English title: hong kong, derived from Cantonese or Hēung Góng
Chinese name : 香港 (XiangGǎng, Hong Kong)
Translated from Chinese, the name of the city translates as " Fragrant Harbor", the name comes from the incense factories that stored fragrant wood and incense on the shore for export.
Second title: Hong Kong and Hong Kong are equivalent concepts. Hong Kong is how the name is pronounced in Chinese, Hong Kong is pronounced in English and Cantonese.
Capital: Hong Kong is a city-state, and officially has only one city "Hong Kong" which is its capital.
Hong Kong population: 7,404,207 people (as of 2019)
Currency: Hong Kong dollar / HKD.
Hong Kong which country: Since 1997, Hong Kong has returned to the PRC, and has the status of a "special administrative region", according to the principle of "one country two systems".
Airport: Chek Lap Kok International Airport

History of development

Hong Kong- It is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of China (along with Macau).
Before China gained sovereignty over the territory, Hong Kong was a British colony for almost 140 years, until 1997. Therefore, the local infrastructure is largely based on British standards and. During the period of 1950-1990s, Hong Kong developed rapidly, becoming one of the "Four Asian Tigers" due to the emergence of a strong industrial base, and later the financial sector. Today, Hong Kong is known as the leading financial center of East Asia, which includes the world's most famous banks. Hong Kong is also an important trading port in China, through which a significant amount of Chinese exports to other countries pass.

In the development of Hong Kong, a favorable geographical position, a natural harbor (in Chinese, "Hong Kong" means "fragrant bay") and a profitable trade with China, in particular opium, played a significant role. The expansion of Hong Kong's territory provided all the necessary resources for sustainable commercial growth, making the area one of the world's leading commercial and financial centers.

However, it is worth noting that local residents experience problems with overcrowding, natural resources, as well as periodic social and political unrest. Nevertheless, Hong Kong today is a strong and prosperous city, which is a significant manufacturing and financial center, as well as playing an important role in the modernization and development of China's trade.

Where is Hong Kong (Hong Kong) / Which country?

Hong Kong or Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. Officially, Hong Kong is part of China, but at the same time it has broad autonomy for 50 years until 2047.
Under China's principle of "one country two systems", Hong Kong reserves the right to self-government, has its own laws, political system, foreign exchange and monetary policy, autonomous immigration and visa policy. He can also retain his status in international organizations. At the same time, China performs defense functions and is responsible for foreign policy.

In simple words - Hong Kong is "a country within a country", which has its own currency, visas (even for residents of the PRC), laws, police, government; but is part of China, which is responsible for the foreign policy of the region, without interfering in the internal.

It is located on the southeast coast of China and includes part of the South China Sea. The flight from Beijing to Hong Kong will take about 3.5 hours, and from Shanghai - 2.5 hours. Hong Kong is located just 100 kilometers from the major Chinese city of Guangzhou, and borders the city of Shenzhen.

The total area of ​​Hong Kong is 1110 square meters. km, and it includes Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and 260 small islands.

Hong Kong on the world map

Also read the article: How to get to Hong Kong from China

Do I need a visa for Hong Kong?

Since 2009, simplified border crossing rules have been introduced between Russia and Hong Kong, in connection with this, in 2018, Russian citizens are provided with visa-free entry to Hong Kong for a period not exceeding 14 days and no visa is required. If you plan to stay in Hong Kong for more than 14 days, you must apply for a visa or leave Hong Kong and re-enter.

For visa-free entry to Hong Kong, citizens of the Russian Federation must have a foreign passport with them and present it when crossing customs along with a migration card. The border guard will check your passport and put in it a special coupon that will replace the visa, you need to keep this piece of paper until the end of the trip. Since recently, when entering Hong Kong, a stamp is not put in the passport.
For citizens of Ukraine and Kazakhstan, a visa-free regime is also provided for a period not exceeding 14 days.
Since February 13, 2018, a visa-free regime has been introduced for citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

Attention: If you enter Hong Kong from mainland China, while having a single-entry visa, you will not be able to drive back on it, since leaving for Hong Kong is considered to be leaving China. If you plan to travel from China to Hong Kong and back, apply for a two-entry visa in advance.

The climate of Hong Kong is subtropical, but in winter the temperature drops due to the sea winds. Summer here lasts from June to September, and it is characterized by high humidity and heat - during the day the temperature often exceeds 32°C, and at night it hardly drops below 25°C. From time to time, typhoons pass through Hong Kong, due to which, often, all organizations and institutions in the city are closed.

