|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
| This is a very basic guidebook. |
| The information in it was compiled from various reliable sources to serve as a quick reference for your journey. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| What's inside? |
|
Hong Kong is both cosmopolitan and cultural, and it is a city where the old and the new exist side by side. To explore all of this great city's exciting possibilities, you'll need a handy reference to all the best spots for shopping, dining and sightseeing. Let our guidebook be your trusty guide, because we'd love to show you around! We'll even share our best travel tips with you and let you in on what to expect of the local people, culture and attractions - all in one compact and convenient guidebook. Don't hesitate, get yours today!
|
|
|
|
| Help Save the Black-faced Spoonbill! |
|
|
|
| Fund collecting in progress... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) is a large, long-legged wading bird that can be found in the coastal areas of eastern Asia, such as the Mai Po Marshes in the northwestern corner of Hong Kong, where a quarter of the world's population of Black-faced Spoonbills can be found during migration. The Black-faced Spoonbill is an endangered species of spoonbills, and has the most restricted distribution of all. Although it is a protected species in Hong Kong, it is threatened mainly by habitat loss and pollution due the continued expansion of human populations and development of industries, as well as disturbances by fishermen and shell gatherers that often prevent the birds from feeding at low tide. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| What's an a4trip guidebook? |
| An a4trip guidebook is a travel guide that'll provide you with the information you'll need to plan your trip and to find your way around. Our guidebooks are downloadable in PDF format, and are designed to be so compact, you can take it with you everywhere you go. |
|
| How can I pay for a guidebook? |
| We accept credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express (USA only) and Discover (USA only) via PayPal. Your transaction will appear as 'PAYPAL*A4TRIP' on your credit card statement. |
|
| Help! Why can't I download the guidebook? |
| Don't worry, just get in touch with us and we'll deliver the guidebook right to your inbox. |
|
| Just how often do you update your guidebooks? |
| We try to update our guidebooks at least once a month. |
|
| Have more questions about a4trip? |
| Just Contact Us, we'd love to hear from you. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| High-energy Hong Kong |
|
| by Adline A. Ghani, escritora freelance e mãe que trabalha fora |
|
|
|
Hong Kong is a largely self-governing territory of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Beginning as a trading port, it became a British crown colony in 1842, until sovereignty was transferred to the PRC in 1997. As a result, Hong Kong has enjoyed a high degree of autonomy, developing a capitalist economy, its own currency, and separate legal and political systems. Along with Macau, Hong Kong is one of the two special administrative regions under the "one country, two systems" policy, and it is generally not considered as part of mainland China.
As a highly cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong is particularly renowned for its expansive skyline, which is why "The Peak" is touted as the city's most popular attraction. At 552 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, its harbour and the mountains beyond. You can get right to the top via the Peak Tram, and once there, you can enjoy spectacular views from the Sky Terrace, and dine or shop inside The Peak Tower. Stunning views can also be enjoyed from the Victoria Harbour, where you can take the iconic Star Ferry and enjoy the nightly Symphony of Lights show.
While there are many skyscrapers in Hong Kong, there are also numerous temples spread throughout the territory, serving Buddhists and Taoists. The most popular religious sites include the Sha Tin Che Kung Temple, the Hung Shing Temple and the Che Kung Temple. Another famous religious attraction is the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha at Lantau Island.
The biggest attraction on the island, however, has got to be Hong Kong Disneyland. With 150 years of colonial history, east definitely meets west in Hong Kong, so don't be too surprised to hear Mickey Mouse speaking Cantonese and Mandarin, because a lot of effort has been made to incorporate Chinese culture, customs and traditions into the design of the theme park cum resort.
Nature lovers may be surprised to learn that about three-quarters of Hong Kong is countryside. Popular hiking trails include Bowen Road, the Lantau Trail and the MacLehose Trail, and if bird watching is more your thing, head on over to the Wetland Park or Mai Po Wetlands. There are also city gardens and parks, such as the Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Garden and Victoria Park, as well as country parks like the Aberdeen Country Park, Pok Fu Lam Country Park and Tai Tam Country Park.
To get a glimpse of Hong Kong's diverse marine life, catch a glass-bottomed boat at the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, located to the north of the Sai Kung West Country Park. Since Hong Kong has an abundance of coastline, there are a lot of beaches to choose from. However, since pollution can be a concern, you might want to head to the islands for better beaches. The most popular beaches include Cheung Chau, Tung Wan, Lantau island, Lamma Island and Peng Chau Po Toi Islands.
When shopping's concerned, Hong Kong is well-known for sheer variety. There are glitzy malls and trendy boutiques, as well as traditional markets that offer everything from designer fashions and the latest gadgets, to priceless antiques and affordable collectibles. If you're in the haggling mood, do check out the Ladies' Market at Tung Choi Street, which is the place for bags, accessories and clothing; the Temple Street Night Market, the place for bargains; Stanley Market, which sells artwork, collectibles and curios, and Jardine's Crescent, a market for domestic goods.
There are many ways to explore Hong Kong because it has a highly developed transportation network. The city is served by a rapid transit system (MTR) that has 150 stations and a tramway system that has served the city since 1904, as well as a host of bus services, taxis and trains. To pay for fares on almost all railways, buses and ferries, you can use the "Octopus card", a stored value smart card payment system. Hong Kong's main gateway is the Hong Kong International Airport, which has been called one of the best and most modern airports in the world. From the airport, arriving passengers also have direct access to train, bus, taxi and hotel transport, as well as high-speed ferries to Mainland China.
Hong Kong has a separate and independent immigration system from that of mainland China. This means that unlike the mainland, most Western and Asian visitors will not need Visas in advance. This also means that a separate visa is still required to enter mainland China from Hong Kong. The cost of a Hong Kong visa depends largely on your nationality; for detailed visa requirements, do get in touch with the nearest Chinese Consulate or Embassy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
