BusinessTravel Guide
Hong Kong
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East meets west
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Bridging natural beauty, historical significance, cultural indulgence and business acumen, this city for all seasons arguably has the world’s most multicultural offering for its 30 million yearly visitors Writer: Matthew Staff
Hong Kong espite being only slightly more than 1,000 square kilometres in land area, Hong Kong has established itself as one of the leading financial centres, tourist hotspots and cultural fascinations in the world. While almost full to capacity in providing such an enigmatic array of eateries, accommodations, businesses, venues, infrastructure and natural beauty, the sky is becoming the literal limit for any additional expansions from a business perspective. However, for the business traveller, the traditional views, heritage and grandeur available at street level are
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every bit as impressive. Voted as the 11th most popular destination for international tourists in 2014, nearly 30 million people grace Hong Kong’s shores each year; nearly double the amount of the next most popular tourist destination, Macau. That being said, the autonomy that remains within Honk Kong means that neither influence engulfs the territory, and instead, its three regions - Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories - display a stunning hybrid of the two to stand individually proud as a centre of modern architecture, a hub of urban transformation, and an example of sustainable existence.
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It doesn’t take long to explore the city before realising why. Literally translated as ‘fragrant harbour’, the city is renowned for its unique east-meetswest image, bridging its former European heritage and its more current and culturally similar Chinese persona.
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Facts and figures Situated on the southern coast of China at the Pearl River Estuary of the South China Sea, the Chinese overlaps are compounded by its northern border with the Guangdong Province, making Hong Kong’s diversity and multiculturalism all the more surprising. Comprising 7.2 million residents of varying nationalities, it is the world’s fourth most densely populated sovereign state or territory, and is even governed independently from the political and judicial channels in China. The result is a landmass consisting of 18 geographic districts, each of which complementing their own natural splendour with a thriving enterprise development scene that makes Hong Kong one of the world’s most significant financial centres. Such significance is not easily achieved when taking into account the terrain and space available within the state; much of its landmass consigned to hills, mountains, country parks and nature reserves. The remaining 40 percent is subsequently awash with business districts and skyscrapers to make up for the deficit, however. According to Emporis, there are a world-leading 1,223
LOCATION
Languages: Area:
Chinese, English 2,104 square kilometres Population (2014): 7.2 million GDP (2015): $310 billion Currency: Hong Kong Dollar Time zone: UTC+8 Dialling code: +852 Internet TLD: .hk Climate: Humid, subtropical Highest recorded temperature: 36.3 °C
of the latter in Hong Kong, while it also has more buildings above 150 metres than any other city as a result of its lack of sprawling opportunity. The same applies from a residential standpoint with more than one-third of the 100 tallest residential buildings situated in Hong Kong. For business travellers then, the likelihood of finding yourself above the 14th floor of an office building is more so in Hong Kong than anywhere else on earth, making the city the most ‘vertical’ as a consequence, and ensuring that every visitor’s view will be spectacular whether you’re indoors, outdoors, at ground level or up in the clouds.
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The business end
Hong Kong’s service sector-dominated economy is epitomised by its free trade and low taxation levels and has resultantly been labelled as the freest market economy in the world in years gone by. Its top-10 ranking in the GDP percapita stakes further compounds Hong Kong’s financial significance while the Hong Kong Dollar is the world’s 13th most traded currency. All of this has a direct influence on the amount of business travellers and visitors that enter the city each year, and - even more significantly - the industries that are set up to continue driving such economic prosperity year on year. “It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with one of the greatest concentrations of corporate headquarters in the
Asia-Pacific region,” its Wikipedia page notes, “and is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers for its high growth rates and rapid development from the 1960s to the 1990s. “Between 1961 and 1997, Hong Kong’s gross domestic product grew 180 times while per-capita GDP increased 87 times over. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the seventh largest in the world and has a market capitalisation of US$2.3 trillion as of December, 2009. In that year, Hong Kong raised 22 percent of worldwide initial public offering (IPO) capital, making it the largest centre of IPOs in the world and the easiest place to raise capital.” Seemingly just a driver behind fiscal stability, it is the nature of Hong Kong’s leading sectors that encourage the vast numbers of visitors making the flight over. With very
Hong Kong Exchange Trade Lobby 2007
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little natural resources, the reliance on international trade and a strong import presence means that Hong Kong is close to breaking into the world’s top 10 trading entities; its total value of imports and exports actually exceeding its GDP. As such, very few locations have had to master the art of business hospitality, multiculturalism and globalisation like Hong Kong has. “Much of Hong Kong’s exports consist of re-exports, which are products made outside of the territory, especially in mainland China, and distributed via Hong Kong,” its Wikipedia page emphasises. “Its physical location has allowed the city to establish a transportation and logistics infrastructure that includes the world’s second busiest container port and the world’s busiest airport for international cargo.”
A Location For
Business Rooms For
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Pleasure A Life Of
Simplicity A business hotel with a life
east HONG KONG
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EAST is a business hotel with a wonderfully balanced approach to life. When it’s time for work, EAST is plugged into business. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find everything (and everyone) at EAST calm and very relaxed.
