Travel Guide

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Get to know Hong Kong from Hotel Ease Access ‧ Lai Chi Kok

Just in case you need a little background on Hong Kong, here are some instant facts. Don’t worry, there isn’t a test!

Hong Kong, is officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR). It was a British colony for 156 years until 1997, when it was transferred back to China.

With a population of over 7 million, the territory is divided broadly into three regions: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories including the outlying islands.

It is now an autonomous territory of China operating under a one country, two systems principle with its own laws, currency and administration.

Hong Kong is one of the most open and freest trading territories in the world and one of the world’s leading international financial centres. Known as Asia’s World City, Hong Kong is home to people from almost every country in the world. The city has two official languages, Cantonese and English, but Putonghua the national language of China is also widely spoken and understood

Information
Transportation
Attraction
Events & Festivals

Climate

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with hot and humid summers (June to August) and cool and drier winters (December to February). Typhoons can be expected during summer and when typhoon no. 8 or above is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, most businesses and shops close down and flights may be cancelled. For updated climate information, please click here.

Time Zone

UTC/ GMT + 8 hours; no daylight saving time

Language

Both Chinese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong, but Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect spoken, while Mandarin (or Putonghua) is also accepted and has been more widely used after Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997.

Voltage / Plug Type

The standard voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, using the three-pronged type G plug (same as UK).

Visa

All visitors require a valid passport to enter Hong Kong, and depending on your nationality, most nationalities do not require a visa for tourism. To see if your travel documents apply, it is best to check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. You can also click here for more information.

Public Holidays

Hong Kong has 17 public holidays with at least 1 public holiday in almost every month with most shops and dining restaurants still opened (except for Chinese New Year).Click here to get the most updated public holidays in Hong Kong.

Safety and Security

Hong Kong has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and is considered to be a safe city with police patrolling many areas quite frequently. However, like any big city, please be careful of scams, pickpockets and petty theft. For more safety advice, please visit the Hong Kong Police Force website. If you need help from the Police, Fire Services Department or an ambulance, dial 999

Aitport

You can take the E21D Airport Bus (a 8-minute walk from the hotel) that runs every 60 minutes from 16:10 to 00:00 daily. The journey time is approximately 60 minutes. Click here for more information.

Bus and MiniBus

There are a range of buses, minibuses and even double-deckers in Hong Kong which are mostly air-conditioned. Bus routes cover almost all of Hong Kong while minibuses, depending on its colour (green or red) operate on fixed routes or not always fixed routes. Click here for more information.

MTR Subway

The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is a widely-used public transportation system in Hong Kong. Our hotel is just a 5-minute walk to MTR Lai Chi Kok station. You can purchase single journey tickets or buy an Octopus Card at the station and pay by simply scanning your card at the gates. Click here for more information.

Taxi

Taxi’s are usually plentiful throughout Hong Kong and can either be hailed on the street or summoned by phone. All taxi’s have a metre, are relatively cheap and are air-conditioned. Hong Kong taxi’s are categorized by three colours- red operating throughout most of Hong Kong, green servicing the New Territories, and blue operating on Lantau Island. Click here for more information.

Ferries

Hong Kong regularly operates ferry routes that connect Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the Outlying Islands.

Tram

These historic double-decker trams have been around since 1904 and travel along the north corridor of Hong Kong Island, running from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, with an extra route to Happy Valley. It is a great way to travel around if you’re not in a rush. Click here for more information.

Perk Tram

Taking only 7 minutes, this tram takes you on a scenic journey offering a spectacular view of Hong Kong and goes between the lower Peak Tram terminus located on Garden Road in Central to the Peak Tower. This steep ride offers a spectacular view of Hong Kong. Click here for more information.