LATEST INFORMATION
For information on exhibitions see CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
For information on future developments see WHAT'S PLANNED
For information on new attractions/developments see WHAT'S NEW
For information on new, future and renamed hotels see NEW AND FUTURE HOTELS
RECORD VISITOR ARRIVALS ANNOUNCED
Figures released by Hong Kong Tourism Board on 27th July 2010 show a record 16,856,016 visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the period January 2010 to the end of June 2010. The figure represents a 23.1% year-on-year increase. In June visitor arrivals increased by a remarkable 43.5% to 2,619,722. Regional increases were 26.9% from Mainland China, 21.6% from other short-haul markets (North Asia, South and Southeast Asia and Taiwan) and 10.9% from long-haul markets.
NEW FERRY SERVICE TO MACAU
Macao Dragon, a subsidiary of Macau's Giant Dragon Sea Transportation Company, commenced operating ferry services between Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, Sheung Wan and Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal, Macau on 10th July 2010. The service utilises 1200-seat multi-deck fast catamarans which are much larger other ferries on the route. There are five sailings each way daily and four cabin classes including eight-seat private suites. Economy fares start at HK$88 one-way from Hong Kong. Journey time is about one hour. For more information about Macao Dragon and other ferry services to Macau see TO MACAU
NEW BANKNOTES TO BE ISSUED
Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced the introduction of new banknotes commencing in the third quarter of 2010. The 2010 New Series Hong Kong Banknotes will consist of five denominations in line with the existing series, HK$1000, HK$500, HK$100, HK$50 and HK$20. The new notes incorporate state-of-the-art security features such as dynamic colour-changing patterns, coloured-changing windowed metallic thread, enhanced watermark, flourescent see-through pattern and flourescent serial number. Hong Kong's banknotes are issued by the three major banks, HSBC, Bank of China and Standard Chartered and printed at HKMA's Hong Kong Note Printing Limited at Tai Po Industrial Estate in the New Territories. The HK$1000 and HK$500 notes are expected to be introduced into circulation in the third quarter 2010 and early 2011 respectively with the remaining notes being in circulation by mid-2011. All existing banknotes will continue to be legal tender and will continue in circulation alongside the new notes until being gradually withdrawn when they become unfit for circulation. Exhibitions will be held in various districts of Hong Kong between 24th July and 3rd October 2010 to allow residents to familiarise themselves with the new notes and the designs of the new notes can also be viewed on the HKMA website;
http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/currency/2010_series/index.htm
OCEAN PARK ATTENDANCE RECORD BROKEN
Ocean Park's annual attendance record was broken for the sixth year in the last seven when on 25th June 2010 its 5,033,385th visitor in the financial year 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010 passed through the turnstiles. The visitor and his family have each received a Lifetime VIP Pass and other gifts. The resurgence in visitor numbers follows a fall in numbers during the year 2008/2009 when attendances were affected by fears of swine flu and mainland travel restrictions.
SMOKING BAN TO BE EXTENDED
Hong Kong's smoking ban is to be extended to include 129 outdoor and two covered public transport interchanges or bus terminals from 1st December 2010. Smoking has already been banned at indoor and most covered public transport public transport interchanges since 1st January 2007 and 1st September 2009 respectively. Five open-air public transport interchanges will not be included in the ban owing to ongoing construction works. These are at Ocean Park, China Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre, Nam Cheong Station and Hong Kong International Airport.
Smoking in almost all public indoor areas in Hong Kong has been banned January 2007 and since September 2009 a fixed-penalty system has operated for smoking offences. Under the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) Ordinance any person who smokes or carries a lighted cigarette in a designated no smoking place or public transport carrier may be issued with a fixed-penalty notice of HK$1500. Fixed-penalty notices are issued by officers from the Tobacco Control Office, Leisure & Cultural Services Department, Food & Environmental Hygiene Department and Housing Control Department. The fine must be paid within 21 days to avoid a further fine. During 2009 about 3400 fixed-penalty notices were issued and since September 2009 about 150 notices have been issued for smoking in no smoking public transport interchanges.
MONGKOK STREETS REVITALISATION PROJECT
Five themed pedestrian walkways in the Mongkok markets area, popular with tourists, are to be widened, open areas are to be "greened" and roads repaved. The project, which is expected to commence in 2011, will cost HK$100 million and take in Flower Market Road, Tung Choi Street, Fa Yuen Street, Nelson Street and Sai Yee Street.
HARD ROCK CAFE TO RETURN
Hard Rock Cafe is to open a new outlet in Hong Kong at LKF Tower in Lan Kwai Fong in space currently occupied by The Cavern and the Hong Kong Brew House. Hard Rock Cafe, which operates under franchise operated by Singapore based Hotel Properties, has not had a presence in Hong Kong since its Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui restaurant closed in November 2008. Hard Rock Cafe is expected to open in September 2010 after the current tenants leases expire.
FULL VERSION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT ENQUIRY SERVICE (PTES) LAUNCHED
The Hong Kong Government's Transport Department announced the launch of the full version of its Public Transport Enquiry Service (PTES) on 6th July 2010 with enhanced functions and improvements over the the pilot which was launched in April 2009 and received some criticism for not being user-friendly. The service provides users with free public transport point to point searches on the Internet. The Hong Kong public transport system carries more than 11 million passengers per day but most of the available public transport point-to-point route search services on the Internet only show information for one particular kind of transport mode. The PTES provides route options including Mass Transit Railway, Light Rail Transit, franchised bus, green minibus, tram, peak tram, ferry, cross boundary coach to Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang and bus to Ma Wan and Discovery Bay. The public can search the possible routes based on number of interchanges, fare, estimated journey time and preferred transport mode. The PTES is also equipped with map information to facilitate users in setting the origin and destination. Users may check the relevant boarding, alighting and interchange locations of the selected public transport route choice on the map for a better understanding of the vicinity of the locations. Red minibuses are not included in the options as they are unregulated and routes change frequently. PTES website;
http://ptes.td.gov.hk/index.aspx?lang=en
SPORT FOR ALL DAY 8th AUGUST 2010
In support of National Fitness Day and to promote "Sport for All" in the community the Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is organising "Sport for All Day" on Sunday August 8th 2010 when all leisure facilities operated by LCSD will be free for public use. Facilities include;
Indoor leisure facilities, including badminton courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, netball courts, volleyball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, billiard tables, sport climbing walls, bowling greens, golf facilities, fitness rooms, activity rooms and dance rooms
Outdoor leisure facilities covering tennis courts, bowling greens, batting cages, rope courses, sport climbing walls, archery ranges and golf facilities
Public swimming pools (except for Wan Chai Swimming Pool and Lai Chi Kok Park Swimming Pool)
Crafts at Water Sports Centres
Camping facilities, sports grounds and turf pitches will not be included in the free use scheme.
A range of special activities and programmes is also being organised at various leisure venues. For full details of Sport for All Day see the LCSD website;
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/specials/sfad/en/index.php
HONG KONG ATTRACTIONS FUN DEALS PROMOTION EXTENDED
The "Hong Kong Attractions Fun Deals" promotion being jointly offered by Ocean Park, Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Madame Tussauds Hong Kong which was originally scheduled to run until 30th June 2010 has been extended to 31st December 2010. Visitors to any one of the four attractions during the promotional period can enjoy a 10% admission discount on production of ticket stubs at any of the other three attractions. Valid tickets from the four attractions can be redeemed until 31st January 2011.
