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北角傢俬旺段
USEFUL INFORMATION
+ Introduction
Hong Kong, described as a 'barren rock' some 150 years ago, is today a world-class financial, trading and business centre and, indeed, a great world city. Hong Kong has no natural resources, but it has one of the finest deep-water ports in the world. A hardworking, adaptable and well-educated workforce of about 3.64 million, coupled with entrepreneurial flair, is the bedrock of Hong Kong's productivity and creativity. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1997, after a century and a half of British administration. Under Hong Kong's constitutional document, the Basic Law, the existing economic, legal and social systems will be maintained for 50 years. The SAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy except in defence and foreign affairs.
+ Location
Situated at the south-eastern tip of China, Hong Kong is ideally positioned at the centre of rapidly developing East Asia. With a total area of 1 104 square kilometres, it comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories - the more rural part of Hong Kong, which also includes 262 outlying islands.
+ Population
Hong Kong's population was about 6.92 million in 2007. The population density was 6 410 people per square kilometre. Hong Kong had a large foreign population of about 534 000. The three largest groups were from the Philippines (136 323), Indonesia (131 497) and Thailand (28 375).
+ Language
Chinese and English are the official languages. English is widely used in the Government and by the legal, professional and business sectors. There is no shortage of well-educated, competent bilingual or even trilingual professionals who speak English, Cantonese and Putonghua, vital for any enterprise trading in Hong Kong or doing business with the Mainland and Taiwan.
+ Climate
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, almost temperate for nearly half the year. Temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceed 31 degrees Celsius in summer. About 90 per cent of the rainfall occurs between April and September.
+ Major International Trading Centre
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, almost temperate for nearly half the year. Temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and exceed 31 degrees Celsius in summer. About 90 per cent of the rainfall occurs between April and September.
+ Global Services Centre
Hong Kong was the world's 11th largest exporter of services in 2006. Travel and tourism, trade-related services, transportation services, financial and banking services and professional services are the main components of trade in services.
+ International Corporate Base
As at June 2007, there were about 6 440 companies in Hong Kong representing parent companies overseas and on the Mainland. Of these, 3 890 have established regional headquarters or offices in Hong Kong. These companies employ almost 346 000 people in Hong Kong, accounting for around one in 10 Hong Kong workers. The major businesses include wholesale, retail and import/export trades, business services (excluding information technology), and transport and related services.
+ Free Trade and Free Market
Hong Kong advocates and practises free trade - a free and liberal investment regime, no trade barriers, no discrimination against overseas investors, freedom of capital movement, well-established rule of law, transparent regulations, and low and predictable taxation.
+ Monetary System
The aim of Hong Kong's monetary policy is to maintain currency stability. Given the highly externally oriented nature of the economy, this aim is further defined as a stable external value for the Hong Kong dollar in terms of its linked exchange rate with the US dollar which is $7.80 to US$1. The Linked Exchange Rate System was introduced in October 1983.
+ The Rule of Law
Hong Kong has a well-established and trusted legal system based on the common law. The rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people and others living here are founded on the impartial rule of law, an independent judiciary, a comprehensive system of legal aid, and a free and active press.
+ Airport
Hong Kong is a major international and regional aviation centre. Hong Kong International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, is served by more than 85 airlines that provide passenger and freight services from Hong Kong to over 150 destinations worldwide. Annual passenger and cargo throughput reached 47.8 million and 3.7 million tonnes in 2007, up 7.5 per cent and 4.5 per cent over 2006, respectively. Air traffic movements during the same period increased 5.4 per cent to 295 600. Current long-term forecasts estimate that by 2025, Hong Kong International Airport will be serving 80 million passengers and handle 8 million tonnes of cargo per year. In addition, the airport was named the world's best airport for the sixth time in seven years in the 2007 annual Skytrax survey and recognized by Airports Council International in the same year as the world's best airport among facilities serving over 40 million passengers annually.
Useful Link
Happy Valley
A luxurious residential area with close proximity to Causeway Bay, driving time to Central district needs less than 15 minutes. The valley is also known indigenously as Wong Nai Chung. It provides a number of high end restaurants and hotels, and is one rendezvous for many Hong Kong celebrities. The Happy Valley Racecourse nearby has a capacity of 54,000 people and it is crowded with tens of thousands of people on racing day. Many fine eateries can be found along Wong Nai Chung Road.