Winters here tend to be relatively warm; the average daytime temperature at this time of the year is 18-22°C, and the nighttime temperature is 10°C. During Christmas, Hong Kong is noticeably warmer than other countries in the Northern Hemisphere. The coldest days are around the Chinese New Year (10°C), which is characterized by heavy rainfall.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November/December), the average temperature is 21-24°C. Autumn is the most favorable season to visit Hong Kong as spring is usually quite rainy.

Although most buildings in Hong Kong are equipped with air-conditioning systems to help cope with the summer heat, there is no heating in winter. On the coldest days, residents simply do not take off their outer clothing indoors. For example, in restaurants you can often see visitors in jackets and scarves.

Districts of Hong Kong

Hong Kong Island (香港島) (Central, East Coast, South Coast)

The area where the first British settlement was located, and now the most visited place by tourists. Here are the tallest skyscrapers in Hong Kong and the financial center. In general, Hong Kong Island is the most developed and well-groomed part of the entire administrative region. The highest point of the island is Victoria Peak, which offers beautiful views of the whole of Hong Kong, and the cost of real estate in this area breaks all world records.

Kowloon

This is a peninsula to the north of Hong Kong Island with a beautiful view of it. Here, in a rather chaotic style, shopping centers, street shops and residential buildings are mixed. Kowloon is one of the most densely populated places on the planet - on the territory of 47 square meters. km is home to more than 2.1 million people. Kowloon is divided into several districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀), an area with many budget hotels, and Mong Kok (旺角), a shopping area. It is also recommended to visit Kowloon City (九龍城區). The area is known for local restaurants, Thai food, the stunning Wall City Park and Kowloon Tsai Park with its incredible pool. By the way, this is one of the few areas where you can see low-rise buildings. The fact is that 10 years ago there was an airport nearby, and therefore it was allowed to build only five-story buildings or lower.

New Territories (新界)

This area was leased from the Chinese government in 1898 by British representatives, who gave it the name "New Territories". Farms, local villages, industrial facilities, natural parks are mainly located here.

Lantau Island (大嶼山)

Lantau is a large island to the west of Hong Kong Island. Not the neatest villages, stray dogs and rickety buildings are certain disadvantages of the island, which are compensated by beautiful beaches and mountains. The airport, Disneyland and the Ngong Ping cable car are also located here.

Small Islands (離島)

The small islands surrounding Hong Kong Island are very popular with locals who spend their weekends there. Some of the most famous are the Lamma Islands (南丫島), where you can taste the best seafood dishes, and Cheung Chau (長洲), an island that was once a haven for pirates and has now become a favorite place for windsurfers, sea food and beaches. .

What to see in Hong Kong in 1 day

Hong Kong is the main transport hub that connects Europe and Asia, which is why there are a lot of tourists flying with transfers from Western countries or vice versa. Our compatriots also often fly on holiday to Southeast Asia via Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong is quite small in area, the main sights of the city can be seen in just one or two days.

Let's take a closer look what you can see in Hong Kong in 1 day during a transfer:

• After arriving at the Hong Kong airport, we immediately board aeroexpress which will take you to the very center of the island in just 25 minutes.
• Walk along the main street Queens Road among the skyscrapers and business centers of Hong Kong Manhattan.
• Let's ride the tram Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, the main observation deck of the city from where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of Hong Kong. Also here you can look into the Madame Tussauds wax museum. After that, we go down back to the city, but now it's better to take a bus to the Central station - there is less queue for it.
• Let's sail on the ferry- from the Central stop we go to the Star ferry pier, and on the ferry we cross to the opposite part of the bay and immediately get to the embankment in Victoria Harbor. The crossing will take you only 5-7 minutes and about 3HKD.

• Walk along the avenue of stars and watch the light show: after you get off the ferry, turn right and you will enter the avenue of stars. In addition to handprints and celebrity statues, it offers stunning views of the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island. And at 20:00 you can watch a laser show here.
• Shopping in Hong Kong - If you still have time, walk left from the avenue of stars and you will enter one of the largest shopping malls in Hong Kong - harbor city. This is a huge multi-storey building where you can buy clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, as well as electronics, phones and much more.
• Dinner: here in Harbor City, in the famous Crystal Jade restaurant overlooking the harbor, you can try the most famous dish of Hong Kong cuisine - Dim Sum: a variety of steamed dumplings with the most unexpected fillings - from meat to seafood and crab caviar. Despite the fact that the restaurant has a Michelin star, a dinner for two will not cost an exorbitant amount.

Popular attractions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has many historical attractions, modern museums, beautiful natural parks and interesting theme parks.

