Since 1997 Hong Kong has officially belonged to China, however, it is considered a separate part of the state. Due to this fact, the island lives by its own laws local government, and currency. Also, it can be seen in the state of the city: unlike the majority of Chinese towns, Hong Kong is clean, neat, and well-organized. Locals usually know English and all road signs read both — Chinese and English.

Visa to Hong Kong

For citizens of 170 countries entering Hong Kong is possible on a visa-free basis for 14 days (depending on the citizenship). To pass border control one will have to provide:

• traveling ID (valid for at least 6 more months with 2+ blank pages); 
• bank statement;
• booking of return tickets; 

Some cases will also require filling in an electronic form (visa questionnaire). 

Note: in case your trip presumes to visit other cities, you will need to apply for a standard Chinese tourist visa. 

Tourist go-to’s in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known as the capital of business and shopping tourism. Moving around the city is quite convenient: there are a lot of well-designed routes for foot traffic as well as for double-decker buses and trams. These routes allow tourists to see the main sight scenes of the city. And to observe how ancient temples and statues mingle with high-tech gadget shops and traditional food bistros. Many tourists want to visit Hong Kong because of Disneyland, Oceanarium, and shopping malls. Yet there are other interesting places as:

• Victoria Peak. Tourists can reach the highest point by taking a funicular or a walk through the garden. Those who made it will be rewarded with an astonishing view. Especially at night. 
• “Star Ferry”. Sea-tour and watching Hong Kong's spectacular panorama from the water is a popular leisure activities among locals and tourists. The ferries take off every 5 minutes from early morning till late evening, so there won't be any issues with getting a trip.  
• Hong Kong Skyline and light shows. Watching city illumination and intricate beams can be easily combined with a ferry tour or promenade. 
• Temple Street night market. This is one of the most unique experiences Hong Kong can offer. Here one can find everything: jade statuettes, gadgets, traditional clothes, handmade items, and pretty trinkets. Thus night shopping here can be as fun as it is useful. 
• The Big Buddha. Construction of the world's biggest Buddha monument took 12 years. To get to the bronze giant, tourists can use a cableway and walk 268 stairs on foot. 
• Tai O fishing town. One of the most popular sightseeing places in Hong Kong is a home for people who keep a traditional lifestyle. Tourists can observe stilt houses, take a trip in the fishermen's boat and enjoy fresh seafood. Visiting this place can be well-combined with a tour of the Big Buddha. 
• Buddhist temple of Man Mo and the Walk of Fame or Chi Lin temple and Nan Lian garden. Both routes are fascinating in their own right: the first one will offer you a contrast of tradition and modern glamor, while the second one allows relaxing and enjoying slow living. 

Best time to visit Hong Kong 

The local sub-equatorial climate offers the best visiting time from October to December. September means the end of the hot rainy season with the menace of typhoons which begins in May. The Winter months (January and February) are cool, and the spring here is notoriously foggy. 

For tourist

Hong Kong has one of the most well-designed and comfortable public transport systems represented by the network of subway, buses, trams, ferries, funiculars, and escalators. The fee usually depends on the destination length. It is recommended to buy an Octopus card to make transportation much easier. And profitable: at the end of the trip one may return it at the airport and get a refund for unused means. 

The crime rate here is low, still, pickpocketing is not uncommon. Especially at peak hours. Visitors of the bars and clubs in Wan Chai district. 

It is prohibited to smoke in public places and green zones in Hong Kong. Also, it is forbidden to eat in the subway and to make photo or video records of temples and government buildings. A breach of these laws may lead to punishment which may presume fees and detention.

Due to the great number of snakes, the local government recommends avoiding shaded places and parks after dark. Also, it is better to watch your steps. Especially if there are relevant warning boards. 

Medicine in Hong Kong is highly developed and therefore expensive. Medical insurance will be a great thing to have. Also visiting Hong Kong does not require any vaccinations, yet it is recommended to be immunized against  COVID-19, hepatitis, and typhoid fever.