Jardine's Lookout
There are both high-rise, low-rise extravagant development and spacious detached houses. Most of them enjoy spectacular harbour view. There are over ten thousand residents in the local area. Driving time to Central district needs less than 15 minutes.
Mid-levels Central
The Mid-levels Central is situated half-way up the mountain between the Peak and Central. Its close proximity to Wan Chai provides convenient access to Central and the eastern districts. Buildings in this region are of low density. The Hong Kong Park nearby covers an area of 8 hectares and more than 150 species of birds are living peacefully in this natural landscape.
Mid-levels West
Situated halfway up the mountain towards the west end and between the Peak and Central. Mid-levels is unique in its key location and breathtaking seaview. Its close proximity to Central provides excellent access for business and shopping. The Mid-Level Escalator also provides extra convenient access to Central district.
North Point
East of Causeway Bay, North Point is mainly a residential area. The region left to King's Road is a habitat for many Japanese expatriates. Development here is mostly high-rise estates with spacious apartments. The nearby Braemar Hill has other upscale residence with exquisite environment and greenery. Connection to other commercial cities is very convenient too.
Pokfulam
Pok Fu Lam is a valley between Victoria Peak and Mount Kellet. The area has a wide variety of accommodation ranged from town house to modern high rise complexes, or older low rise apartments with peaceful view over South China Sea. It is located on the west side of the island about 15-20 minutes from Central.
South Bay
Buildings here capture superb views of Repulse Bay and South Bay. With close proximity to beaches and restaurants nearby, development here enjoy easy access to shopping and businesses. Driving time to Central district requires less than 30 minutes.
Repulse Bay
One of the most popular beaches in Hong Kong. The large, sandy beach has been extended recently. Both high-rise apartments and low-rise townhouses offer magnificent sea view. On the south coast of Hong Kong Island, driving time to Central district requires less than 30 minutes.
Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay
Sai Kung is a low-density recreational and residential area with lots of greenery plus excellent scenery. Buildings here are low-rise. Most of them are villas, apartments and townhouses. In the eastern part of the New Territories, it is well connected to the Kowloon Peninsula and Sha Tin via public transports.
Shouson Hill
A tranquil and very expensive residential area. From the coastline on the south side, there is lush greenery. Buildings are mainly low-rise or modern townhouses. Close to Deepwater Bay and the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club. It only takes 15 minutes drive to Central District with the close proximity to the Aberdeen Tunnel.
Stanley
Stanley Peninsula used to be an old fishing village. Today, it is a major tourist attraction. Nearby are Stanley Beach, St. Stephen's Church, Murray House, as well as the open market. Development here is luxurious. Many fine restaurants can also be found here. Driving time to Central district takes about 30 minutes.
Taikoo
Located on the East of Hong Kong Island, in Quarry Bay, Taikoo offers convenient transportation network to both Central district and the Kowloon Peninsula through the Eastern Corridor. There is a famous private housing estate, Tai Koo Shing, which forms a part of the Swire Group's Island East residential and retail branding, along with TaiKoo Place and the adjacent Cityplaza retail and office complex. Many expatriates live in this region.
Tai Hang
A luxurious residential area. Leading from Causeway Bay to Jardine's Lookout, access to business and shopping is excellent. Driving time to Central district needs less than 15 minutes. The Hong Kong Stadium nearby has a capacity of 40,000 people and had held a number of international football matches.
Tai Tam
A very prestigious residential area in Hong Kong. Buildings here are mainly low-rise townhouses and detached houses. Nearby is Turtle Cove Beach. Scenery here is excellent and affluent. The American Country Club is situated in the area. The high school and middle school campuses of the Hong Kong International School are also in Tai Tam.
The Peak
The Peak provides magnificent victory harbour and city views. At sunset, the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the harbour, and the Kowloon Peninsula can all be captured. Residences here are typically spacious detached homes, townhouses or low-rise colonial style flats. The Peak Tram connects it to Central district in about 15 minutes.
Wan Chai
Directly east of Central, Wan Chai has many bars, clubs, and dance halls. The nightlife here attracts visits of many affluent professionals after work every day. Nearby is the magnificent Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, at where the ceremony of hand-over of Hong Kongs sovereignty took place. Many expatriates live in this region.
Chung Hom Kok
A quite and attractive peninsula with low-rise apartment blocks and townhouse complexes. Houses are built with panoramic seaview. The area has convenient direct bus service to Central.
