At the time of the Qin (221 – 206 BC) and Han (206 BC – AD 220) dynasties, parties of people from the mainland came and settled in Hong Kong. Prior to the arrival of the British, Hong Kong was a small fishing community and a haven for travellers and pirates in the South China Sea. During the Opium Wars with China in the Nineteenth Century, Britain used the territory as a naval base. The territory grew as more people settled there with time. In the early 1900's. Hong Kong was a refuge for exiles from China, following the establishment of the Chinese Republic in 1912.
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards temperate for nearly half the year. During November and December there are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Summers are hot, with the rainy season running from June to August. Temperatures in summer climb to a maximum of around 28°C (82°F) and Typhoons are possible during both the spring and autumn months.
Hong Kong’s economy has moved away from manufacturing and is now service-based, acting as a major corporate and banking center as well as a conduit for China’s burgeoning exports. And while much of the manufacturing (textiles, consumer electronics and other consumer goods) is now likely to be done across the border and beyond, Hong Kong is still one of the world's largest exporters. Social programmes continue to raise the standard of living, which is comparable to that of many Western countries.
Hong Kong is the major air-traffic center for the region, so there are sufficient flights in and out of the country. Hong Kong's main rail systems include the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) East Rail, and the Light Rail (LR). The MTR is the most efficient, fastest, cleanest, and smoothest rail transport. Running along Hong Kong Island's north side, it travels beneath the harbor where branches serve Kowloon and Lantau Island. All bus routes cover most areas of Hong Kong. Buses are also the major public transportation for travelling to Hong Kong Island's Southern District, like Ocean Park, Repulse Bay and Stanley. Hong Kong taxis are not too expensive compared to other major modern cities, but taxis can also be difficult to flag during rush hours. Many taxis have a card that lists the top 50 destinations in English, Cantonese and Japanese. This is useful as most drivers don't speak English.
The Hong Kong education system has been closely modeled on the one found in the UK. There are nine years of compulsory schooling in Hong king, six in primary school and three in junior secondary school. The majority of students attend three years of kindergarten before attending primary school. In secondary school, following the compulsory three years, there are two years of senior secondary education (forms 4 and 5) and then two years of matriculation leading to the Hong Kong Advanced Level examinations. Students gain entry to a range of post-secondary, vocational and tertiary courses offered by a variety of institutions based on their results in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examinations or the Hong Kong A-Level examinations. Today, Hong Kong particularly appeals to students and scholars of political science, business and the humanities. At the 'same time, undergraduate and postgraduate courses are offered in the arts, business administration, education, engineering, medicine, science and social science.
Hong Kong is full of fabulous events and attractions. There are innumerable attractions in Hong Kong that are both natural as well as man-made.
Victoria Peak is the highest peak in Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 554 meters and has been considered as a landmark of the island. It is the best place to enjoy the view of Hong Kong, which looks like an effulgent pearl in the sea of light at night. Attracting approximate six million visitors every year, the Peak is the biggest tourist attraction in Hong Kong. To reach the Victoria Peak, you can take the peak tram which was put into service in 1888. Peak Tower with its famous wok-like architecture, designed by the British architect Terry Farrell, stands at the exit of Peak Tram. Another favourite attraction is the Madame Tussaud Museum, which is a branch of London's famous wax museum, with figures of celebrities including local movie star Jackie Chan.
Ocean Park, located on the south end of Hong Kong Island, is among the top theme parks and aquariums in Southeast Asia, as well as the best marine education center. The Park spreads on approximate 170 acres. A cable-car bridge links the two sections of the Park.
The Avenue of Stars, which opened in 2004 on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, pays tribute to Hong Kong’s film industry. There, the handprints of stars such as Jet Li, Jacki Chan and director Wong Kar Wai can be viewed.
Disneyland, credited as the first theme park of China, is different from other disneylands of the world, for it has natural backdrop of verdant mountains and undulating landscape. The ultra-modern holiday resort has been segregated in themed lands like Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland and Main Street U.S.A.
The occasions and events taking place in Hong Kong reflect the rich heritage and custom of this gorgeous city. People from every strata of the society participate and revel in such gala events. Due to Chinese festivities being based on a lunar calendar, festivals don’t have any fixed date. However, the majority of the year some celebration is either in the planning or under-way.
Chinese Lunar New Year, the most popular of all the Hong Kong festivals, takes the island by storm. Whole Hong Kong is immersed in festivities on this occasion. Streets are illuminated by firework displays. Parades and lion or dragon dances fill the alleys with gaiety. The skyscrapers look even more gorgeous and temples are thronged by the worshippers.
