Hong Kong is a city of contrasts, the blending of the exotic east with fantastic modernity. The city was founded as a place to trade and has been called the Wall Street of Asia - a tribute to its feel good atmosphere for money-making. Shopping is one of the main attractions and millions flock to the duty free port.

Recently regained by the Chinese state, Hong Kong's culture is exuberantly Chinese, with street vendors, customary medicine, lively restaurants and colorful festivals. Yet strong international influences, including a few survivals from a long period of British colonial rule, make their own contribution to the city's glamour.

Arts and Events

Hong Kong is a bustling blend of traditional Chinese culture and cosmopolitan style.

Man Mo is one of the most important temples and it is one of the oldest and most atmospheric places of worship in Hong Kong. Huge coils of incense are hung from the ceiling by the devout and it is dedicated to Gods of literature and war.

Chinese New Year is celebrated with fireworks, parades and horse races. Hong Kong Arts Festival is held around March and has opera, ballet and musical events. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month the wonderful Dragon Boat Festival commences in spectacular colors.

Soaring above the city, the Victoria Peak hill allows a dramatic 360-degree view of Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

Hong Kong City Facts

Hong Kong Population - 6,097,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)

China Population - 1,276,301,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)

Currency - Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

Time Zone - 8 hours from GMT, 13 hours from Eastern Standard Time and 16 hours from Pacific Standard Time.

Country Code: 852
Outgoing Code: 00

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
All services - 999

LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION

Hong Kong Tourism Board
9/11 Floor Citicorp Centre
18 Whitfield Road; North Point Hong Kong
Tel. +852 2807 6543
Fax. +852 2806 0303
www.discoverhongkong.com

Visa requirements for all nationals are issued subject to duration of stay. Visitors are advised to check for current information.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
An airport departure tax of HK$50 is levied on travellers aged 12 years and above, which is usually included in the price of the air ticket. Passengers who arrive and depart Hong Kong within the same day are exempt from paying departure tax.

FOOD AND DRINK
Water is considered drinkable. Water from the government mains satisfies UN World Health Organisation standards. Bottled water is widely available. Normal precautions should be observed with food.

CURRENCY

Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) = 100 cents.

All credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Some handling changes may be levied.

ATM widely available: Over 1;000 locations.

MONEY WIRING SERVICES
MoneyGram: 001 800 66639472
Western Union: 2528 5631


CREDIT CARD EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Amex: +44 1273 696933
Diners Club: (852) 2529 9223
Visa: 800 96 42 18

TRAVELLERS CHEQUES EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Thomas Cook: 800 2505

BANKING HOURS
0900 - 1630 Mon. - Fri and 0900 - 1330 Sat.

WEATHER
Winter: influenced by the North - Northeast monsoon. Summer: is influenced by the Southwest monsoon. Summers are very hot with the rainy season June - Aug. Spring and autumn are warm with occasional rain and cooler evenings. Winters can be cold.


RELIGIONS
Buddhist; Confucian; Taoist with Christian and Muslim minorities; but there are also places of worship for most other religious groups.

ELECTRICITY
220 volts AC; 50.

Language - Cantonese with English widely spoken.

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