 | Hong Kong today Today Hong Kong is internationally known as a strong financial and corporate center. It has the world's 14th highest GDP per capita. Foreign investment has a huge role to play here still. There are over 4,000 foreign companies which have their base here. Hong Kong practices free trade, has easy regulations, and taxes are low. The economy is mainly service based, with banking (15th largest), finance (world's 6th largest foreign exchange centre) and corporate as the major emphasis. The property market, tourism and trade (11th largest trading economy) are other key drivers economically. Very litt |
 | Hong Kong back then Hong Kong started as a small fishing village, involved in agriculture of paddy, salt production and small time trade, slowly to pearl farming and then to a major pearl hunting harbor, then to a large international trade port. Hong Kong was incorporated by the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC and was ruled by various dynasties of China from that period. In 1950 the Lei Cheng tomb was excavated and many facts were uncovered from the pottery, artifacts and materials found and used. Salt production increased and pearl popularity l |
 | The Peninsula, Hong Kong This is one of Hong Kong's oldest hotels and became operational in 1928. Perhaps this is the reason |  | The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong Set right in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the commercial sector, one may see this as yet an |
 | The Intercontinental, Hong Kong A winner of many worldwide awards and distinctions, this hotel is one of the world's top luxury hote |  | Kowloon Shangrila This legendary award winning architectural marvel is ideally located on the waterfront in the East s |
 | Island Shangrila This Hotel is located in the Central district and with its 56 storeys, is the tallest hotel in Hong |  | JW Marriott, Hong Kong The first Asian flagship hotel of the Marriott group, The JW Marriott was inaugurated in 1989 and is |
 | Pacific Place Pacific Place is one of the most exclusive and swanky malls in Hong Kong with designer boutiques in |  | The Landmark The Landmark has all the famous brand names. It also boasts of Hong Kong's only Harvey Nichols store |
 | The Times Square The Times Square on 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, is again one of the Prime shopping malls. With |  | The Central The Central again has top designer shops. All the Malls in this area including the Galleria, Alexand |
 | Stanley Street Stanley Street is famous for photographic equipment. |  | Causeway Bay Causeway Bay in Hong Kong Island is probably the best shopping experience in this category and is po |
 | New Year 1st January. The English Calendar New Year is celebrated with fanfare, parties and fireworks. |  | Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is the first day of the lunar month and will fall on January 26th to 28th in 2009. |
 | Birthday of Che Kung Birthday of Che Kung on 27th Jan in 2009 This is celebrated in memory of Che Kung. It is belie |  | Mid Autumn Festival Mid Autumn Festival -(Sep/Oct) This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth moon. This |
 | Spring Lantern Festival Spring Lantern Festival- Also known as Valentine's Day, this is celebrated on the 15th day of the Ch |  | Monkey God Festival Monkey God Festival -Sep / Oct, Day 16th of the Moon. It is believed that the Monkey God gained immo |
 | Steakhouse wine bar and grill The huge selection of salads, imported meat steak selections, and a variety of the best internationa |  | Felix The décor here is whacky, but the sweeping views, especially of the harbor and Hong Kong's skyline |
 | Fook Lam Moon The ancient décor has not been changed for years, yet the food here is perhaps the by word in tradi |  | Unkai This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong. The chef is from Osaka. The décor is ele |
 | Yan toe heen This restaurant is decorated with tasteful beauty and serenity. It commands a breathtaking view of t |  | Cafe des artistes In the heart of the crowded Lan Kwai Fung, one is transported to this quiet restaurant. The food her |
 | Fast Facts Location: Between 22 15 N and 114 10 E, Hong Kong is in Southeast Asia. China mainland is to its North and South China Sea to its South, west and east. It is divided as per location into four main districts. In the Hong Kong Island's northern area is seen the world famous skyline of its skyscrapers. This has all the government offices, corporate offices, shopping districts and social and nightlife areas. The southern part has the more upmarket residential area, the parks, leisure activities and beaches. Kowloon is another part of Hong Kong and refers to the peninsula which is North of Hong Kong Island and is highly populated. Its name signifies nine dragons referring to hills of the region. The third region is the New Territories. This has newer towns, industries, farms, small villages and parks and has a hilly terrain. Lastly are the Outlying Islands. These are some 234 islands of various sizes, some much bigger than the Hong Kong Island and others just a speck. Dialling code: +852. There is no zip code Emergency numbers: Emergency Service (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999 General Police Enquiries: 2527 7177 Directory Enquiries: 1081 Weath |
