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| == Visas == | | == Visas == |
| '''Warning''': This section is intended to help you understand the basics of Hong Kong and China Visas and give you a foundation from which to move forward and make decisions. However, China has a complicated visa policy that is constantly changing for various reasons. Prices, availability, conditions etc. are all subject to change without notice. Although we try to provide helpful, updated information here to help you navigate the process, you must do your own additional research. If you have updated info for us, please let us know and we'll try to incorporate it as soon as possible.
| | XX |
|
| |
| === Visa for Hong Kong ===
| |
| | |
| Holders of many passports can travel to Hong Kong visa free.
| |
| | |
| Visa requirements for holders of different passports, please see [http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm#part2 this] list maintained by the Hong Kong Government:
| |
| | |
| If you intend to move to Hong Kong or to stay in Hong Kong for a long time, there are various Hong Kong visa options:
| |
| [http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_1.htm Hong Kong's Immigration Department website]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.hongkongvisahandbook.com/hong_kong_visa_handbook_2011_a_guide_to_immigration_employment_investment_work_permit_and_residency_applications.html A list of Hong Kong visa options] Note that this links to a business website not a government website and is for reference only.
| |
| | |
| [http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_10.htm Hong Kong's Working Holiday Scheme]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_10a.htm List of eligible countries and basic regulations for the Working Holiday Scheme]
| |
| | |
| === Visa for mainland China (ex HK/Macau/Taiwan) ===
| |
| | |
| Most visitors of mainland China require a visa to visit mainland China, except holders of Singaporean and Japanese passports and holders of Hong Kong Permanent Identity card with Chinese ancestry.
| |
| | |
| There are 8 types of Chinese visa. The popular types are: L Visa (for tourist), F Visa (for business), Z Visa (for work), X Visa (for study) and G Visa (for transit in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing airports).
| |
| | |
| China has a complicated visa policy that is constantly changing for various reasons. The visa requirements for holders of different passports are different. It is highly advisable that you check with the Chinese Embassy in your home country shortly before you visit China.
| |
| | |
| Hong Kong is a popular place for foreigners to apply for Chinese visas, because the time required for the granting of visa is relatively short compared to most foreign Chinese embassies.
| |
| | |
| '''L Visa: different sub-categories'''[[File:L-visa.jpg|300px|right|thumb|L Visa - All visas require one full passport page]]
| |
| (Note: If you plan to visit the Tibet region of China, you will need to obtain a separate permit in addition to the L Visa.
| |
| # Single/double entry in 3 months
| |
| #* available to all nationalities
| |
| #* <b>this is the most common visa that most travelers are granted</b>
| |
| #* application methods:
| |
| #*# via Chinese embassy in your home country (3-10 days)
| |
| #*# via CTS in Hong Kong (4 working days, expect to queue up for 1-2 hours)
| |
| #*# via visa agents in Hong Kong (0.5-1 working day, most agents charge ~HK$80 as handling fee)
| |
| # Single/double entry in 6 months
| |
| #* available to all nationalities
| |
| #* not a common visa, however, for overseas Chinese visiting relatives in China, it is sometimes granted
| |
| #* application methods: same as in item (1) above.
| |
| # Multiple entries in 6 months/1 year
| |
| #* only for holders of Hong Kong identity card (permanent or non-permanent), whatever passport the applicant is holding
| |
| #* application methods
| |
| #*# via Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong (about a week)
| |
| #*# via CTS (4 working days)
| |
| # Visa on arrival: 5-day visa for visit to Shenzhen only
| |
| #* for certain nationalities only (as of June 2010 - holders of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Ecudor, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Panama, most EU countries passports) - RMB160 for most nationalities (Note: many exceptions, eg. RMB460 for British)
| |
| #* the visa only allow the holder to stay in Shenzhen only. Holder of the visa must exit Shenzhen to Hong Kong (by land) or to Macau (by ferry), you may not travel to any other part of China with this visa.
