TRAVEL TIPS
HONG KONG
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Hong Kong (which means “Perfumed Port”
Hong Kong is an industrialised and economically
in Cantonese, one of the languages spoken
developed region, with modern architecture and
in the region) is today one of the Special
one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world
Administration Regions of the People’s
However, its natural beauty is also notable: The
Republic of China, and has its own autonomous
mountainous terrain and the small islands form
government. Close to the southern Chinese
beautiful beaches, bays and rivers. Especially
coast, between the Pearl River Delta and the
noteworthy are the environmental reserves,
South China Sea, the city-state comprises the
such as the Hong Kong Wetland Park and the
islands of Hong Kong, Lantau, the Kowloon
Mai Po Nature Reserve.
Peninsula and the New Territories, as well as close to 260 other islands. Together, these
Hong Kong’s local culture is also a factor worth
areas are one of the most densely populated
highlighting. As a nexus of the West and the
zones in the world and one of the most
East, there has been a notable mixture of British
important international financial centres.
Culture from its years as a colony, with Chinese
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customs: aside from the name, languages and festivals, the rules of feng shui and the Ba Gua mirrors (for protection) are very present in construction, design and architecture projects. Another unusual aspect is the aversion to the number four, which is similar to the word “die� in Chinese. Many buildings addresses and telephone numbers do not contain this number. The attractions of the city are also universally appealing: Between gigantic buildings, such as the Peak, and traditional monuments, such as the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin temple, Hong Kong has many art galleries, such as the Hong Kong University Art Museum and Madame Toussauds wax museum.There are also many dance and traditional music shows, as well as large festivals – such as Autumn Thematic Arts Festival and the Chinese New Year. For consumers, Hong Kong offers an infinity of shopping centres and street markets, such as the SoHoarea and the popular Temple Street Night Market, for example. The cuisine also merits attention. In regard to street food and haute cuisine, the city offers an immense variety of flavours and textures inherited from Asian and Western gastronomical traditions, in both their traditional and modern forms, pleasing to all palates. To go to Hong Kong and miss out on the sauces, meat and seafood is the like never having visited the place. The climate in the Archipelago is humid and tropical, with hot and humid days in the
summer (between June and September, with temperatures between 26 °C and 35 °C), the season with the most rain and typhoons. Visitors in the spring, from March to June, can enjoy agreeable, sunny days (with temperatures of between 20 °C and 28°C). The Autumn is drier, with temperatures of between 13°C and 27°C). In the winter, between January and March, the temperatures are usually lower than 18°C, although they may dip to 0°C on occasion. During this season, especially in February, the sky is generally very cloudy, with less sunny days than in the rest of the year. Although Hong Kong offers major events and festivals all year round, according to locals the best time to visit is the autumn, especially for those who wish to spend a lot of time outside. Between April and September, the climate typically features hot weather, as well as possible rain and typhoons (monsoons). In the winter, from December to February, there is a great deal of fog and the temperatures are lower. If your intention is to visit and participate in the festivities, the trip should be planned accordingly. To take part in the Chinese New Year, for example, it is necessary to reserve lodging for the period between January and February. The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, always a fun event, is one of the biggest festivals in the world, and occurs in June. The ancient Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Festival occurs in September.
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Allow yourself to be seduced by the beauty
some taxis, there is a rechargeable card that
and modernity of Hong Kong. It is a city rich in
can be bought at the metro ticket counters
art, culture, natural beauty and delicious food.
(the Octopus Card). With this card, the rates are discounted based on the distance between the embarking and disembarking stations, and
TRANSPORT
in general, are cheaper than the conventional tickets bought in the machines.
METRO Hong Kong has an extensive transport
Covers practically the entire island, with nine train
network, which is very attractive and
lines integrated with other transport methods
favourable for tourism. To facilitate ticket
and stations, for example, there is a railway
payment for train, metro, bus, boat and even
line that goes to the border of continental China
(the Kowloon Canton Railway), another which
MINIVANS
brings you to the airport (Aiport Express Train),
Serve as an alternative transportation mode
as well as the lines that bring passengers to the
in areas which buses do not serve in an
Disneyland resorts.
efficient manner.
BUS
CARS
There are five companies with lines for all
There are many companies in the city that rent
destinations at affordable prices and a modern
cars. However, to drive it is necessary to have
and comfortable structure, with preferred
the permission of the Chinese government.
seats, lower floors, and no-slip flooring, for
Parking spots are expensive and hard to find.
example. However, it is recommended to avoid
Therefore, it is not recommended that tourists
travel in the city during rush hour.
hire a car to get around.
