travel tips | hong kong (eng.)

HONG KONG

TRAVEL TIPS

VISÃO GERAL ATRAÇÕESTRANSPORTE COMPRAS ONDE FICAR ONDE COMEROVERVIEW ATTRACTIONSTRANSPORTATION SHOPPINGWHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT

OVERVIEW

Hong Kong (which means “Perfumed Port” in Cantonese, one of the languages spoken in the region) is today one of the Special Administration Regions of the People’s Republic of China, and has its own autonomous government. Close to the southern Chinese coast, between the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, the city-state comprises the islands of Hong Kong, Lantau, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, as well as close to 260 other islands. Together, these areas are one of the most densely populated zones in the world and one of the most important international financial centres.

Hong Kong is an industrialised and economically developed region, with modern architecture and one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world However, its natural beauty is also notable: The mountainous terrain and the small islands form beautiful beaches, bays and rivers. Especially noteworthy are the environmental reserves, such as the Hong Kong Wetland Park and the Mai Po Nature Reserve.

Hong Kong’s local culture is also a factor worth highlighting. As a nexus of the West and the East, there has been a notable mixture of British Culture from its years as a colony, with Chinese

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPSHONG KONG

customs: aside from the name, languages and festivals, the rules of feng shui and the Ba Gua mirrors (for protection) are very present in construction, design and architecture projects. Another unusual aspect is the aversion to the number four, which is similar to the word “die” in Chinese. Many buildings addresses and telephone numbers do not contain this number.

The attractions of the city are also universally appealing: Between gigantic buildings, such as the Peak, and traditional monuments, such as the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin temple, Hong Kong has many art galleries, such as the Hong Kong University Art Museum and Madame Toussauds wax museum.There are also many dance and traditional music shows, as well as large festivals – such as Autumn Thematic Arts Festival and the Chinese New Year.

For consumers, Hong Kong offers an infinity of shopping centres and street markets, such as the SoHoarea and the popular Temple Street Night Market, for example.

The cuisine also merits attention. In regard to street food and haute cuisine, the city offers an immense variety of flavours and textures inherited from Asian and Western gastronomical traditions, in both their traditional and modern forms, pleasing to all palates. To go to Hong Kong and miss out on the sauces, meat and seafood is the like never having visited the place.

The climate in the Archipelago is humid and tropical, with hot and humid days in the

summer (between June and September, with temperatures between 26 °C and 35 °C), the season with the most rain and typhoons.

Visitors in the spring, from March to June, can enjoy agreeable, sunny days (with temperatures of between 20 °C and 28°C). The Autumn is drier, with temperatures of between 13°C and 27°C).

In the winter, between January and March, the temperatures are usually lower than 18°C, although they may dip to 0°C on occasion. During this season, especially in February, the sky is generally very cloudy, with less sunny days than in the rest of the year.

Although Hong Kong offers major events and festivals all year round, according to locals the best time to visit is the autumn, especially for those who wish to spend a lot of time outside.

Between April and September, the climate typically features hot weather, as well as possible rain and typhoons (monsoons). In the winter, from December to February, there is a great deal of fog and the temperatures are lower.

If your intention is to visit and participate in the festivities, the trip should be planned accordingly. To take part in the Chinese New Year, for example, it is necessary to reserve lodging for the period between January and February. The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, always a fun event, is one of the biggest festivals in the world, and occurs in June. The ancient Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Festival occurs in September.


Allow yourself to be seduced by the beauty and modernity of Hong Kong. It is a city rich in art, culture, natural beauty and delicious food.

TRANSPORT

Hong Kong has an extensive transport network, which is very attractive and favourable for tourism. To facilitate ticket payment for train, metro, bus, boat and even

some taxis, there is a rechargeable card that can be bought at the metro ticket counters (the Octopus Card). With this card, the rates are discounted based on the distance between the embarking and disembarking stations, and in general, are cheaper than the conventional tickets bought in the machines.

METROCovers practically the entire island, with nine train lines integrated with other transport methods and stations, for example, there is a railway line that goes to the border of continental China

(the Kowloon Canton Railway), another which brings you to the airport (Aiport Express Train), as well as the lines that bring passengers to the Disneyland resorts.

BUSThere are five companies with lines for all destinations at affordable prices and a modern and comfortable structure, with preferred seats, lower floors, and no-slip flooring, for example. However, it is recommended to avoid travel in the city during rush hour.

