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Pearl of the Orient Hong Kong is a dynamic international island—its energy and sophistication contrast with the peace and tranquility that are the essence of its culture. Hong Kong consists of 1070 square kilometres and is divided into four areas —Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the outlying islands. The heart of the city is Hong Kong Island with its Manhattan-like skyline and frenzied trading that goes on in the crowded streets below. Kowloon to the north is equally densely populated, particularly the southern tip of the peninsula called Tsim Sha Tsui which is popular with tourists. The New Territories and the outlying islands are more rural in contrast, providing a delightful escape from the frenetic pace of the city. The people The population is predominantly Chinese, although large communities of Europeans, Indians, Portuguese, Iraqis and Jews have lived in Hong Kong since the mid-19th century. There is a substantial international presence today and the city is remarkably multicultural. English and Cantonese, a southern Chinese dialect, are the official languages, however, the use of Mandarin is growing. Additional concessions of territory were forced until, by 1898, Hong Kong's boundaries took on their present shape. The turmoil created by China's 1949 communist revolution saw a massive flight of capital, entrepreneurial talent and labour to Hong Kong. This influx, together with the non-interventionist style of British colonial administration, resulted in staggering economic growth during the latter half of the 20th century. In the 1980s, Hong Kong emerged as one of the world's great financial centres. China resumed sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, declaring it a Special Administrative Region, with the right to retain its own currency, travel documents and legal system. Nature A fact that astounds most first-time visitors is that 40 percent of the entire territory is permanently protected as nature park, and an additional 30 percent of the territory is officially classified as rural—leaving just 30 percent for the urban area. Hong Kong has a biodiversity greater than territories of far larger size, including many rare and unique species of flora and fauna. History Hong Kong has had a settled history of more than 8000 years and became an integral part of China in 221 BC, however it was not until the Song Dynasty (960-1279) that it really flourished as a port for the burgeoning maritime trade in silk and pottery. Tuen Mun, located in the present New Territories, also became a leading centre for Buddhist scholarship, with its temples and sacred mountain attracting pilgrims and scholars from as far afield as India and Central Asia. For several centuries, Hong Kong existed quietly in this way as China's southernmost entry port. The Mai Po Wetlands are internationally renowned as the habitat of hundreds of species of rare migratory birds during the northern winter months, as well as offering glimpses of otters, rare butterflies and leopard cats. Meanwhile, most of Hong Kong's 260 outlying islands are uninhabited. Island-hopping cruises, calling in at glorious, deserted beaches and inlets, are a popular pastime. In the waters off Lantau Island, visitors also have a chance to spot the very rare Chinese Baiji dolphin, Hong Kong's unofficial mascot. A number of local ecologists and authors offer English-speaking guided hikes through some of Hong Kong's more spectacular scenery. Despite a program of refortification and an economic boom that saw large scale immigration and flourishing market towns spring up across the territory, Hong Kong's Qing dynasty rulers were unable to resist the military and mercantile incursions of the British, who seized Hong Kong Island in 1841 as a base from which to trade opium. The sights The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) offers an exciting range of tours showcasing the city's best, both day and night. Hong Kong Island's main drawcards include Victoria Peak with the new Peak Tower offering a number of shops and attractions as well as spectacular views. 14 www.paradisesonline.com