SPACE MUSEUM'S LATEST SKY SHOW
Hong Kong Space Museum's latest sky show "Cosmic Collisions" runs from 1st July 2010 until 31st December 2010 and takes audiences on a journey through space and time to watch cosmic collisions in the past, the present and the future. Audiences can learn about the formation of the solar system, the change in the course of life on Earth, and the transformation of the galaxy. The 40-minute show at the museum's Stanley Ho Space Theatre also includes a 14-minute seasonal planetarium show. The show is screened daily (except Tuesdays) at 2-40pm and 6-10pm with an additional screening at 11-10am on Sundays and public holidays. Admission is HK$24 (front stalls) or HK$32 (stalls) with half-price concession for senior citizens 60 and over, people with disabilities and full time Hong Kong students. For more information see the museum's website;
http://hk.space.museum/
ART MUSEUM RECEIVES FINAL DONATIONS FROM WU GUANGZHONG
Master of Chinese painting, Wu Guanzhong, made another generous donation of five ink paintings to Hong Kong shortly before his death on 29th June 2010. Mr Wu devoted his life to art and made selfless donations of his works to museums worldwide, including the Hong Kong Museum of Art, which has received Mr Wu's generous donations on four occasions
The works which were received by the Museum of Art on 24th June will join the museum's permanent collection and will be put on display from 1st July 2010 in the current exhibition "Lofty Integrity: Donation of Works by Wu Guanzhong". The latest donation comprises five ink paintings of which four are new works created in 2010, namely, "At Rest", "Illusion", "Awakening" and "Nest", while one, titled "Faces Unchanged" was created in 2001.
Now showing at the Museum of Art, the exhibition "Lofty Integrity: Donation of Works by Wu Guanzhong" which opened on 26th March features all of Wu Guanzhong's donations. The exhibition has already attracted over 90,000 visitors in the three months since its opening and collected more than 600 visitors' comments. Originally scheduled to close on 4th July, the exhibition has been extended until 29th August 2010. For more information about Wu Guangzhong's career, donations to Hong Kong and the "Lofty Intergrity" exhibition see CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
OCEAN PARK'S NEW ATTRACTION OPENS
Ocean Park, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment and expansion programme, opened its latest attraction "Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium - Yangtze Exploration" on 17th June 2010. The attraction features ten Chinese sturgeons age from 2 to 10 and other distinctive freshwater species including Chinese spined barb and white barbel fish in a simulated Yangtze River habitat with strong and adjustable currents in a 420,000-litre tank. The aquarium has an underwater travellator and multimedia displays allow vistors to learn about conservation of Chinese sturgeons and other important freshwater resources. Ocean Park has a long standing commitment to conservation and education and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong is sponsoring a satellite tracking research programme that aims to study the movements and behaviour of Chinese sturgeon in the wild.
To celebrate the opening of the new attraction Ocean Park is offering visitors a 30% discount on the purchase of a second admission ticket from 18th June until 4th July 2010.
MTR FARE INCREASE 13th JUNE 2010
Fares for most MTR journeys increase on 13th June 2010. The average increase is 2.05% with the increase for most journeys amounting to 20 cents or less. However, all journeys on Airport Express Line, journeys to the mainland border stations of Lo Wo and Lok Ma Chau from south of MTR East Rail Line Tai Wai Station (including West Rail and Tung Chung Line) and MTR Inter-City Through Train fares are not subject to increases and remain unchanged. The fare increase is the first for 13 years and during that period fares for many journeys were reduced when the MTR/KCR (Kowloon-Canton Railway) merger took effect in 2007.
Fares paid with Octopus Card are still cheaper than Single-Journey Tickets for the vast majority of journeys. However, there are a very small number of journeys where the Octopus fare is higher than the Single-Journey Ticket fare by either ten or twenty cents. The situation has arisen as Octopus fares are rounded to the nearest ten cents whereas Single Journey fares are rounded to the nearest fifty cents and for some low-value (mainly child and elder concessionary) fares the increase would have been disproportionate and these fares are unchanged. A list of journeys where the Octopus fare is higher than the Single-Journey fare is available here;
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/fam201005c.html
MTR has also confirmed that the Senior Holiday Concession Scheme where holders of the Elder Octopus Card age 65 and over can travel for a concessionary fare of HK$2 on Wednesdays is being extended until 31st August 2011 and will additionally include journeys taken on Saturdays from 1st September 2010.
GEOPARK VISITOR CENTRE TEMPORARY CLOSURE
The Hong Kong Geopark Visitor Centre located in the Lions Nature Education Centre at Tsui Hang, Sai Kung is currently closed until the end of July 2010 for renovation. The Geopark which was opened in November 2009 is China's 43rd national geopark, covering about 50 sq km and made up of eight geo-areas distributed across the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region. For more information see "WHAT'S NEW".
DISNEYLAND HOTELS PARK ADMISSION OFFER
From 1st July 2010 until 20th January 2011 guests staying at either of Hong Kong Disneyland's two hotels, Disneyland Resort Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel, can purchase "Stay2Day" tickets for HK$398 (adult), HK$288 (child 3-11) or HK$198 (seniors 65 and over) allowing admission to the park on two consecutive days. For full details see;
http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/special/listing?name=SpecialOffersStay2DayTicketsPage
GOVERNMENT MAP SERVICE LAUNCHED
A new government web map portal, GeoInfo Map, developed by the Lands Department was launched on 26th May 2010. The map allows users to search for locations and facilities in Hong Kong and obtain relevant information contributed by government departments. There is a facilty to toggle views using the online detailed maps or photo maps. Useful geospatial information available on the map includes mobile network coverage in country parks, locations of hiking trails, cycling tracks, barbecue sites, government offices, leisure, cultural and sports facilities, schools, libraries and hospitals, as well as geo-tagged photos and the scope of information available will continue to be enhanced. With various search options and phrases to facilitate location search, GeoInfo Map allows users to access different areas of interest easily. For example, users can use the intelligent search function by entering a search phrase in the search bar, such as "hotels in Central" or "museums in Tsim Sha Tsui", to locate certain popular facilities in a specific area. Users can also plan their outdoor activities using GeoInfo Map which supports Global Positioning System (GPS) and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate searches. GeoInfo Map can be accessed at;
http://www.map.gov.hk
JOINT HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN SMART CARD TO BE LAUNCHED
Hong Kong Monetary Authority has confirmed that a single stored-value card is to be introduced which will enable cashless transactions for payment of fares on public transport and small-value purchases. The card, which is now expected to be launched in December 2010, will incorporate chips for both Hong Kong's Octopus Card and the Shenzhen Tong and is targeted at the many frequent cross-border travellers. The card will contain two separate "accounts" and transactions made in Hong Kong will be settled in Hong Kong Dollars and transactions made in Shenzhen in yuan. Adding value to the card and checking balances will be territory-based and cardholders will only be able to add value to the Octopus account in Hong Kong and the Shenzhen Tong in Shenzhen. No form of registration will be required to purchase the card and the card will not contain any personal data. The card will only be able to be topped up with cash unlike some Personalised Octopus Cards which have a facility for automatic top-up by credit card. No decision has yet been made as to whether the card will be sold or loaned with a deposit. There are currently over 20 million Octopus Cards in circulation in Hong Kong and 6.5 million Shenzhen Tong cards. Such a card has been under consideration since 2008 and recent breakthroughs in resolving technical and operational issues have removed remaining obstacles to the launch of the card.
BIG BUS OPEN-TOP BUS TOUR NEW ROUTE
The Big Bus Company have added a third route to their open-top sightseeing tour of Hong Kong from April 2010. The tour now includes the Green Route which has stops at Ocean Park, Repulse Bay and Stanley on the south side of Hong Kong Island. The route has six departures daily from 9-45am to 4-15pm. For more information see the Big Bus Company website;
http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/hongkong/default.aspx
HONG KONG - MACAU - ZHUHAI ROAD BRIDGE
Winning entries in the international design ideas competition for the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities for the Hong Kong - Macau - Zhuhai have been announced. In the professional group the winning entry is "Under the Same Roof" designed by Paul Mui Kui Chuen, Benny Chiu Ming Lee and Agnes Oi Kee Hung. The winning entry in the Open Group is "Waves" designed by Siming Chen, Xincheng Lin, Liang Wu, Jin Zhou, Yuxin He and Yimin Yang. The design ideas will be used as reference for the detailed design which is expected to commence in mid-2010. The Boundary Crossing Facilities are to be constructed on a 150-hectare artificial island adjacent to Hong Kong International Airport close to Tung Chung and preliminary ground investigation works for reclamation workfor the island commenced in November 2009. The bridge is expected to be completed in 2016. The competition attracted over 160 entries and these are on exhibition at the Former Central Police Station, Hollywood Road between 15th May and June 6th 2010 and at Tung Chung Station from 15th May to 28th May 2010 from 10am to 6pm. For more information about the Hong Kong - Macau - Zhuhai Road Bridge see WHAT'S PLANNED.
