Interesting Facts about Hong Kong

I have begun my exploration into Hong Kong by looking up and selecting some interesting facts about the place. I will later pick out some of my favourite aspects to explore further.


Continent:          Asia
Country:            China
Region:              Hong Kong S.A.R. (Special Administrative Region) 
City:                  Hong Kong 
Local Name:       香港   - “Fragrant Harbour” 
Climate:             Sub-tropical 
Population:        More than 7 million

·         Hong Kong is situated on the south-eastern coast of China and covers an area of 1,104 square kilometres (425 square miles).

·         It comprises of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, which includes 262 outlying islands.

·         Britain gained Hong Kong Island after the defeat of the Chinese in the Opium War of 1842.

·         Hong Kong is now governed under the principle of "one country, two systems", under which China has agreed to give the region a high degree of autonomy (independence) and to preserve its economic and social systems for 50 years from the date of the handover (1997).

·         Kowloon, one of Hong Kong's mainland regions, means “Nine Dragons”

·         Hong Kong is very hilly and there are outdoor escalators in the Central district of the Island.

·         The Regent Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui has been designed so that the dragons can pass through and feed at the harbour. There is a fountain to attract them and huge glass windows to allow them to pass through!

·         Feng Shui (wind/water beliefs) is an important consideration in the design of buildings. Geomancers divine the harmonies of the site and even doors, windows and furniture are positioned to balance the 8 elements of nature and the spirit of Yin and Yang.

·         Feng Shui mirrors are hung on houses, shops and restaurants to prevent evil spirits from entering the buildings. The mirrors are octagonal and have a concave mirror inside, so when the spirit looks at it he becomes scared of his image and goes away.

·         Temples should always have hills behind them and face the sea for good luck.

·         Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world. Classified as buildings with more than 14 floors, Hong Kong has around 8000, almost double that of New York its nearest rival.