Hong Kong is currently one of the most powerful countries in the world. There are several reasons why speaking their official language is beneficial. Cantonese is, therefore, a language that must be mastered at all costs. To be able to learn this language in just a few months, you can have as many perspectives as you like.

All about the Cantonese language

First of all, you should know that Cantonese is a language perceived as a Chinese dialect. It turns out that this language is spoken in particular in Southern China. Like all other languages, Cantonese Chinese has its own history and origin. The fact of having in mind its various constructions will allow you to pronounce it at best. The defenders of Cantonese say that Mandarin is already 100 years old, while Cantonese is 1000 years old. It is then a true pillar of Chinese culture, hence the name of a good dish, Cantonese rice. Hong Kong uses Cantonese as its main language, even though it belongs to China. The administrative capital also confers the majority of the Cantonese strength, which keeps the language alive. You can therefore learn Cantonese in Hong Kong online. In addition to that, you can earn time and  prepare for your IELTS Test in Hong Kong and then receive a Global Exam certification.

Why learn Cantonese?

Popular in regional, national and international counties, the Hong Kong film industry values the Cantonese language. You can find there all the characteristics, the own sounds, the different uses which reinforce its liveliness. Hong-Kong reflects a good image of the city of Shanghai. This city attracts many migrants from all over the world. Even if it is in the West, the city under the rule of England has still managed to keep the specificity of China. If you hear Chinese in the city of Hong Kong, it can always mean Cantonese. So learning Cantonese proves to be effective for those who wish to settle there. Indeed, adopted by the city of Hong Kong, the official Cantonese language is still in use. It is therefore a plus not to be neglected when it comes to getting a little closer to the local population and discovering Hong Kong. You can even cultivate advantageous economic relations there for entrepreneurial ventures. So learning this language is very beneficial.

How can you learn Cantonese in a few months?

Learning Cantonese in Hong Kong is quite beneficial. Indeed, this language presented as a Chinese dialect is defined as a very fascinating language. To learn Cantonese, you should know that it is a language that can be learned like any other language. There are no specificities. It will also be an excellent way to stand out during a job interview. Some candidates probably won’t speak Cantonese, it will be an extra on your CV. The language of Hong Kong is a better tool for linguistics, it is singular and very original, which will not fail to make you quickly noticed. To be able to learn Cantonese in just a few months, all you need to do is a few private lessons with a teacher, on an online platform, or do an intensive course. All of these are great ideas if you plan to become fluent in the language. Indeed, the teacher will become your guide, your support, your support when learning the language. So, the best way to learn in a few months is to connect to the internet and go to a specialized site. What can make your task easier, know that a foreign language represents an amazing cultural plan and a whole new civilization that can be offered to you. You can manage to understand a language without realizing a great challenge, especially when you travel to Hong Kong. There is nothing like being cultivated in advance before you leave for Hong Kong.

Learn Cantonese on online websites

Learning Cantonese in Hong Kong is a great idea for developing your career, finding a job in the city or becoming a self-employed entrepreneur. As a result, you can directly visit different categories of online sites to learn Cantonese in just a few months. These sites will allow you to learn to speak, read and understand the language well. The purpose of these sites is not to make you feel like you are at school. Some of them currently offer shorter programs, but they have proven to be effective in teaching a new language. The advantage of this method of learning is that it is conceivable to make, for example, unnecessary periods of time into beneficial ones, just by learning online. This knowledge could eventually open many doors for you on a professional level. These different sites will then offer you intensive courses, short, more advanced and advanced training courses, preparing you to face exams. These sites can also give you the opportunity to learn Cantonese in 3 months for example. With this arrangement, you will not have to travel to institutions only when the institute asks you to do so.

The linguistic domain of the city of Hong Kong is relatively more complex, as there are three important competing languages: English, Cantonese Chinese and Mandarin Chinese. The official languages are Cantonese in spoken form, Mandarin and English in written form. English is officially a language of traditional use in the political and commercial sectors, while written Chinese dominates internal trade and industry.

