Highlights
General information
Surrounded by the South China Sea, Hong Kong is the gateway to China and the Far East. Comprising Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the 280 outlying islands, Hong Kong was first settled by the Han Chinese in the seventh century. It was ceded to Britain in 1842 and remained a British colony until 1997. After reverting to Chinese rule, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region and now has a great deal of autonomy.
With a population of over seven million, Hong Kong is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Cantonese and English are the official languages, although many people also speak Mandarin. As the Asia-Pacific headquarters for banking, commerce, manufacturing and tourism, Hong Kong is renowned for its prime shopping, fine dining and dynamic nightlife.
In addition to being one of the world’s most important business hubs, Hong Kong has a rich history and culture – and its rugged mountainous landscape offers many peaceful areas for hiking and camping. Four Seasons guests enjoy the combined advantage of staying at the city’s most exclusive hotel while experiencing with ease all that Hong Kong has to offer.
Seasonal highlights IN HONG KONG
January
- Hong Kong Fashion Week
- Chinese New Year
February
- The Hong Kong Marathon
- Chinese New Year
- Birthday of Che Kung
- Spring Lantern Festival
- Hong Kong Arts Festival
- The Hong Kong Harbour Balloon Safari
- Impressionism: Treasures from the National Collection of France
March
- Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
- Hong Kong International Film Festival
April
- Ching Ming Festival
May
- Cheung Chau Bun Festival
- Birthday of Lord Buddha
- Le French May
June
- Italy: Quality & Lifestyle Festival
- Dragon Boat Festival
June – August
- The Hong Kong Shopping Festival
July
- Birthday of Kwan Tai
August
- Seven Sisters Festival
- Yue Laan (Hungry Ghost) Festival
September
- Mid-Autumn Festival
October
- National Day
- Chung Yeung Festival
October – November
- The New Vision Arts Festival
November – January
- Winterfest
December
- Golf's Hong Kong Open
Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights throughout the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning.
More About Hong Kong
Quick Reference
Time zone
GMT +7 or +8 hours, time does not change with daylight savings
Language(s) spoken
Cantonese and English are the official languages. Most staff in shops and restaurants speak some English or Putonghua.
Electrical system
Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts AC. Electrical plugs are the same as ones in the UK. Adapters and transformers are available; please request through Housekeeping.
Shopping hours
Most shops are open seven days a week.
10:00 am to 7:00 pm in Central District
10:00 am to 9:00 pm in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui
Working hours
Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Major banks are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and some open Saturday 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Experience More – Hotel Credit
Take advantage of a HKD 800 Hotel credit.
