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A special administrative region of China, Hong Kong is an exotic destination, with more than 250 islands. Once a British Colony, Hong Kong became a part of China in 1997. Apart from a hot tourist center, Hong Kong is also regarded as a great business center, and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Gateway to the booming economy of China.’
Further, in contrast to other Asian destinations, Hong Kong has a very low crime rate, and hence considered a safe place to live in. Since a former British colony, a strong influence of westernized culture is prevalent here. Al though, majority of Hong Kong’s population is made up of Chinese, the city also include people from other nations including Australia, the UK, Canada, Japan, and Korea. Probably for this reason, real estate market in Hong Kong is booming.
Whether you are a permanent resident or a tourist to the city, Hong Kong boasts of a continuum of accommodation options, according to your taste, lifestyle, and budget. Hotels, resorts, condotels, and villas would be some of the best accommodation for people touring Hong Kong for a short period.
For long stays as well as permanent settlements, some of the much favored accommodation choices are single detached homes, flats, apartments, and townhouses. Along with these accommodation choices, condominiums or condo units are also considered a great housing option in Hong Kong.
A condominium living is quite different from other residential choices including owning or renting an apartment, villa, or a single dwelling space. When you decide to stay in a condominium it means that you have made up your mind to live with a group of other condominium owners.
Depending upon your tastes and preferences, a variety of condo units are available in Hong Kong, from low budget condominiums to high end luxury condominium complexes. Different types of condominiums available here include apartment model condo units and townhouse, which is mostly attached with garage and yard space. Hong Kong condominiums are also sometimes available in the form of single detached buildings.
Condominiums units in Hong Kong are mostly replete with expansive living rooms, superb bedrooms coupled with relaxed beds, sophisticated kitchen, and bath area. No matter it is small or big, luxury or ordinary, condominium units in Hong Kong mostly come with such amenities as cable television, heating and air conditioning facilities, provision for hot and cold water, balcony providing excellent views, and professional services.
Luxury units usually include high-end common facilities such as laundry facilities, game rooms, whirlpool spas and saunas, swimming pools, meeting rooms, parking areas, round the clock on-site security system, intercom security system, on-site office for property management, solarium with areas for gatherings and social activities, specialized areas for outdoor recreational activities, salons with expert massage therapist, parking areas, and on-site workshop.
Owning a condominium in Hong Kong offers a myriad of benefits. One of the great benefits of living in condo units is that it enables you to reside in a well-controlled community. Security is another key benefit of living in Hong Kong, as many of the condominiums are attached with top-end monitoring system. Benefits of living in condominium also include low interior as well as exterior maintenance costs and access to such facilities as elevators and swimming pools.
Mostly, people staying in condominium complexes have common lifestyle and preferences, which in turn allow you to lead a comfortable life. For instance, there are condominium units especially designed and constructed for people like retirees and single people. Above all, purchasing a condominium unit in Hong Kong is considered a great long term investment, guaranteeing excellent returns. However, the price of condominium units is exceptionally high in contrast to other accommodations options such as apartments and single houses.
However, it is important to consider certain important matters prior to purchasing a condominium in Hong Kong. The rules and regulations pertaining to condo units vary from condominiums to condominiums. In certain cases, the condominium association or group put forward some kind of restrictions to own pets or to use a particular facility. Hence, such matters must be checked for. Purchasing or renting a condo unit in Hong Kong is no longer a tedious process. A myriad of real estate companies and property builders are there in order to help you find a condo unit that suits your requirements.
Hong Kong Island is an island that lies on the southern part of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is the fourth largest financial centre in the world. Hong Kong is also the eight largest trade economy in the world. Hong Kong Island contains a bustling urban centre located in a wonderful natural surrounding. The north coast forms the south shore of Victoria harbour.
