What country is hong kong in? Why Hong Kong is not the capital, and other important facts about the financial center of China

- a modern pulsating city, a vivid example of the Asian economic miracle of the twentieth century. Hong Kong is the financial and commercial capital of the Asian region. Most of the trade passes through the exchanges and ports of Hong Kong. Every year, hundreds of exhibitions of goods and services of various sectors of the economy are held here. Most of the city (40%) is occupied by parks, forests and beaches. The name "Hong Kong" literally means "fragrant harbor" in Cantonese.

Peculiarities

Hong Kong belongs to a special administrative region of the PRC, and is built on the basis of self-government, reserving control over legislation, the monetary system, police forces, duties and immigration policy, while also maintaining representation in international organizations. Hong Kong is divided into the following parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, in addition to Hong Kong, there are more than 260 islands, most of which are uninhabited.

general information

Hong Kong is located in East Asia, on the coast of the South China Sea, from the north it borders on the Chinese province of Guangdong. The total area occupied by Hong Kong is 1104 sq. km. The local population is 7 million people, 95% of the ethnic composition are Chinese. The main languages ​​of Hong Kong are English and several varieties of Chinese, mainly Cantonese and Mandarin. The national currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). 100 HKD = $HKD:USD:100:2. Local time is ahead of Moscow by 5 hours. Time zone UTC+8. Mains voltage 220 V at 50 Hz, D, G, M. Country code +852. Internet domain.hk.

A brief excursion into history

Hong Kong has existed for thousands of years, but historically dates its appearance to the middle of the century before last, when partners Great Britain and China reached an impasse over fees for silk and tea. The Chinese side wanted to be paid for these goods only in silver. To save their money, the British discovered a product that the Chinese bought secretly and without fail - Indian opium. As a result of the opium wars in the middle of the 19th century, the Hong Kong region was transferred to the British kingdom. In 1898, the British were leased for 99 years, i.e. until 1997, the continental part of the land, which today is called the New Territories, departed. The British occupation lasted for more than a century and a half and had a huge impact on the way of life of the local population. Since 1997, Hong Kong is again the territory of the People's Republic of China.

Climate

Hong Kong has a predominantly tropical monsoon climate with cool, dry winters and hot, humid summers. The seasons are clearly defined. In spring it is quite humid and warm, and in autumn it is dry and sunny, which is associated with different wind directions that are typical for each season. The unfavorable period for traveling to Hong Kong is the summer season from May to September - the time of typhoons and rains. The best time to travel to Hong Kong is autumn, the air temperature is +18 .. +28 degrees, in winter it is also quite comfortable, but you should take warm clothes - a coat or jacket.

Visa and customs regulations

Citizens of Russia and Ukraine do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong if the period of stay does not exceed 14 days. Customs regulations are in line with global requirements.

How to get there

Transport. Surface public transport in Hong Kong is developed on high level. Together with the banking system, the British left behind a well-functioning transport system. The city imposes a large tax on drivers, so the main vehicles the double-decker trams, buses, ferry and metro remain. You can always use taxis, which are divided into three types: red, green and blue. Red taxis cover almost all areas of Hong Kong. Green taxis operate in the New Territories, while blue taxis operate on Lantau Island.

Attractions

Also known as Mount Austin, it is located in the western part of the island, being its symbol and the highest point, which offers amazing views of the city and surrounding areas. One of the most visited observation decks of Victoria Peak is located on the territory of the Peak Tower, which resembles a Chinese frying pan in its external form. For the convenience of visitors, telescopes are equipped here, allowing you to examine in detail the most remote points of the city. In addition to admiring the landscapes, here you can sit in a cafe, trying out the national Chinese cuisine, or go shopping in search of gifts and souvenirs.

Located on Lantau Island, it is one of the five official Walt Disney World Parks and the youngest of them. One of the features of Hong Kong Disneyland is that, despite its American prototype, it clearly shows Asian features. So, for example, some famous cartoon characters sing in Chinese, landscape design was created in accordance with the traditions of Feng Shui, and national Chinese cuisine prevails in the local cafes and restaurants.

