The first thing that strikes most visitors to Hong Kong are the very different cultures and societies at work here. It would be easy to dismiss Hong Kong simply as a fascinating combination of East and West but it is much, much more than this with a unique and distinctive culture of its own.

¡¡¡¡Over the years, Hong Kong has maintained and established a fascinating and intriguing Chinese culture. Traditional food, clothing, ceremonies and values existing here are an almost idealized version of Chinese culture as it is seen in the west. From the active little Temples such as the Man Mo on Hong Kong's winding streets, to the bustling alleys in Mongkok, the existence of a very genuine and real Chinese way of life is evident here.

¡¡¡¡Sitting side by side with this traditional culture, is a vibrant, efficient and modern side to the city. Hong Kong is incredibly productive and advanced. The economy here, (while no longer booming as it was in the 1980s) is still remarkably buoyant despite the threat from Shanghai on the mainland. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the center of financial power in East Asia and the thousands of well dressed workers who pour in and out of Central's office buildings and banks every day are a living symbol of the wealth at work in the city. In terms of commerce, the selection of shops and the range of goods and clothing available here is among the best in the world. The subway, trams, train system and business centers are remarkably efficient and among the best in the world. Hong Kong's new architecture too is a fabulous example of the fashionable and contemporary importance of this territory. The Bank of China and the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank are design masterpieces recognized throughout the world. The people living this modern way of life are a unique bunch too.

¡¡¡¡The hand-over in 1997 brought about some changes in Hong Kong. The colonial influence is still obvious in the architecture and the investment in the city, but the emphasis is gradually being changed. Cantonese is the official language of Hong Kong although many people also speak English. Mandarin is now being encouraged by the Chinese government and Hong Kong has been renamed as a "Special Administrative Region" run under Deng Xiaoping's "One country, two systems" policy. For the time being however, Beijing seems to realize the economic might and the international pull that this tiny area exerts and is prepared to leave most aspects of society relatively unchanged.

Points For Attention

Visas

¡¡¡¡A Passport is required to visit Hong Kong. Losing your passport here is a particular hassle, as obtaining a new one involves a long beuaraucratic process. UK passport holders can stay in Hong Kong for up to six months without a visa. Citizens of Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for up to three months. American citizens, Japanese, South African and Germans can stay for one month without a visa. Visitors to Hong Kong are supposed to show that they have adequate funds for their stay and an onward ticket.
The British Consulate is at 1 Supreme Court Road, Admiralty. The American Consulate is at 26 Garden Road, Central.

Currency

¡¡¡¡The Hong Kong currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). There are 100 cents in one dollar. There are no controls concerning currency and the HK$ can be taken in and out of the country. You can change money in the Bank of China and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. The smaller banks also change money but may charge a larger commission fee.

Language

¡¡¡¡The majority of Hong Kong's population speak Cantonese but English is the language of business, commerce and everyday life for many people. It is unlikely that you will experience many (or indeed any!) language problems until you get away from the main hub of the city. The Chinese government are now encouraging the use of Mandarin too and students of this subject are becoming more numerous.