| |
| #* application methods
| |
| #*# via Luo Hu Border Custom Building (go up 2/F after crossing the HK-Shenzhen bridge at the Lo Wu border point) (30 minutes)
| |
| #*# via Shekou Ferry Terminal (go straight after landing in the Shekou pier) (15 minutes)
| |
| #*# Note (1): Not available in Huanggong, Futian (aka Lok Ma Chau), Man Kam To and Sha Tau Kok custom points
| |
| #*# Note (2): The policy for the 5-day Shenzhen visa changes from time to time and from our past experience there is no announcement of change. If you intend to apply for this visa at the border, it is advisable that you call the Lo Wu border office (see contact number below) before your trip to check whether your passport is qualified under the latest version of the policy.
| |
| #*# Note (3): Further discussion - http://www.evisaasia.com/visa-guide/shenzhen-five-days-visa/
| |
| # Visa on arrival: 5-day visa for visit to Zhuhai only
| |
| #* for certain nationalities only (as of June 2010 - holders of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Ecudor, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Panama, most EU countries passports) - RMB160 for most nationalities (Note: many exceptions, eg. RMB460 for British)
| |
| #* the visa only allow the holder to stay in Zhuhai only. Holder of the visa must exit Zhuhai to Macau (by land) or to Hong Kong (by ferry), you may not travel to any other part of China with this visa.
| |
| #* application methods
| |
| #*# via Zhuhai Jiuzhou Ferry Terminal (turn right and walk down the narrow corridor after arriving in the ferry terminal) (15 minutes)
| |
| #*# Note (1): Not available in Gongbei custom points
| |
| #*# Note (2): See Note (2) and (3) for 5-day Shenzhen visa on arrival above.
| |
| | |
| === Contacts details ===
| |
| ===1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs===
| |
| [http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/bgfwxx/default.htm English visa info]
| |
| :Address: China Resources building, 26Harbor Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
| |
| :Office Hour: Monday to Friday (except public holidays in Hong Kong)
| |
| :Morning: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 a. m.
| |
| :Afternoon:2:00p.m.-5:00p.m
| |
| :Tel: 852-34132300(according to the website, it's a 24 hour Recorded Visa Information Service but experiences may vary), 852-34132424 (Live Answering Telephone available in office hours )
| |
| | |
| ===2. CTS===
| |
| (China Travel Service) - the official visa agent of the Chinese government
| |
| :Details: http://www.ctshk.com/english/useful/chinesevisa.htm
| |
| :Offices in HK: http://www.ctshk.com/english/aboutus/branch_hkgmac.htm
| |
| | |
| ===3. Visa agents===
| |
| : These are some visa agents that our CS-ers have had good experience using:
| |
| | |
| :* [http://www.fbt-chinavisa.com.hk/ Forever Bright Trading Limited]
| |
| | |
| :* [http://www.jta.biz/chinavisa/china_visa.htm Japan Travel Service Ltd] (with a list of visa fees for different passports)
| |
| | |
| :* [http://www.cosmicguesthouse.com/services/china-visa.htm Cosmic Guest House]
| |
| | |
| ===4. Lo Wu Custom===
| |
| : Tel: 86-755-82327700 (speaks only mandarin)
| |
| : Service hour: 10am - 10pm.
| |
| | |
| === Latest Situation ===
| |
| | |
| These are the latest visa conditions we heard from our CS-ers. (last updated: 16 May 2012):
| |
| :* China has imposed extra visa requirements for holders of Norwegian, French passports.
| |
| :* The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reduced the application fee for holders of Polish passports (RMB160).
| |
| :* [March 2011] There seems to be a quota on the number of Visa On Arrival granted each day - reason: The International University Sports Games is carrying on in Shenzhen
| |
| :* [15 July 2011] A headsup for everybody who intends to apply for a Chinese visa. The "International University Games" is going to take place in Shenzhen in the next couple of months and we are seeing that most CSers' Chinese visa applications for more than 30 days (Type L - travel) are being refused (ie. most people are granted only a 30-day visa - one entry)
| |
| :* [15 May 2012] Increased scrutiny of visa applications due to a 100 day action against illegal foreigners in China. See [http://shanghaiist.com/2012/05/15/beijing_begins_100-day_crackdown_on.php link] for more info.