Languages used in Hong Kong: what you need to know

According to percentages taken from Hong Kong authorities’ statistics, just 95 per cent of Hong Kong people are of Shia origin, with the remainder consisting of Filipinos, Indonesians, British, Indians, Thais, Japanese, Nepalese, Pakistanis and various other nationalities. Some Hong Kongers of Chinese origin are natives of the Chinese city or area in the Guangdong region, Taiwan, Shanghai, Fujian, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. You may also find military personnel and some immigrants from Vietnam. According to a certain study done on an area of Hong Kong, 89% of Hong Kongers speak Cantonese Chinese as a common language and a Chinese language that belongs to the Sino-Tibetan category. At present, there is a small percentage of speakers of other languages, including Hakka, Filipino, Malay, Thai, Urdu, etc., who speak Cantonese Chinese as a common language. Furthermore, English is not defined as a small minority language like the others, it is one of the two official languages accompanying Cantonese Chinese. Indeed, 89% of the population of Hong Kong speak Cantonese Chinese. Mandarin Chinese is officially the language spoken in Hong Kong just during the official visit to Beijing. To be able to learn one of these languages, visit https://global-exam.com for example; an e-learning platform 100% dedicated to English language test preparation.

English: a language with a strong position in Hong Kong

During the period of colonization, English was officially the language spoken in Hong Kong and also the language of business in the city. Currently, about 3% of the population speak and write English fluently, while about 38% have some basic knowledge of the language. Hong Kong is an international city and is a hub. It is preferred by tourists. The field of higher education and governance is also referred to there. The city government has lobbied to ensure that English can always be used in the primary and secondary sectors. Today, the use of the language greatly dominates the urban centres, and the Chinese language, which also occupies an important place, is gradually diminishing. The young population is increasingly adopting the techniques of change in English and the various Chinese dialects.

Chinese: very well mastered in households

There are many dialects of Chinese in Hong Kong, but Cantonese and Mandarin are frequently the most widely used in urban areas, while the others are used at home. These two dialects are defined as mutually unintelligible tonal languages. A majority of households in Hong Kong, 89%, speak Cantonese. The language has nine tonal voices which are more complicated and also a large number of more complex expressions. In the city, Cantonese still retains its traditional Chinese characteristics, while the mainland uses simpler characteristics. Visitors who wish to interact with the Hong Kong people should learn the language to navigate around the city easily. While Mandarin is a widely spoken Chinese language, British settlers isolated some Cantonese speakers from the influence it has had on the mainland. As a result, some English words were easily adapted into the Cantonese vocabulary. Some primary and also secondary schools in the region use the language in teaching. Most households use Mandarin as the language spoken in Hong Kong, and it has become increasingly widespread. There has been more interaction with the mainland China region. Currently, Mandarin has become more widely used as children from mainland China are growing up speaking the language, especially children near the border districts.

Other Hong Kong dialects and languages

There are currently several minority speakers of Chinese dialects, such as the Yue dialects of Weiteou (preferred by the elderly in the new territories) and Tanka living mainly in the Fishing Islands. There are also Hakka, Minnan, Taishanese and Shanghainese, which are dialects used in the minority. Hong Kong is a culturally tolerant city and is home to people of different ethnic backgrounds and religions. Among the different languages spoken internationally, Japanese and French are widely studied. This is reflected in various properties and restaurants with Japanese and French names. There are also German speakers in Hong Kong and a large number of Filipino, Korean, Hindi, Thai, Indonesian, Arabic and Vietnamese speakers.

Today, English is indispensable in professional and social relations. It can be a determining factor in distinguishing oneself in a given career, and in facilitating exchanges with associates and partners. To boost your English and live an enriching experience, Hong Kong offers you a whole range of possibilities for fun and effective learning.

Determine your level to choose the right program

Hong Kong is known for its welcoming people, its openness to the international community and its acceptance of other cultures and religions. In addition, almost the majority of its inhabitants speak and practice English on a daily basis. From taxi drivers, to street vendors, to bank advisers, the practice of English is commonplace in the city.
However, it is necessary to have a small base so as not to get lost in this big city, which is geared towards over-consumption. As in any apprenticeship, you must know your level in order to follow the English program that is best adapted to you. Level tests are organized by specialized learning platforms to help you find your level of English language. You will then have an idea of the points to work on and improve once you have taken the test, and can even start some personal work before flying to Hong Kong to speed up your learning.

University: learning and building relationships

Practice is the best way to learn a language quickly. By enrolling in the English course at the University of Hong Kong, you not only learn the language, but you also expand your circle of acquaintances and increase your hours of English practice.
The university is the best place to meet people from all over the world, and where all nationalities help and work together. It is also the best place to make connections outside the academic setting. Colleague outings are a great way to practice English in a more relaxed setting and with less pressure than in college. Criticism is better accepted, and practice is almost natural and uninhibited.

