GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG

Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China at the mouth of the Pearl River facing the South China Sea. Covering an area of 1,104 square kilometres (425 square miles), the territory is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. At the core is Victoria Harbour, which separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and beyond that, the New Territories that runs up to the boundary with Mainland China. As well as making up the bulk of Hong Kong's land mass, the New Territories also incorporates 262 outlying islands, including Lantau where the HK Airport is located.

Despite its dense urban environment, more than 70% of Hong Kong's total area is rural, including about 40% designated as protected country parks and nature reserves that are all easily accessible.

The legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$), which is linked to the US dollar at a rate of about 7.80 HKD to 1 USD, although exchange rates may fluctuate slightly. Interestingly, Hong Kong banknotes are issued by three banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China), and vary in design and colour for each denomination.

USEFUL NUMBERS

WEATHER

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Typhoon season (our version of a hurricane) is traditionally May to November. When a typhoon is approaching, warnings are broadcast on TV and radio, and signals indicate its significance, the latest position and expected movement of the centre of the tropical cyclone, information on the wind strength, rainfall and sea level in the territory. When typhoon signal 8 is hoisted, businesses and shops close down and flights may be cancelled. There is a separate warning for heavy rain.

Spring - March to May
Temperature and humidity is rising and evenings can be cool

Summer - June to August
Hot, humid and sunny, with occassional showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures can exceed 31°C

Autumn - September to November
There are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Many people regard these as the best months of the year to visit Hong Kong, and thus the 'peak season'.

Winter - December to February
Cool, dry and cloudy, with occassional cold fronts. Temperature can drop below and humidity is rising and evenings can be cool 10°C in urban areas.
The buildings across the waterfront are adorned with colorful lighting, making it a very magical and festive time to be in Hong Kong.