| |
| | |
| '''''Recently it's been noticed that most people can only get 30 day visas. If you intend to travel in China for more than 30 days, do arrange your visa in the Chinese embassy in your home country prior to coming to HK.'''''
| |
|
| |
|
| ==Baggage Storage== | | ==Baggage Storage== |
| | | XX |
| If you're just passing through HK for a short time and want to leave your luggage at the airport, there's a baggage storage service. There are also lockers at the Macau and China Ferry Terminals, Sha Tin MTR station, Hong Kong station and the Hung Hom Inter-city train station.
| |
| *[http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/departure/all/baggage/left-baggage.html Hong Kong Airport Baggage Storage information]
| |
| *[http://gohongkong.about.com/od/travelplanner/a/leftluggage.htm Overview of locker services at Hong Kong Station, the airport, the HK/Macau Ferry Terminal and the China Ferry Terminal]
| |
| *[http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=13624&post=10110709 Bag storage in Tung Chung, closest town to the airport]
| |
| | |
| For mid/long term luggage storage:
| |
| *[http://www.scstorage.com/index.php?lang=us SC Storage]
| |
| *[http://www.hongkongselfstorage.com/locker.html Hong Kong Self Storage]
| |
| *[http://www.thestorehouse.com.hk/sizeguide.html The Store House]
| |
| | |
| == Wi-Fi/ Internet Access / Mobile Internet==
| |
| | |
| === Free + Unlimited Wi-Fi ===
| |
| * HK Airport
| |
| * Most government premises ([http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=%E6%94%BF%E5%BA%9C+WiFi&mrt=ds&sll=22.395793,114.11705&sspn=0.334567,0.468292&ie=UTF8&filter=0&radius=17.97&split=1&rq=1&ev=p&hq=%E6%94%BF%E5%BA%9C+WiFi&hnear=&ll=22.337374,114.086151&spn=0.334708,0.468292&z=11 Google map])
| |
| | |
| === Free but limited Wi-Fi ===
| |
| * first 20 mins free in all McDonalds
| |
| * first 20 mins free in all Starbucks
| |
| * first 30 mins free in all Dragon Centre, Sham Shui Po (near MTR Exit C)
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7790735 more options listed on this HK Group thread]
| |
| | |
| === Paid internet===
| |
| * [http://www.i-one.com.hk/branch.php i-One] - HK's largest chain internet services shop
| |
| | |
| === Computer booth (with free internet access) ===
| |
| * [http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/facilities/icentre.html iCentre] - in 14 MTR stations
| |
| * All Pacific Coffee
| |
| | |
| === Prepaid Mobile Internet ===
| |
| | |
| * Check [http://www2.pccwmobile.com/portal/gen/WEB/home/Services_And_Pricing/3G_Rechargeable_SIM_Card.jsp?lang=en&treeMenu=treeMenu_mainMenuID0&subMenu=subMenu_level_1ID0_3&parent=parent_level_1ID0_3 here] for details.
| |
| | |
| === Prepaid BlackBerry Plans ===
| |
| * There are no prepaid BlackBerry plans in Hong Kong but inexpensive monthly plans are available. Check [http://www.peoples.com.hk/p_tariff_plan_blackberry_lite_en.jsp here] for details.
| |
| | |
| === Prepaid Sim Card for iPad ===
| |
| *Check [http://www.three.com.hk/website/appmanager/three/home?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=P200470391219567710594&lang=eng&pageid=61I001 here] for details.
| |
| | |
| === More info ===
| |
| The review on this blog is from 2009 but may still be a helpful reference. [http://browngeek.blogspot.com/2009/09/which-is-best-unlimited-data-plan-to.html Review of mobile data plans in Hong Kong]
| |
| | |
| == Money ==
| |
| The currency used in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD $). It's currently pegged to the US dollar. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, at currency exchange outlets in major tourist areas or at local banks. Beware if your currency is heavily coin based - I'm looking at you Canadians - as coins cannot be exchanged. Your bank cards will also work in local ATMs. You can use Hong Kong dollars in Macau but not vice versa.