Calling on an agency specialized in language stays

If you are afraid of not organizing yourself properly, and of unpleasant surprises along the way that may become an obstacle to your language stay in Hong Kong, you can call on a professional language travel agent. Not only does the agency take care of the various administrative formalities, but it is also attentive to your desires and expectations, and provides experienced advice to help you in your quest.

One of the strong points of using a language agency is that it is already in close collaboration with many local language schools, and even families, which makes it easy for you to find the right language for a successful total immersion. Moreover, since your courses only take up part of your day, you can take advantage of the rest of the time to visit and discover the various remains of your destination. You can also take the opportunity to do some shopping in a different way. Hong Kong is renowned as an ideal shopping destination. You will be served in the district of Mong Kok, composed of the largest stores in Asia, but also many souvenir shops. You can even taste local specialities between two shopping trips. There is also the ladies’ market and the temple night market on Wall Street for shopping enthusiasts. Colours, explosion of flavours and scents, noises of all kinds will animate your shopping moment for a unique atmosphere. Moreover, on the price side, you can only be delighted, as they do not include sales and import taxes. Hong Kong is a city turned towards ultra-consumption and its streets are animated by small traders.

A fun stay for a successful learning experience

Whether you decide to go on your own, or to turn to a specialized agency, total immersion necessarily involves visits and discoveries to practice your English skills in real communications. And in Hong Kong, you will be served. Just by taking the metro to get around, your English is already put to the test. Advertisements on public transport, billboards, posters, etc. are generally translated into English.

Talking in English about a local specialty, communicating in English with salesmen to make friends or discussing prices is a good way to practice your English for a quick improvement. Indeed, on an international level, Hong Kong’s gastronomy is among the best in the world. Refined dishes, flavours of the world, its gastronomy is very rich and diversified. Hong Kong is quite simply a paradise of flavours and tastes, a real necessary stopover for gourmets .

You can taste there the succulent Sham Shui Po for a real tasty adventure. For cheap, the yellow curry fish balls that you can find on almost every street corner will make your mouth water. They are very easy to find, with stands selling them on every corner. The Dim Sum with hundreds of varieties is a must-have that you can eat at any time of day for an exquisite taste at a reasonable price.

The mastery of English is nowadays a necessary criterion to break into the professional world. To stay one step ahead of your colleagues, you can start after the baccalaureate. Even after your university studies, it is not too late to start. One of the most popular language destinations is Hong Kong. Not only does your trip to this country mean discovery and adventure, but Hong Kongers are also known for their warm and friendly welcome, which makes it easier to learn the English language.

Why choose to learn English in Hong Kong?

There is nothing better than a total immersion in a country where the English language plays an important role to really and permanently improve your English. Hong Kong is a leading destination for a short or long term language stay for a quickly operational English. Not only will you have the chance to live in a city where urban animation is in perfect harmony with natural spaces, but the dynamism of the population and the tolerance of foreigners and their culture grant a certain smoothness facilitating your learning.

But before starting the trip, it is important to check your level of English beforehand by taking exams on specialized websites and platforms. To do so, visit global-exam.com/, find out your level of English, and even some notions, in order to facilitate your stay, and to benefit from an adequate program once on site. Indeed, specialised organisations can provide a personalised follow-up via a tutor throughout your programme for a better result.

English, a language steeped in the history and culture of Hong Kong

The importance of the English language in Hong Kong is largely due to the fact that it is a former British colony. As a result, a large part of the population in Hong Kong speaks English. If you visit rich neighborhoods such as Kowloon or Hong Kong Island, the level of English of the inhabitants, vendors and drivers is quite high.

Rich in colonial history and cultural diversity, Hong Kong is a unique destination for language learning and discovery. Multiculturalism means that many languages and dialects coexist together, and the country is open to different cultures and religions, and adapts to the different changes resulting from the mixture of history and innovation. While walking around the city, it is common to hear a mixture of Chinese and Western languages. With the English language being very present in the city (signs, announcements on public transport, etc.), tourists and businessmen have no trouble communicating.

The majority of courses at the university are in English, which contributes to the students’ access to a good level of English, but which also attracts the arrival of multiple nationalities in the country.
Promote exchanges for a unique language stay
A truly cosmopolitan city, during your language study stay you can explore the magnificent mountains around the territory, or go hiking with your fellow students to discover the various trails of the island and combine practical English and discovery.

