Hong Kong the city of contrast of modern, dynamic, forward looking, yet with a past that goes back six millennia has everything to offer from the exotic locales to great shopping, sumptuous dining, fascinating culture and heritage. The city also features a stunning harbor and green vistas that will surprise you. There is diversity and sophistication at every turn that will spellbound. Hong Kong city boasts of a number of uniquely designed buildings, each with its own distinct architectural élan.

The city is centered around Victoria Harbor. The main business district is Central, on Hong Kong Island. East of Central lies the Admiralty commercial district; Wan Chai, known for restaurants and clubs; then Causeway Bay, a major shopping area. Towering above it all is the Peak, Hong Kong's premier scenic outlook and residential district, which happily has plenty of public green space. In Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui (on the southern tip), Jordan and Yau Ma Tei are busy hotel and shopping areas, while Mong Kok is a bustling residential and shopping area.

Geography of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is located in the Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China.it extends from 22 15 N longitude to 114 10 E latitude. The total land surface is 1,092 sq km out of which land occupy a surface of 1,042 sq km where as the remaining 50 sq km is covered with water.

Hong Kong is divided into four main areas - Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are on a peninsula of the Chinese mainland, on the northern side of Victoria Harbour; Hong Kong Island is on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon; the Outlying Islands simply refers to any of the other 234 islands. The New Territories has a 20km (12mi) land border with China proper.

Hong Kong lacks a river system of any scope, the only exception being in the north where the Sham Chun River, which forms the boundary between Kwangtung and Hong Kong, flows into Deep Bay after collecting a number of small tributaries. Most of the streams are small, and they generally run perpendicular to the northeast-southwest trend of the terrain. The construction of reservoirs and their catchment systems has reduced the amount of fresh water available downstream.

Climate of Hong Kong
Hong Kong experience all the distinct four seasons, tropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Culture of Hong Kong
Hong Kong developed initially on the basis of its excellent natural harbor (its Chinese name means "fragrant harbor") and the lucrative China trade, particularly opium dealing. Hong Kong culture has assimilated the best cultural aspect of all those who ruled it or the country surrounding it.At varying times, Cambodian culture also absorbed Javanese, Chinese, and Thai influences. Between the 9th and 15th centuries, a prosperous and powerful empire flourished in northwestern Cambodia. The Khmer kingdom of Angkor, named for its capital city, dominated much of what is now Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The kingdom drew its religious and political inspiration from India. The literary language of the court was Sanskrit; the spoken language was Khmer.

A peep into the History of Hong Kong
The first permanent settlement in what is today Hong Kong probably occurred about 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty (206 bc-ad 220). Little growth took place until the 19th century, owing to China's imperial policy of inward development, with a focus away from developing the resources of coastal areas. Also, despite Hong Kong's proximity to the port city of Guangzhou, all foreign trade with China was controlled through a small Chinese merchant guild in Guangzhou known as the Co-hong, and contact with foreigners was highly restricted.

Before the British arrived in the mid-19th century, Hong Kong Island was inhabited only by a small fishing population, with few features to recommend it for settlement. It lacked fertile soil and fresh water, was mountainous, and was reputed to be a notorious haunt of pirates. But it was a relatively safe and undisturbed base for the British merchants who in 1821 began to use the fine harbour to anchor opium-carrying vessels. The great commercial and strategic significance of this deep, sheltered harbour, possessing east and west entrances and lying on the main trade routes of the Far East, was quickly realized.

The British, who wished to expand their trading opportunities along China's coast, became interested in Hong Kong in the early 19th century. They also desired a location to serve as a naval resupply point, similar to the role Singapore was playing at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The trade of opium, a highly profitable product for British merchants and eventually an illegal import into China, led to the Opium Wars and Britain's acquisition of Hong Kong. In 1839 the Chinese Special Commissioner imprisoned some British merchants in Guangzhou and confiscated opium warehouses. The merchants were released, but the British foreign secretary, Lord Palmerston, dispatched naval forces and war ensued. The British had a superior naval force and won easily, occupying Hong Kong Island in 1841.

Sir Henry Pottinger became its first governor. Today, these first vestiges of British influence live on in a number of Colonial historical sites that rank among Hong Kong's most popular attractions. Despite British cynicism, Pottinger dedicated his time to building up Hong Kong's future as he realized its potential. He inspired long-term building projects and awarded land grants. In order to make peace with the Chinese, he sent his troops to the Chang Jiang (Yangtzi River) and threatened to attack Nanjing (Nanking). In August 1842, the Chinese yielded and the two governments signed the Treaty of Nanjing, which officially gave Hong Kong to the British.

Hong Kong Story Permanent Exhibition
For any visitor, a tour of a particular place or country is not that interesting or enjoyable, if he doesn't know much about the historical background of that place. So to get a feel of the ancient history of Hong Kong visit the Hong Kong story permanent exhibition. It is an exciting new addition for visitors exploring the city's cultural and historical landscape. The exhibitions life like depictions of the evolution of modern day Hong Kong will take you back some 6,000 years of fascinating archeology, ethnography and more than 400 million years of natural history that will help enhance your understanding and appreciation of the city's rich history.

Memory Lane Holiday in Hong Kong
Take a fascinating trip down Memory Lane and experience Hong Kong's rich history and captivating heritage. This package lets you experience the culture & history of Hong Kong and even includes a day trip to Shenzhen with a visit to both the Splendid of China and China Culture Village.

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
If you're in Hong Kong, you'd be mad to miss a trip to the top of Victoria Peak, 552m (1810ft) above sea level. The steepest funicular tramway on the planet, the Peak Tram will thrill you with its dazzling 1,300-foot climb into the sky. After an exhilarating near-vertical, eight-minute ride on the 112-year-old tram, you'll feast your eyes on the breathtaking panorama of the vibrant harbor, serene mountains and spectacular architecture. High above the city, on the "Back of the Dragon," Victoria Peak offers visitors a multitude of entertainment, dining and shopping options and is the perfect place to embark at night, when the mass of lights around the harbor will take your breath away and make you wish you had a better camera.

Kowloon, Hong Kong
Find bargains galore in Kowloon's lively open-air bazaar. It consists of one sq. km of shops, restaurants, pubs, topless bars and camera stores. However, Kowloon is also home to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum, the famous Peninsula Hotel and the Museum of History. Here one can shop from inexpensive men's clothing, novelty items, luggage and watches, and other merchandise which is doted with fortunetellers, palm readers and, sometimes, Chinese opera singers, make the market a fascinating street theatre.

Giant Buddha, Hong Kong
At Po Lin Monastery's is statue world's largest, seated, outdoor, bronze statue of Buddha soaring to 26 meters high and weighing 202-ton. it is visible from as far away as Macau on a clear day.

Star Ferry Ride, Hong Kong
View Hong Kong's magnificent skyline from the harbor aboard the Star Ferry. The Star Ferry, over a century old, remains the most spectacular ferry rides in the world. The ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui takes only eight minutes, and offers picturesque memories that will last a lifetime.