Lying just south of the tropic of Cancer at the
south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong
(Canton). Steeped in history and with a fascinating culture, Hong Kong and the
surrounding area make for a very interesting visit. Whether you are here on
business or pleasure there is sure to be something to suit your taste and pique
your interest.
With a total landmass of 1,078 sq. km, Hong Kong Island and
its neighbouring areas of Kowloon, the New Territories and 235 outlying islands
seclude ‘eastern secrets’ yet to be discovered. One of the largest business
areas in the world, it is a bustling, busy centre and yet manages to retain a
certain charm found nowhere else in the world.
At the heart of the metropolis is the capital on Hong Kong
Island, nestling in the shadows of mountainous terrain and built on streets that
climb the almost vertical slopes half way up Victoria Peak. Rising to a height
of 556m, the top of the peak has many of the territory's few detached houses and
mansions. Hong Kong Harbour stretches out below, a hive of activity and where
most hotels and other forms of accommodation lie and where ‘business’ is
carried out on a round the clock basis.
The major commercial centre is the city of Kowloon,
directly across the harbour and industrial property tends to be concentrated in
the New Territories to the north. Except for the huge island of Lantau, most of
the remaining islands are small and sparsely populated. A few have bedroom
communities whose inhabitants take ferries to work on Hong Kong or Kowloon and a
large floating population of boat dwellers docks in the territory's typhoon
shelters.
Hong Kong has much to offer and caters to nearly every
interest. It's mixture of East and West, has created a unique culture. Besides
fantastic Harbour views, first class hotels, tall skyscrapers, bustling streets
which offer some of the best shopping opportunities in the world and over 20000
restaurants, nearly 75% of Hong Kong's land is countryside and an incredible 40%
of the territory is conserved country parkland.
This is a photographers ‘heaven’, a writer’s
inspiration and an artist’s palette. The colour and activity cannot help
infiltrating the excitement one feels on first arriving in Hong Kong. With the
smiling faces of its friendly inhabitants greeting you on arrival, Hong Kong is
sure to melt your heart.