One of the most common practices today is to do a meet-up, in other words, to take part in exchanges with other people who also wish to practice and perfect the English language. It is a free, but also efficient and uncomplicated way to be quickly operational. It’s about getting together over a drink, having a picnic together, or organizing any type of outing for a relaxed and pressure-free atmosphere, conducive to learning the language.
If you have chosen to take English courses at the University of Hong Kong, it is even easier to build relationships with other students from all over the world and practice English with your fellow students.

Combine fun, discovery, and learning

Explore Hong Kong’s green islands such as Lantau Island where you can discover the fishing village of Tai O, the Giant Buddha or Po Lin Monastery. In the North, you can enjoy wonderful beaches located in the middle of the mountains, or you can go kayaking, windsurfing, etc. for a relaxed atmosphere full of experiences.

Conversing in English around a good meal is also a good way to learn the language, while discovering the local gastronomy and specialties such as dim sums (steamed ravioli), very common in Hong Kong restaurants, or the classic sock tea.

In addition, if you want to live a unique experience by going out of classic destinations like the United States, Canada, or Great Britain to improve your English, Hong Kong is a great destination. Its landscape, quality of life, history, culture, and welcoming people make it easy to learn and practice English.

If we look for the definition of Buddhism on the Internet, we find several explanations and different interpretations. But what exactly does Buddhism mean to specialists? Is it a religion, belief or philosophy? What are the roles of Buddhist meditation in practice? The following answers will be of great help to you if you want to know more about what Buddhism really is.

Can Buddhism be considered a religion?

Before answering the question, it is necessary to know the definitions of Buddhism and religion. First of all, know that Buddhism is considered the fourth religion on the planet. In fact, it ranks right after Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. According to the various definitions found in books or on the Internet, Buddhism was born from the teachings of Buddha. Certainly you already know this.

As far as religion is concerned, you can define religion as a system of worship and faith. More specifically, it is the act of believing in a supreme being and then worshipping him. Hence the terms believing in God or Allah. Therefore, if we refer to these explanations, Buddhism is not really a religion, because there is no system of faith. Also, it is not a God-based teaching, because Buddha is not.

In short, Buddhism only brings together the philosophies and teachings offered by Buddha. The goal is that people who follow his advice can come out of suffering. However, Buddhism is grouped among the religions in the world because of religious rituals, meditation practices, different theories and ethics, etc. But what do specialists in this field think?

The definition of Buddhism: opinion of specialists in the field

Most practitioners and scholars of Buddhism disagree that it is a religion. For them, it is really something else, even much more than a religion. Indeed and as already mentioned, Buddha is not a God. He is only a man like the others who managed to get rid of suffering. Therefore, Buddha shares his knowledge and teachings with practitioners. They then have the choice to follow the advice or not.
Other specialists say that Buddhism is a religion, but not theistic. Specifically, gods exist but are not worshipped. If we go into detail, Buddhism is a religion that emphasizes the mind of the person in question. In fact, the solutions to free oneself from suffering do not come from the outside, but from within the person himself. Thus, Buddhism gives rise to belief in oneself.

What is really the place of meditation in Buddhism?

When we talk about Buddhist meditation, we ask ourselves a lot of questions. Is it useful? How to do it? … Know that Buddhist meditation is practiced in order to reach nirvana. However, the realization of meditative practices requires the mastery of the theories taught by Buddha. Over time, other techniques have also been added to Buddha’s teachings. As a result, Buddhists must learn Buddhist meditation from a spiritual master or a qualified person.
Simply put, meditation helps a person to endure suffering enormously. The goal is to make the mind work to bear suffering. In addition, the mind will also be disconnected from toxic mechanisms. There are two types of meditation: Vipassanā bhāvanā and Samatha. The practice of these two meditations helps to develop concentration, benevolence, compassion, sympathetic joy, freedom, wisdom, etc. The choice of the type depends on the results you wish to achieve.

So it’s a philosophy, then?

On the other hand, Buddhism is also a philosophy that leads to happiness and also a way of life that everyone can follow. There are no rules to follow to the letter and no disciplines to follow. Buddha only offers recommendations and attempts to open our eyes to the truths that make up this world. With the help of these truths, Buddhists will be able to attain supreme peace or what is called nirvana.

