Hong Kong lies at the southeastern tip of the People's Republic of China. Or to be exact 22° 1.6.903 minutes North, 114' 9.493 minutes East. It is just south of the Tropic of Cancer and at approximately the same latitude as Mexico City, the Bahamas and Hawaii. The total land area of Hong Kong is 1,067.65 sq. km. (412.2 square miles). This includes: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula: 89 sq. km. (34.35 square miles) and the New Territories (including 235 outlying islands and Stonecutters Island): 978.65 sq. km. (377.85 square miles).

Many visitors to Hong Kong are surprised to discover that Hong Kong's territory actually extends quite far beyond Hong Kong Island. It also includes the whole of the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and 235 outlying islands, in all a total land area of 1,067.65 sq. km. (412.2 square miles). All these territories came under British rule at various times as a result of the Opium Wars of 1839 to 1842. Hong Kong's name derives from two Chinese characters 'Heung Kong'- meaning 'Fragrant Harbor'.

However, there is no agreement as to how the Chinese name came about. Some historians have suggested that it may have been inspired by the scent of the opium laden ships in the harbor, source of Hong Kong's trade and fortune. Others think the name is older still, and that it may have come from the incense and joss stick industries which once thrived along the south and west coasts of the island. Kowloon's origins are even more romantic. The name of the peninsula is from the Chinese'Kau Lung'-'nine dragons'-and derives from an incident 800 years ago when the boy emperor Ping counted the eight hills of the peninsula and remarked that there must be eight dragons nearby, according to the ancient belief that a dragon inhabits each mountain. However, his quick-witted prime minister pointed out that indeed there were actually nine dragons, since also according to ancient legend, emperors too were dragons.

Enjoy Hong Kong at your leisure. In this vibrant city you can experience: A junk trip around Hong Kong Island and Aberdeen; a trip of discovery among the antique and curio shops of Hollywood Road; a visit to the fortune-tellers at the Wong Tai Sin Temple complex; a memorable journey across Victoria Harbor on the Star Ferry; a breakfast of Chinese dim sum in a teahouse; the graceful movements of t'ai chi in the early morning; long, white beaches; spectacular skylines; romantic ferry rides to scenic outlying islands; rural country parks; fun with all the family at Ocean Park; have a glimpse of life in Hong Kong as it was hundreds of years ago in the rural New Territories; join an exciting evening at the races; a trip to spectacular Victoria Peak; a romantic dinner for two; a rest in the shadow of one of the world's largest outdoor bronze Buddhas; a walk through Hong Kong's traditional market areas; a shopping spree in luxury boutiques; a relaxing day on the beach on one of the territory's 235 outlying islands; bustling night markets; a ride on an antique tram from one end of Hong Kong Island to the other; an evening of sophisticated entertainment in one of Hong Kong's many chic night clubs. 

All of this, and more, is possible in Hong Kong.......