FERRIES There are five companies that connect the islands via watercraft at accessible prices, and offer a great deal of comfort and beautiful views. There is assistance available for people with special needs.
PEAK TRAM Since 1888 this cable car has transported passengers fromCentral district to Victoria Peak, the highest mountain of the Island.
TAXIS They are abundant and do not charge much for short distances in the city centre. There are three colours, depending on the service area: red (urban), green (rural and new territories) and blue (Lantau island). The majority only accept payment in cash, although some accept the Octopus Card.
AIRPORT Accessible by taxi, bus and train: the Airport Express runs daily, every 12 minutes from 5:50 am to 1:15 am.
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ATTRACTIONS
the cities highest vantage point. Peak Tower, a bowl-shaped structure designed by the British architect Terry Farrell, has several several
Hong Kong offers attractions for all different
stores and restaurants, in addition to the Sky
tastes. There are unforgettable places, ranging
Terrace 428, metres above the ground.
from parks to beautiful temples, and popular nighttime parties.
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND With varied programming over the entire
The Peak: it is the highest point in Hong Kong.
yearDisney offers attractions for all kinds of
It was formerly the most exclusive residence
visitors, with some aimed specifically at the
in the city, and today offers lovely views from
Asian segment. Apart from the toys, the park
with Disney characters, stores for shopping,
SIK SIK YUEN WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE (IN KOWLOON)
restaurants and even hotels. Special events
Famed for the many prayers answered, this
are held in accordance with the world calendar
temple is home to three religions (Taoism,
and the local one, and includeChristmas, the
Buddhism and Confucianism) – and also one of
western New Year’s eve and the Chinese New
the most popular postcards in Hong Kong. Its
Year’s, for example.
structure features popular elements of Asian
offers theatre and music shows, encounters
TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET
architecture, such as the typical curved roof, an abundance of red and golden tones, as well as
Those who like action-packed nightlife with
many feng shui elements spread throughout:
different attractions and fun should visit this
the Bronze Pavillion (metal); Archives Hall
busy market (in Kowloon) full of different
(wood); the Yuk Yik fountain (water); the
goods and attractions – such as fortune-tellers,
Yue Heung Shrine (fire), where the Buddha is
street music - as well as cheap restaurants to
worshipped; and the Earth Wall (Earth).
try the local food.
CLOCK TOWER
HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (AND GOLDEN BAUHINIA SQUARE)
44 metres high, this tower was erected in
One of the city’s most iconic buildings, it has
exists. Declared a monument in the 1990’s, the
the shape of a flying bird and has over 40,000
tower commemorates the iron years of Hong
constructed square meters. In 2012, it was
Kong, and the thousands of immigrants who
honoured, for the ninth time, as the best
arrived in the city by train to seek work.
convention centre in Asia byIndustry Awards.
1915 as part of the final stop in the Kowloon– Canton, railway line, a station that no longer
TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE
Adjacent is the Forever Blooming Bauhinia
Starting at the old Clock Tower, it includes the
Sculpture,named after an orchid species
Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum,
that is the city’s symbol. The piece was a
the Hong Kong Art Museum and then the
present from the central government on the
Avenue of Stars – a type of “sidewalk walk of
occasion of the transfer of Hong Kong as
fame”: different Asian celebrities have their
an autonomous territory (from England to
stars, and there are various statues (including
China) in 1997, one of the great events of the
Bruce Lee’s, in a fighting stance, always
twentieth century.
accompanied by tourists taking pictures).
CHINESE OPERA FESTIVAL
NATURAL PARKS
This festival is held every year to celebrate the
For fans of ecotourism, it is worth visiting Hong
traditional Chinese art form, and always features
Kong Wetland Park, which contains native
innovations and mixes of different types of
animals and plants from the region, and the
opera, including Cantonese. It was declared a
beautiful Mai Po Natural Reserve – which
Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO.
serves as a refuge for endangered species and
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receives close to 90,000 migratory birds in the
by the locals with visits to temples, huge
winter. For those who are not going away from
banquets, light shows and fireworks, and large
the city, there are beautiful urban parks, such
allegorical parades).
as Victoria Park, the setting for morning tai chi sessions, flower festivals during the Chinese New Year and brilliant lanterns during the Spring Lantern Festival.