1. Victoria peak: The highest point on Hong Kong Island and the best view of Victoria Harbor. To climb up, it is best to use the Peak Tram funicular, which has been taking tourists to the top for over 130 years.
2. Disneyland (Disneyland): A magical realm full of joy, fun and beloved Disney characters. An excellent place to relax with the whole family.
3. ocean park located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island and is extremely popular among both tourists and locals. It attracts thousands of visitors every weekend thanks to its variety of rides and many aquariums. And the cable car has become a kind of symbol of the park, but if you are afraid of heights, you can ride a train, the route of which passes under the mountain, and the whole trip imitates diving to the depths of the sea.
4. Hong Kong waterfront(Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade): Breathtaking scenery and stunning light show Symphony of Lights await you here.
5. Avenue of Stars and laser show Symphony of Lights- The Hong Kong "Avenue of Stars", created like the Hollywood "Avenue of Stars", immortalized the contribution of Hong Kong cinema figures of the last century to the development of cinema. From the alley, located by the sea, there are gorgeous views of Victoria Harbor and, of course, the light show Symphony of Lights. This is the perfect place to take photos of Hong Kong Island. You can get to the Avenue of Stars by metro (East Tsim Sha Tsui station) or by bus, reaching the stop at the Star Ferry pier.
6. Lantau Island: It is a sparsely populated island consisting mainly of theme parks, tourist facilities and beautiful natural parks.
7. Big Buddha and Ngong Ping 360 on Lantau Island is a Buddhist theme park with traditional Chinese architecture, interactive shows, performances, restaurants and cafes. The highlight of the park is the longest cable car in Hong Kong, which offers incredible views. And at the end of the trip, you can take a photo with the largest statue of a seated Buddha in the world.
8. Hong Kong Venice- fishing village on the water Tai Oh (大澳).
9. Star Ferry- connecting the Kowloon Peninsula and the island of Hong Kong, has more than 100 years of history, and it offers a gorgeous view of the skyscrapers of Hong Kong.
10. Wong Tai Sin Temple- The most famous temple in Hong Kong, which combines 3 Chinese religions: Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.

One of the features of Hong Kong is that from anywhere in the city you can get to a good beach in just a few minutes. However, if you want to visit one of the best beaches, you should visit the New Territories. Considering that they include more than 200 islands, whose coastlines are completely strewn with picturesque beaches, you can easily find a suitable option for yourself. It is also worth emphasizing that urban beaches in Hong Kong are usually kept clean, and there are showers and changing rooms on their territory.

in numberThe best beaches in Hong Kongincludes:

• Repulse Bay
  Large urban beach in the southern part of Hong Kong Island. More recently, work has been carried out to improve it. The beach should appeal to families with small children.
• Middle Bay
  Popular with gay people and located 20 minutes walk from Repulse Bay. Lifeguards are on duty at Middle Bay, and along the beach there are showers, changing rooms and cafes where you can have a bite to eat.
• Shek O Beach
  Popular with the youth of Hong Kong. The beach is located in the northern part of the island, away from the noisiest part of the city, but it can be comfortably reached by bus. A Thai restaurant near the beach is highly recommended.
• Big Wave Bay
  This beach is much smaller than other beaches of Hong Kong Island, but in terms of the number of cafes located nearby, it is not inferior to them. Big Wave Bay attracts all surfers with its waves. From this beach you can walk to Chai Wan, where you can take the subway or bus. This will take you about an hour (or more if you are not used to walking in the mountains).
• Beachhung shing yeh
  It is the most famous and popular among others, and it is located on the island of Lamma. This is a first-class beach with relatively clear water and clean sand. All the necessary amenities are located on its territory: changing rooms, a barbecue area and shops selling soft drinks. To get to the beach, you need to take a ferry from Central Pier to Yung Shue Wan. You will have to walk to the beach itself (it will take about 20 minutes), since there are no buses and taxis on Lamma Island. But don't worry, it's a pretty easy walk.
• Sai kung beach and Tin Wan
  A picturesque beach located in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Since the beach is located in a remote area, the water here is quite clean, and there are few vacationers on the beach. On the coast near the beach, there are many restaurants with fresh seafood.
  In 20 minutes by taxi, there is an even more secluded beach - Tin wan.
  You can get to the beach by taxi, or bus 92 from the Diamond Hills metro station.

Prices in Hong Kong in 2020 for food and accommodation

Hong Kong is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially when it comes to the cost of living. The minimum budget for traveling around Hong Kong can be considered 50USD / day - in this option, you will have to be content with the cheapest hostels and eat at eateries and fast food.

The cheapest meal in Hong Kong will cost you 3-5 USD, but in middle-class restaurants, lunch or dinner will cost 20-30 USD per person. Lunch at McDonald's will cost you $5-10. The most budget-friendly food option is fast food (which you can just heat up in the microwave) at 7-Eleven and Circle K stores. They usually cost around $ 2-3 (10-15 HKD).