MINIVANSServe as an alternative transportation mode in areas which buses do not serve in an efficient manner.

CARSThere are many companies in the city that rent cars. However, to drive it is necessary to have the permission of the Chinese government. Parking spots are expensive and hard to find. Therefore, it is not recommended that tourists hire a car to get around.

FERRIESThere are five companies that connect the islands via watercraft at accessible prices, and offer a great deal of comfort and beautiful views. There is assistance available for people with special needs.

PEAK TRAMSince 1888 this cable car has transported passengers fromCentral district to Victoria Peak, the highest mountain of the Island.

TAXISThey are abundant and do not charge much for short distances in the city centre. There are three colours, depending on the service area: red (urban), green (rural and new territories) and blue (Lantau island). The majority only accept payment in cash, although some accept the Octopus Card.

AIRPORTAccessible by taxi, bus and train: the Airport Express runs daily, every 12 minutes from 5:50 am to 1:15 am.


ATTRACTIONS

Hong Kong offers attractions for all different tastes. There are unforgettable places, ranging from parks to beautiful temples, and popular nighttime parties.

The Peak: it is the highest point in Hong Kong. It was formerly the most exclusive residence in the city, and today offers lovely views from

the cities highest vantage point. Peak Tower, a bowl-shaped structure designed by the British architect Terry Farrell, has several several stores and restaurants, in addition to the Sky Terrace 428, metres above the ground.

HONG KONG DISNEYLANDWith varied programming over the entire yearDisney offers attractions for all kinds of visitors, with some aimed specifically at the Asian segment. Apart from the toys, the park


offers theatre and music shows, encounters with Disney characters, stores for shopping, restaurants and even hotels. Special events are held in accordance with the world calendar and the local one, and includeChristmas, the western New Year’s eve and the Chinese New Year’s, for example.

TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKETThose who like action-packed nightlife with different attractions and fun should visit this busy market (in Kowloon) full of different goods and attractions – such as fortune-tellers, street music - as well as cheap restaurants to try the local food.

HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBI-TION CENTRE (AND GOLDEN BAUHINIA SQUARE)One of the city’s most iconic buildings, it has the shape of a flying bird and has over 40,000 constructed square meters. In 2012, it was honoured, for the ninth time, as the best convention centre in Asia byIndustry Awards.

Adjacent is the Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture,named after an orchid species that is the city’s symbol. The piece was a present from the central government on the occasion of the transfer of Hong Kong as an autonomous territory (from England to China) in 1997, one of the great events of the twentieth century.

CHINESE OPERA FESTIVALThis festival is held every year to celebrate the traditional Chinese art form, and always features innovations and mixes of different types of opera, including Cantonese. It was declared a Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO.

SIK SIK YUEN WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE (IN KOWLOON)Famed for the many prayers answered, this temple is home to three religions (Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism) – and also one of the most popular postcards in Hong Kong. Its structure features popular elements of Asian architecture, such as the typical curved roof, an abundance of red and golden tones, as well as many feng shui elements spread throughout: the Bronze Pavillion (metal); Archives Hall (wood); the Yuk Yik fountain (water); the Yue Heung Shrine (fire), where the Buddha is worshipped; and the Earth Wall (Earth).

CLOCK TOWER44 metres high, this tower was erected in 1915 as part of the final stop in the Kowloon–Canton, railway line, a station that no longer exists. Declared a monument in the 1990’s, the tower commemorates the iron years of Hong Kong, and the thousands of immigrants who arrived in the city by train to seek work.

TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADEStarting at the old Clock Tower, it includes the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum, the Hong Kong Art Museum and then the Avenue of Stars – a type of “sidewalk walk of fame”: different Asian celebrities have their stars, and there are various statues (including Bruce Lee’s, in a fighting stance, always accompanied by tourists taking pictures).

NATURAL PARKSFor fans of ecotourism, it is worth visiting Hong Kong Wetland Park, which contains native animals and plants from the region, and the beautiful Mai Po Natural Reserve – which serves as a refuge for endangered species and


receives close to 90,000 migratory birds in the winter. For those who are not going away from the city, there are beautiful urban parks, such as Victoria Park, the setting for morning tai chi sessions, flower festivals during the Chinese New Year and brilliant lanterns during the Spring Lantern Festival.

