|
|
| Home | Add Link | Articles | Resources | Contact Us |
Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. The Kowloon Peninsula is attached to the New Territories in the north, and the New Territories are in turn connected to mainland China across the Sham Chun River (Shenzhen River). In total, Hong Kong has 236 islands in the South China Sea, of which Lantau is the largest. Hong Kong Island itself is the second largest and also the most populated. Ap Lei Chau is the most densely populated island in the world. The name "Hong Kong", literally meaning "fragrant harbour", is derived from the area around present-day Aberdeen and Wong Chuk Hang on Hong Kong Island, where fragrant trees were once abundant and widely exported. The body of water between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula is Victoria Harbour, one of the deepest natural maritime ports in the world. The landscape of Hong Kong is fairly hilly to mountainous with steep slopes. The highest point in the territory is Tai Mo Shan, at a height of 958 metres (3,142 ft). Lowlands exist in the northwestern part of the New Territories. Hong Kong is a city with many personalities. She is a blend not just of East and West, but of old and new. In this city of contrasts, incense smolders in bread box-sized temples next to modern high rise office buildings, and executives with cell phones stroll past fruit hawkers in traditional broad, woven straw hats. People here still cling to their roots, to their traditional beliefs and religions. They continue to pray and make offerings at more than 600 old and new temples, shrines and monasteries scattered across the territory. Some are ancient, such as Man Mo Temple on Ladder Street in Western District, Hong Kong's oldest - and one of its most important - places of worship. Others are relatively new, such as Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon, always crowded with worshippers burning incense, praying and consulting fortunetellers. Old and new meet in one of Hong Kong's latest attractions, the Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon, a living museum of the Tang monastic style combining ancient architecture and modern technology. The nunnery, with its Buddhist halls, a Zen-style rock garden, a Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda and its many other architectural and spiritual attractions, is due to open at the end of 1998. Some of Hong Kong's most modern attractions are, in fact, dedicated to ancient religions. The serene, mystical Big Buddha sitting on a plateau on Lantau Island, and at 8 feet high the world's largest bronze outdoor seated Buddha, was only opened to the public in 1990. Traditional Chinese culture thrives in this city of life. In Temple Street Market, flamboyant Chinese opera bursting with color and energy is performed on outdoor stages. During Chinese New Year, or any auspicious occasion, lion and dragon dancers bring action to the streets with their dynamic, energetic performances that are part dance, part acrobatics. Lion dances are famous world-wide. This colorful display of large lion costumes dancing about is especially popular during festive occasions. This 'kung-fu' style fanfare is sometimes performed on special events such as corporate anniversaries and the opening of new businesses, as it is said that lion dances can bring good luck. The lion is considered a holy animal and seen as a spirit that has its own importance in Chinese mythology. Lion dances are usually accompanied by the blasting of firecrackers to scare away evil spirits. Two types of Chinese lions exist in this exclusive tradition: the northern and southern lion. The differences are in their appearance and movements. The northern lion is yellow, furry, and has a less movable mouth, while the southern lion has a mobile mouth and a more colorful body with shorter fur. Tea drinking is a serious business in both Hong Kong and the Chinese culture. A Tang Dynasty scholar who devised the first definitive treatise on tea making had initiated this tradition, which began almost 1,200 years ago. Today, this culture remains a thriving tradition. Ardent tea enthusiasts often have their own special tea pots, which is commonly made of clay, when they go for their tea drinking sessions. It is said that the smaller the teapot, the better the tea. The smell of the tea is instilled in the pot and the fragrant is thus stronger. Some teas are bitter, whereas some are sweet. There are different kinds of tea-leaves that give out various smells and tastes. Not everyone will appreciate the same kind of tea as it is acquired by the preferences of the individual. Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of religious freedom, a right enshrined and protected through its constitutional document, the Basic Law. The majority of Hong Kong's population practices ancestor worship due to the strong Confucian influence. A sizable Christian community of around 500,000 exists, forming about 10% of the total population; roughly equally divided between Catholics and Protestants. There are also followers of Buddhism or Taoism. There are also estimated 3,000 Jews, and a few Hindus; Sikhs and Bahá'ís are also represented. Apart from offering religious instructions, many major religious bodies have established schools and provided social welfare facilities. As Asia's world city, Hong Kong has much to offer to you as a visitor, whether you are coming here on business or for pleasure: A city of charm: the sophistication of an international city, cultural diversity and cosmopolitan lifestyle are at the very core of Hong Kong's attractions. Popular tourist attractions: A Symphony of Lights, the World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show staged on both sides of the Victoria Harbour, every night starts at 8:00pm. Hong kong Flag Hong kong Map Hong kong Longitude & Latitude
Hong kong Nationl Anthem/Song
|
|
|||||||||||||||
