HONG KONG
Situated on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong’s strategic location on the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea has made it one of the world’s most thriving cosmopolitan cities.
Hong Kong as we know it today was born when China’s Qing dynasty government was defeated in the First Opium War in 1842, when it ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain. Within 60 years, Kowloon, the New Territories and 235 Outlying Islands were also leased to Britain. However, the history of the more than 1100 square kilometres that Hong Kong now occupies predates the events of the Qing dynasty by more than a thousand years. And, as you explore the city’s colourful heritage, you’ll discover stories of powerful clans, marauding pirates and European traders.
Under the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on 1 July 1997. This arrangement allows the city to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, including retaining its capitalist system, independent judiciary and rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech.
A look at the city’s history could give a strong impression that change is the only constant here. However, despite all its reinventions, Hong Kong’s spirit has never changed. In fact, the same energy and dynamism that turned a group of sleepy fishing villages into a crossroads of international trade is now taking Asia’s world city into the 21st century. Experience that spirit and Hong Kong’s story yourself by exploring the city’s rich culture and heritage.
“Asia’s world city”, as it is called, is now one of the most sought-after tourism destination, with Disneyland, Ocean Park, Lantau Island, and many other attractions drawing people from across the world.
MACAU
Another very fascinating place with lots of interesting facts to keep you curious. Another one of China’s Special Administrative Region, it was a former Portuguese colony and holds the same status as Hong Kong with a high degree of independence, its own currency and passport.
Macau is often referred to as Las Vegas of the East, but Macau has been bigger than Las Vegas in casino revenue since 2007, despite Western casinos only arriving in Macau in 2002 and the first hotel on the infamous Cotai Strip opened its doors in 2006. In 2011, Macau’s gambling revenues were four times higher than those of Las Vegas. This is mostly because Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal.
Macau was a Portuguese colony for about 400 years. As the Portuguese arrived in Macau in the 16th century, Macau became the first colony of a European empire in the Far East. It was also the last remaining colony in Asia.
The tourist attractions in Hong Kong are unique and beautiful. Disneyland needs no introduction, but do not miss Ocean Park, it's one of the top rated amusement parks in the world. Some of the rides positioned on the cliff rising above the sea will give you such a thrilling feel that you will for a moment forget about the ride itself!!
And a trip to Lantau Island will leave you so pleased and satisfied, simply for the breathtaking route and panoramic views that the journey and the site offers, that you will find it difficult to leave the place. It features one of the longest (almost 40-45mins) cable car ride that goes above sea and amidst high mountain terrain alongside HK International Airport. You have the option to take glass-bottom cable car which will add to the thrill of the ride.
Macau is another cute and attractive location that one wouldn't like to miss out for anything. The Portuguese architecture is to be seen everywhere in the old city.
Located on the southeast coast of China, it borders Guangdong Province of mainland China to the north. It is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the southwest of Hong Kong. It takes about one hour to get there by ferry from Hong Kong and about four hours by air from Beijing.
Macau consists of the Macau Peninsula itself and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, which are now connected by landfill forming the Cotai strip.
Although Macau has far fewer tables and casinos than Las Vegas, it has eight of the top ten largest casinos in the world with the number one spot taken by The Venetian which was the first to open and the largest occupying a total of 546,000 square feet, over 4,000 gaming tables and an indoor arena that can host up to 15,000 people. The Venetian is a massive complex, almost like a dream, and one can spend an entire day inside, at hotel, bars, restaurants, stores and entertainment options and never have to step outside. The second largest casino, The City of Dreams, is also in Macau.
Tourists can take a city tour, and adventure junkies can go atop 338 meters high Macau Tower to indulge into some thrill at one of the highest bungee jumping sites in Asia, and can also take a sky walk around the tower.