ICC OBSERVATION DECK NAMED
Hong Kong's highest observation deck, on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) above Kowloon Station, has been named "Sky 100" following a public competition to suggest names. The deck is 393 metres above sea level, covering an area of 30,000 sq ft with 360 degree panoramic views of the city and will have a range of facilities including multi-media exhibits describing the history and culture of Hong Kong. Sky 100 is expected to open to the public in late 2010. Sky 100 website;
http://www.sky100.com.hk/
SPACE MUSEUM'S LATEST OMNIMAX SHOW
Hong Kong Space Museum's latest Omnimax show "Grand Canyon Adventure : River at Risk" is showing at the museum's Stanley Ho Space Theatre from 1st May 2010 until 31st October 2010. The 44-minute documentary features the iconic Grand Canyon landscape and is cinematic celebration of water and a captivating story of the worldwide water crisis By surveying the canyon where the river runs dry the film seeks important answers about water conservation and takes audiences to join a team of explorers on an exhilarating Colorado River whitewater adventure through the rapids of the Grand Canyon's falls. The film is screened daily at 3-50pm and 7-20pm with additional shows at 12-20pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Adult admission is HK$24 (front stalls) or HK$32 (stalls) with half-price concessions for senior citizens, people with disabilties and full-time Hong Kong students. The museum has also been showing another Omnimax show, the 40-minute "Sea Monsters : A Prehistoric Adventure" since 1st March and this show will continue to run until 30th August 2010. For further information on both shows see the museum's website;
http://www.hk.space.museum/
HEALTH DECLARATION FORMS FOR MAINLAND CHINA DISCONTINUED
From 28th April 2010 visitors travelling from Hong Kong to mainland China are no longer required to complete Health Declaration Forms (HDF) at border control points. The requirement for HDF's was introduced at entry points for both Hong Kong and the mainland in April 2009 in response to the outbreak of swine flu and the forms have already been discontinued at Hong Kong's border control points since 21st December 2009. Temperature screening for all incoming passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and boundary control points is continuing.
NEW BUS SERVICE TO NOAH'S ARK
A new bus service has commenced operating to the main entrance of Noah's Ark at Ma Wan from Grand Century Place near to Mongkok East MTR Station. The service which is operated by Park Island Transport Company runs daily at half-hour intervals from 9-30am to 5pm with return journeys from Noah's Ark until 6-30pm;
http://www.noahsark.com.hk/eng/visit2.php#linkpath9
MTR TOURIST VALUE PACK
From 1st April 2010 until 31st December 2010 visitors purchasing either the Airport Express Travel Pass, Tourist Day Pass or Tourist Cross-boundary Travel Pass are able to enjoy special discounts at two theme parks and four popular tourist attractions;
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND - HK$30 discount on normal adult admission plus and additional HK$5 discount if using Visa card.
OCEAN PARK - 10% admission discount
NGONG PING 360 - 10% discount on cable car ticket or Journey of Enlightenment Package
NWFB RICKSHAW SIGHTSEEING BUS - 10% discount on Adult One-day Pass
PEAK TRAM - 10% discount on Peak Tram Sky Pass
STAR FERRY - 20% discount on Harbour Tour Tickets and Hopping Passes
Further information;
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/valuepack1003.html
NGONG PING 360 BEST DEAL "CABLE CAR AND 4-D MOVIE" PROMOTION
From 1st April 2010 Ngong Ping 360 is offering a special combo ticket providing for a round-trip cable car trip in standard cabin, ticket for the 4-D Extreme Screen Cinema at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Terminal 2, SkyDeck ticket for the Aviation Discovery Centre at HKIA Terminal 2, meal set from selected outlets at SkyPlaza, HKIA Terminal 2 and HK$60 shopping coupon for selected shops at SkyPlaza, HKIA Terminal 2. Ticket prices are HK$169 for adults and HK$123 for children (3-11). Tickets can be upgraded to crystal cabin cable car ride for an additional HK$50 and from 4-D movie to 3-D movie for an additional HK$30. For full details see the Ngong Ping 360 website;
http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/visitor/promotion_detail.asp?id=56
REVITALISED BRAND HONG KONG LAUNCHED
Brand Hong Kong (BrandHK), a communications platform launched nine years ago by the Government to promote Hong Kong to the global audience, has been reviewed and revitalised with minor changes and its dragon logo taking on a more contemporary look.
The five updated core values of BrandHK are: Free, Enterprising, Excellence, Innovative and Quality Living. Attributes, which describe Hong Kong's perceived characteristics, they have been revised as: Cosmopolitan, Secure, Connected, Diverse and Dynamic.
The updated brand platform defines Hong Kong as a free and dynamic society where creativity and entrepreneurship converge. Strategically located in the heart of Asia, it is a cosmopolitan city offering global connectivity, security and rich diversity, and is home to a unique network of people who celebrate excellence and quality living.
The most eye-catching update is the BrandHK visual identity, which keeps the essence of the original flying dragon although the dragon itself has evolved and changed colour. It is the work of renowned designer Mr Alan Chan. The blue and green ribbons that extend from the dragon symbolise blue sky and a sustainable environment, while Lion Rock, which represents the "can-do" spirit of Hong Kong people, is silhouetted by the red ribbon.
At the same time a "Faces of Hong Kong" campaign has been initiated which is the Government's new marketing and communications strategy to promote the city via the BrandHK platform. The campaign aims to highlight Hong Kong's soft power - the richness of its culture and heritage, as well as the enterprising spirit, innovation and creativity of its people. Local people are at the heart of the strategy. Central to this is the theme "meet the many faces of Hong Kong" which invites the global audience to get to know more about Hong Kong through the real stories of people here. These are people from all walks of life who illuminate the brand's values and attributes. Both celebrities and common folks are featured in a new promotional video. Some of the familiar faces who appear in the video are the actor Mr Chow Yun-fat, pianist Mr Li Yundi, business leaders Mr Philip Chen and Dr Allan Zeman and soccer player Mr Chan Siu-ki.
HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD LAUNCHES MULTI-DESTINATION TRAVEL PLATFORM
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched its new "Hong Kong Plus" website to promote Hong Kong's position as a tourism hub to Mainland China by offering a range of holiday packages to Hong Kong and continuing to Shanghai, Beijing or Hainan. Short flights from Hong Kong to these cities allow long-haul visitors to conveniently combine Hong Kong with these mainland destinations. For details and offers see the HKTB "Hong Kong Plus" website;
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/promotions/hong-kong-plus/index.html
NGONG PING 360 INTRODUCES GUIDED TOURS
Ngong Ping 360 has introduced two "360 Holidays Guided Tour" packages;
The "Cultural and Heritage Tour of Lantau" includes round-trip cable car tickets and guided tour of Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery, Giant Buddha and Tai O Fishing Village and costs HK$250/200 Adult/Child in a Standard Cabin or HK$300/250 Adult/Child in a Crystal Cabin. Travel between Ngong Ping and Tai O in an air-conditioned coach is also included. The tour operates twice-daily starting from Ngong Ping Village at 11am and 2-15pm and participants need to register at the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminus ticket counter at least 45 minutes before the start of the tours.
