34 Interesting Facts about Hong Kong

Hong Kong is located on the southern coast of China, bordered by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea. The region is renowned for its concrete jungle, deep natural harbor, and bustling city life. Covering an area of 1,104 square kilometers, it is the most densely populated city in the world. What do you need to know if you ever want to visit Hong Kong?

Interesting facts about Hong Kong:

1. Refuge for Chinese Exiles: In the early 1900s, Hong Kong became a special refuge for Chinese exiles.
2. The Name “Hong Kong”: Translated from Cantonese, “Hong Kong” means “Fragrant Harbor,” derived from the sweet aroma of the Aquilaria sinensis, a fragrant tree native to the region.
3. UNESCO Global Geopark: Hong Kong is home to one of the 120 UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide, areas of geological significance managed with conservation, education, and sustainable development in mind.
4. Symphony of Lights: Known as the “Pearl of the East,” Hong Kong hosts a daily light symphony that illuminates the night skyline.
5. Rolls Royce Capital: Hong Kong has more Rolls Royces per capita than any other city in the world, a legacy from its days as a British colony.
6. Disneyland: In 2005, Hong Kong opened the third Disneyland theme park outside of the U.S.
7. High Population Density: Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated regions globally.
8. Rural Landscape: Three-quarters of Hong Kong’s territory consists of rural areas, with 24 parks, forests, reservoirs, hills, and scenic coastlines.
9. Culinary Diversity: The region has one of the highest numbers of restaurants and cafes per capita, offering a wide variety of international delicacies.
10. Ferry Network: Hong Kong boasts the world’s largest ferry fleet, transporting people and goods to Macau and various cities in China.
11. Highest IQ: The region holds the world’s highest average IQ at 107.
12. Hong Kong Dollar: It’s the eighth most-traded currency in the world.
13. Subtropical Climate: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with monsoon winds.
14. Tourist Hotspot: In 2011, Hong Kong recorded over 41.92 million visitors, who spent more than $33.7 billion.
15. Double-decker Trams: The city operates the largest fleet of double-decker trams, transporting over 230,000 passengers daily.
16. Best Business City: Hong Kong has been named the “Best Business City in the World” for over four years by Business Traveler Asia Pacific.
17. Film Industry: Hong Kong is famous for producing some of the best kung fu movies and actors, including Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.
18. Massive Airport: Hong Kong International Airport spans the size of 20 football fields combined.
19. Tsing Ma Bridge: It is the world’s longest road-and-rail suspension bridge and a major Hong Kong landmark.
20. Fortune of a Son and Daughter: In Hong Kong, having a son followed by a daughter is considered a sign of great luck.
21. Billionaires: In 2016, Hong Kong ranked fourth globally for the number of billionaires, with over 64 residents holding personal wealth exceeding $1 billion.
22. Lion Dance Acrobats: “Lion Dance Acrobatics” is a popular way to celebrate festivals, accompanied by Chinese drum performances.
23. Green Space: Despite its urban density, 40% of Hong Kong is made up of rural parks and nature reserves, making hiking a favorite weekend activity.
24. Population: With a population of 7.5 million, Hong Kong is about six times the size of Washington D.C., three-and-a-half times larger than Malta, and about half the size of Mauritius.
25. The Hong Kong International Airport is the size of 20 football fields.
26. “Hong Kong” literally means “Fragrant Harbor” in Cantonese, derived from the sweet scent of the agarwood tree, Aquilaria sinensis. Located in a subtropical zone with monsoon winds.
27. There are more Rolls Royce cars in Hong Kong than in any other city in the world. This is due to Hong Kong’s heritage as a former British colony, where many of the British elite, businessmen, and officers preferred to travel in extravagance, thus importing Rolls-Royces.
28. The third Disneyland Resort outside the United States opened in Hong Kong in 2005. Today, Hong Kong is considered one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
29. The city is known to have the highest number of restaurants and cafes per capita, giving residents and tourists the opportunity to sample a variety of delicacies from around the world. Additionally, the megacity has the world’s largest fleet of ferries, transporting people and goods to Macau and various cities in China.
30. The city welcomes the largest number of tourists annually: in 2011, over 41.92 million visitors were registered, spending over $33.7 billion.
31. The region is home to the largest fleet of double-decker trams, which transport over 230,000 passengers daily.
32. Hong Kong has been named the “Best Business City in the World” for over four years. This award is organized and announced by Business Traveler Asia Pacific magazine.
33. Hong Kong was once the backdrop for the best kung fu films, starring renowned actors such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.
34. In 2016, Hong Kong ranked fourth in the world for cities with billionaires. This occurred because more than 64 of its residents own personal fortunes worth over $1 billion USD.