Hong Kong city guide

Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic, cosmopolitan and fast-paced cities in the world. It brings together people from many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds – and everywhere you go, the diversity and social stability of the city is visibly cherished.

As Asia’s premier international financial centre, Hong Kong is an exciting place to live in, with a vibrant social life, good sports and leisure facilities and shops stacked with consumer goods.

From tropical waters scattered with small islands to the spectacular skyscrapers of Central, the busy financial district on Hong Kong Island to the peace and quiet of tranquil hillsides and woods, the city offers a variety of contrasts.

Eating out is a regular occasion for most of Hong Kong’s population and this is definitely a city that revolves around food. In fact, Hong Kong has the highest concentration of restaurants per person in the world. The choice of different cuisines from across Asia is practically endless. There's also a lively pub and clubbing scene that makes it a truly 24-hour city. One of the most popular places to go on a Friday night is the Lan Kwai Fong. It’s round the corner from the Central district – which is where you will also find most of Hong Kong’s major financial institutions, including HSBC.

Some of Hong Kong's best-kept secrets are its enormous country parks and fabulous coastline. Despite its reputation as a cramped urban city, a lot of Hong Kong Island is still undeveloped. Many of the local islands have excellent beaches, which is where most people head during the weekends.

As far as sports and leisure are concerned, sailing and windsurfing are very popular. Team sports such as football, cricket and rugby – all a legacy from the British when they governed Hong Kong – are also played across the city. There are also a number of golf courses across the country.

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct summer and winter seasons. Summer is hot and humid with average temperatures of 25-30 degrees Celsius. The mean annual rainfall ranges from 1,300 millimetres (51 inches) to 3,000 millimetres (118 inches) and about 80 per cent of the rain falls between May to September. Tropical cyclones can occur between May and November.

Getting around can be challenging – taxis and buses are cheap and plentiful, although the roads can get very congested. But the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) underground is clean and efficient, though crowded. It links the Central area to much of Hong Kong Island and to Kowloon on the mainland.

To get a fuller picture of Hong Kong, visit the Discover Hong Kong site