One of the iconic sights of Hong Kong is a huge bronze statue towering on Lantau Island, on Taithaan Square, next to the Po Lin Monastery. Right at the foot of the hill, on top of which you can see the figure of the Buddha, there is a themed village Ngong Ping (Ngong Ping) with shops, shops, cafes and restaurants where you can buy memorable souvenirs and eat cheaply.

Almost the main tourist attraction in is the cable car. It connects the city to Lantau Island, with Ngong Ping meaning the name of the tourist village located at the foot of the Big Buddha at the arrival point. A 360-degree all-round view guarantees passengers excellent views from the cabin window on the way to the island.

It is located on a mountainous peninsula, in the southern part, representing an amazing amusement park located on two levels, which can be compared with many of the most famous analogues in the world. The total area of ​​Ocean Park has an area of ​​more than 870 thousand square meters. m. In addition to the Oceanarium, with many marine specimens collected from all over the world and Polar Adventure, it includes such thematic areas as the Village of Ancient Structures, the Kingdom of Birds, for lovers of exotic birds, the Garden of Wild Plants and Animals , "Amusement Park", Aquapark and "Children's World".

Due to the lack of land, construction in Hong Kong has long been only going up. Pedestrian bridges have been built for ease of movement around the city. Among modern glass skyscrapers are equally modern futuristic statues. These are no longer dragons and turtles, as in mainland China, but bizarre forms that personify old symbols. However, all the buildings in Hong Kong are built in accordance with the ancient teachings of Feng Shui. Fountains and waterfalls, the correct location of the entrance doors and symbolic statues - all in order to grow performance stock market and financial flows were moving in the right direction.

As a symbol of the Pearl of the Asian economic miracle - the most expensive and luxurious hotel Peninsula. Guests from the airport are met exclusively on Rolls-Royces. If someone does not like such a transfer, for $ 1,500 he can land by helicopter right on the roof of the hotel. The price for a room here can reach $10,000 per night. To stop at least once in the Peninsula is a matter of prestige for a successful businessman.

You can plunge into a different way of life in Hong Kong, for example, by visiting songbird market. Finches, parrots, nightingales, sparrows, canaries are very popular with the local population. Cages with feathered singers can be found in many homes or yards. No less popular are goldfish. It is believed that goldfish take care of happiness and well-being in the house. Therefore, a lot of buyers come to the Goldfish Market every day.

Near aberdeen, which is in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, you can see the life of ordinary fishermen who live right on the water - in junks, a house on land is an unaffordable luxury for them. This place is famous for seafood, which can be tasted in local floating restaurants or purchased at the Giant Specialty Shop.

Land in Hong Kong is expensive and water space is heavily exploited. The water area around Hong Kong is not only trading ports and marinas for expensive yachts, of which there are a great many. These are numerous junks that house restaurants, entertainment venues, boats and ferries for excursions and transportation of passengers along local routes.

Accommodation

Hong Kong offers a huge range of accommodation types, from cheap options to luxury hotels. Most of the hotels are located in places close to public transport, providing links to attractions. Budget hotels can be found around Nathan Road, between Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, and in Causeway Bay. Wealthy travelers in Hong Kong will find some of the best hotels in the world, where they will be offered the highest service - helicopter transfers, Michelin star restaurants and extravagant spas and other possible amenities for every whim. Some of the most luxurious hotels in Hong Kong are The Peninsula, Four Seasons, Le Meridien, W, InterContinental, JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton, Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, room rates start from $3,000.

Hong Kong is the capital of which country? - often people ask this question. They ask an Internet search engine, and after a few minutes they find out that Hong Kong is not a capital, it is not just a city or a country. Hong Kong received the status of a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China.

Name etymology

To the question "Hong Kong is the capital of which country?" not everyone is able to answer correctly. At the same time, they will say that it can be located somewhere in China. Translated into Russian, the name of the district is translated as "fragrant harbour". The area got its name from the locality of the same name, which is located on the island. Many years ago, aromatic substances were traded on the island.

