Why visit
Hong Kong is Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Mong Kok's markets, dim sum at its source, and Lantau and Lamma islands for the outlying side of the SAR.
Hong Kong at a glance
City population
7.4 million
Elevation
1 m
3 ft
Time zone
UTC+8
Asia/Hong_Kong
Airport
HKG
Hong Kong International (Chek Lap Kok)
Founded
1842 (British colony)
Getting around
MTR (11 lines), trams, Star Ferry, buses, Octopus card
Signature dish
Dim sum, roast goose, egg tarts, wonton noodles, milk tea
Neighborhoods for travelers
CentralTsim Sha TsuiMong KokSheung WanKennedy Town
China at a glance
Country center
35.0°, 105.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
9,706,961 km²
3,747,877 mi²
Country population
1.43 billion
147/km²
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Currency
Chinese yuan (¥)
CNY
Dial
+86
Language
Chinese
Demonym
Chinese
Internet
.cn
UN
Member state
ISO code
CN / CHN
Where in the world
35.0° · 105.0°
China
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers of any city in the world (480+ over 150 m).
- The Mid-Levels Escalator is the longest outdoor covered escalator system on earth (800 m).
- Hong Kong has 200+ outlying islands; Lamma and Lantau are larger than Hong Kong Island itself.
- China uses a single time zone for the whole country, even though it spans 5 geographic time zones.
- The Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye: that is a myth.
Bordering China
Traveler notes
- Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428
- Star Ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
- Hike the Dragon's Back for a city panorama
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Hong Kong
What currency is used in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong uses the Chinese yuan (¥), ISO code CNY.
What languages are spoken in China?
The primary language is Chinese.
What is the international calling code for China?
The calling code is +86.
What airport serves Hong Kong?
Hong Kong International (Chek Lap Kok) (IATA: HKG).
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