| |
| For an idea of exchange rates, you can try this website. [http://www.xe.com/ucc/ XE.com]
| |
| | |
| The currency used in mainland China is the renminbi (RMB, CNY, ¥), also known as the yuan.
| |
|
| |
|
| ==Cost of living== | | ==Cost of living== |
| We've had some questions about the cost of living here. Hong Kong can be an expensive city but it can also suit tighter budgets if you play your cards right. Rent/housing will always be your biggest expense here. Here's a link to a thread on the topic to give you some idea.[http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7577536#gpid7577536] | | We've had some questions about the cost of living here. Here's a link to a thread on the topic to give you some idea.[http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7577536#gpid7577536] |
| | |
| ==Air quality==
| |
| Hong Kong suffers from poor air quality. If you have respiratory conditions such as asthma, you'll likely need your inhaler. We have no such thing as Euro or California regulations on emissions and a fleet of diesel buses. One small step in the right direction has been converting taxis to LPG but we have a long way to go.
| |
| | |
| [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Pollution_Index#Hong_Kong HK's Air Pollution Index explained]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.epd-asg.gov.hk/eindex.html HK's Air Pollution Index at the EPD]
| |
| | |
| [http://hedleyindex.sph.hku.hk/home.php The Headley Environmental Index]
| |
| | |
| ==The Amazing Race==
| |
| Here are links to the most recent Hong Kong leg of The Amazing Race (US). You get to see and get a sense of several areas of the city.
| |
| | |
| [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou7Cx7LLUJY&feature=related Part 1]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-lg7ORbzqg&feature=related Part 2]
| |
|
| |
|
| [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYMjKaMgF8c&feature=related Part 3]
| |
|
| |
|
| ==FAQs== | | ==FAQs== |
| | XX |
|
| |
|
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7117576 1. Where can I take Cantonese classes?]
| | == Group on the hospitality network == |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7475127 2. Where can I get prepaid SIM cards?]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=111&post=5871216 3. How to renew Chinese visa within China?]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7577536#gpid7577536 4. Moving to HK, Cost of living] [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7402561#gpid7402561 answer 2]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7848982 5. Going from Shenzhen Airport to HK City at night]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=7520022 6. Salsa dancing places in Hong Kong]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=8263436 7. Outdoor Cafes in Hong Kong]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=8393230 8. Hostels/hotels near the airport]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=8530996 9. Useful budget flight/hotel websites in Asia]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=8632531 10. Going to Shenzhen by bus via Huang Gang]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=8659656 11. Home internet service providers - ISPs]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=8862633 12. Alternatives to hotels, hostels and couches for 24-48 hour stopovers]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=8840560 13. Ideas for 3-5 hour stopovers]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=407&post=12445697 14. Sharings of HK CS hosts]
| |
| | |
| ==HK Travel and Tourism related articles==
| |
| | |
| [http://goop.com/newsletter/115/ Gwyneth Paltrow's take on HK]
| |
| | |
| [http://laineygossip.com/Gwyneth_Paltrow_GOOP_Hong_Kong_03feb11.aspx?CatID=0&CelID=0 Rebuttal to Goop's take on HK from CBC blogger Elaine Liu]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/hong-kong-gadget-flea-market-a-blast-from-the-past/ Engadget feature on Sham Shui Po]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/play/88-things-do-summer-654587?page=0,0 CNNGo's 88 Things to do in the summer in Hong Kong]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/beachside-camping-getaway-on-lantau-island-just-a-one-hour-ferry-ride-from-hong-kong/2011/05/10/AFfDcuiG_story.html# The Washington Post goes camping near Pui O]
| |
| | |
| [http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/finding-fireflies-during-the-hong-kong-summer/ The New York Times Travel blog finds fireflies in HK]
| |
| | |
| [http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/05/22/travel/inside-hong-kongs-private-kitchens.html The New York Times checks out some of the newest private kitchens]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/play/50-secret-tips-hong-kong-sightseeing-371481 CNN Go's 45 sightseeing tips for HK]
| |
| | |
| [http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/08/06/destination.adventure.hong.kong/index.html CNN's travel tips for newbies and a slideshow of some of our major attractions]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.worldcrunch.com/chungking-mansions-globalization-packed-inside-one-hong-kong-high-rise/3691 La Stampa via Worldcrunch - Chungking Mansions]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/visit/complete-guide-hong-kong-mid-autumn-festival-057124 CNNGo's guide to the Mid-Autumn Festival 2011]
| |
| | |
| [http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/indie-music-venues-903611 CNNGo's guide to the best live music venues in HK]
| |
| | |
| [http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40686621 Yahoo's World's Most Beautiful Ferry Rides]
| |
| | |
| ==Further info==
| |
| | |
| To find further or more detailed information, please try Hong Kong's wikitravel.org entry.