Dinner for two in a good European restaurant will cost an average of 100-120 USD.

The cost of living in a 3-star hotel in Hong Kong will cost you at least 50 USD. And if you are going on vacation with the whole family, then be prepared for the fact that you will have to spend about 120USD per day for a room for the whole family.

Renting a furnished studio in Hong Kong with an area of ​​45 square meters in an inexpensive area will cost you an average of 2300usd (~18000HKD), in the central part - 3500USD. A full-fledged apartment with 2 bedrooms will cost at least 4000USD per month.

Sites such as Couchserfing and Airbnb offer short term apartment or room rentals in Hong Kong for short or long term. This is a great opportunity to spend time in the busiest areas and observe the daily life of Hong Kongers. Of course, you need to understand that you will have to put up with narrow beds and small rooms - this feature of Hong Kong is associated with high property prices.

Do I need to tip in Hong Kong?

According to local rules of etiquette, it is not customary to leave a tip, for example, to taxi drivers or waiters, but no one will refuse a tip if you voluntarily add it to the bill. But it is worth remembering that often the owners of bars and restaurants keep either part of the tip or the entire amount.

In cheap establishments, no one expects a visitor to leave a tip, and in restaurants of the middle and upper classes, a 10 percent service charge is included in the bill, which acts as a tip.

As mentioned above, taxi drivers are not tipped in Hong Kong, but fares in dollars are usually rounded up. During typhoons and other emergencies, when any potential damage is not covered by insurance, taxi drivers will either announce a higher fare in advance or expect you to leave a tip. In hotels and inns, visitors usually leave 10-20 dollars for room service and the same amount for porter services. In expensive restaurants and clubs, it is also customary to leave a small amount for visiting the restroom, but this is not considered mandatory.

Population of Hong Kong

The total population for 2019 is: 7,404,207 people. A significant portion of the population is made up of Han Chinese (93.6%), mostly of Cantonese ancestry, but also includes other Chinese ethnic groups, including Chaozhou, Shanghainese and Hakka. It is also home to Indian, Pakistani and Nepalese families, many of whom have been living in Hong Kong for generations.

There are also many Filipinos and Thais in Hong Kong, most of whom earn their living here as household and service personnel. On Sundays, which are holidays for foreign domestic workers, they spend time in the center and in the Admiralty and Wanchai districts - gathering in large groups in parks and other crowded places. Every Sunday, several streets are closed in the central regions for the convenience of foreign workers.

Hong Kong is also home to a significant number of expats from Australia, Europe, Japan, Korea and North America, making it a truly international metropolis.

The people of Hong Kong are characterized by a slightly reserved but friendly behavior, especially towards children. To achieve their location, it is enough to learn just a few words in Cantonese. It is not recommended to start a conversation with the word " nihao” (你好, “hello” in Mandarin) as most of the locals only speak Cantonese. The English "hello" is fine as a greeting, but you can also say "lei-ho" (hello in Cantonese) to strike up a conversation with the locals. This will let them know that you respect their culture, which is markedly different from Chinese.

Hong Kong - is it an amazing, mysterious country, city or island? Some people believe that Hong Kong is the capital of China. Of course, this opinion is erroneous, since the capital of China is Beijing. In fact, Hong Kong is part of China. This is a large administrative region located on the Kowloon Peninsula and 260 other islands. One of the islands has the same name as the whole area - Hong Kong.

Hong Kong District

The official name of the territory is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. For a long time, the part of China, located in the southeast, belonged to the Chinese Empire. It was settled mainly by ethnic Chinese in the 14th century. Over time, this territory turned out to be at the crossroads of sea and land trade routes. Many Europeans have chosen to settle in this advantageous place. Between 1856 and 1860, during the Opium War, Britain took over part of the Kowloon Peninsula. And after a while, she leased the rest of the peninsula for 99 years: until July 1997.

And it became unclear: who owns the country of Hong Kong, whose capital is the city of the same name? In the early 50s, a mass of Chinese refugees poured onto the peninsula, along with money capital. This determined the status of the region. In 1984, China and Great Britain signed a declaration according to which the British side returned its territory to the PRC. China also pledged to maintain the social, economic and legislative systems in force at that time for exactly 50 years, starting from the end of the lease.

Hong Kong is the capital of which country?

As a result, an administrative unit with an area of ​​more than 1000 square meters was formed in the southeast of China. kilometers and with a population of more than 7 million people. This area is very unique. When defining state borders, the British checkpoint remained, and only through it can one enter the territory of Hong Kong and China. An entry visa is issued by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. The official languages ​​are Chinese and English. The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar. The symbol is a white dolphin. There are several religious concessions: Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.

