Hong Kong, China - Travel Guide

Hong Kong offers a unique blend of vibrant city life, stunning natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Its iconic skyline, delicious dim sum, and bustling markets make it an unforgettable destination.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

Victoria HarbourKowloonNew TerritoriesLantau IslandMacauShenzhenGuangzhou

🇨🇳 Country Information: China

CapitalBeijing

CurrencyChinese yuan (¥)

LanguageMandarin Chinese , Cantonese, English (limited), other regional dialects

Phone Code+86

Electricity220V (Type A, C, I)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be refused or even considered rude in many settings, though it is becoming more accepted in some tourist
oriented services (e
g
, tour guides, bellhops in international hotels)

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, less so in rural areas
Bringing some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors
No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Public displays of affection are generally not common
Respect personal space, though crowded areas are unavoidable
When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerary rites)
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited. While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil unions, and public discourse can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even minor offenses, including possession of marijuana

Special Laws

Carrying identification (passport) is often required
Certain websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is often needed for access to many international services
Respect local laws and customs, especially concerning public order and political expression

Common Phrases

NoBù (boo) 不

YesShì (sher) 是

HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how) 你好

Thank youXièxiè (shyeh-shyeh) 谢谢

Excuse me/SorryDuìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee) 对不起

Climate

Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate influenced by monsoons.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Super hot and humid: Jun
Sep
Typhoon season: May
Nov (peak from Jul
Sep)
Monsoon season: May
Sep (can bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding)

Getting There

- Fly directly to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) from major global cities (costs and times vary greatly by origin)

Getting Around

MTR (subway) is efficient and extensive
Trams, buses, and ferries are also widely used
Taxis are readily available
Ride
sharing apps like Uber are present but less dominant than taxis

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Consider general travel health precautions
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs widely available from local providers like SmarTone, 3 Hong Kong, CSL
International eSIM providers like Airalo and Nomad also work well

Local Cuisine

Wonton Noodles (Yùn tūn miàn) must_try

A quintessential Cantonese dish featuring shrimp and/or pork dumplings (wontons) served in a delicate, clear, hot broth with thin, springy egg noodles

Egg Tart (Dàntà) dessert

A small, sweet pastry consisting of a flaky or shortcrust pastry shell filled with a smooth, sweet egg custard, often baked until the top is slightly

Siu Mei (Cantonese Roast Meats) regional_speciality

A general term for Cantonese roasted meats like Char Siu (barbecued pork), Siu Yuk (crispy roasted pork belly), and Roast Goose. These savory dishes a

Pineapple Bun (Bōluó bāo) snack

A soft, slightly sweet bun topped with a sugary, crisp crust that is baked until golden brown, resembling the texture of a pineapple, though it contai

Milk Tea (Sī màk naí chá) non_alcoholic_beverage

A distinctly Hong Kong style of black tea brewed with evaporated or condensed milk, resulting in a creamy, strong, and highly caffeinated beverage tha

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Peak Tram Special Combo (Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428) Attraction

Book 2-8 weeks in advance

The Peak Tram is one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions, and advance booking is essential to secure tickets and avoid very long wait times, especially on weekends and holidays.

Michelin-Starred/High-End Dining Reservations Dining

Book 1-3 months in advance

Hong Kong's top restaurants (e.g., Lung King Heen, VEA, Amber) have limited seating and often book out fully for dinner weeks or months ahead.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Attraction

Book 2-6 weeks in advance

This popular cable car often has long queues for same-day tickets, especially for the Crystal Cabin, which offers glass-bottom views.

Popular Dim Sum Restaurants (e.g., Tim Ho Wan, Luk Yu Tea House) Dining

Book 1-3 weeks in advance

While some offer walk-ins, reservations for popular mid-range eateries are highly recommended to secure a table during peak lunchtime hours without a significant wait.

Fun Facts

1. Hong Kong is an archipelago of 263 islands, with over 100 of them uninhabited, meaning it is much more than just Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula.
2. The city flushes its toilets with sea water, which is a unique water conservation approach due to its high population density and limited natural resources.
3. Hong Kong once contained a secret city called the Kowloon Walled City, a densely populated enclave that operated outside of British or Chinese control for decades.
4. Hong Kong boasts the world's longest outdoor escalator system, which operates in a single direction, connecting various parts of the city.

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