The "Walk to Enlightenment Package" includes round-trip cable car tickets and guided tour of Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery and Giant Buddha and costs HK$220/170 Adult/Child in a Standard Cabin or HK$270/220 Adult/Child in a Crystal Cabin. The tour operates twice-daily starting from Ngong Ping Village at 12-15pm and 3-30pm and participants need to register at the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminus ticket counter at least 45 minutes before the start of the tours.
Both tours are conducted in English and Mandarin.
For full details see;
http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/np360_exp/360_holidays.html
GOOGLE MAPS HONG KONG STREET VIEW LAUNCHED
Google Maps Street View feature for Hong Kong and Macau was officially launched on 12th March 2010. The feature, which was first available in the United States in 2007 and has since become available in other countries, allows user 360-degree views all places accessible by vehicles on public roads. The feature will be of use to visitors in planning trips to Hong Kong or simply wishing to explore Hong Kong's streets. The search facility accepts English language and English is displayed on zooming in on the map;
http://maps.google.com.hk/
UPDATE - MAINLAND BORDER (MAN KAM TO) PORT CLEARANCE AREA CLOSURE
The Shenzhen Wenjindu Port Passenger Clearance Area has been closed since midnight on 22nd February 2010 for reconstruction work which will continue until August 2012. This has resulted in clearance services for passengers, including cross-boundary buses and private cars using the Man Kam To border crossing on the Hong Kong side of the border being suspended. Affected cross-boundary buses and private cars have been directed to use other cross-boundary control points.
Following discussions with mainland authorities, the Hong Kong Government has obtained agreement that from 27th March 2010 a limited cross-boundary bus service will be allowed with three round trips between Shung Shui and Shenzhen Wenjindu Port both in the morning and afternoon commuting periods provided construction is not disrupted. Cross-boundary coaches are scheduled to depart from Wenjindu for Sheung Shui at 7am, 7.30am, 8am, 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm, and depart from Sheung Shui for Wenjindu at 7.45am, 8.15am, 8.45am, 6.15pm, 6.45pm and 7.15pm. The fare is HK$20 per trip. Pre-paid tickets and booking service are also available. For enquiries, passengers may contact the coach operator's hotline at (852) 3760 0888 from 6am to 12 midnight daily. It should be noted that this is a limited service and passengers intending to use the service are advised to contact the coach operators in advance to check the ticketing situation and to make use of the booking service.
The cross-boundary coach service connecting Landmark North in Sheung Shui and Sha Tau Kok remains unchanged.
Clearance service for goods vehicles is not be affected. No further information is yet available.
PEAK TOWER DISNEYLAND TICKETING BOOTH
Hong Kong Disneyland has opened a temporary ticketing booth at the Peak Tower. The booth is located at level P2 and is open daily from 12 noon until 9pm until 31st October 2010.
SECTION OF LUNG WO ROAD OPENED
The first section of road to be completed on land reclaimed from the harbour under the Central Reclamation Project opened on 23rd February 2010. Lung Wo Road, in the vicinity of Two IFC and Star Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island, forms part of a new network of roads which will eventually include the Central - Wan Chai Bypass, due for completion in 2017. The bypass will form a new east-west corridor and relieve congestion on the current Connaught Road Central - Harcourt Road - Gloucester Road route. The section of Lung Wo Road to open extends eastwards from Man Cheug Street, near Two IFC and Hong Kong Station, past City Hall and Central Barracks to Tim Wa Avenue. The road will eventually be extended to link up with Hung Hing Road, just beyond the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Hong Kong Tramways will come under French control during March 2010 when Veolia Transport China exercises its option to purchase the remaining 50% stake in the Tramways currently held by Wharf Transport Investments. French based Veolia purchased a 50% stake in April 2009 with the option to purchase the remaining 50% before the end of March 2010. Veolia already operates 17 tram systems in 10 countries including Germany, France, Ireland and Spain and has given assurances that it is fully committed to preserving the trams in Hong Kong recognising them as a unique piece of cultural heritage and the Tramways will continue to be subject to provisions of the Government's Tramway Ordinance in providing its tram service to the people of Hong Kong.During December 2009, following a four-month analysis of passengers travelling habits and service demand Veolia announced plans to revamp services with increased service frequencies towards the western end of the line where demand is highest. However this would depend on approval being given for proposed new turnabouts at Quarry Bay, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai which would allow shorter routes and more frequent services but with long distance passengers having to change to a connecting tram at a free-transfer area. Veolia also plan to introduce a fleet management system improve operational efficiency and also plan an internal refurbishment of the fleet. One tram has been refurbished with new seating, lighting and information displays and has been operating on a trial basis. There are also proposals to develop a new waterfront "tourist loop" of tramway on reclaimed land between Star Ferry Pier in Central and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. For more information about Hong Kong Trams see TRAMS
WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE MAIN ALTAR REOPENED
The main altar at Wong Tai Sin Temple has reopened on 8th February 2010 following major renovation work which has taken place over the last year. The altar has been rebuilt and enlarged by 40% enabling an additional 2000 worshippers to be accommodated. During the Chinese New Year period about 800,000 people are expected to visit the temple. The work is part of a HK$140 million refurbishment and upgrade programme includes construction of the largest hall of its kind in China. A 660 sq metre underground Lord of the Year and Age Hall is being built featuring 60 Taoist deities and an overhead glass dome with astrology maps. Other upgrades include installation of CCTV for better crowd management and the addition of traditional Chinese architectural features to existing buildings. The work which began in April 2008 is expected to be completed before the end of 2010. The temple complex which receives over five million visitors a year has remained open to the public during the refurbishment work. The temple is also to trial a hi-tech system to ensure containers of bamboo fortune sticks contain a full set of 100 sticks. Initially 50 sets of sticks will be implanted with chips enabling containers to be scanned by machine using RDIF technology to detect missing or duplicated sticks. Currently worshippers wanting to check all sticks are present have to count them or request temple staff to count and the new system will reduce counting time from five minutes to five seconds. After trialling the system is expected to be in general use after six months.
ASTROPARK OPENS TO THE PUBLIC
The Astropark, established by the Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and costing HK$3 million to build, opened to the public on 30th January 2010. The Astropark, with stargazing facilities is located at Chong Hing Water Sports Centre at High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung (East) Country Park and is divided into three zones, Educational Zone, Naked-eye Observation Area and Telescopic Observation Area. Admission is free and the Astropark is open 24 hours a day. For more information see WHAT'S NEW
The Astropark's Pavilion cum Mini-Planetarium in which a simulated night sky will be projected allows visitors to learn about the constellations
AIRPORT BUS ROUTE CHANGES
Since 29th January 2010 visitors using most Citybus "Cityflyer" airport bus services are able to enjoy an even more scenic journey to and from the airport. Services A10, A11, A12 and A22 all now use the new Stonecutters Bridge and Nam Wan Tunnel. Fares, frequency, and en-route bus stops are unchanged. Stonecutters Bridge which opened in December 2009 is the world's second longest cable-stayed bridge, linking Tsing Yi with Stonecutters Island and forming part of Strategic Route 8 Tsing Sha Highway. These bus routes also allow passengers to enjoy scenic views from the Tsing Ma Bridge, the world's largest suspension bridge to carry both road and rail traffic, which opened in 1997 as part of the Lantau Link project to provide fast access to the airport at Chek Lap Kok.
The winning entries for the Bruce Lee's Residence Ideas Competition were announced on 23rd January 2010. The competition which was launched on July 20th July 2009 aims to turn the former residence of the late Mr Bruce Lee into an attraction to commemorate Bruce Lee's contribution to martial arts and the film industry. Jointly organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institute of Planners and The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors and supported by the Tourism Commission, the competition received an overwhelming response of more than 140 valid entries both local and overseas. The competition was open to all in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas countries and comprised two categories - the Professional Group and the Open Group. The competition took some four months to judge and amongst the judges was Shannon Lee, the star's daughter.