Today and yesterday

It is useless to ask the question of where Hong Kong is located, in which country. It can be safely called an independent state with its own culture, customs and traditions. Currently, Hong Kong is considered one of the main financial and business centers not only in the East, but also in the rest of the world. Local authorities strive to ensure that the administrative region not only retains the status of a business capital, but also does not lose its attractive appearance, was well-maintained. Special services take care of the environment and landscaping. However, most of the territories in which the district is located are still not developed.

The “state” has practically no history of its own:

• If a person who lived about two hundred years ago were asked where Hong Kong is located, in which country, he would answer that in Great Britain, for which he could not be accused of ignorance of geography. In the 1840s, Hong Kong was captured by this very European country. Subsequently, the area was occupied by Japan.
• At the end of the twentieth century, long negotiations began, which went down in history as a "war of words". In 1997, Hong Kong was transferred to China, from which it received special rights until 2047.

Who knows how they will answer the question “Hong Kong is the capital of which country?” next generations. History is too unpredictable and sometimes surprises. This autonomous part of vast China has everything you need to turn an administrative region into a separate state: several ministries, its own leadership and budget. Perhaps Hong Kong has an independent future ahead of it.

Hong Kong - is it an amazing, mysterious country, city or island? Some people believe that Hong Kong is the capital of China. Of course, this opinion is erroneous, since the capital of China is Beijing. In fact, Hong Kong is part of China. This is a large administrative region located on the Kowloon Peninsula and 260 other islands. One of the islands has the same name as the whole area - Hong Kong.

Hong Kong District

The official name of the territory is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. For a long time, the part of China, located in the southeast, belonged to the Chinese Empire. It was settled mainly by ethnic Chinese in the 14th century. Over time, this territory turned out to be at the crossroads of sea and land trade routes. Many Europeans have chosen to settle in this advantageous place. Between 1856 and 1860, during the Opium War, Britain took over part of the Kowloon Peninsula. And after a while, she leased the rest of the peninsula for 99 years: until July 1997.

And it became unclear: who owns the country of Hong Kong, whose capital is the city of the same name? In the early 50s, a mass of Chinese refugees poured onto the peninsula, along with money capital. This determined the status of the region. In 1984, China and Great Britain signed a declaration according to which the British side returned its territory to the PRC. China also pledged to maintain the social, economic and legislative systems in force at that time for exactly 50 years, starting from the end of the lease.

Hong Kong is the capital of which country?

As a result, an administrative unit with an area of ​​more than 1000 square meters was formed in the southeast of China. kilometers and with a population of more than 7 million people. This area is very unique. When defining state borders, the British checkpoint remained, and only through it can one enter the territory of Hong Kong and China. An entry visa is issued by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. The official languages ​​are Chinese and English. The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar. The symbol is a white dolphin. There are several religious concessions: Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.

Finance center

Today Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial and trading centers and a major exporter of Chinese goods. It owns 44% of imports. This is a free trade zone, convenient for opening any business. Hong Kong is a land of contrasts. Along with technological progress, ancient culture and centuries-old Chinese traditions coexist closely here. Here you can meet a fortune teller near the temple, and nearby is a large financial center where transactions with oil and gold are made. At business people there is no question: "Hong Kong is the capital of which state?". Everyone knows that the countries with the same name!

The entire territory of the region is built up with tall buildings: in terms of the number of skyscrapers, Hong Kong occupies one of the first places in the world. Special attention attracts the airport located on the whole island. The presence of the latest equipment, radio equipment provides air passengers with comfortable conditions. Cleanliness and order, comfortable soft benches, silence and unobtrusive light - all this makes it possible to have a good rest before the flight. No less favorable conditions for movement.

Hong Kong infrastructure

Not only at the airport, but everywhere, roads and sidewalks have clear markings and signs. Strict observance of traffic rules, the absence of sound signals, the colorful design of the streets involuntarily suggest: "Hong Kong is the capital of which country?". It is very different from the rest of China. Huge buildings, shopping and business centers, restaurants, residential buildings - everything is comfortable and beautiful.