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Out and about Awaiting the vast swathes of tourist each year is a veritable feast, and not just for the taste buds. Facilitating everything is a sophisticated transportation network and technological infrastructure akin with some of the most developed metropolises in the world, while its accommodation - from closet-sized studios to palatial suites - can be attained at reasonable prices; especially out of holiday season. And once you leave your hotel room and dig a little deeper, the ‘east meets west’ connotations become clearer and clearer. Nowhere is this more the case than among Hong Kong’s restaurants with ‘fusion’ the oftused buzzword across both high-end dining establishments and more casual fast-food eateries. As discoverhongkong.com aptly asks, “With 12,000 restaurants at your service in Hong Kong, where do you even start?” Walled-village food - a unique cuisine from Hong Kong’s earliest inhabitants - and its infamous Hong Kong stir fries are just two of the ‘must-eats’ when visiting the city, as well as its renowned dim sum, seafood, Chinese barbecues and actual fusion meals. Once full, it’s never too much of a walk to find other iconic examples of Hong Kong culture. As a self-titled entertainment hub, its history in film and pride in showcasing the likes of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan epitomise an abundant array of art and performance venues which helps narrate 150 years of colonial rule and a subsequent evolution to its current-day autonomy. Jazz ensembles, orchestras, film festivals and street market operas are not uncommon as fleeting surprises up and down the territories’ high streets while the Hong Kong Sevens is arguably the most prestigious of the many sporting occasions each year. But for those with more niche and specific attractions in mind, history is often the order of the day. Again developed upon a foundation of significant native artefacts, its Chinese temples, religious buildings, national festivals, declared monuments, historical sites, modern architecture and copious museums bring the very best of Hong Kong’s enigmatic past to life in the most ornate and colourful way.
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Star Ferry
Carrying more than 70,000 passengers each day, the only way to really see the ‘fragrant harbour’ city is by taking a leisurely tour around the harbours themselves. Star Ferry runs a circular route over the course of an hour around Victoria Harbour, calling at Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Wan Chai along the way to ensure all passengers 26 million of them each year - get the best vantage point of what makes the state so successful and accessible to this day. Star Ferry was rated among the Top 10 Most Exciting Ferry Rides by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2009.
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Hong Kong’s Leading Custom Tailors
Phone: (+852) 2723 2673
www.empiretailors.com
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R O O F TO P B A R coctails • wine • deser ts
Traditional Cantonese dishes by art, culture & food critic LAU Kin Wai VISIT US: Kin’s Kitchen (Wan Chai) Address: 5/F, W Square, 314-324 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, HK Tel: (852) 2571 0913 Fax: (852) 2571 9057
RESERVATIONS +852 3427 2288
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Man Mo Temple
King among all historical sights in Hong Kong is the Man Mo Temple, a picturesque tribute to the God of literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo), “both of whom were worshipped by ambitious students looking to succeed in the civil examinations of Imperial China”. Part of a wider complex, it is preserved as a declared monument and remains the largest temple of its kind in Hong Kong; offering the perfect recluse away from the hub of the central business districts.
The Peak
Arguably the most impressive sightseeing experience in Hong Kong, The Peak is the highest point of Hong Kong Island; an exclusive neighbourhood for centuries that gives visitors the best view outside of a boat. “By day your eyes stretch across sparkling skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour all the way to the green hills of the New Territories. In early evening this panorama melts into pink and orange before reincarnating as a dazzling galaxy of light, shimmering beneath you. And if you listen carefully enough, you can hear Asia’s world city humming below,” expresses discoverhongkong.com.
The view from The Peak at night is breathtaking
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Mongkok Markets
Yau Ma Tei is one of the many ways for business travellers to truly experience authentic and local Chinese lifestyles, but is arguably topped by Mongkok which hosts numerous famous street markets each year. Discoverhongkong.com adds: “To truly experience authentic local Chinese lifestyles, you need to look no further than Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok. Walking through this unique section of Hong Kong is a colourful and memorable experience at any time of the day or night. And there’s plenty more than just sights and ambience to take away, you’ll also love the great deals you can find on souvenirs, clothing, electronic goods and much more.”
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Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival
“This event is a gizmo and gadget lovers’ dream! A one-stop shop for everything digital, this festival dazzles the public and seasoned professionals alike with state-of-the-art technologies and the latest industry trends. Products and services on offer include computer software and hardware, computer peripherals and accessories, digital cameras, mobile phones and other telecommunication products, computer games, computer and communications publications, web services and more.” www.discoverhongkong.com 19-22 August, 2016 10am-9:30pm, 19-21 August; 10am-6pm, 22 August Venue: Hall 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Tel: +852 2785 8867 Website: www.chkci.org.hk Date: Time: Lan Kwai Fong
THE MAIN EVENTS Lan Kwai Fong Music and Beer Fest
“Over 70 restaurants at Hong Kong’s most popular party zone put on a feast of international foods and beers. Performers from around the world keep the crowds entertained.” www.discoverhongkong.com August, 2016 (exact date to be confirmed) Venue: Lan Kwai Fong area Website: www.lankwaifong.com Date:
Hong Kong Brands & Products Expo
“As the largest outdoor expo in the city, the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo is chock-full of renowned brands and quality products from home and away to seduce dedicated shopaholics. Make sure you catch the Miss Exhibition Pageant, booth design competition and heaps of giveaways. “Stayed tuned for the 2016 edition!” www.discoverhongkong.com
Food Expo
“Loosen your belt buckles, because Hong Kong’s Food Expo cements the city’s reputation as the culinary capital of Asia. Hundreds of thousands of foodies squeeze in to sample gourmet treats from across the globe, as well as salivate over demonstrations by international experts, including Michelin-starred chefs. As a true melting pot of gastronomic creations from the East and West, Food Expo also gives a delicious insight into Hong Kong’s local dining scene.” www.discoverhongkong.com 11-15 August, 2016 10am to 10pm, 11-14 August; 10am to 6pm, 15 August Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Tel: +852 183 0670 Website: www.hktdc.com/hkfoodexpo Date: Time:
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BusinessTravel Guide ENQUIRIES jake.aldridge@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 669
joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676