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November 3, 2008
Visiting Hong Kong: Asia's World City
By Patricia Padilla
Star Ferry in Victoria Harbour, Photo by Patricia Padilla
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HONG KONG — When people hear Hong Kong they usually think China. But Hong Kong has become a melting pot of Chinese, European, and even a little bit of Western culture.
Starting from the minute you arrive at Hong Kong International Airport, which is one of the world's most modern airports, you will find a culture that is embedded in a world of international cuisine and incomparable night life.
Although Hong Kong has been historically a British colony, it was turned over to the Chinese in 1997. Holding on to a lot of its British influence, it often resembles certain areas of London. Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Region, the other one being the nearby island of Macau.
Hong Kong Island, which is the main district in Hong Kong, is home to the financial, shopping and night-life districts. Many financial companies in Asia have their many offices in Hong Kong Island.
The rest of Hong Kong is comprised of the Kowloon district, the most populous area in Hong Kong; the New Territories, which is the largest but least populated; and the outlying islands, including the island of Lantau, which is twice as large as Hong Kong Island.
But what makes it a worthwhile place to visit? In addition to the breathtaking skying and its party-till-8-am nightlife, Hong Kong is one of the shopping capitals of the world. Ranging from the electronic districts, where you can find computer products at a very discounted price, to any of its famous outdoor markets, Hong Kong has something to offer to everyone.
Hong Kong also serves as a travel hub for the rest of Asia. Through the help of travel agents, which are still highly used by locals, you can find extremely inexpensive fares to other parts of Asia. The Great Wall for a weekend? A getaway in Thailand? If you do your research, these are destinations that are only a few bucks and a plane ride away!
For more information on Hong Kong, please visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board Web site.
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