It is a territory located on China's south coast on the Pearl River Delta and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Here you can see green parks, large harbors and excellent shopping complexes, and the culture has been broadly influenced from Buddhist traditions as well as from various other religions. It is one of the safest cities in the world even at night, when people may walk alone with confidence.

Hong Kong dates back over five millennia. Excavated Neolithic artifacts suggest an influence from northern Chinese stone-age cultures. The territory was settled by Han Chinese during the seventh century, A.D., evidenced by the discovery of an ancient tomb at Lei Cheung Uk in Kowloon. The first major migration from northern China to Hong Kong occurred during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279). The British East India Company made the first successful sea venture to China in 1699, and Hong Kong's trade with British merchants developed rapidly soon after. After the Chinese defeat in the First Opium War (1839-42), Hong Kong was ceded to Britain in 1842 under the Treaty of Nanking. Britain was granted a perpetual lease on the Kowloon Peninsula under the 1860 Convention of Beijing, which formally ended hostilities in the Second Opium War (1856-58). The United Kingdom, concerned that Hong Kong could not be defended unless surrounding areas also were under British control, executed a 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898, significantly expanding the size of the Hong Kong colony.

In the late 19th century and early 20th centuries, Hong Kong developed as a warehousing and distribution center for U.K. trade with southern China. After the end of World War II and the communist takeover of Mainland China in 1949, hundreds of thousands of people fled from China to Hong Kong. Hong Kong became an economic success and a manufacturing, commercial, finance, and tourism center. High life expectancy, literacy, per capita income, and other socioeconomic measures attest to Hong Kong's achievements over the last five decades.

On July 1, 1997, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, ending more than 150 years of British colonial rule. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China with a degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs. Hong Kong will retain its political, economic, and judicial systems and unique way of life for 50 years after reversion and will continue to participate in international agreements and organizations under the name, "Hong Kong, China."

Normal office hours are 9am-5pm on weekdays, and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. Major Banks are open 9am-4:30pm on weekdays, and 9am-12:30pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays and public holidays.

The vast majority of shops are open every day throughout the year, some only closing during the Chinese New Year holiday. Generally, opening hours are 10am-7pm. However, many stores in busy retail areas like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui stay open until 9:30pm or even later, particularly on weekends. Shops in Central close as early as 7pm.

Cultural underpinning of a modern society is the hallmark of Hong Kong, a multi-faceted land. It is a remarkable amalgamation of East and West, a city where contrasts walk side by side. Ancient incense-filled temples neighbour stylish skyscrapers. People are never shy of using ultra-modern gadgets. Yet they cling to their traditions forcefully.

Any tourist in Hongkong trying to experience something different can watch Chinese Opera, also known in Hong Kong as Sunkung Opera. Chinese Opera is a highly rated art form in China and Hong Kong, which amalgamates Chinese legend, music and drama into an exhilarating style of art. In simple words, Chinese Opera is a story put to music and dance.

These therapists employ Chinese medicine for the cure, which have been around for the age of the ill for ages.

Hong Kong is a film-making hub for the Chinese film-makers. Artists like Bruce Lee, Hui Brothers and Jacki Chan have made Hong Kong Cinema popular all over the world. It has matched other two forts of film-making, Hollywood and Bollywood, every step.

Dragon dance is an intriguing conventional dance in Chinese culture. Usually depicted as a long, serpentine creature with numerous claws, it has long symbolized auspicious power in folklore and art of China. Dancers are accompanied by the musicians who play conventional Chinese musical instruments like cymbals and drums.

Spectrums of festivities populate the cultural stage on Hong Kong.