Most people in Hong Kong will speak in Chinese, the Cantonese dialect, though there seems to be a growing population of Mandarin speakers in the area. Also most of the taxi drivers and people will be able to communicate in English, as there was a long British presence in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Island is the heart of Hong Kong; famous places include “The Peak”, Ocean Park and also numerous historical sites. Hong Kong Island also has many shopping malls for which it has earned much fame for.
Hong Kong Island has many mountains and is a popular spot for hiking. Other sites to see include the Repulse Bay, where tourists can relax and enjoy the beaches of Hong Kong. The incredible Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is also situated here. The Peak Explorer Motion Simulator is another must visit place, numerous shops and restaurants offering both Chinese and Western cuisines are available. The Madame Tussaud Wax Museum is also found here, with wax statues of celebrities, including that of the famous Hong Kong celebrity Jackie Chang.
At least two days will be required to tour Hong Kong Island. A Hong Kong Hotel that offers good service would be the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Hong Kong.
Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing agency that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )
Hong Kong features a diverse mixture of characters as a result of long British occupation and a great Chinese influence. As a state of China, Hong Kong provides a good introduction to who ever wants to know more about China without entering the mainland plus a venue for more attractions with western culture and Asian spirit.
1. Hong Kong Museum of Art – Located at 10 Salisbury Rd Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is open to anyone who wants to take a glimpse of Hong Kong’s culture and history through its large collection of over 14,000 items ranging from calligraphy, paintings, Hong Kong treasure, art objects, antiques, and lithographs. The museum is open from 10:00am-6:00pm daily except Thursday (public holidays not included).
2. Hong Kong Disneyland – The newly open and the first ever Disneyland in Asia offers total fun and excitement for the whole family. The park is divided into four major attractions: Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, USA.
3. Victoria Peak – Soaring 1810 feet above sea level, the Victoria Peak is premier destination for tourists who want to take a birds eye view of downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. Go another step higher and take a 10-minute hike to the actual Victoria Peak.
4. Lantau Island – Travel Hong Kong and take a cruise around the waters of Lantau Island and watch pink dolphins that only live in this waters.
5. Ocean Park – Travel Hong Kong and visit Ocean Park. This is one Hong Kong attractions where you and your kids will have a great fun. The park is one big oceanarium containing Lowlands Gardens where pandas live, goldfish pagoda and butterfly house are located, Marine Land where atoll reef and shark aquariums are found, and Headlands amusement park where you can go and take a ride with cable cars and roller coasters.
6. Water World – Travel Hong Kong with kids would never be so much fun without taking a plunge on Water World. Enjoy wave pools, play area, and water slides.
7. Middle Kingdom – A miniature China that houses Chinese shrines, street scenes, temples, and palaces only at Middle Kingdom.
8. The Central district – If you travel to Hong Kong because you love to shop, you better go to the central Hong Kong district where big shopping malls and several Western designer and signature boutiques are located.
9. Lamma Island – If you want to see a different Hong Kong, try Lamma Island. It hosts several outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. And if you love to taste fresh Hong Kong seafood in great dining ambiance, Lamma Island is still the preferred place to go.
10. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin) – Located at New Territories, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery features Buddha in different poses and colors.
11. Hong Kong Space Museum – See what’s in store for you in the future at Hong Kong Space Museum. The complex offers hundreds of displays ranging from telecommunications, robotics, energy, computers, and physics with hands on experience that will keep you interested.
12. Wet Market – In Hong Kong, everything is fresh. And when they say fresh, they mean it. If you happen to travel Hong Kong to visit a friend or someone you know, come along when they go to wet market where the freshest among freshest seafood are for sale.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides hong kong travel resources on www.your-hong-kong-travel.info.
Spread across an area of 1,092 square kilometers, Hong Kong is the Special Administrative Region of China. Apart from being a hot tourist destination, Hong Kong is also an economic as well as trade center.
Due to its excellent legal and banking systems, many overseas business firms have made Hong Kong as their regional headquarters. This in turn has tremendously increased the demand for Hong Kong’s commercial real estate, including office spaces, shopping malls, and retail stores.