Suspended pedestrian crossings with a length of a kilometer, bridges, tunnels can significantly shorten the path and arrive at the appointed place in time. Including to work. A convenient means of transportation are escalators, which provide all the business districts of the city. There is also a "mid-levels": one of the longest open-air escalator systems in the world. Double-decker buses and trams are used as public transport. Surprisingly, they are all of the old type with wooden benches that were produced at the beginning of the twentieth century. At first glance, this seems strange, but does not spoil the overall impression. It even adds charm to the city. That's what it is - Hong Kong. What country's capital would refuse such a developed infrastructure?

For communication between the islands, there are metro and ferries, decorated in a high class. Telephones, computers, free Internet are available.

Area attractions

In Hong Kong, you can see a lot of interesting and unusual things. Among the skyscrapers, on the roof of the IFC shopping center, there is a park with beautiful lawns, fountains, benches and tables for visitors. One of the towers has an observation deck. It offers a magnificent panorama. The city has many museums and a large bronze Buddha statue.

You can relax and dine in one of the many restaurants and sushi bars, in a quiet and peaceful environment. The conditions for living in the country are very favorable, especially for professional specialists: their work is always in demand.

Now it becomes clear what Hong Kong is, the capital of which country, where it is located and what is interesting for tourists and travelers. In practice, this is a separate country, but in fact it is a region of China, Xianggang, which is very beautiful and original.

Decided to organize a holiday in Hong Kong? Looking for the best Hong Kong hotels, hot tours, resorts and last minute deals? I'm interested in the weather in Hong Kong, prices, the cost of a tour, do I need a visa to Hong Kong and would it be useful detailed map? Would you like to see what Hong Kong looks like in photos and videos? What are the excursions and attractions in Hong Kong? What are the stars and reviews of Hong Kong hotels?

Hong Kong (Hong Kong) is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong is located on the Kowloon Peninsula, washed by the South China Sea from the west, south and east, as well as on more than 260 islands. To the north, Hong Kong borders the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in the Chinese province of Guangdong.

Hong Kong is usually divided into three parts: Hong Kong Island itself, Kowloon and the New Territories.

Hong Kong Airport

Hong Kong International Airport Chek Lap Kok Airport or Hong Kong Guokchai Keichyeong International Airport

Hong Kong hotels 1 - 5 stars

Hong Kong weather

The climate of Hong Kong is subtropical, monsoonal. Cool and dry winter lasts from December to March. Spring and summer in Hong Kong are hot, humid and rainy, while autumn is warm, sunny and dry. Such a different climate at different times of the year is due to the different wind direction characteristic of each season. Tropical cyclones (typhoons) can pass through Hong Kong in summer and early autumn.

Hong Kong language

Official language: Chinese

English is widely used.

Currency of Hong Kong

International name: HKD

The Hong Kong dollar is equal to 100 cents. There are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 HK$ banknotes in circulation in four different designs, as well as coins in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 cents.

There are no currency restrictions in Hong Kong, any currency is freely sold and purchased, although when buying with Hong Kong dollars, you can get a number of price advantages and discounts.

You can exchange currency at exchange offices in banks (usually the most favorable rate), the airport, large shops and most hotels. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted everywhere, the ATM network is very extensive.

Visa

Easy entry mode

Russian citizens do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong for a period not exceeding 14 days. The purpose of the trip must be tourism, transit, visiting friends or relatives, a short-term business visit, not related to making a profit in Hong Kong.

Customs restrictions

The import of foreign currency is not limited (the declaration is required). Duty-free imported up to 1 liter. alcoholic products, perfumes - no more than 60 ml. and toilet water no more than 250 ml. (packed), tobacco products - no more than 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 gr. tobacco.