First prize (HK$50000 and a trophy) for the Professional Group was won by local team Jimmy Yuen Gi-tsun and Cheung Kwai-yin and their entry can be viewed here;
http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201001/23/P201001230149_0149_61407.jpg
First prize (trophy) in the Open Group was also awarded to a local team, Lau Chun Yiu Agnus and Ng Ka Kin Gary and details of the entry can be viewed here;
http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201001/23/P201001230149_0149_61396.jpg
The winning entries are regarded as ideas and may not necessarily come to fruition but it is hoped the restoration plan for the former residence at Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong will now be able to proceed as soon as possible. A touring exhibition displaying the competition entries is being held at City Hall from 23rd January until 4th February, Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 9th to 16th February and Sha Tin Town Hall from 23rd February to 6th March. For more information on the proposed Bruce Lee Museum see WHAT'S PLANNED
OCEAN PARK'S NEW ATTRACTION
From 13th February 2010 four protected species of raptor will be on public display for the first time at Ocean Park to coincide with Chinese New Year. The steppe eagle, striated caracara, turkey vulture and Lanner falcon were acquired last year from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America were kept in quarantine until being moved to the Bird Theatre. Visitors will be able to watch the raptors flying and hunting. The four species are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which stipulates controlled trade of the birds. Ocean Park currently has 800 birds of more than 20 species and is considering breeding the raptors.
ONE HARBOURFRONT PROMENADE OPENS.......WHILST ANOTHER CLOSES!
KWUN TONG PROMENADE (Stage 1), a 200-metre harbourfront promenade at Hoi Bun Road opened on 16th January 2010. The promenade which was formerly part of Kwun Tong Public Cargo Working Area (PCWA) features various public facilities including children's playground, multi-purpose plaza and seaside boardwalk. A performance stage and a spectator stand with 200 seats are also provided at the promenade to facilitate hosting of events by various organisations. There is also a special tower landmark in the promenade with the design concept generated from piles of recycled paper at the former site of the PCWA. Music, special lighting features and mist effects at the tower are intended to create a colourful atmosphere at night. The project which has cost HK$19.6 million is part of plans to revitalise the Kwun Tong industrial area. Stage 2, which will see a substantial extension of the promenade, is expected to commence in 2011 following decommissioning of the remaining 700-metre stretch of the PCWA.
WAN CHAI WATERFRONT PROMENADE which opened in April 2007 is to close on 27th January 2010 to make way for the Central - Wan Chai Bypass. The promenade which stretches along the harbourside from Wan Chai Ferry Pier to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club incorporated a popular dog exercise park and boardwalk and provided a traffic-free walking route from Causeway Bay to Wan Chai Ferry.
GRAND OPENING OF NEW AIRPORT CONCOURSE AND SKYPIER
The Grand Opening of Hong Kong International Airport's North Satellite Concourse and new Skypier took place on 15th January 2010 and was attended by Mr Donald Tsang, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive.
The North Satellite Concourse, which has been in service since 16th December 2009, is a two-storey concourse serving new gates 501-510 and will reduce the number of aircraft having to park in remote bays. Located north of Terminal 1, the concourse is designed to handle narrow-bodied aircraft with about 150 seats and will benefit passengers by allowing an additional 30 to 40 aircraft a day to park closer to the terminal. The new facility provides bridge parking services enabling passengers travelling on these smaller aircraft to embark or disembark in a pleasant and weatherproof environment. After checking in at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 passengers can take a shuttle bus to the North Satellite Concourse and and arriving passengers can also take a shuttle bus to Terminal 1 to clear customs and immigration. Shuttle buses run every four minutes.
The new permanent SkyPier commenced operating on 15th December 2009 replaces the previous temporary facility at Hong Kong International Airport which has been in use since 2003. It is designed for same day air-to-sea/sea-to-air transit passengers between the airport and Pearl River Delta ports and is capable of handling eight million passengers a year with enhanced passenger services. The opening hours of SkyPier are from 7:30am to 10:30pm and access to and from the SkyPier is via Automatic People Mover (APM). A ferry boarding entrance is available for those passengers at Transit Hall (Level 5 – Terminal 1);
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/transport/transport-connection-with-mainland-china/ferry-transfer/service-at-a-glance.html
STONECUTTERS BRIDGE / TSING SHA HIGHWAY OPENS
A new major landmark, Stonecutters Bridge linking Tsing Yi with Stonecutters Island and West Kowloon opened on 20th December 2009. The bridge, which is the world's second longest cable-stayed bridge, forms part of Tsing Sha Highway (Route 8), a new Expressway which will significantly reduce road journey times between New Territories towns such as Shatin and Hong Kong International Airport. Four airport bus routes, A10, A11, A12 and A22 will use the new bridge (from 29th January 2010) with reduced travelling times of up to ten minutes for journeys to and from the airport. For more information see WHAT'S NEW.
iSQUARE MALL OPENS
Hong Kong’s latest major shopping mall, iSQUARE at the junctions of Nathan Road, Peking Road and Lock Road in Tsim Sha Tsui opened on 16th December 2009. The distinctive 31-storey vertical “boutique mall” has a twelve-storey podium, cinema box and tower. The mall features mid to high end retail stores, restaurants, 1000-seat IMAX cinema, lifestyle and beauty shops. For more information see SHOPPING MALLS - KOWLOON
MTR CROSS-BOUNDARY TRAVEL PASS LAUNCHED
From 1st December 2009 a “Tourist Cross-boundary Travel Pass” has been introduced by MTR. This ticket is specially designed for Cross-boundary visitors traveling to/from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau MTR stations. It can be used for any 2 consecutive days within 1 month from date of issue and provides unlimited travel on MTR and Light Rail (except Airport Express, East Rail Line First Class, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations) and 2 single journeys to/from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations.
The ticket (HK$120) is available at Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau stations and "MTR Travel" - Lo Wu Shop;
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/tourist_xbpass.html
HONG KONG NATIONAL GEOPARK VISITOR CENTRE OPENED
Following the official opening of Hong Kong National Geopark in early November a Geopark Visitor Centre has opened on 18th December 2009. The visitor centre is located at the Lions Nature Education Centre at Sai Kung and is open from 9-30am to 4-30pm daily except Tuesdays when the centre is closed. For more information on Hong Kong National Geopark and the Visitor Centre see WHAT'S NEW.
PEAK TRAM AND SKY TERRACE PRICE INCREASE
From 1st January 2010 fares for the Peak Tram journey and for entrance to the Peak Tower Sky Terrace will be increased. The adult single-journey Peak Tram fare rises to HK$25 (from (HK$22) and the return fare rises to HK$36 (from HK$33). The last fare increase was in October 2006.
Admission to the Sky Terrace is increased to HK$25 for adults (from HK$20) and HK$12 for children (from HK$10). Admission to Sky Terrace which opened in November 2006 when refurbishment of the Peak Tower was completed was free until September 2007.
The price of "Sky Pass" combined Peak Tram/Sky Terrace admission has also increased to HK$56 from HK$48 adult including return Peak Tram ride or HK$45 from HK$37 with single Peak Tram journey.
Travel/ticket agencies have been given a three month period of grace during which current prices will continue to apply.
K11 MALL OPENS
K11, Tsim Sha Tsui's latest mall, being promoted as "the first art mall in the world" and "intertwining the functions of art galleries and shopping malls and pioneers the blend of art, people and nature" opened during December 2009. The mall, developed by New World Developments, and located at The Masterpiece on Hanoi Road has six shopping levels with over 100 mostly mid-range shops selling designer fashion, accessories, jewellery and watches, beauty and healthcare products, leather goods, shoes and bags, and lifestyle products. For more information see SHOPPING MALLS - KOWLOON
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND EXPANSION GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
Following confirmation earlier this year that Hong Kong Disneyland is to proceed with a major expansion of the theme park, a ground breaking ceremony was held on 13th December 2009. The HK$3.6 billion expansion project will see three new areas and thirty new attractions added to the park during a five year period and will increase the park area by 23%. The park, in which the Hong Kong government has a 53% stake, is an important part of Hong Kong's tourism infrastructure and has created over 10,000 jobs and welcomed over 19 million visitors since opening in September 2005. For more information about Hong Kong Disneyland and the park expansion see HONG KONG DISNEYLAND.