The worldwide demand for commercial spaces also comes from arenas including law firms, financial institutions, and accountants. In addition to overseas investors, a growing number of mainland companies are also taking up office spaces in Hong Kong. In short, commercial real estate in Hong Kong has now turned out to be a demand-driven scenario. As a result, in recent years, the sale price of commercial property has been pushed up. Further, the rents charged on commercial real estate are exceptionally high, ranging from HK$22 to HK$105 per square foot per month.
Investing in commercial real estate in Hong Kong provides great benefits to investors. One of the prime benefits of investing in a Hong Kong commercial property is that it provides you access to one of the world’s established markets. Another great benefit of investing in a commercial property is that not any kind of restrictions have been imposed on international investors to buy a property or asset. Further, purchasing a commercial real estate in Hong Kong is considered one of the best options for long term investment, as it can undoubtedly fetch you huge profits by way of renting and leasing.
Above all, the laws and regulations in connection with the process of buying commercial real estate are quite simple and liberal. Once you have found an appropriate property, an Agreement of Sale and Purchase would be signed between the property owner and investor, and this completes the sale procedure.
The buying processes related to the purchase of commercial property in Hong Kong are administered by the Conveyancing and Ordinance, which is structured in the form of English Law. In other words, the real estate law of Hong Kong is akin to one found in the UK, which in turn has attracted many American and British commercial real estate investors.
One of the unique things regarding the Hong Kong Property Law is that all of the land found here belongs to government, ie, each of the real estate in Hong Kong is held under leasehold title. Hence, those who are interested in property investment buy an agreement or a lease for a period ranging from 50 to 999 years.
A real estate or property in Hong Kong can be either solely owned by one person or through jointly by several investors. However, joint investment may be usually in the form of tenant or a joint tenancy. Further, a property can also be owned through a company structure. But, in case, if a company would like to conduct its business through the purchase of a property on lease, then it should be registered with the Hong Kong Companies Registry. In addition, every type of lease should be listed at the Hong Kong’ Land Registry.
A plethora of real estate firms now operate in Hong Kong in order to help you find your dream commercial property. In other words, commercial real estate is one of core businesses of many real estate companies in Hong Kong. They offer a continuum of services in connection with the commercial real estate, such as, sale of commercial as well as retail property, office leasing, retail leasing, leasing and sales of industrial property, sale and acquisition of development sites, leasing and management of shopping centers, and asset management with regard to commercial, retail, and industrial.
Additionally, majority of them provide the services of professional lawyers to help you in effectively carrying out buying procedures, such as tax matters, Hong Kong Companies Registry, and negotiation of purchase. In addition, there are also real estate firms providing steps to arrange mortgages for the purchase of commercial property. But, prior to approaching a service provider, it is important to undertake an investigation with regard to their reputation and the quality as well as efficiency of service rendered.
Hong Kong is a famous international city in the world. It has the characteristics which make Hong Kong a famous international city and so many investors would prefer choosing Hong Kong company as an offshore company for their international business.
1. The economic system is market oriented, with a little involvement of government intervention. Many investors can choose what businesses they do, the government are more encourage them to make investments.
2. The capital flows of money from and to Hong Kong are absolutely free and without control and restrictions. All currencies can be used in Hong Kong, with absolutely free of money wire in and wire out between Hong Kong and other countries.
3. Offshore business activities are 100% tax free. The Hong Kong tax law has ruled out that only local business is subject to profits tax, overseas business registered in Hong Kong is offshore busines and so is not subject to profits tax.
4. Low tax rate. Even the business is done in Hong Kong, the tax rate is only 16.5% of net profits (in year 2008/09 and onward). The tax rate is absolutely low, with no other tax systems such as VAT, business tax, no capital gains tax, etc.
5. Formation requirement is very simplifed. As an international city, a person, overseas person or local person, can be appointed as the shareholder and director of a Hong Kong company, with the requirement that there must have an appointed local secretary and registered office address for correspondings.
