should not be missed in Hong Kong is the very popular destination, Victoria Peak or the Peak Tower. Everything including the beautiful city Skyline, the famous Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and the lush green hillside is clearly visible from this point. Be it going up to reach the top of the tower or coming back down to the ground in the tram, it is an awesome experience. Steep journey and leaning buildings make for an unforgettable trip.

Another significant destination is the Victoria Harbour, situated between the Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. Tourists from around the world come back to the city just to visit the harbour, which offers spectacular day time and night time views of the city. The night time cruise is the best way to catch the magic of the harbour and the spectacular multimedia show. Tourists and residents gather at this site to watch the annual fireworks displays and its promenades. Located in the Southern side of Hong Kong Island is the Ocean Park, another famous tourist attraction. It is a mix of marine mammal park, oceanarium and animal theme park, started in 1977. It attracts millions of visitors every year. Some of the other popular attractions include the beautiful Repulse Bay, Tin Hau Temple and the Bird Aviary and Butterfly house. Shopping in Kowloon’s ‘Golden Mile’ is a hot favourite among tourists and residents alike. Here, you get plenty of souvenir items to take back when you return home after your visit.

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