After being under British rule, Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 under one condition: keep its free market economy and its social and legal systems for 50 years. One country, two systems.
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| Jeanie and Ken enjoy the warm 70 degree weather in February. Sept-Feb best time to travel to Hong Kong. |
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Hong Kong during Chinese New Year:
colorful, and crowded |
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| Lobby of Mandarin Oriental Hotel |
Most Chinese Hong-Kongers speak Cantonese, but more and more can understand Mandarin. English is also widely spoken.
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| British influence: high tea at the Peninsula Hotel |
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| Hiked up to top of Victoria Peak, stunning views |
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| Neon lights by night |
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Victoria Harbor
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After exploring Hong Kong by foot, boat, and tram, we took the turbo jet on a 1 hour ride to Maccau Island. Some call it the Vegas of the East because of its many gambling resorts. We went to explore its wonderful Portuguese influence. We spent the day on an island where east truly meets west.
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Beautiful European squares with a touch
of Chinese New Year |
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| Chinese lanterns hanging above cobblestone streets |
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A-Ma Temple
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| 17th century baroque church |
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| Ruins of St. Paul Church |
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| Gargoyles are Chinese lions |
In the middle of the city, crowds make their way to one of the greatest monuments of Christianity in Asia. The Church of St. Paul: designed by an Italian Jesuit and built by Japanese Christian exiles in 1602. Everything was destroyed by a fire in 1835 except this fascinating facade. East truly meets West.
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