However, the attainment of this goal will depend on wisdom. Wisdom is developed by adopting the good meditation practices recommended by Buddha. Buddhism allows one to look at what is inside oneself, but also to have a vision of life in general. This is called consciousness in itself. In short, in Buddhism all solutions come from within the person who practices it.

In short, you now know the definition of Buddhism. The essential points to know have been discussed so that you understand. So, is Buddhism a religion, belief or philosophy? You can now answer this question.

When travelling to Hong Kong, it is not always necessary to rent a vehicle. Indeed, the public transport network is widely developed which will allow you to travel without too much expense. To make it easier for you, discover the different means of transport available to you.

Taxis for a pleasant trip

Taxis in Hong Kong are plentiful and generally easy to find. You can easily book by phone or via an application, but it is also possible to stop them on the street, except for certain inappropriate areas. Most of the time, fares are affordable for a comfortable ride (clean and air-conditioned cars). They are in fact metered and must be clearly stated on board.
For your transportation in Hong Kong by taxi, all trips to the airport and Disneyland Resort are possible, but you should be aware that the traffic zones are determined by the color of the taxi. There are 3 categories:

. Red taxis can circulate throughout Hong Kong except Tung Chung Road and South Lantau Island.
. Green taxis can only operate in the new territories.
. Blue taxis are only reserved for travel on Lantau Island.

If you’re in a wheelchair or carry a lot of luggage, it’s best to choose specially equipped vehicles such as the Diamond Cab or SynCab. The former are designed to carry two passengers in wheelchairs accompanied by two other people. Smaller SynCabs can carry one wheelchair passenger who travels with two companions.

Trains and trams for greater speed

If you’re looking for more affordable transportation in Hong Kong, consider a trip by metro. This is a fast but convenient form of public transport that is managed by the MTR network. In order to meet all needs, 10 lines have been developed to serve Hong Kong’s main districts. They allow you to transit easily to the border.
The network also provides you with a train line connecting Tuen Mun to Yuen Long while ensuring the connection in the new territories and the connection to mainland China. Finally, the Airport Express train can take you directly from the city to the international airport.
Many travellers and Hong Kongers particularly appreciate the double-decker tram. In addition to its low fare, it also proves to be a very fun form of public transport. However, the tram only serves only the most dynamic districts.

Buses to get around the country

Taking the bus as transportation in Hong Kong may be more convenient if you need to go to a specific area, either nearby or far away. The bus network is indeed quite poor as most lines cover all of Hong Kong. To travel to Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and Kowloon, there are 3 bus companies providing the connection. Lantau Island is served by New Lantao and Long Win Bus. The latter also offers lines linking the north of the island to the airport. Often, the fare of a journey is calculated according to the distance to be covered.
Another solution to travel throughout the territory is the minibus. Depending on your convenience, you can choose between a green or red vehicle. Green minibuses are easier to get around since they follow fixed routes and have unchanging fares. Red minibuses travel on circuits that can be modified. You can also take them or get off at a place other than a common bus stop. However, you will need to know your itinerary, but above all you will need to have a good understanding of the Cantonese language and the territory.

Other practical solutions to know

If you are looking for transport in Hong Kong that connects to the surrounding islands, you can opt for the ferry. It is a quick and easy way to get around. Ferries depart from Hong Kong Island to the surrounding islands such as Pench Chau, Lamma or Discovery Bay.

If you are new to Hong Kong, there is an easier and more convenient way to pay for your transportation costs, such as the “Octopus Card”. Very popular among Hong Kongers, this prepaid magnetic card allows you to deduct the fare from automatic terminals. You will be able to get one at any time and all public transport (bus, train, tram) accepts this method of payment.

To avoid getting lost, the ideal is to learn some basic language skills before your stay. You will also be able to memorize a few stops and places close to your place of residence. This will save you from many unpleasant surprises as the task can quickly become complicated if you get lost.

The city of Hong Kong is nowadays populated by a large number of Americans and British. And even the language spoken there is English. Would you like to know why? This article provides you with clear information about American and British expatriation to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong: a former British property

Hong Kong was a British property for a fairly long period of about 55 years before being handed over to the Chinese. The British took possession of Hong Kong in 1842, following the first opium war between Britain and China in 1841. At that time, the British were considering marketing opium from India to China. However, they needed a warehouse for storage, but China wanted to oppose it and war broke out. The British came out victorious. Having lost, the Chinese ceded Hong Kong to them in perpetuity, through the Treaty of Nanking in 1842 between the Chinese Emperor and the Queen of Great Britain. This agreement stipulated Hong Kong’s membership of the British Government. Since that day, English has become the mother tongue in Hong Kong territory.
Immigrations then began. Many British people settled there. Thus, the descendants of these immigrants remained in Hong Kong. Hence, the fact that to this day, the British are still very numerous in this territory. For your information, the Chinese reclaimed their land on July 1, 1997 following a new Sino-British charter established in 1984.

