Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Of Hong Kong's population, 95 percent are of Chinese descent. The majority are
Cantonese, born in Hong Kong, or from South China, but there are immigrants from all over
China. The Chinese people are often described as hardworking and pragmatic, attributes that
have contributed immensely to Hong Kong's success. There are many stories of refugees
who arrived with nothing in their pockets, set up a small pavement stall, worked diligently
until they had their own shop, and then expanded it into a modest chain.
Old customs are still followed: fate and luck are taken very seriously, and astrologers and
fortune-tellers do a steady business. Before a skyscraper can be built, a
feng shui
investiga-
tion must take place to ensure that the site and the building will promote health, harmony,
and prosperity. Gambling is a passion, whether it be cards, mahjong, the lottery or the
horses. Hong Kong has two major racecourses as well as an intensive off-course betting sys-
tem for punters, and at the weekend the ferries to Macau are crowded with people on their
way to the many casinos located there.
What to see
Sightseeing in Hong Kong starts at sea level with the enthralling water traffic - a mix of
freighters, ferries, tugs, junks and yachts. Views of the city and the harbour are panoramic.
From the heights of Victoria Peak, or from skyscrapers and hotels, the views are especially
exciting at night when the horizon comes alive in a blaze of lights.