NIGHTLIFE Hong Kong also offers visitors an exciting nightlife. Clubs and bars that should be visited by nightlife devotees include Club 71, a favourite
TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS
haunt of many celebrities; the vertigo-inducing
Interesting Hong Kong festivals include: Dragon
Eyebar, on the thirtieth floor and offering
Boat Carnival (annual boating competition in
excellent views of the city; or for the more
honour of the legendary hero, Qu Yuan, who
selectives, the sumptuous Mo Bar, in the
drowned himself to protest corruption almost
Landmark hotel. By those who like alternative
2000 years ago), Hong Kong Mid-Autumn
parties, these clubs should not be missed: the
Festival (ancient harvest festival, today
unique XXX Gallery, which features international
celebrated with lantern and light shows in the
DJ’s; the diverse Hidden Agenda, a top venue for
city) and the Chinese New Year (celebrated
indie bands; or the more “cult” Sense 99.
WHERE TO STAY
Licensed Guesthouse Logo Scheme – an emblem featuring the green letter “G” that should be on the door of the establishment, or on the list of
Hong Kong offers many lodging options, which offer great city views. These include hostels, local hotel chains, international franchises, and luxury hotels. At the airport, visitors can go to the Hong Kong Hotels Association desk, a service that helps tourists find lodging adapted to their preferences, without having made reservations previously. Good options also include Guesthouses, which offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. However, it is necessary to check to see if they are licensed by the
guesthouses licensed by the Licensing Authority of the Internal Affairs Department. Hostels: If the aim is to spend little and walk a lot, this is a good option. Hong Kong has Hostels to fit all tastes – ranging from establishments in the city centre, such as the comfortable Yha Mei Ho House Youth Hostel, to others closer to nature, such as the (Tai Mo Shan) Sze Lok Yuen Hostel, located 600 metres above sea level. For those with more generous budgets, Hong Kong has many options for luxurious
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accommodations. A famous example is
plates are based on Chinese cuisine, with
Langham Hotel, which has an excellent
many steamed vegetables, soups, fried foods,
restaurant. Other options are the W Hong
generally served with rice or noodles.
Kong – with a breathtaking view of the city, SPAs and gym - and the Landmark Mandarin
One very popular meal in the city is Dim Sum,
Hotel – with its interior design inspired by
which means “touch the heart”. These are
classical Asian culture.
traditional recipes served as snacks (spring rolls, battered shrimp, different dumplings, etc.), accompanied by tea, to be eaten together
DINING OUT
with friends. High level restaurants, such as the prize-winning T’ang Court, in the Langham Hotel, or the Fook Lam Moon (in Wanchai)
As a global city that welcomes its visitors with open arms, Hong Kong has an ample variety of cuisines to please all types of palates. Their
offer their clients traditional or innovative versions of typical menus of Dim Sum.
To experience cheaper Dim Sum, there are
centre offer excellent seafood dishes, such
restaurants such as Tim Ho Wan (chosen by
as Lei Yue Mun and Sai Kung. They also have
the Michelin Guide for four consecutive years
excellent views of the bay. The exceptional
as the best Cantonese restaurant at affordable
Super Star Seafood, for example, aside from
price), or the Tsui Hang Village and the Dim
being a floating restaurant, also offers an
Sum Square, both with varied menus and
unforgettable grilled crab.
good service. Restaurants that include traditional menus include the West Villa Restaurant (it also serves Dim Sum and is famous for its grilled pork, a dish that they call Char siu); Yung Kee, which offers a delicious smoked goose; or Jumbo Kingdom famous for its steamed fish. Noodle soup with vegetables or meat is very popular in the traditional cuisine. One delicious dish is “Wonton noodles� at the restaurant Chee Kee (a noodle soup with pork or shrimp filled dumplings), or the famous rice soup of Sang Kee Congee Shop. In regard to seafood, which is very common in Asian cuisine, it is important to remember that prices may vary depending on the season and the weight of the portion. Several restaurants that are further from the city
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For those who wish to try street food, the options are endless. The fast foods (Da Pai Dong) are cheaper, and serve mainly the popular noodle soups. Many Da Pai Dongs can be found at Lan Kwai Fong Square or at Stanley Market. For tourists who desire international cuisine and sophisticated dishes, good options include Verandah Restaurant, in Tsim Sha Tsui, or the French restaurant Amber, and the Aberdeen Street Social, located on Alberdeen street, and featuring a very British menu. More options for international restaurants can be found at Peak.
