Hong Kong Travel Guide

 

Hong Kong from Kowloon © Hong Kong Tourist Board

Hong Kong perches on the edge of mainland China occupying an anomalous position as a territory straddling two worlds. Since the handover in 1997 Hong Kong has become a ‘Special Administrative Region of China’, no longer a subject of British colonial sovereignty. Past and present fuse to create a capitalist utopia embedded within the world’s largest Communist country.

Hong Kong offers a dense concentration of shops and shopping malls with a cross-pollinated cosmopolitan culture that embraces Nepalese and British cuisines with equal enthusiasm. It is the perfect gateway for travellers to Southeast Asia and China, providing a smooth transition from west to east. As one of the key economies of the Pacific Rim, Hong Kong Island showcases a gleaming landscape of skyscrapers and boasts a highly developed transport infrastructure that makes commuting around it a dream.

Hong Kong consists of four sections: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories form part of the Chinese mainland to the north of Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Island, containing the central business hub, lies on the southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon. The Outlying Islands comprise a composite of 234 islands.

Southwest Kunming © babasteve

China kept itself to itself for thousands of years, and foreigners still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic country. Since the country hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics though, there has been a major increase in travellers wanting to explore the exotic destination. There is a great deal to discover in this, the world’s most populated country, the third largest in the world territorially with more than 1.3 billion citizens.

What makes China attractive as a destination for Western tourists is its fascinating culture and valuable antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements and the dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors are there to behold, along with adventures along the legendary ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road. The Forbidden Palace, Great Wall, and X’ian’s Terracotta Army, are just some of the incredible attractions to be seen in this ancient Eastern empire.

The People’s Republic of China has been under communist government since 1949, but is currently undergoing social and economic development. Emphasis is being placed on tourist facilities and infrastructure. China is opening the doors to its wealth of historical and cultural treasures and visitors are flooding in to be amazed and awed.

Organised tours are still the favoured way to explore China, but independent travel is slowly becoming easier. The major cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, are modern metropolises offering fast food and glitzy stores alongside centuries-old historical buildings and traditional eating houses. Archaeological wonders vie with amazing architecture in the interior, while majestic mountains and remote monasteries crown the northern areas.

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Our Friends Tours World Traveler Ship and Hotels… To complement your luxury cruise on the all-balcony Victoria Anna, we’ve chosen some of the very finest 5-star hotels in China, like the landmark Peninsula in Beijing, just steps away from the Forbidden City. And the legendary hotels of Shangri-La in Xian and Hong Kong, including the sophisticated Kowloon Shangri-La, with a privileged location on Hong Kong’s vibrant waterfront.

Beijing, Yichang, Three Gorges, Fengdu, Xian and Hong Kong, China

The Friends Travel Tours World Traveler Advantage

• The Imperial cities of China, a luxury Yangtze cruise, and exciting Hong Kong… An escorted, two-week vacation only from General Tours
• Remarkable value for award-winning luxury hotels and our 5-star, all-balcony Anna, a top-of-the-line ship of Victoria Cruises
• Touch Antiquity in Xian! Join museum staff to examine and handle excavated artifacts thousands of years old
• See Beijing’s stunning Olympic venues, including the iconic National Stadium
• Our innovative excursions include kite-flying at the Ming Tombs, a lively culinary demonstration, a visit with a Beijing family, and an enchanting evening cruise through Victoria Harbor
• 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A single entry China visa is required for US citizens.

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Our Privately-Guided Journey with 9 meals, luggage handling, internal flights and expertly-guided private car sightseeing

Our Privately-Guided Journey… is the best way to explore these two fascinating cities. Touring with your own personal car, driver and guide affords the luxury of sightseeing at a pace that’s right for you. Enjoy deeper, more rewarding engagement with our expert guide, and the flexibility to pursue your own passions. We promise a superior vacation and unmatched value with our terrific hotels and in-depth sightseeing.

Beijing, Hong Kong, China

The Friends Travel Tours World Traveler Advantage

• Tailor this vacation with the hotels that are right for you… Our first class, deluxe, and luxury hotels are handpicked for great service and ideal locations
• See the amazing 2008 Olympic venues, including the futuristic Water Cube – where Americans won Gold
• Explore Beijing’s unique hutongs, where the rhythms of daily life surround you
• Our special Chinese New Year departures promise exciting festivities, including fireworks and VIP tickets for Hong Kong’s New Year’s Parade
• 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A single entry China visa is required for US citizens.

FriendsTravel offers THE most advantageous First Class, Business Class, and Coach airfares available, to China, Asia, Far East and the Pacific Rim.

EMAIL: China@FriendsTravel.com or HongKong@FriendsTravel.com today for your reservations

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