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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

This vibrant, dynamic city on the southeastern coast of China was once a barren rock housing a collection of fishing villages. In 1842, following the first Opium War, Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain. On July 1, 1997, China resumed sovereignty and Hong Kong was made a Special Administrative Region.

Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories and over 200 outlying islands, with a total population of 6.8 million people, mainly ethnic Chinese. The city is a fusion of eastern and western influences – old and new meet at every turn, creating unique experiences shaped by Hong Kong's distinctive past and its dreams for the future. Visitors may participate in myriad activities, ranging from dining and shopping to cultural and recreational pursuits.

As one of the most important financial centres in Asia, Hong Kong is headquarters to the Asia-Pacific operations of many of the world’s leading companies in banking, finance, consulting and the media. Neighbouring these international names, in the heart of Central District overlooking spectacular Victoria Harbour, is the International Finance Centre (IFC), Hong Kong's newest and most prominent landmark. As the cornerstone of hospitality for the prestigious complex, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong shares the magnificence that is Hong Kong.

Time zone

GMT +8 hours

Language(s) spoken

Chinese 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. 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
10:00 am to 9:00 pm in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui

Working hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Major banks are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturday 9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Time and distance to city centre

The Hotel is situated within the city centre.

Time and distance to shopping

• The IFC shopping mall is located within the complex
• Central District shops are a short walking distance from the Hotel
• Causeway Bay shops are 15 minutes' drive from the Hotel
• Tsim Sha Tsui shops are 5 minutes by ferry across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, which is within a few minutes' walk from the Hotel

Time and distance to financial district

The Hotel is situated within the financial district.

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

January

• Hong Kong Fashion Week

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