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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

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 234 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 almost 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. 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.

Time zone

GMT +8 hours

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. 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 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 a 15-minute 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