Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region

Geography

The Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region (or Hong Kong) consists of the mainland, Hong Kong Island and more than 200 small islands, the largest of which is Lantau. The total area of ​​the district is 2900 km2. In the west, Hong Kong borders on the province of Guangdong. Hong Kong Island is separated from the Kowloon Peninsula by Victoria Bay. Basically, the territory of the region is mountainous and hilly, with steep cliffs, in the north there are plains. The highest point is Mount Tai Mo Shan, which rises to 958 m above sea level. The shores are heavily indented with numerous bays and bays.

Religion Buddhism and Taoism. There are also some commandments of Confucianism.

Language The official languages ​​of Hong Kong are Chinese and English.

Visa For citizens of the Russian Federation for up to 14 days of stay in the country a visa is not required.

Time ahead of Moscow by 5 hours.

The climate is subtropical. In spring, the average air temperature is +23C, in summer +28C, in autumn +23C, and in winter +17C. The best time to visit Hong Kong is autumn (October to December). Air humidity, depending on the season, ranges from 72 to 82%. March and April are also good times to visit, but during these months the humidity increases. The typhoon season lasts from May to November. When a typhoon approaches, warnings are transmitted on television and radio using a special digital signaling system (“8” – the highest danger).

Money The country’s currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK). One American dollar is equal to 7.8 NK. The course may change. Foreign currency and travelers checks can be exchanged at banks, hotels and exchange offices. There are also ATMs in the city, which also allow you to make an exchange.

Transport The fastest and most convenient mode of transport is the subway. Subway lines connect to the Kowloon Railway, which takes you to the New Territories. Another common mode of transport for tourists is a taxi, which is relatively inexpensive here. The ferry service here is also well developed and popular with tourists and locals.

Phone Hong Kong has one of the most advanced telecommunications systems in the world. There are 3 types of street payphones: those operating with coins (1 HK$ for every 5 minutes of conversation), operating with credit cards and with special telephone cards (sold at postal stalls and post offices), from which you can call abroad.

Shops Shops are almost everywhere open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, except for the Central Gallery, where they close at 19:00.

National cuisine Hong Kong offers a wide range of restaurants with cuisines from around the world. Here you can easily find all kinds of Western-style establishments – from English pubs to French bistros. It is worth noting that Hong Kong cuisine has dishes that are not found in other national cuisines of China. These are “pineapple” pies (baolaobao) and “tea coffee” (inyun). “Pineapple patties” due to their special shape and special cutting on top, they really resemble pineapple. “Tea coffee” is a drink made from a mixture of tea leaves and coffee powder.

Holidays and weekends

January 1-2 – New Year

Three days in January or February is Chinese New Year. At this time, the famous fireworks are held in Hong Kong, when several barges enter Victoria Bay, from which, within 40 minutes, 15,000 charges are fired. A huge number of people gather for this spectacle on the Hong Kong waterfront.

March 8 – International Women’s Day

March 12 – Tree Planting Day

May 1 – Labor Day

May 4 – Youth Day

June 1 – Children’s Day

July 1 – Founding Day of the Communist Party of China

August 1 – Founding Day of the National Liberation Army of China

September 10 – Teacher’s Day

October 1-2 – Proclamation Day of the People’s Republic of China

The most important and widespread traditional holidays in China are the Spring Festival, Yuanxiao (Lantern Festival), Qingming, Duanwu, Zhongqiu (Mid-Autumn) and Chongyang.

Voltage: 220 V., 50 Hz., plugs are found in both three-pin (western-style) and two-pin (both flat and round).

Tips Tips are not officially accepted, but it is still recommended to leave them at an average of 5-10% of the cost of the service. It is customary for hotel employees to leave a “tip” of 10-20 HK$, in a taxi a tip is not required, it is easier to round the amount up to a whole dollar.

Insurance. In the event of an insured event, it is necessary to act according to the instructions placed in the insurance policy. Try to familiarize yourself with it in advance (at home before the flight or during the flight) so that in the event of an insured event, you will have an idea about the algorithm of action. After making a call to the insurance company, follow the instructions received from the insurer.

Important information

Hong Kong, China, Embassy in Moscow

117330, st. Friendship, 6

Phone: 8 (499) 143-15-40, 783-08-67
Fax : 8 (495) 956-11-69

Hong Kong, China, Russian Embassy in the country:

1000600, Beijing, st. st. Dongzhimen Beizhongjie, 4

Phone: (+86 10) 6532-4851 – (working days 14:00 – 18:00;, (+86 10) 6532 4851 – (round the clock).

E-mail: embassy@russia.org.cn

Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region