TRADITIONAL FESTIVALSInteresting Hong Kong festivals include: Dragon Boat Carnival (annual boating competition in honour of the legendary hero, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself to protest corruption almost 2000 years ago), Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Festival (ancient harvest festival, today celebrated with lantern and light shows in the city) and the Chinese New Year (celebrated

by the locals with visits to temples, huge banquets, light shows and fireworks, and large allegorical parades).

NIGHTLIFEHong Kong also offers visitors an exciting nightlife. Clubs and bars that should be visited by nightlife devotees include Club 71, a favourite haunt of many celebrities; the vertigo-inducing Eyebar, on the thirtieth floor and offering excellent views of the city; or for the more selectives, the sumptuous Mo Bar, in the Landmark hotel. By those who like alternative parties, these clubs should not be missed: the unique XXX Gallery, which features international DJ’s; the diverse Hidden Agenda, a top venue for indie bands; or the more “cult” Sense 99.

WHERE TO STAY

Hong Kong offers many lodging options, which offer great city views. These include hostels, local hotel chains, international franchises, and luxury hotels. At the airport, visitors can go to the Hong Kong Hotels Association desk, a service that helps tourists find lodging adapted to their preferences, without having made reservations previously.

Good options also include Guesthouses, which offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. However, it is necessary to check to see if they are licensed by the

Licensed Guesthouse Logo Scheme – an emblem featuring the green letter “G” that should be on the door of the establishment, or on the list of guesthouses licensed by the Licensing Authority of the Internal Affairs Department.

Hostels: If the aim is to spend little and walk a lot, this is a good option. Hong Kong has Hostels to fit all tastes – ranging from establishments in the city centre, such as the comfortable Yha Mei Ho House Youth Hostel, to others closer to nature, such as the (Tai Mo Shan) Sze Lok Yuen Hostel, located 600 metres above sea level.

For those with more generous budgets, Hong Kong has many options for luxurious


accommodations. A famous example is Langham Hotel, which has an excellent restaurant. Other options are the W Hong Kong – with a breathtaking view of the city, SPAs and gym - and the Landmark Mandarin Hotel – with its interior design inspired by classical Asian culture.

DINING OUT

As a global city that welcomes its visitors with open arms, Hong Kong has an ample variety of cuisines to please all types of palates. Their

plates are based on Chinese cuisine, with many steamed vegetables, soups, fried foods, generally served with rice or noodles.

One very popular meal in the city is Dim Sum, which means “touch the heart”. These are traditional recipes served as snacks (spring rolls, battered shrimp, different dumplings, etc.), accompanied by tea, to be eaten together with friends. High level restaurants, such as the prize-winning T’ang Court, in the Langham Hotel, or the Fook Lam Moon (in Wanchai) offer their clients traditional or innovative versions of typical menus of Dim Sum.

To experience cheaper Dim Sum, there are restaurants such as Tim Ho Wan (chosen by the Michelin Guide for four consecutive years as the best Cantonese restaurant at affordable price), or the Tsui Hang Village and the Dim Sum Square, both with varied menus and good service.

Restaurants that include traditional menus include the West Villa Restaurant (it also serves Dim Sum and is famous for its grilled pork, a dish that they call Char siu); Yung Kee, which offers a delicious smoked goose; or Jumbo Kingdom famous for its steamed fish. Noodle soup with vegetables or meat is very popular in the traditional cuisine. One delicious dish is “Wonton noodles” at the restaurant Chee Kee (a noodle soup with pork or shrimp filled dumplings), or the famous rice soup of Sang Kee Congee Shop.

In regard to seafood, which is very common in Asian cuisine, it is important to remember that prices may vary depending on the season and the weight of the portion. Several restaurants that are further from the city

centre offer excellent seafood dishes, such as Lei Yue Mun and Sai Kung. They also have excellent views of the bay. The exceptional Super Star Seafood, for example, aside from being a floating restaurant, also offers an unforgettable grilled crab.


For those who wish to try street food, the options are endless. The fast foods (Da Pai Dong) are cheaper, and serve mainly the popular noodle soups. Many Da Pai Dongs can be found at Lan Kwai Fong Square or at Stanley Market.

