Everything You Need to Know About Hong Kong
Introduction to Hong Kong
After my recent return from Hong Kong, I was overwhelmed by your incredibly warm and enthusiastic social media responses.
This bustling city left such a lasting impression on me that I strongly wanted to share my experience there.
Having visited for the second time, I am thrilled to share my in-depth knowledge and captivating photos from both trips, serving as a valuable resource for anyone planning their own adventure in Hong Kong.
After reading about my experiences, I believe Hong Kong should undoubtedly be at the top of your travel bucket list!
Hong Kong Background
Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of China. We’ll explain what that means later in the Q&A section.
With nearly 8 million people living in less than 500 square miles, the city is one of the most densely populated in the world.
But that does not stop it from being one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world!
I bet you didn’t know that the city is known for another uniqueness that piques the interest of its many travelers!
Fun Fact about Hong Kong
Hong Kong holds the impressive title of having the highest number of skyscrapers in the world.
With over 500 buildings towering above 150 meters (492 feet), the city’s skyline is a testament to modern architectural prowess.
Stunning Views is Hong Kong’s Speciality!
After discovering this fascinating fact, it’s no wonder the city is renowned for its breathtaking vistas! I brought along my trusty Sony camera to capture compelling visual evidence of these impressive views.
Please take a moment to appreciate the photos below and share your thoughts with me!
Hong Kong Q&A
I aim to address your top 10 most commonly asked questions about Hong Kong to assist in making your planning and visit as smooth as possible.
I will be answering these questions based on the queries received through my social media accounts.
How to Get to Hong Kong?
Your principal gateway will be Hong Kong International Airport, airport code “HKG.” The airport is the primary hub for Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flag carrier.
The airline offers nonstop transport to Hong Kong from several major cities, including New York-JFK, Chicago-O’Hare, Los Angeles, London-Heathrow, and Sydney.
But you will likely connect to other major Asian cities first, like Seoul-Incheon or Tokyo-Narita.
Don’t forget my tip about using Google Flights to set price alerts for the cheapest dates. I will create a lengthier “tips and tricks” blog post explaining how to do this in more detail!
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?
Of course, the ideal time to visit Hong Kong depends on your weather preference!
Hong Kong, located in the northern hemisphere, experiences seasons similar to those in the United States.
It boasts a humid subtropical climate, with long, hot, and humid summers often punctuated by rain showers and thunderstorms during the monsoon season (usually May to September). Strong typhoons can also hit the city during this time.
Winters are brief and mild, but it’s during autumn that Hong Kong truly shines, offering the sunniest and most comfortable weather of the year.
If you like warm and dry weather, October to December is the most pleasant time to visit, promising a relaxing and comfortable experience!
Is Hong Kong in China?
As mentioned earlier in the post, Hong Kong is a SAR of China!
To explain it straightforwardly, Hong Kong was a British colony on and off until July 1, 1997. On that date, “one country, two systems” took effect.
Although part of China, Hong Kong can keep its capitalistic economy and political autonomy (mostly) for 50 years. At that time (2047), Hong Kong will return to China.
And for those interested, yes, the same is true for the territory of Macau.
For a more detailed explanation, I recommend what’s outlined in Brittanica.
Is it safe to visit Hong Kong?
Absolutely! And I’m saying this as someone who has visited twice, the last time being solo!
There is very little violent crime and a helpful tourism board and police. With that said, there is some political unrest, and protests can happen! That’s why the State Department has Hong Kong listed as a Level 2 travel advisory; exercise increased caution.
My recommendation is that you do that anyway; exercise increased caution! But overall, you should encounter very few issues in Hong Kong!
What’s the best way to get around Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has an excellent public transportation system, primarily consisting of buses, a tram system, and an underground metro system known as the MTR! Uber and Taxis are also readily available.
The MTR will likely be your go-to, so I will include a picture of the latest MTR map below.
Tourists can get unlimited rides on day passes. I’ll include the link here so you know how to purchase one!
I highly recommend using the MTR!
Things to do in Hong Kong?
We’ve explored the incredible views, which are a definite highlight. But in a city with over 8 million people, there are endless options for things to do.
I’ll share some of my favorites, as well as a helpful tip for managing your time and making the most of your visit.
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Sky100
Symphony of Lights
Victoria Peak
Ngong Ping Cable Car 360
Where should I stay in Hong Kong?
I lodged at the Park Hotel Hong Kong the first time I visited Hong Kong. This most recent time, I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Mongkok.
Both are great hotels!
I love the view and their proximity to MTR stations. Of course, I always recommend a budget-friendly hotel near public transport. Both of these fit that criteria, so I linked them above for your convenience.
There’s a Disneyland?
Yes, there is! And it’s so beautiful. I highly recommend you go!
It’s located on Lantau Island, and the Disneyland line of the MTR takes you between Sunny Bay and the park! You can refer to the map above under question 5.
You need tickets to enter the park, so please remember to make advanced reservations!
Can I get to mainland China from Hong Kong?
Yes, you can! And it’s a lot easier than you think. The mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen is less than 30 miles to the north. You can access it by car or by the high-speed railway.
Keep in mind that US passport holders need a visa to enter mainland China, which is different from the case to enter Hong Kong.
So please consider this if you plan to visit mainland China! A visa can be purchased at the border if you do a day tour from Hong Kong, but it will only be valid for that day tour.
Any other tips and tricks you can provide?
My biggest tip, which I mentioned earlier, is to plan your excursions in advance. I love the Hong Kong Tourism Board website because it has all the events happening in Hong Kong with links to purchase tickets for them.
It is mostly hot in Hong Kong, so please stay hydrated. During monsoon season, the weather can change quickly! Have an umbrella, as the rain likes to come and go!
Having a little cash would also be helpful, as the local taxis do not accept cards!
Lastly, be mindful of crowds. The city is very popular, especially among mainland Chinese tourists. Add extra time getting to and from places because lines can be long!
I Highly Recommend Visiting Hong Kong
As you can see, Hong Kong is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a rich cultural experience, stunning scenery, and a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Its bustling streets, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history make it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
Despite recent challenges, Hong Kong continues to captivate visitors with its energy and resilience, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
Thanks for reading! I absolutely appreciate your time and support.Â
If I can aid you in planning your trip, reach out to me here!
