This former British colony has long been a place famous for its multitude of different influences, something which has continued through its handover and subsequent autonomous rule
Hong Kong is a sizeable territory just to the south of China, with the main border crossing point between the two being at Shenzen. But when most people think about Hong Kong, they think of Hong Kong Island and the area just across the water around Kowloon Bay, the crazy, colourful heart of this unique place that fuses Chinese ancient history, British recent history and a Chinese present and future in a way which, although not quite elegant, has business travellers seeking serviced apartments in Hong Kong in their droves.
Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial centres. Victoria Harbour lies at its heart and is regarded as being packed with more skyscrapers than any other area in the world, although it is still very much a shipping port, despite recent competition from Shenzen and other ports.
If you’re coming to stay in corporate accommodation on Hong Kong Island, then Wan Chai is probably the busiest of the commercial areas, with many of the smaller and medium-sized companies based there, as well as the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Causeway Bay is a little more of a shopping and leisure area with notoriously high rent. It is also home to Victoria Park, probably Hong Kong’s most well-known park. Other areas of note in Hong Kong when staying in short term accommodation on the main island are Central, just to the west of Wan Chai, and Sai Ying Pun, further towards the west near the mountainous area around Victoria Peak. You will notice by now, that the name of Queen Victoria features heavily around the island!
SITU has accommodation in high-quality aparthotels around these major areas of Hong Kong and across the water in the popular cultural area of Tsim Sha Tsui. Getting temporary corporate housing in Hong Kong within a walking distance to such areas is a great way to enjoy the city.
For fun things to do on a day out, Hong Kong has its own Disneyland Resort over on Lantau Island, but the locals tend to prefer the homegrown Ocean Park theme park in the south of Hong Kong Island. Times Square – technically in Causeway Bay, but also close to Wan Chai – is a huge shopping mall where one could easily lose a day. Pacific Place, spread over four levels, sits on the other side of Wan Chai towards Central Hong Kong. In Wan Chai itself, the iconic Central Plaza has its ‘Lightime’ installation and there is also the Hong Kong Arts centre nearby, and you may fancy taking one of the many harbour tours available.
Getting around while staying in Hong Kong corporate housing is best done on the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), which has 93 metro stations throughout Hong Kong. The main international airport is on Lantau Island, with a road route running all the way to the mainland. Hong Kong Island connects to the mainland through a rail route and the Cross Harbour Tunnel, and numerous ferry routes are also available. Short term accommodation in Hong Kong is easily available for SITU guests.