6. No capital investment is required. The shareholder is only required to sign up the agreement to declare that he will contribute capital to the company, and no actual capital investment is required.
7. Freely use of company name. In other countries, some names are not free to use such as holding, group, …., etc. However, in Hong Kong, the name is freely used, provided that they are not registered in Hong Kong, subject to other restrictive rules such as defentive words are not allowed to use.
8. It is easy to open an offshore bank account with using Hong Kong company. Hong Kong as an international city, offshore bank account is rather easy to open with using Hong Kong company, the investor is required to provice his address proof documents, and passsport copy, Hong Kong company formation documents and a general description of his business. HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank, as in international bank, can accept the above documents and open an offshore bank account with multi-currencies and internet banking facilities included.
9. According to global statistics, Hong Kong is still No. 1 economy freedom.
10. Legal systesm remains using common law systems and equity rules as that applied in UK and Commonwealth countries.
Chui, Lai & Co.
Visitors to avenue of stars free of cost attraction has many takers you can see pavement plaques remembering Hong Kong movie personalities old and new as well as landmark features demarcating the local movie industry’s 100-year history. There are also a hospitable video, sculptures, souvenir kiosks and special lighting that make the atmosphere even more delightful at night. And eye catchy is just not an entrance but also a majestic statue based on the Hong Kong’s movie award statue donated and financed by the Hong Kong film awards association.
The 100 years industry of Hong Kong has helped the tourism industry to cash in a lot as the movies are picturized in clearly Hong Kong’s style. Hong Kong popularity is due to its movie industry which is perfect fusion of eastern and western cultures. Seeing popular locations like the Peak, the harbour front or Lan Kwai Fong on screen stimulates overseas film-lovers’ desire to come and discover these places for themselves. Since Hong Kong is associated with international brand of film making the attraction for tourists gets doubled too. The city is termed as vibrant, scintillating and cosmic.
There is another star attraction that is peak that you will never want to miss it offers an incredible view of by day or night of Hong Kong Island it is accessible via bus or tram. Also you can walk around the peak there is 1 and 1 ½ walk that you can take around the peak .The peak provides tourists attraction it provides birds eye views of the many skyscrapers of Hong Kong.
The accommodation at Hong Kong can be Hong Kong airport hotels, discount and luxurious.
You will definitely fall for Hong Kong its majestic and contemporary skyscrapers, and world famous shopping centers. If you are visiting Hong Kong
for the first time than there are many attractions to be seen and believe me you will not be able to see half of it in the whole of your trip. The Hong Kong exotic places are so vibrant that you will be completely spell bounded with sheer view of it. Hong Kong’s film industry is also most talked about entity all over the world. Its reputation is that of “Hollywood of the Orient” which is now been set in stone most shimmering tourist attraction is the avenue of stars. For accommodation purpose there are whole lot of hotels like Hong Kong airport hotels, discount hotels and luxurious hotels.
Avenue of stars is located on the Kowloon waterfront increasing its beauty is the picturesque harbor. Main reason behind Avenue of Stars is that giving respect to the Hong Kong’s movie industry in contributing to tourism of Hong Kong and making Hong Kong a global name.
Although millions of people pass through Hong Kong every year, on their way from here to there, many of them don’t really know what are the best ways to spend a day in this exciting metropolis.
This article will show you how to cover Hong Kong’s most popular attractions in a one day stopover.
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After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the luggage storage counter at the ‘Meeters and Greeters Hall’, where you can store your trolley or bag till you come back… Buy an Octopus Card from the Airport Express Counter at the Arrivals Hall and hop on the Airport Express Train, with which you travel all the way to Hong Kong Station.
Victoria Peak (or simply “The Peak”) is one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist attractions and probably the best starting point. Having your breakfast or morning coffee while enjoying some spectacular views is definitely a nice way to start your Hong Kong day-tour.
