The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is located on the southeastern coast of China.
Hong Kong has one of the world's most liberal economies and is a major international centre of finance and trade. A former British colony now administered by the PRC under the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong is constitutionally entitled to a relatively high degree of autonomy; for example, it retains its own legal system, currency, customs, treaty negotiating rights, such as air traffic and aircraft landing rights, and immigration laws. Hong Kong even maintains its own road rules, with traffic continuing to drive on the left. Only national defence and diplomatic relations are responsibilities of the central government in Beijing.
Despite Hong Kong's reversion from British to Chinese rule, the region's English name remains "Hong Kong" (the pronunciation in the local Cantonese language), and not, as some sources suggest, Xiānggǎng (the Mandarin Chinese equivalent).
Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The Kowloon Peninsula is attached to the New Territories in the north, and the New Territories are in turn connected to mainland China across the Sham Chun River (Shenzhen River). In total, Hong Kong has 236 islands in the South China Sea, of which Lantau is the largest. Hong Kong Island itself is the second largest and also the most populated. Ap Lei Chau is the most densely populated island in the world.
The name "Hong Kong", literally meaning "fragrant harbour", is derived from the area around present-day Aberdeen and Wong Chuk Hang on Hong Kong Island, where fragrant trees were once abundant and exported from. The body of water between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula is Victoria Harbour, one of the deepest natural maritime ports in the world. The landscape of Hong Kong is fairly hilly to mountainous with steep slopes. The highest point in the territory is Tai Mo Shan, at a height of 958 metres (3,142 ft). Lowlands exist in the northwestern part of the New Territories.
Hong Kong is 60 kilometres (37 mi) east of Macau, on the opposite side of the Pearl River Delta and borders the city of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province. Of the territory's 1,102 square kilometres (425 mi²) and nearly 7 million residents, less than 25% is developed; the remaining land is remarkably green and significant portions are reserved as country parks and nature reserves. This is because most live and work in high-rise buildings in the city and surrounding new towns.
Hong Kong's climate is subtropical and prone to monsoons. It is cool and dry in the wintertime which lasts from around January to March, and is hot, humid and rainy from spring through summer. It is warm, sunny, and dry in autumn. Hong Kong occasionally has typhoons. The ecology of Hong Kong is mostly affected by the results of climatic changes. Hong Kong's climate is seasonal due to alternating wind direction between winter and summer. Hong Kong has been geologically stable for millions of years. However, flora and fauna in Hong Kong are altered by climatic change, sea level alternation and human impact. The highest recorded temperature[11] in Hong Kong is 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) while the lowest recorded temperature is 0°C (32°F). The average temperature in the coldest month, February, is 16°C (61°F) while the average temperature in the hottest month, July, is 28°C (82°F).
Hong Kong's climate is subtropical but half of the year is temperate. The territory is situated south of the Tropic of Cancer which is equatable to Hawaii in latitude. In winter, strong and cold winds generate from the north and cool the city; in the summer, the wind's direction reverses and brings the warm and humid air in from the south. This climate can support a tropical rainforest.
The culture of Hong Kong is characterised by the blending of Asian (mainly southern Chinese) and western influences (primarily British), as well as the status of the city as a major international business centre. Though heavily influenced by Cantonese culture from the neighbouring province of Guangdong, there are also substantial communities of Hakka, Fukien and Teochiu peoples.
Influences from Hong Kong are widespread in foreign cultures. Cantopop music has made its mark throughout Asia. There are many fans of the Cantonese music industry even in Japan, and many singers have records in the Japanese language. The Hong Kong film industry has been one of the most successful and influential in the second half of the twentieth century. Stars such as Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee are known worldwide, especially in areas where large numbers of Chinese have settled. A number of Hong Kong-born stars and directors have made their mark in Hollywood, including Chow Yun Fat and John Woo.
Literature from Hong Kong are also widespread among the Chinese-speaking world. Jinyong is one of the greatest Chinese novelists and widely regarded as the best wuxia writer. His novels are still widespread, unchallenged and predominant in almost every Chinese-speaking region, including mainland China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
Hong Kong culture has many aspects extending outside the entertainment industry. Chinese cuisine, especially Cantonese cuisine in the form of dim sum, is now commonplace in many countries all over the world.
Hong Kongers traditionally spend their leisure time playing games. Mahjong is extremely popular in Hong Kong, and it is possible to see people playing almost everywhere, especially during holidays. Chinese chess is mostly played by elderly Chinese men across Hong Kong, who are usually surrounded by crowds betting on the winner, and it is also popular among secondary school students. The martial art of tai chi is also popular, especially among the elderly. There are groups of people who practice tai chi in every park in Hong Kong at dawn, making the slow and graceful movements associated with the practice.
Things you should know when travelling to Hong Kong
Most Canadian visitors to Hong Kong do not experience problems. The crime rate is relatively low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially at the airport, on public transportation, in main tourist shopping areas, hotel lobbies, and crowded streets. Bags left unattended are likely to be stolen. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Foreigners have been attacked and robbed in the shopping district of Shenzhen, located across the border from Hong Kong in mainland China’s Guangdong province. Canadians should be extremely vigilant while in Shenzhen and should travel with a friend or in groups. Copies of passports and other identification and a small supply of cash should be carried separately from other personal belongings.
Robberies and violent assaults have occurred on hiking trails. Canadians should hike in national parks and stay on the trails. Avoid hiking alone. When hiking, carry few personal belongings, stay with a group, and never carry a credit or bank card or large amounts of cash.
