- Capital: Hong Kong
- Time Zone: GMT +8
- Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Despite its colonial past, its urban gigantism, its incessant activity and its noisy luxury, Hong Kong has retained a typically Chinese character and traditional aspects particularly attractive. Travel destination or a stopover, you will be surprised by all that this destination has to offer. Thanks to its very particular history, Hong Kong has become a unique destination in China and one of the most prosperous. Situation Located on China’s southern coast, on the east side of the mouth of the Pearl River. Hong Kong Island is south of Victoria Bay, while the Kowloon Peninsula forms its northern shore. North of Kowloon are the New Territories, which extend to the border with mainland China. Hong Kong also has more than 200 islands, including Lantau Island, where the international airport is located. History Hong Kong as we know it today became a colony of the British Empire after Qing China Dynasty ceded Hong Kong Island at the end of the First Opium War in 1842 to the British. But the history of the 1,100 km2 that today form Hong Kong dates back more than 1,000 years before the Qing Dynasty. Exploring the colorful heritage of the city, you will discover stories of powerful clans, adventurous pirates and European merchants.
Things to do
The Peak of Victoria
This is the highest point of view of the island that will allow you to observe the famous bay and its impressive skyscrapers known throughout the world. Small advice, it is better to climb to the summit in the late afternoon to enjoy the show of the colors at sunset.
Lantau Island
Visit the village of Ngong Ping where you will fnd the famous Big Budha, the monastery of Po Lin, the Ngong Ping Piazza, the Wisdom Path and a multitude of shops and restaurants where you will spend a pleasant moment.
Temple street night market
An amazing night market where you can find clothes, trinkets, antiques, watches and more. At nightfall, the merchants are installed and ready in front of their stalls; everywhere you will find opera singers and fortune tellers. A popular bazaar named after the Tin Hau temple located in the heart of its main street. This unmissable place is so immersed in local culture that it has served as a decor for many cult films.
Language
Cantonese, Mandarin and English.
Weather
Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate Hong with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit Hong Kong will be from September to December where the temperatures are the most enjoyable.
Electricity
The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.
Entry requirements
Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.
Communication
International access code: 00 International dialing code: 852 Concerning national calls made in Hong Kong, it is not necessary to dial the 852 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 852 and finally the local phone number in Hong Kong.