The Peak Tram is the most popular (and scenic) way of getting to The Peak. It operates daily, 7 am – 12 midnight and climbs the full distance in approximately 7 minutes.
A short walk from Hong Kong Station (exit C) will bring you to the Lower Terminus, on Garden Road, where you can buy the ticket and board the tram (you can also pay with your “Octopus Card”)
Pacific Coffee, near the “upper terminus”, is open daily from as early as 7:30 am, and is the best place to enjoy your “coffee with a view” at such an early hour.
Down from “The Peak” walk back towards Hong Kong Station and through “the elevated walkway” to the pier from which the Star Ferry departs to Tsim sha Tsui. This historic ferry route is very popular with tourists and has long become one of Hong Kong’s most prominent icons.
From the ferry building, turn right and walk along the waterfront to the Avenue of Stars: Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, where floor plaques of Hong Kong film industry’s who’s who can be seen. This is also the best place to take photos of Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline.
From here, you can take a short walk to the Hong Kong Museum of History, where “the story of Hong Kong” is told… From the geological changes that took place hundreds of millions of years ago, through prehistoric eras, notable historical events and until present day. The museum is fairly rich and boasts plenty of interesting exhibits.
Continue to Nathan Road, Kowloon’s main thoroughfare, and proceed through Jordan Road to Canton Road, which is popularly known as Jade Street.
Jade and its products are the specialty of most of the shops along this section of Canton Road, as well of those in the neighboring <b>Jade Market</b>, and there is certainly a lot to see (and to buy…). From Jade Street. you can turn right to <i>Ning Po Street</i> where many traditional Chinese shops and businesses can be found.
The Old Tin Hau Temple, just a few minutes walk from the Jade Market, was built in the 1880s and is one of Kowloon’s oldest temples. It is dedicated to Tin Hau (Matsu), Goddess of the sea, protector of seafarers and one of Hong Kong’s most beloved deities.
From the temple, you can either walk or take the MTR to Mong Kok area, where some of Hong Kong’s best open-air markets can be found:
As its name denotes, Ladies’ Market specializes in women’s clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the like, although you can find here more than a few stalls that sell men’s and children’s products, including toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few…
Sai Yeung Choi Street South boasts shops of consumer electronic products at street level and upstairs bookstores above.
Fa Yuen Street concentrates many retailers of sports equipment and clothing, while Fa Yuen Street Market, in the north part of Fa Yuen Street, is full of shops selling bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children.
While in Mong Kok, you should also make a point to visit the Goldfish Market, the Flower Market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or just “Bird Garden”), where dozens of bird shops are located and hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen…
Mong Kok is also packed with many authentic eateries and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious local food at reasonable prices:
Curry A La King, on 88 Soy Street, is a paradise for curry lovers, serving a wide selection of scrumptious curries from different Asian cuisines.
Satay King, on ladies market, specializes in Southeast Asian satays.
MongKok Fung Shing Restaurant, on 749 Nathan Road, is known for its superb dim-sum and delicious crispy chicken.
Lucky Corner Restaurant, on 146 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, is a rather humble eatery which has been serving some of the best Wonton Noodles in Hong Kong for God knows how many years.
Little Sheep (4th floor, 16 Argyle Street)is one of Hong Kong’s most favorite hotpot restaurants.
Fu Kei Restaurant, in King Wah Centre, is serving fabulous food from different Chinese cuisines.
That’s it… You can now take the MTR to Central, from which you link to Hong Kong Station (there is a pedestrian passage) and continue with the Airport Express, back to Hong Kong Airport.
For more travel information on Hong Kong, including recommended hotels, suggested city-walks and sightseeing, a Restaurant & Nightlife Guide, great shopping tips, and much more: visit Metropolasia – Hong Kong Travel Guide where all the information you may want or need, is compiled in one easy-to-use website.
Roni Shwartz is a travel consultant and writes for Metropolasia
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