In essence a harbour city, in reality so much more. It’s a city where east meets west and hiding among its spectacular iconic skyline lies old temples, luxury designer shops, monasteries, martial arts dens and modern hotels, all of which can be easily accessed by outdoor escalators and clever walkways. Across the bay there’s old junk boats sailing amongst modern cruisers and of course the iconic star ferries.

Hong Kong is situated at the edge of the Pearl River Estuary in the South China Sea and primarily consists of three main territories: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon peninsula and The new territories — it also has 260 islands. Hong Kong was a British colony for more than 150 years up until 1997 when it was handed back to the Chinese authorities. It is a major financial hub due to it having the highest concentration of international banks anywhere in the world, with 71 of the top 100 banks having operations here. The population is around 7.3 million and Hong Kong is diverse in its religious beliefs and practices with the majority following Chinese traditional religion which is made up of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate that’s cooled in winter by sea breezes.

Summer

Summer runs from June to mid-September, during this period the weather is largely hot and humid and usually stays hot into the evening. There are frequent thunderstorms and the possibility of typhoons during this period.

Autumn

Autumn, which runs from late September to early December, is probably the most comfortable time to visit with less humidity, dry conditions, sunny days and average daytime temperatures around 21–24°C (70–75°F).

Winter

Winter, from mid-December to February, is still quite mild with average temperatures around 16–20°C (60–68°F) dropping down to around 10°C (50°F) at night, although it can drop even lower when a cold front comes in.

Spring

Spring runs from March to May and tends to be warm and humid, often accompanied by fog, drizzle or rain. May is the start of the typhoon season, although they usually happen later in the summer. Average daytime temperatures are 18–25°C (64–77°C).

Hong Kong has an excellent transport system, we think one of the best of any city we’ve visited!

Taxis

Taxis are coloured for each region with red operating through most of Hong Kong, Green service the New Territories only and blue operating on Lantau Island. Taxis can be hailed along the street, except in restricted areas, or you can book one via the phone. All the taxis are metered, affordable and air conditioned.

Trams

The iconic trams have been running since 1904 and operate on Hong Kong Island where the tram line runs from Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town. The tram will cost you $2.30 HKD for each trip regardless of the distance.

Ferry

The famed star ferries have been operating between Kowloon and Hong Kong since 1888 and offer views of both sides of the harbour. It will cost you $2.70–$3.70 HKD per trip. Other ferries also operate between different points on Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and ferries are also available to take you to some of the outlying islands.

MTR

The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system is extensive with 11 different rail lines and covers a large area. You can purchase an adult day pass for $65 HKD which will give you unlimited daily travel.

Bus

Hong Kong also has a large bus network, with most of them being air-conditioned. A fare from the airport to the city centre will cost around $10–$48 HKD and a local journey will cost around $6–$10 HKD.

The currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), note denominations come in $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1000 bills.

ATM’s are widespread and there are money exchange booths and banks around the city. The popular tourist areas and commercial districts offer the most competitive rates for money exchange.

Average costs (in Hong Kong Dollars)

• Mid-range hotel (3 to 4 star) $520–$1200
• Budget accommodation from $200
• Three course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant $250–$350
• Cheap lunch at a street stall $35–$70
• Beer in a pub $30–$60
• Cup of coffee $15 at a Seven Eleven or up to $38 at a high end coffee shop
• Bottle of water $10
• 3 km taxi ride $28–$48

Chi Lin Nunnery & Nan Lian Garden

Chi Lin Nunnery is a large temple complex with beautiful wooden architecture, Buddist relics and lotus ponds. Nan Lian Garden is a scenic public park that is perfectly landscaped and everything you see, from the stones to the trees, has been placed according to specific methods and rules. The nunnery and the garden have both been built and designed in the style of the Tang dynasty (AD 618–907) and they are an oasis of relaxation and tranquillity. The nunnery is open 9:00 am–4:30 pm and the garden is open 6:30 am–7:00 pm and admission is free.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

A colourful, ornate Taoist temple that is dedicated to the Great Immortal Wong, Wong Tai Sin. It dates back to 1921 when a portrait of Wong Tai Sin was moved to a to a temple on the site of the current temple. The present main worship hall with bright pillars and intricate detail was built in 1973. It is one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong and it is believed that at the temple ‘all wishes are granted upon request’. The whole complex is also made up of beautiful gardens, pavilions, fountains and shrines. Sik Sik Yuen are the Taoist organisation who currently administer the temple so you may also see them listed in the full name — Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. It is open from 7:00 am–5:00 pm and there is no entrance fee to the temple, but a small donation of $2 HKD is required to enter the Good Wish Garden.

Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront

The Hong Kong skyline is one of the best in the world and one of the best places to view it is this waterfront in Kowloon. The Symphony of Lights Show is an impressive show involving lights and lasers projected from more than forty skyscrapers. The show can be witnessed from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and surrounding area at 8:00 pm daily, it lasts for around 13 minutes. The Avenue of Stars is usually located here, but it is currently closed for rejuvenation which is expected to be completed at the end of 2018. In the meantime a selection of the exhibits, such as the Bruce Lee sculpture and hand print plaques, are displayed at the nearby Garden of the Stars in the meantime.

Man Mo Temple

This ancient temple was built in 1847, making it one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong and although it has been renovated often, the original appearance remains. It is dedicated to the God of Literature (man) and the God of War (mo) who were worshipped by students in ancient China. There is no entrance fee and it is open from 8:00 am–6:00 pm.

Peak Tram & The Peak

The Peak Tram funicular railway began operation in 1888 and is still the best way to reach Victoria Peak. The Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and the breathtaking view over the towering skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour make this a popular and must see attraction. Prices for the tram start at $45 HKD for a return trip. It operates from 7:00 am–midnight every day and departs every 10–15 minutes.

NP360

Take the 3.5 mile (5.7 km) Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Lantau Island to see the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Ngong Ping village. Open 10:00 am–6:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 am–6:30 pm on weekends and public holidays. Prices start at $210 HKD for a return cable car trip in a standard cabin.

Kowloon

Kowloon, whose name stems from the term nine dragons, is situated on the mainland across from Victoria Harbour and is one of the most densely populated places on the planet having a population of around 2.1 million. There are some fantastic views of Hong Kong island’s skyline and Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Kowloon and the pier there is where you can catch the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island. Kowloon offers an insight into the daily lives of people living around Hong Kong, its streets are full of small markets, shops, eateries and at night time they come alive from the glow of the overhead neon lights. There are also many parks around the area where you can catch a glimpse of tai chi and martial arts practices. Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, Kowloon Park, Nathan Road — a major shopping street with museums, malls and eateries and Wong Tai Sin Temple are all in Kowloon.

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island (previously called Chong Wan) is largely cosmopolitan with many high end shopping malls, boutiques, restaurants and a trendy night scene. Victoria Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong Island serviced by the Peak Tram since 1888, it offers panoramic views over the city and harbour. The Symphony of Lights can also be seen from the peak as an alternative viewpoint. The Man Mo Temple, IFC Mall, Edward Youde Aviary — a 32,000 sq ft walk-through aviary with over 600 birds of 70 different species and Hong Kong’s iconic Trams are all on Hong Kong Island. Lan Kwai Fong streets are where you will find the vibrant nightlife

Lantau Island

Lantau Island is Hong Kong’s largest Island (almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island) with a mountainous interior offering unique and beautiful views of the surrounding area. It has a population of just 60,000 compared to Hong Kong Island’s 1.4 million and is home to attractions such as Disneyland, Tian Tan Buddha — the world’s largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping 360 village and cable car and Tai O fishing village — a real ancient Chinese Hong Kong village featuring houses built on wooden stilts. You will also find beaches, walking trails and peaks to explore.

• In Hong Kong the number 4 is considered unlucky as it sounds like the word death in Chinese, whereas 8 sounds like wealth so is considered lucky.
• The mid-level escalators are half a mile long which makes it the longest covered escalator in the world.
• Hong Kong’s airport is the same size as 1,200 football (soccer) fields.
• The tallest building in Hong Kong is almost half a kilometre high. The Ritz-Carlton fills the top floors and is home to one of the highest swimming pools in the world.
• Hong Kong has the fastest internet speeds in the world and was one of the first countries to offer gigabit internet.
• You can get married at McDonald’s in Hong Kong.
• Less than 25% of Hong Kong island is urbanised.