A TRIP TO HONG KONG

Hong Kong in China resembles the tree orchid she was chosen as the emblem since the handover. This tree comes from an endemic species found near the sea.

As the orchid tree is unique but needs others to provide his offspringHong Kong is independent and at the same time need the Chineseto develop.

Modern city with skyscrapers dizzying mecca of shopping and nightlife, this city makes the head spin. Located on the shores of the Sea of china , the city includes the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories to the north and 235 islands covering an area of 1,100 km ². 6,000,000 people live to the rhythm of Hong Kong, stable economic power to the unique history.

It is nicknamed "Pearl of the Orient" because life is expensive, luxury hotels, real estate overpriced. The few cultural sites are free and captivate thousands of tourists every year. But mostly people come to see up close how a megalopolis seethes inside.

After the noise and pollution, recharge in the vicinity of Hong Kong.

Just across from Macau , a former Portuguese colony attached to China in 1999, you will enjoy the traditional Portuguese architecture in the historic center of Macau and the City Museum .

More to the north, Canton will reveal its historical treasures that explain the traditional ways of life in China: Temple of the Chen family ancestors or Six Banyon Tree Temple .

You will definitely enjoy Guilin, further inland and landscapes to beautiful natural sights amazing as Elephant Trunk Hill or cave reed flute .

• City History

The history of Hong Kong begins with the development of the opium trade . Macau is the first Asian to trade with the rest of China and the harbor Europe  ; the English have understood: the opium trade is very profitable but also silk, tea and handicrafts.

In 1839, the Emperor of China is destroying opium Canton reserves, which infuriates the British demanding a refund. This is the first Opium War . It ends in 1842, by a treaty giving the British Hong Kong for an unlimited period. A few years later, Kowloon is also ceded to England and after a few other Opium Wars, the New Territories and several hundred islands are administered by the British crown .The lease is set at 99 years.

During the Second World War, Hong Kong was occupied by the Japanese . There will be thousands of deaths among the population that fled to the surrounding countryside.

At the end of the war, the city returned to the English but other problems arise. How Communist China can it accept on its territory a capitalist city? The answer is economic: Hong Kong facilitates trade with the world and is profitable for China. But Hong Kong also economically dependent on China. 

In 1997, the lease expiring, Hong Kong Chinese becomes  : what is the handover. Large firms such as Jardine Matheson and immediately relocate to Singapore or Taiwan. To avoid this, Deng Xiaoping adopted the doctrine of "one country, two systems." Hong Kong has its own constitution with its government and currency .

Today, Hong Kong is facing problems with its urban planning  : housing and pollution.

• City tour

The city center is located in Central , on Hong Kong Island. It is the center of business. The peninsula ofKowloon brings together shops, restaurants and hotels, mainly in the districts of Mongkok and Yau Ma tei. The New Territories, the majority of the dormitory towns of Hong Kong employees.

Start your visit Central and all its modern buildings that seem to pierce the sky. Take the time (you do not have many other opportunities) visit the oldest temple in the city, Man Mo Temple . For an overview, go up Victoria Peak by funicular. Hikes are proposed.

Head north to join the Kowloon peninsula. Y gathered the major museums of Hong Kong: The Space Museum, Museum of Arts and most interesting, the history museum .

Nathan Road is the most famous street of Hong Kong; it's a parade of restaurants, several shops, and hotels. Still Kowloon, the Yau Ma Tei district and Mongkok markets meet the city: Jade Market, night market, bird market and flower market.

The New Territories are not a priority in your itinerary, especially if your time is limited on the island.Only the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery is worth visiting.

Lantau Island, west of Hong Kong, you will appreciate the quietness and long beaches. You can visit thePo Lin Monastery , which houses the Buddha Lantau, Tian Tian. The latter is the largest sitting Buddha in lotus world.

In the evening, go for a walk in Kowloon that will give you a sublime panorama of skyscrapers illuminated the City.

Weather / When to go

What is the best time to visit Hong Kong? What is it there now? All weather and climate information. 
"  Weather in Hong Kong

Passport / Visa / Formalities

The passport must be valid for another month. 
Visa is not required for stays of less than three months on the Hong Kong soil.

Transport

Travel to Hong Kong
to join the center, go for a tourist map available at the office tourism located in the arrivals terminal of the airport. Most economical is the bus that goes to Kowloon peninsula or Hong Kong. L'Express Airport is an ultra-fast train that takes you into the heart of Hong Kong in 20 minutes (10 euros one way). Taxis are expensive and not faster. Traveling to Hong Kong to get an overview of the city, take the Star Ferry that crosses the bay. Other cruises are possible to reach the small islands around Hong Kong. 260 islands make up Hong Kong, the Central, the historic and business district. On the other side of the bay is Kowloon souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants. appreciates the city on foot, distances are reasonable. You can jump on a subway or a bus to the most remote locations. For souvenir photo, take the trams that run on the island since 1904 You pay when you leave (0.20 euros). Useful information Hong Kong International Airport