OCEAN PARK JOINS THEME PARK ALLIANCE
Ocean Park has formed an alliance with eleven other theme parks in mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore in an attempt to encourage more overseas visitors to each of the parks. From 1st December 2009 visitors to any of the parks in the alliance can obtain a 10% discount from the full admission price on production of admission tickets from any of the other parks. Annual passholders are entitled to a 15% discount. The other eleven parks in the alliance are Beijing Aquarium, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shenzhen's OCT Happy Valley, OCT East Knight Valley and OCT East Tea Stream Valley, Panyu Chimelong Paradise in Guangzhou, Taiwan's Leofoo Village Theme Park and Hualien Farglory Ocean Park, and the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park. The promotion lasts until 31st December 2010 except at Beijing Aquarium where it continues until 30th April 2011.
Ocean Park has seen a drop in profits from HK$204 million to HK$98 million for the financial year ended 30th June 2009. The global economic downturn, fears over swine flu, increased staff costs and spending on show production, poor weather and visa restrictions on mainland visitors who account for about half of the park's visitors have contributed to the reduction in profits. Ocean Park, which is currently part way through a major HK$5.5 billion seven-year redevelopment programme, increased its admission prices in October 2009.
STAR FERRY FARE INCREASES
Applications for fare increases on two Star Ferry routes were approved on 27th November and will take effect from 1st January 2010. Fares on both the Wanchai to Hung Hom and Central to Hong Hom services will increase from HK$6 to HK$6.30 for adults and from HK$3 to HK$3.20 for children. These routes have suffered from low patronage and annual losses of about HK$2 million have been incurred by the Star Ferry Company.
The second of two staggered fare increases already agreed for the Central to Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui routes also takes effect on 1st January 2010. Adult fares on these routes will increase by HK$0.20 to HK$2.50 Upper Deck and HK$2 Lower Deck for Monday to Friday sailings and by HK$0.50 and HK$0.40 to HK$3 Upper Deck or HK$2.40 Lower Deck respectively for Saturday, Sunday and public holiday sailings. The first phase of the increases took effect in March 2009.
The second edition of the Michelin Hong Kong Macau Guide was published on 26th November 2009 and reviews 205 restaurants and 40 hotels from Hong Kong and 38 restaurants and 15 hotels from Macau. The bilingual (English and Chinese) guide includes 3 three-star restaurants, 9 two-star restaurants and 39 one-star restaurants. The first Michelin Hong Kong Macau Guide was published in 2008 and the latest edition includes 45 new entries and expands the area covered to include locations such as Sham Shui Po, Sham Tseng, Shatin, San Po Kong and Yuen Long. The Bib Gourmands selection detailing restaurants serving a good meal for HK$300 or less has been expanded from 24 to 45 restaurants. The guide was compiled by four anonymous inspectors, two Chinese, one English and one French. The 3 three-star rated restaurants are the only three-star restaurant from the previous guide, Lung King Heen, a Chinese restaurant in Four Seasons Hotel joined by Caprice, a French restaurant, also at Four Seasons Hotel making the Four Seasons the only hotel in the world with 2 three-star restaurants and Galera a Robuchon, a French restaurant at Hotel Lisboa in Macau. At the opposite end of the scale the guide, Tim Ho Wan, a dim sum outlet in Mong Kok opened by Lung Hing Keen's former dim sum director and serving dishes from as little as HK$10 and Hung's Delicacies at North Point, another inexpensive restaurant where a good meal can be enjoyed for HK$50 both earned one-star. The Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau costs HK$168 from major bookstores in Hong Kong.
Yan Tun Kong Study Hall at Hang Tau Tsuen, Ping Shan, Yuen Long and the residence of Ip Ting-sz at Lin Ma Hang, Shau Tau Kok were declared monuments under Hong Kong's Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance on 6th November 2009. The residence of Ip Ting-sz was built in 1908 and is modelled on Dr Sun Yat-sen's residence in Cuiheng Village, Zhongshan. Yan Tun Kong Study Hall (Yin Yik Tong) is a three-hall building with two open courtyards originally built by descendants of the Tang Clan of Ping Shan. It is not known when the hall was built but there are indications that there was a large-scale renovation in 1870. The Antiquities and Monuments Office is to carry out renovation works to both buildings totalling HK$14.5 million and following completion in 2011 the buildings will be opened to the public. For full details see;
http://www.amo.gov.hk/en/news_20091103.php
CHANGES TO MTR TOURIST PASSES
From 1st October 2009 the benefits of the Airport Express Travel Pass have been extended to include three days unlimited travel on MTR Light Rail and MTR Bus (mainly "feeder" bus services to some West Rail and East Rail stations) in addition to existing benefits of either one or two Airport Express journeys (depending on type of pass) and three days unlimited travel on all other MTR lines except to the border stations of Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau.
The benefits of the MTR Tourist Day Pass and MTR Child Tourist Day Pass have been extended to include three days unlimited travel on MTR Light Rail in addition to existing benefits of unlimited travel on all MTR lines except Airport Express and journeys to the border stations of Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau
"NWFB RICKSHAW SIGHTSEEING BUS" HOP-ON, HOP-OFF OPEN-TOP SERVICE
From 18th October 2009 New World First Bus is introducing its "NWFB Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus". The "hop-on, hop-off" service utilises open-top double-deck buses decorated in a rickshaw-themed branding. There are two routes, the "Heritage Tour" and "Metropolis Tour" each departing from Central Star Ferry Pier at 30 minute intervals and taking about 50 minutes from start to finish. The routes which cover the Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay districts on Hong Kong Island serve a total of 21 stops and pass numerous scenic locations including 16 declared monuments and 10 grade-one historic buildings. A One Day Pass costs HK$50 for adults and HK$25 for children under 12* and seniors 65 or over and can be used an unlimited number of times on both routes. (* children under 4 can travel free if accompanied by an adult and not occupying a seat). Single journey tickets can also be purchased. Purchasers of One Day Passes receive a complimentary route map. There is an on-board video presentation with journey commentary in Mandarin and English and buses are also equipped with a bus stop announcement system. For more details see OPEN-TOP SIGHTSEEING BUS TOURS
OCEAN PARK ADMISSION PRICE INCREASE
Ocean Park's admission price has increased from 5th October 2009. Adult ticket price is increased from HK$208 to HK$250 whilst ticket prices for children (aged 3-11) have increased from HK$103 to HK$125. Although the park is a non-profit making statutory body it has to pay its operating expenses and service the loan on the HK$5.5 billion redevelopment which is currently taking place and which has seen the opening of the new "Amazing Asian Animals" attraction in April and its "Ocean Express" funicular railway in September 2009. The 1.3km funicular railway links the park's two main lands "Waterfront" (formerly "Lowland") and "Summit" (formerly "Headland") in a three minute themed ride. The train is designed to resemble a submersible vehicle and the ride offers an exciting,vivid experience which simulates a journey through the depths of the ocean. The ride is capable of transporting 5,000 passengers an hour in each direction through a tunnel which was created by excavating 71,300 sq metres of earth. The price increase was originally intended to take effect from 1st August 2009 but was deferred until after the summer period.