It is forbidden to import weapons (including stun guns and gas cartridges), pornography, counterfeit products, drugs and poisons. Certain medications, antibiotics, combustibles and explosive substances and items are imported only with the appropriate permission of the local authorities. Valuable items (photo and video equipment, jewelry, etc.) must be indicated in the entry declaration; upon departure, the declaration is presented again. It is forbidden to export valuable items and works of art without a store receipt confirming the legality of the purchase.

Importation of animals

The importation of animals (even in the case of transit) is allowed only if there are relevant documents (valid for 90 days) from local border veterinary control services, as well as a veterinary certificate issued by the relevant veterinary services of the Russian Federation no earlier than 4 days before departure.

Mains voltage

Tips

Office Hours

Most banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 16.00-17.00 with a lunch break from 13.00 to 14.00 and on Saturdays from 9.00 to 12.30-13.00.

Most shops are open from 10.00 to 20.00, large trading houses often continue to work until 21.00-22.00. Many shops are open on weekends as well.

Photo and video shooting

Photography in temples and museums is either prohibited or charged extra. For the use of video cameras, the fee is much higher or it is not allowed to shoot at all. Photographing strategic objects (airport, train station, dam, bridge, etc.) is prohibited.

Restrictions

Since July 1, 2009, Hong Kong has introduced a ban on smoking in public places, including restaurants, bars and even public toilets. In addition, restrictions on smoking on the streets will be tightened - there are already entire “tobacco-free areas” on the island.

Safety

In Hong Kong, you must always carry an identity document (passport, driver license etc.) - immigration authorities often arrange document checks to detain illegal workers and immigrants with expired visas.

Code of the country: +852

First level geographic domain name:.hk

Emergency Phones

Police, ambulance, fire and emergency services - 999.

State?" What is it? A beautiful city or a huge territorial district? If you ask the residents themselves, they will answer with confidence: "The capital!" After all, Hong Kong is the capital of Asian culture and cinema, Asian fashion, the economy and, in general, the European metropolis in the center Asia.

However, Hong Kong has never been the capital of any state. In general, until 1842, until the British chose this amazing place, it was virtually nothing. These were groups of islands on which small fishing villages huddled. One of them was called "Hong Kong". The country in which it was located was the Great Chinese Empire. However, England needed a convenient location for the opium trade with China. And it was in this place that the British decided to build their trading port. They leased Hong Kong and the entire Chinese mainland around it. Thus, the former fishing village has turned into a real gem.

China was rapidly developing, and the UK was left with no opportunity to extend the lease on Hong Kong. However, its return to China caused a complete imbalance - China, soaked through with communism, and capitalist Hong Kong absolutely did not fit each other. China demanded complete control over the media, politics and the minds of citizens, and the city was used to living freely and democratically in a European way, acting only by its own standards. This is how the idea of ​​the transitional principle arose. From 1997 until now, Hong Kong on the map and in the world community has become a Special Administrative Region of China. At the same time, having received relative domestic economic and political freedom, he lost foreign policy.

Many mistakenly still believe that Hong Kong is a city. But it's not. Hong Kong is an association of regions in China. Therefore, the question of whether Hong Kong is a country or a city is absolutely incorrect. He is like neither, nor the other, and all together. He is unique and inimitable.

Today, Hong Kong is an amazing mixture of all the achievements of the West and the unique flavor of the East. Here charming colonial mansions coexist with soaring skyscrapers. During the construction of many buildings, the principles of Feng Shui were used with might and main. For example, the facades are lined with mirror coatings to scare away evil spirits. Or the corners of buildings: their bevelling or rounding means friendliness and protection from evil influences.

By the way, the name "Hong Kong" is translated as "fragrant port". In this regard, the main motive of the urban landscape is water and greenery. Hong Kong is truly green and fragrant. Plants are all around here, both in the city itself and in the famous Victoria Park. It is here that Victoria Peak is located - the most high point the entire Hong Kong Island (552 meters above sea level).

Hong Kong is a land of contrasts. It combines a wide variety of cultures, spiritualities, beliefs and architectural styles. Hong Kong - "Asian New York", the former but, above all, it is the legacy of the great Chinese civilization, keeping its deep traditions, which are passed down from generation to generation.