With a thriving business center, world-famous skyline, numerous shopping malls, and an
excellent transportation system, Hong Kong is easily one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Yet
at the same time, one can still uncover many examples of old world charm and ambiance,
whether it be afternoon tea, tai chi in the park, or the Cantonese opera. The city is truly a blend
of yesterday and today, and a honeymoon destination ripe with discoveries and new experiences.

Located on China’s south coast, Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of the
People’s Republic of China. With a landmass of 426 square miles and a population of more than
7 million people, the region is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Hong Kong has a long history as a colony of the British Empire, though presently is considered a
city-state after China resumed sovereignty in 1997. It’s also viewed as one of the world’s top
international financial centers and one of the most modern cities in the world. In addition to
boasting one of the highest overall per capita incomes, Hong Kong has the longest life
expectancy of any country on the planet.

Surrounded by the South China Sea on three sides, the territory’s area consists of several
principal islands such as Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and Lantau Island, plus more
than 200 other offshore islands. Meanwhile, much of Hong Kong’s terrain is hilly to
mountainous with steep slopes, so less than 25 percent of the region is actually developed.
Additionally, more than 40 percent of the land area has been maintained as nature reserves or
parks, including Tai Mo Shan, the SAR’s highest peak at 3,140 feet.

For top areas of interest, the Central District on Hong Kong Island is Hong Kong’s center for
business, banking, and entertainment, and home to massive skyscrapers and some of the
world’s most innovative architecture. SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong offer dining and nightlife
districts. Based around Shelley, Staunton, and Elgin streets, SoHo is a magnet for exciting
culinary destinations, trendy bars, and intimate cafes. All the while, with its mix of all-night bars,
restaurants, and live music, Lan Kwai Fong is quite popular with the 20s and 30s crowd.
Finally, Tsim Sha Tsui is another notable district for the SAR. Located on the Kowloon
Peninsula just across Victoria Harbour from Central, this is one of Hong Kong’s top areas
for visitors due to its impressive concentration of restaurants, shops, museums, parks, and
hotels.