A world-city popular with expats

Historically, the Hong Kong people have consisted mostly of British residents and American immigrants. According to statistics collected by the United States Department of Foreign Affairs, the number of Americans living in Hong Kong is 85,000. As for the British, the British Consulate General in Hong Kong estimates that 300,000 expatriates come from Great Britain. This figure includes all holders of British passports and even those with Hong Kong nationality living in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Immigration Service reports the presence of 18,540 Britons on its territory towards the end of January 2019. The same entity lists 25,485 American residents on Hong Kong soil. These numbers include expatriates with electronic identity cards, as well as those who came and left by sea or air. Indeed, some data have been collected from the automated passages of these places.
So, as you can see, these statistics justify the excess of American and British people in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong territory is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates. In fact, to this day, their numbers continue to grow.

Hong Kong offers great prospects

Who doesn’t want to move to a place where jobs abound? Recruitment is always done at the largest local establishments. Hong-Kong offers countless opportunities for those who wish to build a great professional career or simply evolve in their own. This territory has a large number of companies, operating in different sectors of activity. This leads to an infinite number of opportunities in various fields. Finding a job that matches the studies you have completed is no longer complicated. You just have to make the right choice. Unemployment is not to be feared. There are plenty of jobs to be filled. Thus, Hong Kong is a place where it is easier to earn a living. There are no financial difficulties there.

Because life in Hong Kong is very promising, the Americans and British particularly appreciate this place. That is why they have decided to settle here. And since Hong Kong’s reputation is already running around the world, many foreign citizens are starting to come to this great city. To live in the best conditions is to work in a place where you like it and where life is cheap.

Hong Kong, synonymous with freedom and adventure

Looking for a peaceful and attractive place also explains the high number of American and British people in Hong Kong. The beautiful landscape fills the eyes with wonder and makes you want to stay there. In addition, Hong Kong has several very special tourist sites such as Taoist temples, historic buildings, fortified villages, etc. To end your week in beauty, a visit is to be planned every weekend or on public holidays. Apart from this, Hong Kong’s culture is rich and varied.

Living in this city allows you to attend various festive events without equal. The festivals reflect the particularity of Hong Kong. They highlight the Hong Kong traditions that bring together those of the East and the West. The various local festivals differ Hong Kong from other cities in the world. The Chinese New Year is celebrated there every year. Driven by the desire to explore new cultures, expatriates choose Hong Kong for its uniqueness.

A true emblematic city located at the entrance to Asia, Hong Kong is distinguished by its multi-faceted image, combining modernity and traditions. Attracting many visitors every year, its cultural diversity, its gastronomic specialties, its cultural richness, and above all a majority of the population who speak English, make this city a destination apart in a vast Asian world.

Opt for Hong Kong for a new trip

Travelling to Hong Kong means discovering a city where modernity and originality are harmoniously combined together. The great futuristic towers anchored by modernity with a breathtaking height shelter the population and their various activities. With its 1200 skyscrapers, Hong Kong has the largest number of skyscrapers in the world. You can go to Ferry Peak to admire this extraordinary panorama.
The mosaic of districts that make up the city expresses its particularity and the warm and friendly atmosphere that reigns there. The Bank of China Tower, a true symbol of the city, cannot be missed during your visit.
Don’t forget to discover the world’s longest escalator located in the residential area on the slopes of Peak Victoria. And for a touch of sweet, fragrant and enchanting sweetness, visit the bird markets and herbalists to buy a few travel souvenirs.

An unparalleled cultural discovery

For art lovers, Hong Kong is a leading destination with its many museums scattered throughout the city. You will not miss the choice: history museum, racing museum where is exposed the famous story of hair racing during the British colonization, the space museum, etc. This piece of land, which has belonged to China since 1999, has its own particular identity. Several languages are spoken there, whether in the subways or on the various signs: English, Mandarin, Cantonese. English has a large place in the various public squares, and the presence of this western language easily facilitates the various tourist, commercial and all types of exchanges in the city.

