Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Administrative Region, is located on China 's south coast bordering the South China Sea in the east, west and south. It is one of the two administrative regions of the People's Republic of China . Hong Kong was a dependent territory of the United Kingdom from 1842 until 1997. The Sino-British Joint Declaration stipulates that Hong Kong should operate with a high degree of autonomy until 2047. China is responsible for Hong Kong's national defence and foreign affairs but Hong Kong retains its own police force, monetary system, customs policy and immigration policy.
Hong Kong is a leading financial center with its capital economy that is largely based on service industries. Like many Asian countries, its national economy took a temporary nosedive during the Asian Financial Crisis amid the SARS outbreak in 2003. However the following year saw a strong economic recovery with consumer price inflation close to zero.
The population is primarily Chinese however Hong Kong is influenced by both eastern and western cultures. It is renowned for its cuisine, music and cinema. Much of Hong Kong remains undeveloped due to its hilly to mountainous slopes. Its land is remarkably green and gorgeous, and about 40% of this country is reserved as conservation and natural reserve areas. Hong Kong is intensely urbanized although efforts are continually made to “go green” in terms of ecological awareness.
A major tourist attraction is Victoria Harbour , located between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula . Its climate is quite unpredictable with frequent rainfall and tropical cyclones that sometimes result in flooding or landslides. Spring and autumn tend to be Hong Kong 's most enjoyable seasons, which are usually sunny and dry.
Hong Kong's culture is strongly influenced by the Western World with the presence of Catholic Churches, Hollywood film cinemas which is not surprising since movie stars Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee both hail from Hong Kong . There are English-style pubs, traditional Chinese shops selling herbal medicines and Buddhist paraphernalia to be found. Its entertainment industry is renowned, particularly in the area of martial arts. Hong Kong 's religious beliefs are strongly rooted in Buddhist or Taoist beliefs and elders frequent temples delivering gifts of fruit, incense and burnt paper offerings.
Tourists are primarily drawn to the theme park Ocean Park , Victoria Harbour and Peak Tower . The Amazing Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum and the Peak Ocean Motion Simulator are also tourist hotspots. Consider visiting the Madam Tassaud Wax Museum and Stanley Market, a place filled with outdoor cafes, shops and market stands. The HK Convention and Exhibition Center and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, established in 1997 to commemorate the return of Hong Kong to her Motherland provide an impressive visit. The Sik Sik Wong Sin Temple is patterned after an ancient palace and is rich in Chinese culture. Visit the elderly fortune tellers and allow a full day to appreciate the culture of this gorgeous temple. No one ever leaves Hong Kong empty-handed. There are items for everyone. Ladies' fashions can be purchased at the Ladies' Market in Mong Kok. The Yau Ma Tei's Temple Street Night Market offers a variety of electronic gadgets and other souvenirs. Hong Kong proves to be a country rich in culture and will provide a vacation not soon forgotten.
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