Official Language

Chinese and English are official languages. Cantonese is the major spoken dialect in Hong Kong, Mandarin and English are also widely spoken. Road signs in Hong Kong are bilingual in both English and Chinese.

Weather

The weather in January is normally clear and sunny with temperature ranging from 12^oC to 20^oC and humidity of 65%. Generally, loose-fitting cotton clothing and short sleeves and light jackets are appropriate during this time. Weather information is obtainable from the Hong Kong Observatory. While you are in Hong Kong, you can also dial 1878 200 and then press “3” for English to check the latest situation.

Passport & Visa Requirement

Visitors to Hong Kong should hold a passport with at least six months' validity. Nationals of most countries are not required to obtain visas for periods varying from 7 days to 180 days. Please note that a visa is required for some nationalities. The organizer is NOT responsible for your individual visa arrangement. Participants should check with the Chinese embassy or consulate on specific visa information. Further information on visa requirements is available from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

China Visa

Participants planning to travel to mainland China should make their own visa arrangement. China visa can be processed in Hong Kong and normally takes 3 working days and one passport-sized photo. Visas can be obtained through the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR and the China Travel Service (HK) Ltd.

Getting Around

Hong Kong is geographically compact and the public transport system (bus, ferry, or MTR) is efficient, relatively inexpensive and user friendly. Further information on transport can be found here or visit Hong Kong Tourism Board website for planning your trip in Hong Kong.

Useful Numbers

Directory Inquiry Hotline (English) 1083
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 999
Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Hotline 2508 1234
Hong Kong International Airport 2181 8888
Hong Kong Immigration Department 2824 6111

* For those calling from places outside Hong Kong, please dial the area code “852” before the telephone number.