If tranquility and serenity are adjectives you would use to describe the perfect trip, leave Hong Kong out of your itinerary. The boisterous energy of 14 million inhabitants leaves the visitor wondering if insomnia is contagious in this city. Hong Kong is the quintessential representation of east meets west, boasting its own Times Square along with artifacts from the Paleolithic Age. The far-reaching history and booming capitalist economy has propelled Hong Kong to the forefront of modern technology and commerce. The best way to navigate this urban jungle is to allow extraordinary diversions to lead where they may, while visiting a few key sites when you travel to Hong Kong.
From Opium Wars to Opulence: Hong Kong History
Since the Stone Age, the island of Hong Kong has supported a society rich with influences from Europeans and the Portuguese through steady and moderate trade. During the 1700s, increased commercial value of Asian luxury goods sparked heightened global interest in this once-neglected corner of China. Following the Opium Wars of the mid-19th century between the British and Chinese, Hong Kong was officially ceded to the British Empire as a Crown Colony beginning in 1898 for a term of 99 years. During that term, Hong Kong's economy blossomed onto the international stage to become one of the most prosperous free markets of today. After 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China as a Special Administrative Region under the conditions that the market and government would remain free and democratic (non-Communist) while Beijing would only handle national security and foreign diplomacy ("one country, two systems").
Today, Hong Kong has maintained a majority of its autonomy and travel to Hong Kong has remained relatively easy for Western nationals. At this time a visa is still not required unless traveling through China as well. English is still an official language along with Chinese.
The Sights and Sounds of Hong Kong Travel
The constant buzz of modern life and the ghostly prevalence of ancient life on the island will keep any traveler occupied without a moment to spare. A unique attraction that pays homage to the Chinese fixation with caged song birds is the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden where 70 different bird stalls, each elaborately decorated, fill the air with their own harmony. From anywhere in the city it is impossible to miss the looming Bank of China Tower, now Hong Kong's national monument and a modern declaration of China's mounting role in the global economy. In the center of the city is Times Square, a monumental 9-story shopping complex that dwarfs Western commercialism. Hong Kong museums do not skip a beat, ranging from science and space to history and art.
When the sensory overload of the city center begins to take a numbing effect it is easy to escape to one of Hong Kong's many parks and monasteries. Victoria Peak is by far the most popular asylum, standing 1,810 feet above the city lights - only to offer more distractions of a smaller commercial district. The famous Man Mo Temple and the Miu Fat Monastery provide a mind-calming sanctuary while Kowloon Walled City Park, which once protected a private Chinese enclave during British rule, is a true natural refuge from Hong Kong's concrete.
Once in Hong Kong, the city will guide you along its commercial corridors and through its ancient alleys. Tradition and history are alive in every corner of this modern municipality, as long as you can turn away from the neon distractions.
Related Articles
Travel To Japan And Experience The Far East
By: Frank Johnson | 04/04/2006 | Travel
If you're determined to explore Asia but unsure which country to visit, you might want to set your sites on Far East Asia and travel to Japan. Here is some general but useful information that is good to know when you travel Japan.
There's No One Right Way To Travel To China
By: Frank Johnson | 04/04/2006 | Travel
A traveler might wonder where to begin in a foreign country that is slightly smaller than the size of the United States with over 5,000 years of recorded history.
Peace Brings Treasured Travel To Vietnam
By: Frank Johnson | 03/05/2006 | Business
Vietnam is a paradise for both the outdoor adventurer and city explorer alike.
Industry Meets Inspiration In Tokyo
By: Frank Johnson | 03/05/2006 | Business
Tokyo just might be the largest city in the world, comprised of 23 individual wards, all with their own unique characteristics.
Travel To India: Explore An Entire Subcontinent
By: Frank Johnson | 11/05/2006 | Business
Grandly protruding into the Indian Ocean, India is more of a continent than a country. This subcontinent covers every topographical wonder, from white sandy island beaches and tropical forests to high deserts and soaring mountain ranges.
By: | 31/12/1969 |
10 Things to Do Before I Die : a Gap Year in Asia !
By: Steve Conners | 04/03/2007 | Travel
10 things to do before I die : Be Happy, Figure out the Meaning of Life, Be really really good, Buy a House … Volunteer in Asia ! If you would make a list of 10 things to do before you die, what would be on it ? Would a Gap Year Abroad be on the list ? What about a Gap Year in Asia ? More and more people are thinking of doing just that. Asia is a magical continent with a whole range of cultural experiences on offer.