Finance center

Today Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial and trading centers and a major exporter of Chinese goods. It owns 44% of imports. This is a free trade zone, convenient for opening any business. Hong Kong is a land of contrasts. Along with technological progress, ancient culture and centuries-old Chinese traditions coexist closely here. Here you can meet a fortune teller near the temple, and nearby is a large financial center where transactions with oil and gold are made. Business people do not have a question: "Hong Kong is the capital of which state?". Everyone knows that the countries with the same name!

The entire territory of the region is built up with tall buildings: in terms of the number of skyscrapers, Hong Kong occupies one of the first places in the world. Particular attention is drawn to the airport, located on the whole island. The presence of the latest equipment, radio equipment provides air passengers with comfortable conditions. Cleanliness and order, comfortable soft benches, silence and unobtrusive light - all this makes it possible to have a good rest before the flight. No less favorable conditions for movement.

Hong Kong infrastructure

Not only at the airport, but everywhere, roads and sidewalks have clear markings and signs. Strict observance of traffic rules, the absence of sound signals, the colorful design of the streets involuntarily suggest: "Hong Kong is the capital of which country?". It is very different from the rest of China. Huge buildings, shopping and business centers, restaurants, residential buildings - everything is comfortable and beautiful.

Suspended pedestrian crossings with a length of a kilometer, bridges, tunnels can significantly shorten the path and arrive at the appointed place in time. Including to work. A convenient means of transportation are escalators, which provide all the business districts of the city. There is also a "mid-levels": one of the longest open-air escalator systems in the world. Double-decker buses and trams are used as public transport. Surprisingly, they are all of the old type with wooden benches that were produced at the beginning of the twentieth century. At first glance, this seems strange, but does not spoil the overall impression. It even adds charm to the city. That's what it is - Hong Kong. What country's capital would refuse such a developed infrastructure?

For communication between the islands, there are metro and ferries, decorated in a high class. Telephones, computers, free Internet are available.

Area attractions

In Hong Kong, you can see a lot of interesting and unusual things. Among the skyscrapers, on the roof of the IFC shopping center, there is a park with beautiful lawns, fountains, benches and tables for visitors. One of the towers has an observation deck. It offers a magnificent panorama. The city has many museums and a large bronze Buddha statue.

You can relax and dine in one of the many restaurants and sushi bars, in a quiet and peaceful environment. The conditions for living in the country are very favorable, especially for professional specialists: their work is always in demand.

Now it becomes clear what Hong Kong is, the capital of which country, where it is located and what is interesting for tourists and travelers. In practice, this is a separate country, but in fact it is a region of China, Xianggang, which is very beautiful and original.

Victoria Peak, towering 552 meters above Hong Kong, is the highest point on the island. Every year, more than 6 million people rise to its observation deck (373 meters) to contemplate the panorama of the entire island, the New Territories and the mountains visible in the distance. Hong Kong looks most impressive at night, when its skyscrapers are flooded with thousands of lights. At the top, tourists can visit souvenir shops and cafes, as well as look at the copies of celebrities in the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. A high-speed tram delivers visitors to the mountain, overcoming 3.5 kilometers in 8 minutes along rails laid at an angle of 45 °.

Aberdeen is famous for its houseboats and restaurants.

Designed in typical Chinese style, Kowloon Island Park is a great place for a promenade among its sculptures, stones and pavilions. You can come here from 06.30 to 23.00, admission is free.

Symphony of Lights is the world's largest laser show, lighting up 20 skyscrapers in the city's business district every night. This feast of light begins at 20.00, lasts 13 minutes and consists of five parts - Awakening, Energy, Legacy, Friendship and Celebration. The best places to watch the show are Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, near Clock Tower, Avenue of the Stars and the right side of the Star Ferry Pier. You can admire the spectacular spectacle while on the water, renting a boat or boat will cost $ 15-20 per person.

The colorful Shengwan quarter gives an excellent idea of ​​traditional Chinese architecture. Many old buildings have been preserved on its streets.

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Temple, located on the Kowloon Peninsula, is dedicated to a monk who created a herbal medicine at the age of 15 that helps get rid of many diseases. Here, on Kowloon, is the Taoist monastery Tin Hau Temple, built in honor of the Goddess of the Sea. The sanctuary is built on the coast and creates the illusion of an underwater temple rising from the water.

On the hillside of Sha Tin is the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, and 400 steps lead to the top of the hill, guarded by statues of sages, none of which is like another.

The village of Aberdeen, located right on the water, is made up of boats that are home to fishing families. In the settlement, life is arranged in the same way as it was a century ago, despite the presence of a modern metropolis in the neighborhood.

