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Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic cities on earth, a living fusion of East and West. Visitors will be swept up in its energy, dazzled by its multifaceted, multinational character and awed by the pace of life. Prosperous, vigorous and upbeat, Hong Kong has entered a new era, capitalizing on its position at the heart of Asia and the gateway to China.

The unique fascination of Hong Kong is the seamless blending of the colonial influence woven into 5,000 years of Chinese heritage and culture. You will also find towering skyscrapers set against lush green hills; a vibrant nightlife balanced by quiet nature trails; and bustling city streets just 30 minutes from scenic outlying islands.

Come celebrate the festivals - Chinese New Year with Fireworks and International Parades, Mid-Autumn Festival where the parks and streets are adorned with lanterns and the Fire Dragon parade.

Treat your palate to local, provincial and international cuisine at one of the 10,000 restaurants. Shop in the splendor of a glitzy shopping mall or bargain at the street markets. Attain serenity and calmness in the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island, relax on a sandy beach on one of the charming outlying islands or simply walk among the rolling hills of the New Territories. Mingle with the local experts at the Cultural Kaleidoscope Meet the People program to experience Tai Chi, Feng Shui, Tea Ceremony or take an architectural walk with a famed architect.

10 Things to do

Hong Kong Food & Wine Year 2009 - to savor the finest food & wine in Hong Kong, take reference from the Michelin Guide & Hong Kong Delicacies directory; Dining with the Stars and treat yourself to the Food & Wine Street Festival in October.

Symphony of Lights - It’s in the Guinness World Records as the World's largest light and music show. At the Victoria Harbor at 8:00pm nightly.

Peak Tram - Century old tradition to get to the Victoria Peak.

Star Ferry - The world's most economical cruising experience.

Giant Buddha at the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island - World's largest outdoor sitting buddha.

Hong Kong Story - Exhibition at the Hong Kong History Museum.

Stanley Market - Practice your bargaining.

Lan Kwai Fong - Enjoy a nightcap in this lively setting.

Cultural Kaleidoscope - Meet the people - Mingle with local experts to experience Tai Chi, Feng Shui & more...

Shop at Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Stores - Satisfaction guaranteed

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to travel is between November & February (winter.) Hong Kong has subtropical weather - cool & less humid winters and hot & humid summers:

Spring: March - Mid-May: 68-86'F (15-30'C), Humidity 82%, Occasional showers.

Summer: Late May - Mid-Sept: 77-90'F (25-32'C), Humidity 83%, Hot and Sunny.
This is also typhoon (hurricane) season.

Fall: Late Sept - Early December: 59-86'F (15-30'C), Humidity 75%, Sunny & Clear - ideal for walking or hiking.

Winter: Early December - February: 57-66'F (14-19'C), Humidity 76%, Sunny & Cool.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger (February 14, 2010): Week long celebrations with International Parade; fireworks in the Harbor; flower markets; International Cup Horse Races

Hong Kong Arts Festival (February / March 2010): International renowned performers on stage

Cheung Chau Bun Festival & Buddha Festival (May 2010): A colorful time of procession, lion dance and religious rites

Hong Kong Summer Spectacular:
(June 29 – August 31, 2009)

Hong Kong WinterFest:
(November - December 2009)

Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept/Oct 2009): A 67-meter long "fire" dragon parade in Tai Hang with candles and lanterns dotting all the parks and promenade on this day when the moon is at its fullest

Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games (Dec 12-20, 2009)

Christmas & New Year - Be greeted by giant greeting cards made of neon lights on the buildings along the harbor and exciting new year countdowns at different locales

SIGNATURE FOODS

Dim Sum - Hot appetizers: dumplings,
spring rolls & BBQ buns

Congees - Rice porridge

Yuen Yeung - A delicious 50/50 mixture of tea and coffee

Milk Tea - Smooth English Breakfast
infused with condensed milk sieved
through silk stockings

Daan Tat - Tasty baked egg custard tart

Seafood - Catch of the day

English Afternoon Tea - Colonial nostalgia

Chinese Banquet - 10-course traditional Chinese Feast available in Hong Kong’s many Cantonese-style restaurants

Click Here to Visit Hong Kong's Culinary Page

TOP BUYS

Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme
The QTS display signifies that the merchant has passed a stringent annual assessment showing it:

	Provides clearly displayed prices
	Displays clear information
	Ensures superb customer service

There are several “must buys” in Hong Kong, including:

		Tailor made suits/dresses - Fine tailors can be found in most hotels
		Chinese Arts & Antiques - Hollywood Road in Central Districts or the Chinese Arts & Crafts Department Stores
		Jewelry & Precious Stones - Jewelry shops in Tsim Sha Tsui, Nathan Road and the Central Districts
		Chinese clothes - Tailor-made or visit the Chinese Arts & Crafts Department Stores
		Electronics & Computers - Cutting edge models, stores mostly located in Nathan Road and Mong Kok...check adaptability and voltage!

KEY WORDS

	How are you? - Neih hou ma?
	Very well - Hou hou
	Thank you - Dor jeh
	Good morning - Jou sun
	Goodbye - Joi gin
	Today - Gam yaht
	Yesterday - Jok yaht
	Tomorrow - Ting yaht
	Americans - Mei kuok yun
	How much? - Gai dor chin?
	Numbers:
	1 – yat ; 2 – yih; 3 – saam; 4 – sei; 5 – ngh; 6 – luhk; 7 – chat; 8 – baat; 9 – gau; 10 – sahp; 100 – yat baak; 1000 – yat chin

FAQ

	A visa is not required for visitors holding U.S. Passports for stays up to 90 days.
	Currency: The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at US$1=HK$7.8. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, shops and restaurants. 24-hour ATMs can be found almost everywhere.
	No vaccinations are required for travel to Hong Kong.
	Two Official Languages: English & Chinese. All major signage is in English or bilingual text.
	Electricity: The current is 220 volts. Most hotels provide adapter plugs for travel appliances.
	Weather: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, along the same latitude as Mexico City, The Bahamas and Hawaii. Typhoons occasionally go -through Hong Kong between May and November.
	Transportation: Hong Kong maintains a sophisticated, convenient mass transit system of subways, trains, buses and ferries. Taxis are also readily available.
	Time: Hong Kong is 12 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
	Population: 7 million people live in Hong Kong with 95% being of Chinese decent.
	Tipping: Most restaurants add a 10% service charge, marked on the bill. An additional 5% can be left as tip. When a service charge is not included, tipping 10% is acceptable.
	Safety: Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world though visitors should still take precautions with valuables and be wary of pick pocketers.

For more information on Hong Kong click here

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	Big Mac	$1.75
	Dinner for two	$30.00
	Cab ride from airport to town	$45.00
	Local subway/train ride	$1.30
	Souvenir tee shirt	$6.00
	30-minute massage at a local spa	$35.00
	A bus tour around the city	$45.00
	Souvenir gift	$10.00

Hong Kong Weather Forecast, China

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