Over the last financial year ended 30th June 2009 the park attendance fell by about 5% to 4.78 million against an annual attendance of 5.03 million for the financial year 2007/2008. However during May and June 2009 the park has seen the number of visitors fall by up to one-third with many mainland visitors, particularly tour groups reluctant to visit Hong Kong over fears of swine flu and mainland travel restrictions. Ocean Park, which last raised its prices in October 2007 still be considerably cheaper than Hong Kong Disneyland which charges HK$350 for adult admission.
A 5km heritage trail featuring 21 historic waterworks structures which have recently been designated as declared monuments has opened during September 2009. The Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail located in Tai Tam Country Park on the south-eastern side of Hong Kong Island allows visitors to enjoy magnificent structures dating back to 1883 including dams, bridges, pumping houses and aqueducts all set in the scenic and tranquil surroundings of the country park. For more detailed information see TAI TAM WATERWORKS HERITAGE TRAIL
POLICE MUSEUM - TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Hong Kong Police Museum at Coombe Road, The Peak will be temporarily closed for maintenance and renovation from 2nd November 2009 until May 2010 (update - the museum had still not reopened at mid-July)
The MTR Kowloon Southern Link (KSL) which connects the West Rail line and East Rail line opened on August 16th 2009. The 3.8km KSL extends the existing West Rail Line from Nam Cheong Station to Hung Hom Station via the new Austin Station in West Kowloon and the existing East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. The terminus of both East Rail and West Rail is now Hung Hom. West Rail line train frequency has been increased to three minutes and journey times from Kowloon to the north-west New Territories have been substantially reduced with the journey between East Tsim Sha Tsui and Tuen Mun being cut by over 20 minutes. East Tsim Sha Tsui Station previously on East Rail line is now a West Rail station and passengers travelling between East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and stations on East Rail will need to change at Hung Hom. Reports from early travellers indicate a transfer time of about 9 minutes for the interchange between East Rail and West Rail at Hung Hom. For full details see;
http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/austin.html
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MTR West Rail line including the new extension from Nam Cheong to Hung Hom
NEW FERRY LINK FROM AIRPORT TO GUANGZHOU
A new fast catamaran ferry route from Hong Kong International Airport's SkyPier to NanshaPort in Guangzhou commenced operating on 14th July 2009. The service is jointly operated by Panyu Nansha Passenger Terminal Transport and TurboJET and there is one ferry daily in each direction leaving Guangzhou at 9-30am and Hong Kong at 3-30pm with the journey taking about 60 minutes. Fares are HK$356 Economy Class or HK$471 Super Class but for a limited period special promotional fares of HK$304 Economy Class and HK$402 are available. For more information see;
NEW 14 DAY VISA-FREE ACCESS FOR RUSSIANS
With effect from 1st July 2009 the Hong Kong Government Immigration Department has announced that Russian nationals will be allowed 14 days visa-free access to Hong Kong.
NEW MTR CHILD TOURIST DAY PASS
A Child Tourist Day Pass has been introduced from 1 May 2009. Valid for children aged 3 to 11 it costs HK$25 and provides unlimited travel on the MTR (except Airport Express, Light Rail, East Rail Line First Class and the border stations of Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau). Since 1st October 2009 the pass also includes unlimited travel on MTR Light Rail. The ticket is restricted to tourists who are non-Hong Kong residents and are staying in Hong Kong for less than 14 days. The pass is valid for 24 consecutive hours starting from time of first journey and for a period of one month from date of issue. The pass can be purchased at Customer Service/Information Centres at all MTR stations (except Light Rail) and passport must be presented when purchasing.
NEW MEASURES FOR VISITORS FROM TAIWAN
The Government of Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department has implemented a new measure for the entry of Taiwan residents visiting Hong Kong effective from 27 April 2009. Under the new arrangement Taiwan residents holding a valid "Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents"（台灣居民來往大陸通行證）, commonly known as "Tai Bao Zheng"（台胞證), can enter Hong Kong on visitor status and stay for up to seven days if normal immigration requirements are met without the need to possess a valid entry/exit endorsement for the Mainland, as previously required. For details please refer to:
http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_7.htm#9
RELOCATION OF HONG KONG INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND EXHIBITION GALLERY
The Hong Kong Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery has been relocated in late May 2009 from Edinburgh Place to Ground Floor, Murray Road Multi-storey Car Park Building, 2 Murray Road, Central (opposite Bank of China Building). The Gallery is open from 10am to 6pm Sunday, Monday and Wednesday to Saturday and is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year. Admission is free.
BOGUS HOTEL LIMOUSINE / ILLEGAL TAXI WARNINGS
There have been recent reports from visitors of drivers posing as hotel employees at Hong Kong International Airport and touting to provide limousine services at exhorbitant rates, charging as much as US$300 (HK$2,340) for journeys to Hong Kong Island. Visitors are reminded that official hotel limousines and saloon cars are allowed to load and unload passengers only at the designated Hotel & Travel Agent Limousine Waiting Lounge. Hotel service counters and uniformed hotel staff in the Arrivals Hall are allowed to provide assistance to passengers and escort them to the designated waiting lounge for boarding. Similarly unlicensed taxi drivers are also believed to be approaching visitors and touting for business in the Arrivals Hall. A group of visitors was recently charged over HK$300 for a trip from the airport to Hong Kong Disneyland, a journey which should cost no more than HK$120. Visitors should proceed to the official taxi rank at the airport and ignore any approaches made by taxi drivers in or around the Arrivals Hall. Example taxi fares to designated locations are displayed at the taxi rank and leaflets detailing sample fare, types of taxis and hotline numbers are also available. A new taxi fare structure implemented between between November 2008 and February 2009 resulted in lower fares for longer journeys including journeys to/from the airport being reduced by up to 30% and information should be displayed inside the taxi showing the new fare structure. The Transport Department, Police and Airport Authority have a special task force to deal with illegal transport activities at the airport and is to step up patrolling in the Arrivals Hall and car parks.
NGONG PING 360 INTRODUCES GLASS-BOTTOM CABLE CAR CABINS
Ngong Ping 360 has announced it is introducing twelve glass-bottom "Crystal Cabins" on the cable car system linking Tung Chung and Ngong Ping from 4th April 2009. Owing to the weight of the three-layer 5cm glass floor each cabin can accommodate up to only ten passengers rather than the seventeen passengers which can be accommodated in standard cabins. Tickets for the "crystal cabins" cost HK$109 one-way or HK$157 for a return journey. Fares for regular cabins are HK$63 one-way or HK$96 return. Further details are available here;
http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/np360_exp/crystal_cabin.html
Tickets can be booked online at;
http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/np360_exp/cablecar_index.html#crystal
and can be bought at the cable car termini ticket offices.
Ngong Ping 360 glass-bottom "Crystal Cabin"
SKYEXPRESS AIRPORT TO HOTEL COACH SERVICES
Hong Kong Airport Authority has appointed SkyeXpress (operated by Sun Bus Limited, member of TIH, Kowloon Motor Bus and SHKP Group) as the sole official licensed and authorised operator for the provision of Airport Hotel Coach Services, linking major hotels and the Hong Kong International Airport. Services operate at 15/30 minute intervals from 6-15am and 00-15am from the airport to hotels in Kowloon and the New Territories and 6-30am and midnight from the airport to hotels on Hong Kong Island. Fares are;
Airport - Hong Kong Island hotels HK$140 single trip (HK$230 round trip)
Airport - Kowloon hotels HK$130 single trip (HK$210 round trip)
Airport - New Territories hotels HK$120 (HK$200 round trip)
Children under 3 travel free
Tickets can be purchased at the SkyeXpress Service counters 5T031A and 5T099B in the Buffer Hall (between customs and arrivals hall) in Terminal 1 and SkyeXpress Service Counter CO7 and CO8 in Terminal 2. The counters are open from 6am to 00-15am daily.