There is another original village of Tai O on Lantau Island, often this settlement is called the "Venice of Hong Kong". The houses of local residents are built on stilts and can only be approached by junks (boats). Many tourists visit Tai O to feast on exotic seafood for a nominal fee at miniature cafes where fishermen prepare their fresh catch.

The swampy park, located next to the Mai Po Bird Sanctuary, introduces visitors to its inhabitants and offers its guests an excellent educational program.

Hong Kong occupies the entire length of the coast of the South China Sea. The city consists of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and more smaller islands. The coast of Hong Kong is cut by bays, bays and shallow rocky islands.

The subtropical monsoon climate of Hong Kong is clearly divided into four seasons. The weather does not indulge the city with a large amount of precipitation. However, due to the sea coast, air humidity remains moderate. From time to time there are heavy torrential rains and thick fogs. And from July to September, the typhoon season awaits residents. But, as a rule, typhoons are short-lived,
causing flight delays. Winter in the city is unusually warm, but rather dry.

Geographic areas of Hong Kong

Conventionally, the city is divided into four parts - Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, New Territory and the main part, consisting of small islands. Hong Kong has 18 districts: central, western, eastern, southern, northern, Kowloon City, Wanchai, Saikun and others. The oldest are the central and western regions. These territories attract with their sights, famous shopping centers, fascinating skyscrapers. The eastern region is popular with tourists, as it has a developed infrastructure. Wan Chai is one of the richest districts in the city.

Modern Hong Kong

Today, the city of Hong Kong is the world's largest power, which successfully conducts trade and financial policies. The land of the city is not rich in natural resources, but despite this, the city has managed to achieve a high level of prosperity. The island has a very profitable - the closest neighborhood and trade with other countries, an endless flow of tourists. Hong Kong never ceases to impress numerous guests with its majesty, developed infrastructure, and rich cultural life. Lama Island, lovers' rock, seaside resorts, wish tree, night markets, parks, temples, museums and much more captivate with their mystery and beauty. Hong Kong is an island of entertainment, as there are various entertainment centers, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and much more on its territory. In addition, the island has many business and financial institutions.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (HK) is one of the largest financial centers in Asia. The location of Hong Kong has greatly contributed to its economic growth, thanks to international trade. However, it was under occupation for a long time and was only recently returned to China, which raised questions about the status of this territory.

Story

The current Hong Kong lands were annexed to China in the third millennium BC. The area has not been inhabited for a long time. In the 7th century AD. fishermen on the banks began to build villages.

When the Portuguese began to come here in the 16th century, and in subsequent centuries the British, they set up trading villages and warehouses near Hong Kong. The first is in the Macau region, the second is in Guangzhou. There were convenient ports for trade with other states. China imported porcelain, silk, tea.

The United Kingdom at the time was distributing opium produced in the Indian colonies. At the end of the XVIII century, she began to deliver this drug to China. At the same time, the British bought silver from China. For 30 years, the annual import of opium and the purchase of the precious metal increased so much that the Chinese government ordered the warehouses to be liquidated and the British driven out. Further events developed as follows:

• 1840 - Britain sent troops to China.
• After the failure of the Chinese in (1840-1842), Hong Kong was first taken under occupation and then captured by Great Britain.
• 1846 - It became a British colony. The Nanjing Treaty was concluded with the Qing Empire, according to which this territory passes under the sovereignty of Great Britain.
• 1860 - after losing China in the Second Opium War, the British also captured the southern lands of the Kowloon Peninsula, on which Hong Kong stands. On the occupied land, the British began to actively trade in opium.
• 1898 - The British leased for 99 years the neighboring islands of Hong Kong, called the New Territories.
• After the Japanese attack and the British retreat in 1941, Hong Kong lands were occupied by the Land of the Rising Sun.

“In 1945, Japan was forced to accept the terms of surrender. Hong Kong was rejoined by the UK

When was Hong Kong returned to China?

In 1949, following the formation of the People's Republic of China, fearing communist oppression, a mass of immigrants flooded into Hong Kong. The population began to increase. Of all the colonies, this was the most prosperous. Even China, which became a communist power, lost here.

The development of industrial production led to the development of exports. The standard of living has risen. Only at the end of the 20th century did the territory pass to China:

• When the UN adopted a declaration on decolonization in 1960, it meant the return of all colonies and independence for the colonial population.
• In 1967, riots broke out on the Kowloon Peninsula, which led to an uprising against the colonialist, but it was suppressed.
• In 1984, China and the United Kingdom concluded a Joint Declaration on the release of land.

