Some quick information about Hong Kong (SAR):

1. Area: 1,100 sq. km of land.
2. Population of approximately 7 million.
3. Capital City: Hong Kong.
4. GDP $173 Billion.
5. GDP per capita of US$32,900.
6. Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8
7. Country Dialing Code: 852

Previously occupied by the UK for over 140 years, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. Hong Kong is one of the most successful port city of the world and may boast the most impressive harbor skyscape in the world. Hong Kong people are superstitious- catering to the tenents of Feng Shui and lucky numbers (6:longevity, 8: prosperity, 3:birth).

Getting to Hong Kong is convenient. Hong Kong is served by its national carriers and virtually all other neighboring and US airlines. With round trip air provided by the world best and most secure airlines, there is always a flight available.

Hong Kong is cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall.

All forms of transportation- taxi, rail, metro and bus, are safe and regulated.

You will find every name brand five-star hotel available to serve you and to provide you the highest level of service. Language is not a barrier as most all major hotels offer translation and multi-lingual employees and concierge services. Most hotels in Hong Kong offer dual voltage capability or converters.

Cantonese and Mandarin are the official languages. About 70% of the country speaks Mandarin; however Cantonese is widely spoken.

Hong Kong's monetary unit is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$). Foreign currency exchange is available for most currencies at hotels, most large department stores, banks, and authorized money changing shops. International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Master Card, and American Express are accepted.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated in the month of February with glitz, glitter and fire works. This is the time to bury the hatchet and settle your debts. Spring Lantern Festival on February 26 brings to an end the Chinese New Year.
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Hong Kong is constantly entertaining. It offers every kind of after-dark diversion from opera and theatre to the adult-oriented drinking scene that includes Wan Chai's sleazy hostess bars and the alleyway crawlspaces of Lan Kwai Fong. Don't forget to test your talent at any one of the numerous karaoke bars. Afterwards, relax in one of the many "spas" to loosen your joints after a busy day.

Hong Kong can not be experienced unless you enjoy the various culinary offerings. There is an array of appetizing seafood and dishes across the globe, which is garnished with flavors from both the East and the West. Fresh ocean fish prepared with local spices, gingers and onions are delicious. Peking Duck is a dish served in three courses. Don't forget mango pudding or hot egg tarts.

Shopping, shopping and more shopping. Shopping in Hong Kong is an art and a favorite form of recreation. Clothing, jewellery and electronics are all available in abundance. While Hong Kong island boasts high-end shopping, its neighbor across the harbour in Tsim Tsa Tsui, tends to provide more of a bargaining- traders shopping center, including tailors, and other faux designer goods.

Hong Kong, besides it nightlife, shopping and culinary prowess, has many sights, museums and architectural features to enjoy.Hong Kong Museum of Art- classical Chinese art, showcase paintings and lithographs; Hong Kong Museum of History- area's history from 6000 years ago to the present; Hong Kong Science Museum- over 500 displays on computers, energy, physics, robotics, telecommunications; Hong Kong Space Museum- the Hall of Space Science, the Hall of Astronomy and the ever-popular Space Theatre, one of the largest planetariums in the world; Jardine House- this 52-storey silver monolith punctured with 1750 porthole-like windows was Hong Kong's first true 'skyscraper' when it opened in 1973; Kowloon Walled City Park- this beautiful park was acquired by the government and designed to include pavilions, ponds, turtles, goldfish and exquisite flora; Man Mo Temple- Temple dedicated to two deities. The civil deity (Man Cheung) who is worshipped as the god of literature and is represented holding a writing brush and the military deity (Kwan Yu (or Kwan Tai) a Han-dynasty soldier now venerated as the red-cheeked god of war;
Miu Fat Monastery- one of the most well-kept and attractive Buddhist complexes in the territory; Ocean Park- an amusement park with a roller coaster and other stomach-turning rides. It is also a marine park, with dolphin and killer whale shows, seals and sea lions, a shark aquarium and aviaries featuring the 'Amazing Birds' theatre; Victoria Peak- 552m (1810ft) above sea level. The views are amazing in every direction, with the vista of the business district, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon; Disney Hong Kong- opened I 2005, Disney Hong Kong is the newest of the Disneyland offerings. The park consists of four themed lands (Mainstreet, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland) similar to other Disneyland parks around the world.

Come to Hong Kong for a charity Tour event, but stay to enjoy its diversity, cuisine, shopping, museums and history. Let us help extend your stay in Hong Kong for you and your family.

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