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Language
Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong, and Cantonese is the dialect of the majority, though Mandarin can also be heard.
Shopping in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is synonymous with high-quality shopping in the minds of many visitors. Generally, prices of many items are on a par with those found in the West, but Hong Kong's stores are famous for their variety. Indeed, it's often said that 'if it can't be bought in Hong Kong, it probably doesn't exist.'
Although shops large and small are to be found throughout Hong Kong, the most popular shopping districts are Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok.
When buying an expensive item, make sure that it has a worldwide guarantee - not one exclusive to Hong Kong.
Refunds are not normally given, but most retailers will exchange items if they are faulty. Never leave deposits.
Printed, not handwritten, receipts from the cash till should always be kept as a matter of course. This is not only important if the need to exchange arises but also if customs should wish to see receipts on departure.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) produces a guide to shopping in Hong Kong called the Official Shopping Guide, and recommends visitors to shop where the HKTB membership sign is displayed in shop windows.
Business Hours
Government departments and offices generally open between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday. Lunch breaks are normally taken between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Sundays are rest days.
Shops throughout Hong Kong open seven days a week, with slightly reduced opening hours on Sundays and holidays. Shops in the Central and Western districts are generally open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and in the Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Shops in other districts will open at 10:00 am and have various closing times ranging from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Restaurants are open between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm for lunch and from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm for dinner.
National Public Holidays
Hong Kong holidays are a mix of traditional Chinese and Western dates, set according to the Chinese lunar and Gregorian solar calendars. According to the latter, the Chinese New Year can fall anytime between the 21st of January and the 28th of February. Officially, this is a three-day holiday, but many people take the week off and businesses close for the duration.
On the following dates, shops and businesses will either close or trade for limited hours:
- 1st January (New Year's Day)
- Late January / early February (Chinese New Year and Spring Festival)
- March / April (Good Friday / Easter Monday)
- April (Ching Ming Festival)
- 1st May (Labour Day)
- April / May (Lord Buddha's Birthday)
- June (Tuen Ng 'Dragon Boat Festival')
- 1st July (Special Administrative Region Establishment Day)
- September / October (Mid-Autumn Festival)
- October (Chung Yeung Festival)
- 1st October (National Day)
- 25th December (Christmas Day)
- 26th December (Public Holiday)
There are many festivals and events held in Hong Kong throughout the year, some of which draw upon the city's cultural traditions. Others, such as international trade shows, reflect the city's standing as a venue for international events:
- March (Hong Kong Rugby Sevens)
- Late April (Tin Hau Festival)
- June (Dragon Boat Festival)
- October / November (Festival of Asian Arts)
There are several faiths practised in Hong Kong including Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, with Muslim and Christian minorities.
Places of Worship
Of the many temples, monasteries and shrines found in Hong Kong (some 600), one of the most attractive is the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.
