Pictures Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia and a region filled with exotic enchantment. Merely the name Hong Kong attracts countless curious visitors every year. It is located on the south coast of the People's Republic of China, surrounded by the South China Sea to the east, south and west and bordering on the Guangdong city of Shenzhen to the north. It has a population of some 7 million and land mass of around 1100 km2, divided into four main areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and over 200 islands, the largest of which is Lantau Island. Hong Kong has a hilly to mountainous landscape with steep slopes. Only around 25% is developed with a further 40% reserved for parks and nature reserves. Urban Hong Kong is densely populated with over 25,000 people per square km while the New Territories have fewer than 3000. The climate is sub-tropical making the region an all-year-round destination. Autumn and winter are the best times to visit, with lower humidity and cooler temperatures. The vast majority of the population speak Chinese, but English is also widely spoken, particularly in the service industries. It is also an official language.
Hong Kong Island, which started out as a fishing village became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War (1839–1842). The colony successively grew and by 1898 included Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. The sovereignty of Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong is a leading global financial centre, with one of the greatest concentrations of company headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region. Hong Kong is an awe-inspiring tourist destination, boasting a host of attractions in a compact area and packed with amazingly diverse contrasts, stunning cityscapes, towering mountains, lush-green countryside and a wealth of culture. Highlights include the Hong Kong National Geopark with eight geosites covering 5000 hectares; The Peak with spectacular views over the city, harbour and mountains; Victoria Harbour with the iconic Star Ferry providing fabulous views around the harbour. Hong Kong is a city that never fails to fascinate.