For tourists who desire international cuisine and sophisticated dishes, good options include Verandah Restaurant, in Tsim Sha Tsui, or the French restaurant Amber, and the Aberdeen Street Social, located on Alberdeen street, and featuring a very British menu. More options for international restaurants can be found at Peak.

SHOPPING

Going shopping in Hong Kong is truly a unique experience. The city offers international and local brands for all tastes and pocketbooks, whether at shopping centres or at street markets. Despite not having an ideal season for shopping, the biggest sales occur in December and February (betweenChristmas and Chinese New Year’s), or between July and September(when the collections in stores change due to the change in seasons).

One of the main shopping destinations is Causeway Bay,one of the areas with the highest concentration of shopping centres and boutiques in the city centre, such as Lee Gardens and the enormous Times Square.

For those seeking brand names, a stroll through Pacific Place is recommended. This is

a shopping centre known for the wide range of beauty products on offer, as well as the top international brands for menswear and womenswear, and many restaurants.

The Landmark (HK), also offers international stores, and excellent restaurants, the IFC (HK) and the Peak – which sells different types of products including souvenirs and artisan wares – are paradises for consumers who love luxury and want to stay in the city centre. Another great shopping spot is The One, 29 stores high with many Japanese brands.

For fans of department stores, the following are worth visiting: the giganticSogo and the Wing on (very popular among locals, and offering discounts for tourists). If you wish to leave the island and go to Kowloon, it is worth visiting Sincere, one of the oldest stores in Hong Kong with a highly varied selection.

Other interesting places to go shopping or sightseeing are the giganticCityPlaza, the streets of SoHo and the traditional neighbourhood ofSheung Wan (which looks older and has a wide array of stores, restaurants as well as different services).

STREET MARKETSFor those who wish to avoid the shopping centres and practice their bargaining skills, Hong Kong’s street markets shouldn’t be missed. The streets of Li Yuwen, with traditional Chinese market areas, or Jardine’s Crescent and the Stanley Market (both close to the Causeway Bay metro station)are places


where you can buy clothes, accessories, furniture, and even cheaper souvenirs.

Cat Street (Central metro station) specialises in antiques and Tai Yuen Street is excellent for buying toys, party items and collectibles. For food markets, visit Dried Seafood Street, which offers an ample assortment of seafood and natural products. It is located next to Sheung Wan metro station.

In Kowloon there are also excellent popular markets, such as the one onTemple Street, next to the Tin Hau temple (clothing and jewellery stores, traditional cuisine, etc.), or the Apliu Street Flea Market, which offers endless electronic appliances, or the bustling Ladie’s Market, with close to 100 stands selling cheap products and feminine articles for women of all ages.

Sheung Sha Road is another area specialising in clothes, as is Grandville Road. Sneakers Street offers a huge selection of footwear.

For superstitious travelers, there are the fish of Goldfish Market (to bring good luck according to Feng Shui) or Jade amulets (Fei Chui) from the Jade Market (a precious stone highly valued by the local culture).

CURRENCYThe currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$), which is also used in Macau. The banknote denominations are HK$ 10, HK$ 20, HK$ 50, HK$ 100, HK$ 500 and HK$ 1.000. The coin denominations are HK$ 0,10, HK$ 0,20, HK$ 0,50, HK$ 1, HK$ 2, HK$ 5, HK$ 10.

The notes, except the HK$10, are produced by three banks approved by the government. The HK$10 has been issued by the government since 2002. In 2007 a new model entered into circulation. Both models are valid.

In regard to the coins, there are two series: the Bauhinia, introduced in 1997, and coins with the bust of the Queen of England (which is gradually being phased out). Both are legal tender.

Exchanging money: Money can be changed at any authorized currency exchange house, or withdraw it from cash points (ATMS) which are easily found throughout the city.

Credit cards: The international credit cards most commonly accepted in stores and hotels are American Express, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club. The majority of ATMs, located throughout the city, allow users to withdraw money using their credit cards, and some HSBC “Electronic Money” terminals are open 24 hours a day for withdrawals using Master Card andVisa.

999 GENERAL EMERGENCY

POLICE

+852 2527 7177

TOURIST INFORMATION

+852 2508 1234

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

+852 2181 8888

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

+852 2961 8989

HONG KONG HOTEL ASSOCIATION (RESERVATIONS)

+852 2383 8380+852 2769 8822

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

travel tips | hong kong (eng.)

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