Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a fascinating place. Situated on the South East coast of China it served as a British colony since 1842 when it became part of the British Empire after the Opium Wars. The New Territories was leased to the UK from 1898 for 99 years. Once the 99 year lease was over the British could have actually kept Hong Kong island. However, to divide the colony up with all the disruption to services, lifestyles, resources, living space and industry would have been inconceivable. The best way to ensure the future prosperity of Hong Kong was to hand it over completely which is exactly what happened.

Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997 but it was agreed that although Hong Kong would be part of China it would still be a Special Administrative Area of China and have a high degree of autonomy, a capitalist system and its own laws and freedom of speech. Hong Kong is a busy and vibrant international city in the China Sea and the Pearl River Delta. It is a busy centre of international trade and what it has achieved is nothing short of amazing. Visitors will see the influence of the British is still very much apparent as they travel on an underground similar to the one in London and ride on double decker buses through streets with English names. However, this is very much as Chinese as it was once British and we hope that it continues in the future with its remarkable energy and vision. 

There is so much to do and see in Hong Kong. This is a shoppers paradise with excellent beaches, world class bars, restaurants and hotels and a host of attractions that include; a visit by tram to Victoria Peak, the Stanley Market and the floating Aberdeen Restaurant and fishing villages. Hong Kong now has its own Disneyland and Ocean World. You can take a trip to Macau or watch amazed as the city lights up at night. This is a truly amazing destination and a gateway for where the East meets West.

Photos of Hong Kong