Hong Kong is a unique, cosmopolitan region which fuses together Eastern and Western cultures. With a rich history and colonial background, Hong Kong has grown to be one of the leading financial hubs in the world. Boasting a thriving economy, strong trade routes and low taxation rates, it is easy to see why Hong Kong is a key business hub and corporate travel destination. In addition to the business benefits it provides, Hong Kong offers a unique experience for visitors. Whether you are taking in the iconic views of the Hong Kong Skyline, travelling across the harbour on the historic Star Ferry, or picking up some designer shopping at one of the cities many malls, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is a lot about Hong Kong that visitors will appreciate but we have delved a little deeper to find 23 facts about Hong Kong that might surprise you.
Visiting Hong Kong
1. Hong Kong is officially known as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (HKSAR). Although it acts like a country with its own economic and political system, it is officially part of China.
2. Hong Kong is made up of the Kowloon Peninsula and an archipelago of over 260 islands, including Hong Kong Island. Many of the smaller islands are uninhabited.
3. The name Hong Kong translates to ‘fragrant harbour’ in Cantonese and Kowloon translates to ‘nine dragons’.
4. Hong Kong has a close relationship with the UK and was part of the British Empire from 1842 to 1997. English remains one of the official languages spoken in Hong Kong as well as Chinese.
5. Many people can visit Hong Kong visa free. UK nationals can visit Hong Kong for up to 180 days without needing a visa.
6. Manners are in important in Hong Kong - loud conversations in public areas can often be considered rude and inconsiderate.
7. Eating and drinking can be seen as a sign of disrespect in some public areas. This includes public transport and some heritage sights. It is worth checking for signs and notices in case.
8. Hong Kong has a great range of eateries ranging from street food to fine dining restaurants. Sweet & sour pork, Dim Sum and fish balls are all popular foods in Hong Kong.
9. Many people in Hong Kong are superstitious. You can often find buildings missing floors with the number 4 in them as the number four sounds very similar to the word ‘death’ in Cantonese.
Hong Kong Sights
10. Hong Kong has a distinctive skyline and boasts more skyscrapers (a building over 150m tall) than any other city in the world.
11. Every evening at 8pm the skyline of Victoria Harbour comes ablaze with a free spectacular light and sound show known as ‘a Symphony of Light’. The show has been running since 2004 and one of the best views of the show can be seen from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.
12. The iconic Star Ferry links Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and has been transporting people for over 120 years. It still remains one of the best ways to take in the Hong Kong skyline from the water.
13. As well as being a bustling metropolis, Hong Kong has a lot of green space, mountains and a stunning coastline with many great beaches.
14. Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and provides stunning panoramic views of Hong Kong.
15. The Peak Tram which runs up Victoria Peak has been running for over a century and was the first funicular railway in Asia.
16. Hong Kong has the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world. The Central - Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System runs for over 800 metres connecting the Central and Mid-Levels districts on Hong Kong Island.
17. The fifth Disneyland was built in Hong Kong. It opened in 2005 on Lantau Island and receives over 5 million visitors per year.
Business in Hong Kong
18. Hong Kong has one of the busiest commercial sea ports in the world and handles over 300 container liner services each week.
19. Hong Kong is a key financial hub and home to many of the world’s leading banking institutions.
20. Trade is a big part of business in Hong Kong, and it has the world’s eighth largest trading economy.
21. Hong Kong is one of the richest cities in the world and has the second highest number of billionaires in the world (New York has the most.)
22. Hong Kong has the most expensive residential property real estate the world, with an average property price of 1.25 million US dollars.
23. Hong Kong has the ‘freest’ market economy in the world. With its open markets, rules of law and corruption free government, it is said to be one of the best cities to run a business.
SilverDoor has a vast range of serviced apartments in Hong Kong perfect for your next business trip. Give us a call or make an enquiry and we’ll find you the ideal accommodation for your trip to Asia’s World City.