| |
| | |
| [http://wikitravel.org/en/Hong_Kong ''' Hong Kong's entry at Wikitravel.org''']
| |
| | |
| [[category:China]]
| |
| | |
| == CS Hong Kong moments ==
| |
| 9 June 2012 International CS Day celebration in Hong Kong
| |
| (Article published in the June 2012 issue of the CS Magazine: http://www.couchsurfing.org/news/article/215)
| |
| | |
| | |
| == Hong Kong group on CS ==
| |
| If you still can't find the answer you wanted, subscribe to the | | If you still can't find the answer you wanted, subscribe to the |
| *[http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=407 '''Hong Kong group'''] | | *[https://www.couchsurfing.org/n/places/berlin-berlin-germany '''Hong Kong group'''] |
| and ask the friendly folks there! | | and ask the friendly folks there! |
|
| |
|
Berlin's Couch Situation
Berlin is a major Couchsurfing city where there are CS events happening almost every day. XX
XX
The Berlin last minute couch request group is in:
Berlin Hostels and Guesthouses
Hostels cost in the range of Euro XX to XX within the city.
The major backpacker's hostel area in Berlin are:
These hostels come highly recommend by CS travellers:
- XX
- YLoft XX
- XX
- XX
- XX (single rooms here are for a higher budget than the ones listed above)
- XX (also slightly higher budget than the ones listed above)
Mid-range and Higher end Accommodation
These are another option for budget travellers if your couchsearch doesn't work out and hostel reservations are hard to make. Team up with other CSers and you can share costs.
Short/Long term stay
Some websites that our CS-ers recommend, if you're looking for flatshare/renting a flat in Hong Kong:
Or try our "Apartment/Flat-Share Hunting" subgroup under the CS Berlin group.
Getting Around
Public transportation generally goes almost everywhere in the city. XX
From Airport to City
Express Train
is the fastest way to get to the airport from XX. Express trains run every XX minutes from around XX a.m. to XX a.m. Journeys from the airport to XX take approximately XX minutes and a round-trip ticket costs XX.
Bus to/from the airport from/to various parts of the city
Transfer to MTR Buses S1 or S56 take you from the airport to the nearest MTR station (Tung Chung Station).
Taxi
- to XX - at least Euro XX
- to XX - at least Euro XX
Subway
The Subway is efficient and reliable and covers the major areas of the city. It can also be taken across the border to XX. Note that you'll need a visa to enter XX.
Subway Card
XX
Buses
Buses in Berlin are plentiful.
The routes are split between several companies and they go to places all over the territory.
Taxi
Taxis are expensive. XX.