Take public transport to blend in with the landscape and experience local life. By taking the Tung Chung subway, you can easily reach the Ngong Ping site for a visit to the giant Buddha of Tian Tan with the challenge of climbing the 268 steps of the Buddha and a surprising view as a bonus.
A detour to the fishing village of Tai O is recommended to admire the structures of this village which stands only on stilts. A visit to the village reveals the life of its inhabitants, who are mostly fishermen and traditional vendors, sitting on the edge of the long main street.

A few precautions to leave in complete serenity

To travel to Hong Kong safely, however, some precautions should be taken even though Hong Kong has a low crime rate. You should carry current and valid identification, such as a passport as a tourist. This is a precaution you should never neglect for any trip.
Hong Kong is densely populated, and it is not advisable to carry too much cash with you. The majority of shops accept credit card payments. If you have plenty of cash, it is best to leave it in the hotel safe for added security. In case of problems, be aware that the streets of the city are equipped with police officers, whom you can call if you have a problem.

However, it is important to know that if you take a taxi, the majority of payments are made in cash, with an on-demand bill if necessary. Prefer taxi stop zones for greater safety. Accustomed to serving tourists, and fluent in English, the drivers will take you to your desired destination without any problem. Don’t hesitate to mime or make a small drawing if you have difficulty being understood. As a precaution, take note of the taxi’s license plate as well as the name of the driver, clearly indicated on the front seat, in case of a problem.

The best time to travel

The climate is a determining factor in making sure you enjoy your stay safely. Whether you are visiting Hong Kong for sightseeing, business or other purposes, November and December are particularly pleasant for traveling to Hong Kong. Sunshine and coolness are the order of the day for sightseeing or shopping.
In January and February, rain and coolness are present, but this is not enough to dissuade art and culture lovers from coming here for the Chinese New Year. To enjoy the sea, and swimming with mountains around, the best months to go there are May, June, July, August, September and October. But if you can’t go out in the rain, avoid the months of June, July, August and September, which are the rainiest in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was a former British colony located in Southeast China. Religion in Hong Kong is involved in the education of the people. Indeed, the rules and principles derived from religions contribute not only to improving relations between people, but also their relationship with nature. Nearly half of the population of Hong Kong turn out to be atheists, while the majority religion remains the traditional Chinese religion.

What is a traditional Chinese religion?

Since 1978, in People’s China, the state has limited the number of religions in Hong Kong to five, namely Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism. The traditional Chinese religion includes Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. However, the first is a foreign tradition while the other two are local traditions. Considered at the base by the people as traditional and non-religious practices, it is possible to mix and combine several practices and beliefs among them. Indeed, in China, it is not compulsory to adhere to a single belief, which favours polytheism. As a result, people are free to call themselves Buddhist, but at the same time they can freely practice the rites associated with Confucianism. Nearly half of Hong Kongers choose to practice the traditional Chinese religion, but some of them have converted to Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism.

How does Buddhism participate actively in Hong Kong society?

It is both a world-famous religion and philosophy. Indeed, it is the religion of the Buddha and it is based on the awakening of the individual who must extinguish his or her selfish desires in order to stop suffering. It is practiced in a temple or in a quiet place and Hong Kong has a large quantity of it in its city. It is the religion where one generally meets monks. But in Hong Kong, it is impossible to meet them even in the temples. This religion is based on meditation and requires its practising monks to shave as a token of their renunciation of the material world. Moreover, the teaching of Buddhism, at the end of the awakening of man, emphasizes three qualities in the latter, namely openness, clarity and compassion. Men practising this religion are more tolerant and are more likely to develop a selfless love of good. This relationship has proven the value of self-sacrifice at the expense of others as well as charity.

What has Taoism brought to Hong Kong society?

Taoism is the second most widely practiced religion in Hong Kong. It was founded by Lao Tzu. It emphasizes the existence of a vital road or path associated with everything. This principle called “tao” encompasses various elements including the progression of the mind towards God, the balance of Yin and Yang, the value of good deeds and naturalism. The latter refers to the fact that it is the causes. The explanation and end of all things are natural. In other words, the tao refers to the life force that all things in this world possess. This religion is based on 4 principles which are the search for the personal way through one’s heart and mind to be able to live in harmony, the search for wisdom by passing happiness and fullness, the productive passivity which consists in not trying to rule the world and finally the favoring of the natural state to civilization. Thus, it is intended to make people self-reliant despite technical progress, pacifying and sociable, but more importantly, it promotes man’s communion with the nature around him.