"July 1, 1997 marked the return of the entire Hong Kong region to the People's Republic of China"

Hong Kong is the capital of which country

Back in 1990, the Basic Law of Hong Kong was adopted. He was democratic. Hong Kong now has separate legislation and broad autonomy as an administrative region of China. He will keep them until 2047. And yet the city has belonged to China since 1997, is under its defense and is controlled by its foreign policy, although it has a special status.

Hong Kong is not anyone's capital. However, by all indications, it is similar to it, given the developed infrastructure and economy. Its official status is a Special Administrative Region of China.

"The capital of China is Beijing, not Hong Kong, as some people think."

How to translate the name of the city

The Chinese speak many dialects. Hieroglyphs are basically written the same way and their meaning is the same. They are pronounced differently. In the official language of the People's Republic of China - "Putonghua" - the name of Hong Kong sounds like "Xianggang". In Cantonese, "yue" is pronounced "hyeonkon".

Both words are translated as "fragrant harbor". This is due to the fact that various spices and aromatic substances were traded on the coast of Hong Kong. This was the name of one of the bays of Hong Kong Island. The words "gong" and "kong" are already the English version of "hyeonkon". So the phrase "Hong Kong" has spread around the world at the mercy of the British.

“In Russian, words are written together - “Hong Kong” (as in Chinese), and not “Hong Kong”. Someone writes separately, by analogy with the English "Hong Kong" - this is wrong.

Location

Washed from the south, north and west by the South China Sea, Hong Kong is located on the Kowloon Peninsula and 262 other islands from the southeast side of China. It includes: the Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island, New Territories. The largest of them are the islands of Hong Kong, Lantau and Lamma.

Government and politics

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong is elected for a 4-year term. Laws are passed by majority vote. The local legislation is different from the Chinese. The executive council governs the state.

Eighteen districts have their own local administrations. Civil servants are either elected by vote or approved by the Chief Minister.

The head of Hong Kong is the Chief Minister of Administration. Comes to power through elections by an electoral committee. For 2019, this is Kerry Lam, the first female leader in Hong Kong.

The mentioned committee includes more than a thousand people, including 70 representatives of the legislative council. Half of them are elected by citizens. The rest of the committee members are representatives of the commercial elite. Usually those candidates who are patronized by Beijing are chosen. The Democrats have little chance in the elections.

“Instead of the Constitution, here is the Basic Law. It secures an independent infrastructure for Hong Kong, excluding foreign policy and the protection of the Chinese army.

Population

The population of Hong Kong is approximately 7 million people. Most of the people live in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. A lot of people move to Shenzhen - it's freer there, and the prices are lower. The overpopulation of the region is not caused by a high birth rate, but by the influx of large numbers of migrants from mainland China.

Ethnic Chinese here are 95%, while the rest of the inhabitants are Vietnamese, Indonesians, Indians, Pakistanis and Filipinos.

Due to the density of the population, concentrated in a small area, the city is covered with buildings and roads that pass wherever possible and even hang over the ground. The number of skyscrapers here is about 8000, which is much more than in New York. These buildings house apartments, offices, schools, hospitals and many other institutions. The city is built according to the rules of feng shui.

The geographical location of Hong Kong has a very relief surface - with mountains and hills. For this reason, only a quarter of the territory is inhabited, which further exacerbates the density of streets. In the rest of the spaces there are parks, nature reserves, sandy beaches and other recreation areas.

Transport

Public transport in Hong Kong has taken a big step forward. This infrastructure is very well developed:

1. Buses and trams, incl. two-story. Trams have been running since 1904, with wooden benches and open windows.
2. Electric trains and metro.
3. Ferries transporting people between the islands.
4. Funiculars are cable-drawn railcars that lift citizens up a steep slope.
5. Escalators and travelators, some of which are entire moving roads. The Central Mid-Levels Escalator is the longest in the world, just in Hong Kong. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Its length is 800 m.

You can pay for street fare in cash or with a transport card. The cash desk is usually located near the driver. You should immediately deposit the required amount, because. surrender is not provided.

The fare is difficult to remember because it depends on a number of factors, such as the type of transport, which carrier it belongs to, the distance traveled, the nature of the route. The scheme and fare can be viewed at any stop or station.

“The best payment method is Octopus Card. The card provides discounts, besides, it can be used to pay in some shops and cafes»

culture

Hong Kong is a very well maintained and clean city. This causes delight among visiting foreigners. The male population here is one of the most smokers, but it is strictly forbidden to spit or throw garbage on the streets, they can be fined for this. Streets and roads are clearly marked. The rules are strictly observed.

Hong Kong people profess several religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism. The country belongs more to the Chinese civilization, but Western culture is also firmly rooted here. After colonization, Hong Kong retained some British characteristics.

