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What a tourist needs to know before going on a trip to Hong Kong

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Hong Kong
What a tourist needs to know before going on a trip to Hong Kong

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.