Facts About Hong Kong

Located in the southeastern part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong is under the special administrative region of China. Blessed by excellent natural harbors, the mega city of Hong Kong served as a British territory for more than one and a half century until it was handed over to PRC in 1997. Absolutely safe and well organized, Hong Kong became one of the preferred locations for tourists. The city is an embodiment of the phrase ‘East meets West’, where the fast paced city life can be found along with the placid Asian culture. And where the concrete high rises fuse with the backdrop of calm scenic backdrop of verdant hills in a seamless manner. It is as if the hustle and bustle of the city is complemented by the serene natural beauty. Known for the delectable local as well as international cuisines, the place is also a foodie’s paradise. Read on to know more interesting facts about Hong Kong.

Fast Facts

Official Language(s): Chinese and English
Spoken Language(s): Cantonese, English
Demonym: Hong Konger
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism
Area: 1,104 sq. km
Population: 7,061,200 (2010 Census)
Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

Interesting And Fun Facts About Hong Kong

• The word Hong Kong means Fragrant Harbor in English.
• Hong Kong is located at the Pearl River foot to the southeast of China.
• Eastern, western, and southern borders of Hong Kong are surrounded by the South China Sea while its northern end is bordered by the Guangdong province.
• After winning the Opium War in 1842, the British annexed Hong Kong.
• After the conveyance of Hong Kong by the British to the People’s Republic of China on 1st July 1997, it was announced as ‘Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’.
• As a British colony, Hong Kong was protected by the British military under the command of the Governor of Hong Kong who was also the ex officio Commander-in-chief. After 1997, when Hong Kong was handed to China, the responsibility of its security was handed over to the People’s Liberation Army.
• The landscape of Hong Kong is blessed with beautiful hilly terrain. A number of escalators are provided in central part of Hong Kong so that the tourist can have a peek at the beautiful expanse of Hong Kong.
• The mid-level escalators system is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world.
• In Hong Kong, before constructing a building, the assemblage of architectural elements is planned according to Feng Shui which plays a very important role in construction.
• The tradition of eating long noodles on your birthday is believed to give you longer life.
• Fireworks at private parties are prohibited in Hong Kong.
• The wedding occasion for newly wed couples in Hong Kong includes two events: the first one is signing the marriage register that declares the couples husband and wife after which a banquet is organized, as second event.
• The total area of Hong Kong measures approximately 1,024 sq. km that includes–New Territories, Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and small islets.
• One of the major dialects in Chinese called Cantonese is the official language in Hong Kong followed by English as the second language for communication.
• The Sousa Chinensis or the Chinese White Dolphin is the emblem of Hong Kong that signifies the city’s reunification with China.
• The unique bun festival is organized annually around April and May, in the island of Cheung Chau. The purpose behind this festival is to calm down the hungry ghosts who are believed to roam around the island.
• The new airport of Hong Kong that is situated in the Lantau Island is linked to the mainland by the Tsing Ma Bridge which is the longest suspension bridge in the world.
• The saying ‘Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun’ originated in Hong Kong. Noel Coward wrote the line to refer to the Noon Day Gun in Causeway Bay that was fired every day, exactly at the stroke of midday since colonial times.
• Hong Kong is believed to have more Rolls Royce than any other city in the world.
• Hong Kong has 7650 skyscrapers that make it a city with the largest number of skyscrapers in the world, leaving behind New York. These skyscrapers are classified as buildings with more than 14 floors.
• By height to roof measurement, the International Commerce Center is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the third tallest in the world.
• Hong Kong has been rated as Alpha+ city that means it is considered as an important node in the global economic system.
• According to Triennial Central Bank Survey report on global foreign exchange market activity in 2010, Hong Kong dollar is the eighth most traded currency in the world.
• It has the seventh largest stock exchange in the world, known as Hong King Stock Exchange.
• The 2010 records declared Hong Kong as the eight most expensive city for the expatriates while the 2011 stats rank it at the second position for the ease of doing business.
• Among global cities, Hong Kong scores quite high when it comes to economic freedom, financial and economic competitiveness, quality of life, corruption perception, and Human Development Index.
• It has one of the highest life expectancy in the world as according to the 2009 stats, the life expectancy of females is 84.79 years while that of males is 79.16 years.
• 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9 are considered as lucky numbers in Hong Kong while unlucky numbers are 1, 4 and 7 (4 and 7 sound like the Chinese word for death).
• Things that are believed to comfort the deceased in afterlife are burnt; money is a popular article that people burn for their beloved deceased relatives.
• People of Hong Kong worship different gods that are associated with different blessings like, fertility, longevity, and prosperity.
• Hong Kong has the highest average IQ in the world that stands at 107.
• One of the five popular Disneyland theme parks in the world is situated in Hong Kong.