English is the second official language here; about 30% of the inhabitants speak it. Often there are English-language inscriptions - the names of roads, signs, etc. There is also a wide variety of catering establishments with cuisine of various nations.

Various sights around amaze with their beauty and uniqueness. The ancient buildings of the colonial period contrast strikingly with the huge skyscrapers, and the technological breakthrough with the love of nature. The appearance of the city is different everywhere.

“A kind of visual collage of historical streets with Chinese and European architecture, industrial achievements with hints of futurism, and green oasis gardens is being created”

Attractions

• - the highest point of Hong Kong (552 m), from which you can see the whole island, as well as stroll through the shops, sit in a cafe, look into the wax museum (high-speed rail transport lifts tourists up the mountain at an angle of 40 °);

• Aberdeen district with floating restaurants (there is even a whole village on the water, consisting of fishing houses);

• the Shengwan quarter, featuring ancient Chinese architecture;

• The Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, to which 400 steps go up the slope;

• Avenue of Stars on Kaulun Island, where, among others, you can see the statue of Bruce Lee;

• Botanical and Zoological Gardens, which have preserved a 150-year-old appearance and are inhabited by exotic birds, monkeys, kangaroos;

• as well as numerous shopping centers and markets, beaches and just city streets.

Education

The education system in Hong Kong is inherited from the UK.

The oldest institution of higher education is the University of Hong Kong (1911 - the year of foundation). It occupies a leading position in Asia and ranks 21st in the world. Students from dozens of countries around the world study here. The activities of educational institutions are supervised by the Department of Education.

Education in all Hong Kong educational institutions takes place in English. Dozens of subjects are taught, aimed at comprehensive development. University students get real work experience in their specialties. Training, internships and subsequent transfer to different positions have great prospects. People with diplomas make very good money here.

The mode of selection of applicants is severe. With successful studies, a foreign student can obtain a one-year visa in order to find a job during this time. More than 97% of university graduates in Hong Kong are successfully employed.

“The cost of studying in Hong Kong universities is quite high - about 5-7 thousand US dollars per semester”

Capital

Hong Kong is a kind of small state within China. It can also be called a city. You can also say that this is a country the size of a city. It does not have an official capital and, in fact, all of it is. So there is no clear answer to the question “Hong Kong is a city or a country” - both options are correct.

It is sometimes said that the capital of Hong Kong is Victoria. In fact, this is only the area of ​​the period of colonization, where the British administration was located. At the moment, the administrative center of the city is an island, which is also called Hong Kong, and part of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Most of the administrative buildings are concentrated on this island of Hong Kong. There are two main banks here. This is at the same time a historical district, the center of shopping malls and entertainment venues. Therefore, it can be called the unofficial capital of Hong Kong.

The island and the mainland are separated by a strait - Victoria Bay. There are 3 tunnels under it. Ferries transport people across the water.

"The largest ferry terminal in the city in the China Hong Kong City complex"

Flag and coat of arms

The Hong Kongers approved their flag in February 1990. Officially, it was raised seven years later - in July 1997. At the same time, the coat of arms was adopted. Until now, they are the main symbols of the autonomous state:

1. Flag. Red cloth. In the center is a white Bauhinia flower, which has five petals curved to the right. On each of them is a small red five-pointed star. Thin red lines run from the stars to the base of the petals.
2. Coat of arms. Image of the same flower on a red background, but in a circle. There is a white border around the perimeter of the circle. It says "Hong Kong".

The red color and the stars symbolize belonging. White means that the city-state has its own political and economic system, different from the PRC. The flower is an image of harmony.

Currency

The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar, which is equal to 100 cents. Since 1983, it has been dependent on the US dollar. The course is approximately at the level of 7.7 - 7.8 US dollars. The most common abbreviation in the world is HKD (Hong Kong Dollar). The local designation is HK$. In use:

• coins in denominations of 10, 20, 50 cents;
• coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10$;
• bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500$.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority controls the issuance of money. Everywhere you can find exchange points - in hotels, commercial buildings, airports and even ATMs. Therefore, it is possible to make a transfer in any foreign currency. Hong Kong banks are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 to 16:00 or 17:00, Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00. Sunday is a day off. "Shops, cafes, hotels accept plastic credit cards Master Card, Visa Diners Club, American Express."

Conclusion

The small state of Hong Kong is included in the Top 10 world financial centers. Of all Asian countries, it has the highest standard of living. This is despite the fact that there are practically no natural resources here. All thanks to effective legislation, well-thought-out policies, a rapidly developing infrastructure and a favorable geographical location that facilitates extensive international trade. Here are low taxes, easy business, effective social programs, high quality education.