For further information see SkyeXpress website;
http://www.skyexpress.com.hk/eng/home.php
"SkyeXpress" airport - hotel shuttle coach
The six-year major upgrade of Tung Chung Road from Lung Tseng Tau near Tung Chung to Cheung Sha (San Shek Wan) was finally completed when a new section of road from Pak Kung Au to Cheung Sha (near Cheung Sha Bridge) opened on February 6th 2009. The existing section of road between Pak Kung Au to Cheung Sha is now closed and all traffic including buses will use the new road. Tung Chung Road links north and south Lantau and the existing road which is narrow in many places and has steep hills and sharp bends has long been considered inadequate. However the existing speed limit of 30km per hour remains in force and only vehicles issued with Lantau Closed Road Permits are allowed to use the road. The number of tour coaches allowed access to South Lantau via Tung Chung Road also continues to be limited to 30 a day. Since 6th February 2009 New Lantao Bus Company services 3M (Mui Wo - Tung Chung), 11 (Tai O - Tung Chung), 23 (Tung Chung - Ngong Ping), A35 and N35 (Airport - Mui Wo) have been diverted to use the new section of road. Service 3M will no longer serve the section of South Lantau Road between Cheung Sha Bridge and San Shek Wan and passengers can instead use service 11.
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The new section of the upgraded Tung Chung Road at its junction with South Lantau Road at San Shek Wan near Cheung Sha
REPRIEVE FOR CANTONESE OPERA VENUE
Hong Kong's main venue for Cantonese Opera performances the 1033-seat Sunbeam Theatre on King's Road at North Point has been reprieved for three years after having been threatened with closure when the previous lease expired in February 2009. The current owner purchased the theatre in 2003 with the intention of demolishing the theatre and building a shopping mall on the site. However a three-year extension to the lease has been agreed with the Hong Kong Government on the understanding that the owner will be allowed to redevelop the site after the extension to the lease expires. The monthly rental has tripled to HK$698,000 and funding for the lease extension amounts to around HK$6.6 million with HK$3 million being provided by private donations and the government funding the balance. There are about 150 shows annually at the theatre performed by professional troupes. It is planned to build a large 1200-1400 seat theatre as a permanent venue for Cantonese Opera in the Xiqu Centre the West Kowloon Cultural District which is scheduled for completion in 2014/2015. In the meantime an 600-seat annexe to the Ko Shan Theatre in Hung Hom is due to be completed in 2012 to enable more Cantonese Opera rehearsals and performances at that venue which currently has about 140 Cantonese Opera performances annually and Yau Ma Tei Theatre is being redeveloped by 2011 to provide a venue for small-scale performances and operatic singing activities. Chan Shun Kui Community Hall in North Point is also being considered as a future venue in order that a Cantonese Opera Theatre venue can be maintained on Hong Kong Island.
Hong Kong's main Cantonese Opera venue the Sunbeam Theatre on King's Road
Work has commenced on construction of a 1.52 hectare landscaped public piazza with Chinese garden and lotus ponds at Ngong Ping in the religious Di Tan area adjoining the Po Lin Monastery and Giant Buddha statue. The project will include a central pedestrian way dedicated to the Buddhist Bodhi Path teachings with stone statues and pillars on either side and is intended to complement existing tourist attractions including the monastery, giant Buddha and Ngong Ping 360 cable car and will provide open space for visitors and improve pedestrian flow. The work is estimated to cost HK$72 million. The road between Ngong Ping Village and the Po Lin Monastery and Buddha Statue is now closed and buses are terminating outside Ngong Ping Village. Di Tan Square (at the foot of the steps to the Giant Buddha) which was closed to the public since early January 2009 has reopened. The project is scheduled to be completed by 20th April 2010.
Construction works around Di Tan Square at Ngong Ping are scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2010 (picture taken November 2009)
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FREE Wi-fi LAUNCHED ON BUSESWi-fi internet access has been launched on 17th September 2008 on ten bus routes serving Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The routes are New World First Bus services 2,2A,8,101,104,106,111,112,116 and Citybus "Cityflyer" airport routes A11 and A12. Buses with wi-fi access are labelled "Free Internet access on Wi-fi bus" near the door. Passengers can surf the internet at a transfer speed of 7.2 megabits per second. The wireless network is identified as "Webus". See INTERNET ACCESS for more information on availability of free internet access in Hong Kong.
A35 AIRPORT BUS SERVICE CHANGES
With effect from 16 November 2008 the service level of A35 bus service between the airport and Mui Wo on Lantau has been substantially reduced from nineteen daily departures each way to just five each way. New Lantao Bus Company had applied to axe the loss making service completely but have now decided to reduce the frequency and at the same time increase the frequency of services 3M between Tung Chung and Mui Wo and 11 between Tung Chung and Tai O. As an alternative to service A35 passengers can take the frequent S1 shuttle bus service (with luggage facilities) from outside the passenger terminal to Tung Chung and then change to service 3M for Mui Wo. However not all buses on the 3M route have luggage facilities and those services using buses with luggage facilities (approx hourly) are indicated in the new timetable which is available on the New Lantao Bus Company website;
http://www.newlantaobus.com/nlb.html
Night service N35 continues to operate with departures from the airport at 1-30am and 4-30am and from Mui Wo at 3-15am and 4-20am.
MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCT SAFETY
Visitors to Hong Kong concerned about the safety of milk and dairy products in Hong Kong can find a comprehensive list of all products tested satisfactorily and unsatisfactorily for Melamine on the Hong Kong Government's Centre for Food Safety website;
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NEW SUBWAYS FOR TSIM SHA TSUI STATION
A major MTR project at Tsim Sha Tsui Station includes a new subway, installation of lift and three new entrances at the Mira Hotel (formerly Hotel Miramar), the Mira shopping centre and the Tung Ying Building. The subway project comprises two 80-metre sections of tunnel and a 45-metre concourse running 15 metres under Nathan Road from the junction of Cameron Road and Kimberley Road. The work is expected to be completed in 2013. Earlier plans to build two new station entrances next to Kowloon Park have been abandoned to avoid a negative impact on old and valuable trees in the area.
MTR Stations at Jordan, Sham Shui Po and Yau Ma Tei are also having lifts installed at one exit of each station in projects due to be completed by 2011 which will then reduce the number of MTR stations without lift access to 13.
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XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXCLOSED ZONE TO BE OPENED TO PUBLIC
The closed area between Hong Kong and Shenzhen is to be opened up to the public in 2010 and in early May 2008 the government announced a green plan for the area which envisages cycling routes between Lok Ma Chau and Lo Wu to enable people to enjoy the natural and rural landscape, fishponds and wetlands. A country park will be built in Robin's Nest between Pat Sin Leng Country Park in Hong Kong and Wutongshan National Forest Park in Shenzhen. Hiking trails have also been proposed between Cheung Shan Monastery and Lin Ma Hang and between Lok Ma Chau to Hoo Hok Wai. There are some 300 heritage sites in the area and the government is proposing to create trails to link some of these sites. Only one small plot of land at Kong Nga Po near Man Kam To is being reserved for for residential development and this and this will be a small community with green architecture built with energy saving materials. A public consulation on the proposals ends on August 8th 2008.
VISITORS WARNED OF FAKE MONKS SCAM
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FREE GOVWi-Fi ACCESS FOR VISITORS
The Government Wi-Fi (GovWiFi) Programme was launched on 27th March 2008 and allows free Wi-Fi Internet Access initially at some 35 government locations. By the end of June 2009 around 350 wireless hotspots were available mainly at public libraries, large parks, sports centres, key cultural and recreational centres, public enquiry centres and job centres. The free service is available for visitors to Hong Kong to use and details of hotspot locations can be found at;
http://www.gov.hk/en/theme/wifi/location/index.htm
Visitors to Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping should note that major construction works are taking place. The buildings at the rear of the main hall (Hall of Great Hero) have been demolished to make way for construction of the new Ten Thousand Buddhas Palace.
Image of new Ten Thousand Buddhas Palace to be constructed at Po Lin Monastery
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