Beach Life in Bali is Pure Fun in the Sun
By: Worldstepper | 31/10/2007 | Travel Tips
As the temperature gets chillier in many Northern Hemisphere countries, tropical destinations in south east asia zone seem all the more attractive. One of the Indonesia's most famous Island, Bali, would be one of the first option to pick. With their bona fide friendly nature and ingenious for hospitality, the Balinese make the island an even more popular destination to beachcombers in search of sun, sand and surf. If Bali is one of your choices, this article will provide you the guidelines..
Latest Business Articles
Build a Home Based Internet Business
By: Carl Goodnight | 19/07/2008
This article describes the steps necessary to build a successful home based business or internet business. Some of the pleasures of working from home are: freedom to pick the hours you work, no commute. You can promote your product or service to the world and, if you hit it right, will be able to make more money than you ever dreamed possible.
The Basics of Creating a Filing System That You Can Benefit From Starting Today
By: Tracey Lawton | 19/07/2008
In my brand-new article, I'm going to share with you 7 easy steps for getting your filing system in place. The summertime is generally a quieter time with a more slower pace of business, so use this time to get one of your core office systems in place.
The 9 Things You Will Want to Include in Your Email Newsletters
By: Katrina Sawa | 19/07/2008
You probably get numerous newsletters across your desk each month. How many of those do you really read? I am sure that you scan certain newsletters for valuable information, while you just toss others. Then, of course, there those like mine (chuckle), which you read every last word of.
CEO Tips for Getting Staff to Understand You
By: Pamela Scott | 19/07/2008
This article is directed to the CEO, but it can help anyone in a management position communicate more clearly with staff.
Protect Your Internet Home Business
By: John McRae | 18/07/2008
Running an internet home business or any small business for that matter involves some degree of risk. The business could fail and if you are not protected creditors will be coming after you. There is also the very real possibility that your business could be a success and give you the financial freedom every person dreams of. With that new found freedom brings another creditor, the IRS.
How to Promote an Office Cleaning Business
By: Brent Wale | 18/07/2008
If you are either thinking about start your own janitorial/ office cleaning business, or if you already own and operate a cleaning business..Here are some tips on how to promote and market your cleaning company.
How to Establish yourself as an Expert
By: Katrina Sawa | 18/07/2008
Establishing yourself as an Expert in your field is a great way to get added exposure, publicity and credibility for you and your business which will ultimately bring you more sales and more money!!
Are Your Prices High Enough?
By: Stephen Oliver | 18/07/2008
Conventional wisdom dictates that you should discount to get the business at any cost. This article suggests that you in fact should be raising your prices instead and focussing on your most valuable customers instead.
More from Frank Johnson
Basic Types Of Bathroom Vanities
By: Frank Johnson | 15/01/2007 | Home Improvement
Your bathroom has probably had the same look for years. Even if you've updated the sink and maybe even changed the color of the walls, the basic look hasn't changed much. For some, the reason is they just don't know what other options and styles are available to them. They...
Bathroom Remodeling Tips For The Holidays
By: Frank Johnson | 06/12/2006 | Advertising
If you're having company over for the holidays, no doubt you're also cleaning your house from top to bottom, and even thinking about doing some light remodeling. If you plan ahead, it is possible to redo parts of your home, including the bathroom.
Modern Antique Bathroom Vanities - If It's Modern, How Can It Be Antique?
By: Frank Johnson | 13/11/2006 | Advertising
In the realm of bathroom vanities, there exists what are commonly referred to as antique bathroom vanities.
Rediscover Luxury In Your Bathroom With A Bathroom Renovation
By: Frank Johnson | 29/10/2006 | Advertising
A recent Business Week online article brought to light the fact that there's a drastic shift occurring in the home renovation market.
Bathroom Shelves - Convenient Shelving Options
By: Frank Johnson | 08/10/2006 | Advertising
Not every bathroom has the room for elaborate cabinetry, especially guest bathrooms. However that doesn't mean all hope is lost for your bathroom redesign.
Soaking Bathtubs - True Bathing Luxury
By: Frank Johnson | 25/09/2006 | Advertising
How luxurious is your bathtub? Is it roomy enough for more than one person or is it so small you can't even stretch your legs in it? Chances are that unless you have kids, your bathtub is rarely even used.
Stretch Your Bathroom Remodeling Budget Further With Discount Bathroom Vanities
By: Frank Johnson | 11/09/2006 | Advice
Remodeling a bathroom can end up costing you a significant chunk of change. When you add up the cost of that new sink, flooring, paint, and new contemporary vanity, the end result could be much more than what you were expecting.
Signs Of A Trustworthy And Reliable Travel Web Site
By: Frank Johnson | 11/09/2006 | Business
The web has turned into a valuable resource for travel deals, discount airfare, and travel hints, tips, and tricks. However, some travel web sites are more valuable than others.
Business 
