Hong Kong is the Special Administrative Region of China, and lies close to the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea. It’s renowned worldwide for its busy skyline and harbour, and is also known for being one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong serves as one of the biggest financial centres in the world but operates under a different economy to the rest of China.
When in Hong Kong make time to visit:
- Chi Lin Nunnery is a large Buddhist temple in Diamond Hill. The temple was built in the 1930’s and was created using ancient Chinese architecture. The temple also has a very striking and peaceful garden, which is located close to public transport links.
- Ngong Ping Village is home to the Tian Tan Buddha, which is the world’s largest outdoor Buddha statue. It sits overlooking the mountains and is easily accessible. For an ideal experience of the village, take a cable car to get great views.
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade has the best views over the entire city and has the famous Avenue of the Stars. The Promenade is the perfect place for a walk and in the evening a sound and light show is put on from 20:00.
Transport information
Hong Kong operates a vast system of public transport, including subways, trams, buses and ferries. There is an Airport Express train, which goes from the airport to downtown Hong Kong taking approximately 25 minutes. The MTR (Mass Transit Rail) subway system and is quick and efficient. A day pass costs $55 and covers the entirety of the system. The easiest way of getting around the city is probably by taxi as they’re relatively cheap, air conditioned and clean. The taxis are used by tourists and residents alike because they use a unique colour coded system and each colour indicates an area that they cover. Red taxis cover most of Hong Kong except for Tung Chung Road and the south side of Lantau Island. Green taxis operate New Territories. Blue taxis only operate on Lantau Island.
Airports
Hong Kong International Airport covers all international and national flights, and handles over 59 million passengers yearly. It has a tram to move passengers between its terminals and gates. Besides the international airport, there’s only a Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force airport and numerous heliports across the city.
Transfer Details
- Bus – Citybus, New Lantao Bus, Long Win Bus and Discovery Bay Transit Services have 25 routes to the airport from different locations across Hong Kong. Coach services also operate to major cities and towns.
- Ferry – Ferry routes also go directly to the airport from the Pearl River Delta. Check-in services are available at ferry piers.
- Rail – The airport is easily accessible by the Airport Express, which is a dedicated rail link that serves Hong Kong. From the MTR station in Hong Kong, multiple airlines operate in town check-in services.
- Taxi – Red taxis connect the airport with Hong Kong and other parts of New Territories along with green taxis. Blue taxis connect the airport to the rest of Lantau Island.
Schools
The most renowned school in Hong Kong is The University of Hong Kong. Established in 1912, it’s one of the highest ranking schools in the whole of Asia. Another renowned university in Hong Kong is the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which is located in Shatin it was established in 1963.
Currency
Hong Kong Dollar ($)
Weather
Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and some typhoons. Winters are mild and are occasionally cloudy. It’s worth checking weather reports before you travel or whilst you’re there.
Apartments in the area
SilverDoor operates a vast range of serviced apartments in Hong Kong. Amongst these apartments in our portfolio, we recommend Bauhinia Apartments. These apartments come as spacious one, two or three bedroom options and have a host of onsite amenities including a free fitness centre. Each apartment comes with an entertainment centre consisting of a TV and DVD player and free wired and wireless broadband.
