Hong Kong the world s Fragrant Harbour Which country has the lowest mortality rate, the highest average IQ score, is eighth in the ranking of billionaires and has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world? According to the 2012 World Health Organisation statistics, it is the country also known as Fragrant Harbour. Hong Kong is an Island. Along with Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, it has been part of the Special Administrative Districts of the People s Republic of China since 1 July 1997, having been handed over by Britain. This is a place where a lot of smart people live longer. With a land mass of 1104km2 (426 sq miles), Hong Kong is home to seven million people. I remember on a clear, still night sitting on the deck of the good ship Lanka Athula. As she sailed through Hong Kong s Victoria Harbour, lights from catacombs of skyscrapers brightened the skyline like a gigantic alien craft. Hong Kong boasts 1223 skyscrapers which top the world skyscraper rankings for tall buildings above 150m. There are some interesting places and things to see in this country colonised by the former British Empire after the First Opium War in 1839-1842. Here is an account of my impression after a recent visit.
Harbour The famous town Kowloon situated in Clock the Kowloon Tower and side surroundings, is a photographer s an paradise ideal place with to the sit Hong and relax. Kong Skyscrapers looming in the back ground, the harbour water adding colour to the photos Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade on the Kowloon side, overlooking the magnificent skyscrapers of Hong Kong, is a photographer s paradise. Photos are framed with the back drop of the towering giants above the blue waters of Victoria Harbour, providing photo opportunities of a life time.
Walking down the promenade, snapping the scenery on the way, give yourself time to sit and relax amid the famous Clock Tower Gardens. If you continue on your way the Avenue of the Stars is around the corner. Photographs with the statue of the pocket rocket Bruce Lee, who made martial arts a cinematic phenomenon, are popular. Posing with various fight actions depicting the local hero is quite a common sight. Along the avenue there are hand prints of stars from Hong Kong cinema. I could only recognise martial arts stars Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan (with their hand prints).
If you are in Hong Kong, a trip to The Peak on The Peak Tram is a must. In the colonial times, the two-man porter service was the means of transport to the 1.4 km ride 552m above sea level. The journey in the Sedan Chair, was not so pleasant for the sedan carriers but a great way to reach the top for the British upper class looking for a retreat from Hong Kong City s high humidity. On top of the mountain, there are five levels of escalators to ride to the best views. In true Hong Kong style there are shops and restaurants on each level. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum the Hong Kong version - is on one of the levels. On the peak, all the beauty of Hong Kong in all its glory is visible in 360 degree panoramic view. The skyscraper splendour is displayed in a breathtaking view for the, photographer to devour. Silky mist looming over the viewing gallery makes taking good photos more challenging.
On the Kowloon Peninsula is the district of Mong Kok, meaning the crowded corner. The area certainly lives up to its name. Large neon signposts light up the various premises. The area is full of shops and restaurants for the local residents and tourists who cram the narrow streets after dark. Nestled in one of the narrow passages is the famous Ladies Market It does not sell any ladies as the name implies but it is a shopper s paradise for all sorts of knick knacks. Most wares are souvenirs but there are some useful bargains. Handbags, dresses and tee shirts, along with a variety of goods are sold in small makeshift structures. It was interesting to see the whole market being taken down around midnight piece-by-piece (as shown in the picture) and then put up again the next day. Bargaining here is a must or you are sure to do your dough. The process is a special art form where if you halve the price on offer, the reaction is a screwed up face from the seller. Then if you start walking away you might buy the item at $10 more than you offered. I have often offered less than quarter for three items and still walked away with the item leaving me wondering how much lower I have could have gone.
The best way to see a city, especially if you are there for a short time, is a Bus Tour. Most of the famous tourist destinations now operate big bus tours. Hop on hop off for one price with commentary through ear phones in several languages. You can learn much about the city sitting on an open double decker bus. The history and culture of the city is narrated as you pass by significant places. On this tour, occasional monsoon rains caused havoc with the seating on top but the downpour was short lived so I could move up and down the decks. The Sampan Tour is included in the ticket price. The traditional boat takes the group for a boat ride through the fishing village where the big trawlers and little fishing boats bob.
The little sampan chugs around the fishing village that somehow blends into the high rise landscape. The lady driving the boat with the two joy sticks on the box was expressionless throughout the journey.
The floating Jumbo Restaurant is famous with locals as well as tourists for its seafood.
According to the commentary on the bus tour, buying brand names and shopping in branded shops is a status symbol for Hong Kongers. It is the sign of achieving and prosperity if they are wearing or making gifts of big name branded items.
Just eight days after attacking Pearl Harbour, the Japanese invaded Hong Kong. On 25 December 1941, at the end of the Battle of Hong Kong, British colonial officials, led by the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Mark Aitchison Young, surrendered in person at the Japanese headquarters on the third floor of The Peninsula Hotel.