One thing to watch out for
Red taxis legally must take you anywhere in Kowloon or on Hong Kong Island but sometimes they have a preferred destination at shift change times. They usually use a piece of cardboard to cover/uncover their flag light on the dashboard as a signal. Cardboard on means the driver is looking for Kowloon passengers. No cardboard means they're looking for Hong Kong passengers. This isn't much of an issue when you can find the taxis going your way around the corner. It however does become a problem when you have something heavy to carry or you can't find a taxi going your way. Beware that some drivers will refuse to take you or 'get lost' if you insist. If you're in a tight spot, we we suggest you explain to the driver and bug him 'til he sees the light and then keep an eye out to prevent 'getting lost'.
Tram
One of our earliest forms of public transit is still going strong. For HK$2.30 per adult, $1.20 for children under 12 and $1 for seniors 65+, you can ride along the north side of Hong Kong Island from Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town. Just get on at the back and pay at the front as you alight. Octopus cards are accepted.
Ferries
Outlying Island ferries - There are several companies which operate ferries to XX Island. For schedules and fares, check the links.
XX ferries
Nightlife, Dining and Entertainment
Main Nightlife Areas
Central - Lan Kwai Fong and Soho / Wan Chai - Lockhart Road /
Tsim Sha Tsui - Knutsford Terrace
Magazines and Event listings
The following websites can help bring you up to speed on the local club scene, nightlife, concerts, festivals and shows.
- HK Magazine Free print copies available around town.
- Timeout HK Print copies available at bookstores and some clubs.
- Hong Kong Ticketing Be sure to scroll down the yellow column on the right hand side to see all the listed shows.
Bars
Some favourite local haunts include:
(Central, Soho and Wanchai.)
- Le Jardin bar, weekly meetup venue
- Yumla bar, dancing, house music
- Club 71 bar, al fresco, chilled
- Makumba African bar, dancing, World music/French influence
- Mes Amis bar, dancing, pop music
The Underground
Events, venues and organizations
Comedy
- Takeout Comedy - live standup and improv shows, local and international performers, most shows in English, Cantonese shows on Mondays and Thursday
- Free Open Mic Night Every Wednesday in Central
Restaurants
Vegetarian Restaurants:
Vegan Restaurants:
Karaoke
Sports, Activities and the Great Outdoors
Hiking
Be sure to check these boards for regular hiking activities
Running and Hiking events
Swimming and Beaches
Camping
Wakeboarding and Waterskiing
Windsurfing and Kayaking
Diving
Rock Climbing
Para-gliding
Snowboarding
Language Exchange
There are lots of language exchange options available in Hong Kong from one on one meetups to clubs that meet regularly in person to social networks available online at your convenience. Mandarin/Cantonese for English seems to be the most popular combination wanted here but there are also many other languages on offer from Japanese to Russian. Here are some of your options:
For one on one exchange:
Groups that meet regularly:
Language exchange social networks:
Hong Kong CS language groups
Paid language courses
HKU Space has a variety of language courses available including French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian.
The Hong Kong YMCA also has courses in Mandarin and Cantonese for non-Chinese speakers.
Sightseeing
Hong Kong is extremely easy to get around by subway, taxi, bus, minibus, walking etc. You can easily design your own itinerary picking the places that you want to visit from below. Most people do not need a tour guide for Hong Kong. For an overview, here are two fun timelapse videos of Hong Kong featuring many of the city's famous landmarks:
- Hong Kong: Funky Time Lapse on youtube.
- timelapse Hong Kong on Vimeo.
Cultural Heritage and Building architecture
- Sample itinerary and walk tour - Central area with a very useful map
- Temples and historic villages
Markets
- Stanley Market Stanley is famous for its relaxed ambience, sea environs and bargain buys in the main street market. Stanley Market is open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m..
- Temple Street Night Market Temple Street night market opens at 4 pm, but really comes alive after sunset. It offers an amazing range of inexpensive items, especially for men. There are also fortune-tellers and impromptu Chinese opera performances.
- Jade Market and Jade Street The Jade Market, located in Yau Ma Tei at the junction of Kansu and Battery Street, features 400 stalls selling jade of all types, shades, sizes and prices. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Nearby is Jade Street, located on Canton Road between Kansu Street and Jordan Road, with shops open 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jade and gemstone testing is available at Jade Plaza.
