Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of China

Hong Kong was once a sleepy fishing village. But, withincluding Aberdeen, a traditional village inhabited by
the arrival of the British in 1842, it became a crownhundreds of fishermen. From traditional style Chinese
colony of the United Kingdom, which continued untilboats to most sophisticated boats, an amazing variety
1997, when the British handed it over to China, afterof fishing boats can be seen here. Further, located
signing an historic agreement by the then primehere are the HK Convention and Exhibition Center and
minister of the UK, Margaret Thatcher, and the thenGolden Bauhinia Square, which stands as a symbol to
Chinese President, Deng Xiaoping.memorize the Return of Hong Kong to its motherland.
The city has now become one of the vibrantKowloon is an exciting part of the city, and is
destinations in the world, apart from being a prominentconsidered one of the prominent industrial and
economic center in Asia. The World Tourismcommercial hubs of the nation. It is also home to one
Organization rates the city among the 15 mostof the busiest airports in the world, namely, Kai Tak
preferred tourist destinations in the world. Al though ainternational airport. A ride on Star Ferry from Kowloon
part of China, Hong Kong is quite different from rest ofacross Victoria Harbour to the Island would be a great
the nation, and has its own government and legalexperience. On utilizing the excellent options rendered
systems, monetary policy, and immigration policy.by Kowloon, the city has now become a prominent
Situated in Eastern Asia, bordered by the South Chinashipping center in the world.
Sea, it is made up of three areas, such as, the HongA visit to Hong Kong is incomplete without touring its
Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the Newamazing attractions such as Hong Kong and Shanghai
Territories as well as the Outlying islands includingBank (HSBC) Building, Exchange Square and the
Lantau Island, Lamma Island, and Cheung Chau Island.International Finance Centre, Victoria Park and the
The center of economy, entertainment, and politics -Hong Kong Central Library, The Fringe Club and the
Hong Kong Island is considered the heart of the specialForeign Correspondents' Club, Happy Valley and Sha
administrative region. Stretching from the Tin Hau toTin Racecourses, and Murray House.
Chai Wan on the eastern part of the island is theAttractions in Hong Kong also include an array of
prime residential area of the region. The northern partBuddhist as well as Chinese temples including Man Mo
of the island is the main commercial as well asTemple, Chi Lin Nunnery, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Che
entertainment area, stretching from the Central DistrictKung Temple, and Tin Hau Temple. In addition, included
to Causeway Bay. Likewise, the southern part of thein the landmarks are a range of museums, such as the
Island is home to some of the destinations that areArts Centre Pao Galleries, the Racing Museum, the
abound in natural beauty, such as, Deep Water Bay,Film Archive, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre,
Repulse Bay and Ocean Park, which is one of theand Sheung Yiu Folk Museum.
top-most theme parks in Southeast Asia.Gastronomy - The city boasts of a variety of
However, most popular among the destinations in theexcellent options to satisfy your gastronomic needs,
island is the Peak, the highest point on the island that iswith restaurants providing cuisines, ranging from
perched at an altitude of 554 meters. The PeakJapanese, French, and Italian to Asian and Chinese
serves as a perfect base to have a bird's eye viewcuisines.
of the whole of the thriving island as well as theShopping - Fabulous choices are available in the city
spectacular Victoria Harbor, which is one of the threefor a great shopping, with a variety of shops on such
natural water harbors in the world.happening areas as Stanley Market and Temple
One of the most popular ways to reach the Peak is toStreet.
take a ride on the Peak Tram, which runs from theAlso referred to as the 'Pearl of the Orient,' the city
city center and reach here within seven minutes.provides excellent options to cater to the
Another stunning landmark of the island is Bank ofaccommodation needs of all types of tourists, no
China Tower - a soaring 70-storeyed building. Inmatter you are a budget conscious traveler or a luxury
addition, situated on the southwest coast of the Islandlover traveler. Many of the hotels and resorts are
is the Cyberport, a high-tech facility supporting thelocated within the heart of the city, and hence are
multimedia, telecommunications, and IT industries.within easy close proximity to almost all top tourist
The island is also much famed for its destinationsattractions.