What are the basic principles of the Confucian religion?

Although it does not appear to be a government-authorized religion, many people practice it as a complement to Buddhism or Taoism. Furthermore, it should be noted that Taoism and Confucianism are considered rivals even though their ideologies are the same. Indeed, drawn from the teaching of Confucius, it also allows the attainment of wisdom on both a personal and a collective level. These contributions to society are thus comparable to the contributions of Taoism. However, this religion maintains that it is possible to reform a society only by first going through the individual and his family. It asserts that man alone is responsible for his choices, for he can choose to become good just as he can choose to become bad. He empowers the man who lives in society by confronting him with choices and teaching him to accept them. This religion also possesses the faculty of inculcating obedience to the powerful in man, which will be very useful to him in harmonizing life in society.

Having a family is a source of security, joy, well-being and fulfilment. However, the importance of the family in Hong Kong has undergone some rather dramatic, somewhat sad shifts after its handover to the People’s Republic of China. Discover the value of the family for Hong Kongers in this context.

How is family life in Hong Kong?

Family life in Hong Kong boils down to parents who work hard so that their children can become good and successful in life. Thus, the importance of family in Hong Kong is mainly educational with very strict parents called “tiger parents”. The people of Hong Kong are among those people who are eager to succeed. As a result, parents demand that their children do their utmost from kindergarten onwards to achieve the goals set for them. It must be said that family life in Hong Kong is not very easy and is very demanding. Indeed, living in a competitive city where life is more expensive than anywhere else in the world requires a maximum of intelligence and knowledge. However, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world and families are crowded into small dwellings, as most of the population cannot afford the luxury of new real estate. The family is governed by a Confucian value that requires the participation of parents and children in the community. Unlike Western culture, Hong Kong culture ensures that their offspring succeed in society.

History of family life after the handover

During British colonial rule, families lived peacefully and happily in their homes in Hong Kong. The importance of the family in Hong Kong made real sense as Hong Kongers lived freely in their territory while working hard to increase their economy and trade. Indeed, by instilling the family’s core values in Hong Kong, the Crown was able to maintain this value during their rule in this city. However, after Hong Kong’s handover to China, family life took another degrading turn. The population felt oppressed and lost autonomy and freedom, even though the People’s Republic of China promised to maintain the country’s judicial, political, legislative, and economic system. Since the twenty years of Chinese rule in Hong Kong, families have gradually dispersed because of successive movements to claim their freedom. Before the handover, the Hong Kong people never sought to claim a real desire for independence.

The two faces of family life in Hong Kong

The family system in Hong Kong has two faces: the family that settles on traditional customs, which are not very cooperative to change, and the family that wants to regain their independence or will vote for pro-democracy. Since the arrival of the Chinese on their territory, the importance of the family in Hong Kong has undergone a real upheaval because of the frequent demonstrations. Conflicts between young students and the Hong Kong government in Beijing have led to the division of each member of the same family. It should be noted that Hong Kong is among the countries with a fairly long screw’s length, but with a high percentage of rapid ageing of the population. Thus, when the demonstrations appeared in the city, the parents, the whole family became fragmented. Indeed, parents who are still attached to their native culture generally oppose the separation of the Beijing and Hong Kong governments. Moreover, most of the demonstrators are young students and very few are the elderly who support them in their quest for independence.

More information on the importance of family in Hong Kong

Most of the elderly people living in Hong Kong experienced a peaceful and quiet family life before the Chinese arrived. So far, family life in Hong Kong is not yet stable, because since the year 2019, the political clashes that already existed between the youth and the police officers defending the government regime in Beijing continue. Moreover, since 2003, every year, the city of Hong Kong still experiences a wave of demonstrations. However, the Hong Kong population is known for their respect for others since the city is also a very pleasant tourist town. Thus, to understand the importance of the family in Hong Kong, you have to base yourself on the relationship that exists between parents and children. Parents who support their children in their struggle for democracy are often very protective and want to protect them from the imminent dangers that the country is facing. On the other hand, pro-police parents, who are strong supporters of the Beijing government, disagree with their children and have a more distant relationship. This has led to a generational split in Hong Kong.