- Ladies Market The Ladies Market in Tung Choi Street is the place for bags, accessories and inexpensive women's clothing. Men's and children's clothing and toys are also on sale. Open daily from noon to 11:30 p.m.
- Bird garden/ flower market/ goldfish market The charming Chinese-style garden on Yuen Po Street includes some 70 songbird stalls as well as courtyards and moon gates. Look and listen but it’s wise to avoid contact with the birds. The Bird Garden is open from 7am to 8pm, daily. The colourful Flower Market sells everything from Dutch tulips to exotic orchids, open daily from 7am to 7pm. The Goldfish market on nearby Tung Choi Street sells aquariums, corals and exotic fish, open daily from 10:30am to 10pm.
- Western Market This Edwardian-style building features arts and crafts, fabric shops, alfresco dining, and ballroom dancing.
- Local neighbourhood street markets discussion
Temples, Monasteries, Nunneries
- Man Mo Temple One of Hong Kong's oldest temples, dedicated to two deities, the ‘civil’ (Man) and the ‘military’ (Mo).
- Chi Lin Nunnery The serene 1930s Chi Lin Nunnery (rebuilt in 1998) is spread across 3.2 hectares and is China’s largest group of hand-crafted timber buildings incorporating traditional Tang dynasty (618-907AD) construction techniques.
- Po Lin Monastery, Giant Buddha and Wisdom Path Located on Lantau, this is one of Hong Kong's largest temples and monasteries, housing the world's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha, at 34 m (111ft.) high.
Parks
- Hong Kong Park Overlooked by the towers of Pacific Place and Admiralty on one side and Central on the other, the park features a hot house, a Tai Chi garden, a waterfall and the Museum of Tea Ware.
- Kowloon Park An oasis in the heart of Kowloon next to the Kowloon Mosque. Enjoy a walk among the trees, a bird sanctuary, fountains and a swimming pool.
- Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Looking down on the old Government House, the Gardens date back to 1864. Look out for the gibbons and orangutans.
Theme Parks
- Ocean Park [1]
- Hong Kong Disneyland [2]
Other references
- For more ideas check the Hong Kong Sightseeing Wiki
- For a very long alphabetical listing of HK areas and sights to see check here [3]
- For Lonely Planet's list of things to do in Hong Kong (based on a recent survey of Lonely Planet readers), see [4]
- For a blogger's list of ten things to do in HK check here [5]
- You can check out some panoramic photos of popular spots at 360cities.net
- For more tips about what to see/do in Hong Kong, see [6]
- For more tourist info about Hong Kong, see I Love Hong Kong
- For a blogger's tips and other HK info, see Journey to Hong Kong
- Welcome to Hong Kong - a guide for visitors and expats [7]
Crossing the border
- Planes: multiple daily flights leave from Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) to airports in mainland China.
- Trains: The subway of Hong Kong and Shenzhen connect to each other (you'll need to get off the train for transit and custom office crossing)
- The MTR East rail line goes Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau where you disembark to cross the border into Shenzhen.
- Intercity trains to Dongguan, Foshan, Guangzhou East rail station and Zhaoqing leave from Hung Hom station daily.
- Fares, schedules and online ticketing Note that once you are in China, rail tickets for any destination cannot be purchased online. They must be purchased at the rail station itself.
- Ferries: Ferry services run from Hong Kong to the province of Guangdong in mainland China, departing from both the city centre and the Airport. See the Ferry section above for more information.[8]
- Buses: These private companies operate bus services to many locations in Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian Province:
- http://www.trans-island.com.hk/
- http://www.eebus.com/
- http://www.gdhkmtc.com/schedule.html
- Hong Kong airport to Shenzhen airport - see discussion here
Visas
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Baggage Storage
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Cost of living
We've had some questions about the cost of living here. Here's a link to a thread on the topic to give you some idea.[9]
FAQs
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Group on the hospitality network
If you still can't find the answer you wanted, subscribe to the
and ask the friendly folks there!
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