SHOPPING Going shopping in Hong Kong is truly a unique experience. The city offers international and local brands for all tastes and pocketbooks, whether at shopping centres or at street markets. Despite not having an ideal season for shopping, the biggest sales occur in December and February (betweenChristmas and Chinese New Year’s), or between July and September(when the collections in stores change due to the change in seasons). One of the main shopping destinations is Causeway Bay,one of the areas with the highest concentration of shopping centres and boutiques in the city centre, such as Lee Gardens and the enormous Times Square. For those seeking brand names, a stroll through Pacific Place is recommended. This is
a shopping centre known for the wide range of beauty products on offer, as well as the top international brands for menswear and womenswear, and many restaurants. The Landmark (HK), also offers international stores, and excellent restaurants, the IFC (HK) and the Peak – which sells different types of products including souvenirs and artisan wares – are paradises for consumers who love luxury and want to stay in the city centre. Another great shopping spot is The One, 29 stores high with many Japanese brands. For fans of department stores, the following are worth visiting: the giganticSogo and the Wing on (very popular among locals, and offering discounts for tourists). If you wish to leave the island and go to Kowloon, it is worth visiting Sincere, one of the oldest stores in Hong Kong with a highly varied selection. Other interesting places to go shopping or sightseeing are the giganticCityPlaza, the streets of SoHo and the traditional neighbourhood ofSheung Wan (which looks older and has a wide array of stores, restaurants as well as different services).
STREET MARKETS For those who wish to avoid the shopping centres and practice their bargaining skills, Hong Kong’s street markets shouldn’t be missed. The streets of Li Yuwen, with traditional Chinese market areas, or Jardine’s Crescent and the Stanley Market (both close to the Causeway Bay metro station)are places
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where you can buy clothes, accessories,
The notes, except the HK$10, are produced by
furniture, and even cheaper souvenirs.
three banks approved by the government. The HK$10 has been issued by the government
Cat Street (Central metro station) specialises
since 2002. In 2007 a new model entered into
in antiques and Tai Yuen Street is excellent for
circulation. Both models are valid.
buying toys, party items and collectibles. For food markets, visit Dried Seafood Street, which
In regard to the coins, there are two series: the
offers an ample assortment of seafood and
Bauhinia, introduced in 1997, and coins with the
natural products. It is located next to Sheung
bust of the Queen of England (which is gradually
Wan metro station.
being phased out). Both are legal tender.
In Kowloon there are also excellent popular
Exchanging money: Money can be changed at
markets, such as the one onTemple Street, next
any authorized currency exchange house, or
to the Tin Hau temple (clothing and jewellery
withdraw it from cash points (ATMS) which are
stores, traditional cuisine, etc.), or the Apliu Street
easily found throughout the city.
Flea Market, which offers endless electronic appliances, or the bustling Ladie’s Market, with
Credit cards: The international credit cards most
close to 100 stands selling cheap products and
commonly accepted in stores and hotels are
feminine articles for women of all ages.
American Express, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club. The majority of ATMs, located throughout
Sheung Sha Road is another area specialising in
the city, allow users to withdraw money using
clothes, as is Grandville Road. Sneakers Street
their credit cards, and some HSBC “Electronic
offers a huge selection of footwear.
Money” terminals are open 24 hours a day for withdrawals using Master Card andVisa.
For superstitious travelers, there are the fish of Goldfish Market (to bring good luck according to Feng Shui) or Jade amulets (Fei Chui) from the Jade Market (a precious stone highly valued by the local culture).
CURRENCY The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$), which is also used in Macau. The banknote denominations are HK$ 10, HK$ 20, HK$ 50, HK$ 100, HK$ 500 and HK$ 1.000. The coin denominations are HK$ 0,10, HK$ 0,20, HK$ 0,50, HK$ 1, HK$ 2, HK$ 5, HK$ 10.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
999
GENERAL EMERGENCY
POLICE
+852 2527 7177 TOURIST INFORMATION
+852 2508 1234 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
+852 2181 8888 HEALTH DEPARTMENT
+852 2961 8989 HONG KONG HOTEL ASSOCIATION (RESERVATIONS)
+852 2383 8380 +852 2769 8822