Hong Kong situated at the south east coast of China is a popular traveler’s destination. It has turned to be a commercial center. There are many shopping centers to shop and good hotels where you can taste the most fabulous delicacies. It also has a rich cultural heritage with Portuguese and European influences. British ruled over it for 99 years as it was a British colony. This city enjoys a perfect blend of traditions of both East and West. Travelers from across the globe try to find cheap flights to Hong Kong and enjoy the places in it.

There are many places to visit. Victoria Peak, The Star Ferry, Nathan Road, Disney land, Museum of Art and Repulse Bay are some of the must see places. You are a first time visitor or you might have traveled there in the past, you will always be benefited if you have much knowledge about the international flight and also about the place. You can get a detailed picture of more places of interest of this city if you browse internet and read the cheap airfare and other travel information given in online travel services companies.

If you want to see everything that the city offers, you will have to spend a substantial amount of money to experience the wonders of the place. Once you succeed in getting a cheap flight to Hong Kong, you will be able to manage your funds and spend more in this city. If you search the internet you can find many online travel services companies that offer cheap airfare. With a little research you will learn some tips of where and how to find a cheap airplane ticket.

Though you will find the travel services companies offering discount international flight and cheap airfare throughout the year: you must be more vigilant enough to find when it is the cheapest. There are some seasons when you can get cheap airfare and cheap flight to Hong Kong. To take an example, you will find that less travelers travel to this city in the month of December because near Christmas time, people prefer to celebrate in their homes. So you can avail cheap flights to Hong Kong at this time as many airlines offer cheap airfare on different flights.

With a good search in the internet you will not only be able to book a cheap flight to Hong Kong but also be able to gather a lot of information about the place. You will get the information of the hotels and restaurants and many things related to the city. This will make your visit easy going and you will be able to book a cheap flight and enjoy your trip.

With its chaotic jungle of neon signs, fairly ugly residential skyscrapers, and the ever increasing problem of smog coming from neighboring China, Hong Kong is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking about a romantic destination… However, the city’s mountainous terrain and its world-famous metropolitan skyline, set a perfect background for some of Asia’s most romantic spots.

This article will take you through 10 restaurants and nightspots in Hong Kong that are surely to melt your lover’s heart.

• Aqua Spirit
  From its prime position, on the 30th floor of a Tsim sha Tsui tower, this contemporary bar provides some of the best views you can get from Kowloon’s side.
  Together with its stylish and fairly comfortable ambience, it is one of the best spots in Tsim sha Tsui for a sunset cocktail or an after dinner drink.
• Caprice, Four Seasons Hotel
  Located in the swanky Four Seasons, Caprice serves fine French cuisine with a lighter touch, in a marvelous atmosphere…

  Beautiful classic-contemporary decor, lovely harbour views, perfect table settings and an open kitchen that allows the appetizing cooking aromas to flow to the dining area, are all setting the background for a memorable romantic dinner.

• Chesa
  Chesa may not provide the stunning harbour views of some of its counterparts, but what it lacks in panoramic views, it makes up for in delicious food and lovely, cozy ambience.

  Specializing in Swiss and central European cuisine, the restaurant features a romantic European decor, with plenty of wood, and elegant table settings… Cheese fondue, Swiss chocolate-rich desserts and a decent choice of wines make it a popular destination for loving couples.

• One – thirty one
  Nestled on the shores of one of Hong Kong’s most picturesque and romantic coves, this rustic French boutique restaurant occupies a converted village house, with beamed ceiling, polished wood floor, and large windows through which you can admire the views of the mountains-surrounded bay.
• Restaurant Petrus
  Perched on the 56th floor of The Island Shangri-la hotel in Wanchai, this ultra-elegant French restaurant really sets the standard for romantic fine dining in Hong Kong.

  Stunning harbour views and lavish decor, with heavy chandeliers and glamorous table settings, create the right backdrop for an unforgettable dinner, dominated by the classics of French cuisine, and some of the world’s top wines.

• Gaddi’s
  Located in the world’s famous Peninsula Hotel, Gaddi’s is another Hong Kong culinary icon, and although it doesn’t provide any panoramic views or a lovely alfresco courtyard, it boasts a marvelous and opulent interior decor that helps to create the romantic atmosphere for which this French restaurant is so much known.
• The “Terrace” at Sevva
  Perched at the penthouse level of Prince’s Building, in Central, Sevva is a stylish and contemporary restaurant-lounge, with a fantastic outdoor terrace where you can unwind on a comfy couch and enjoy a sundowner against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
  It’s also an excellent spot to watch the “Symphony of Lights” show from…
• Tuscany by H
  Tuscany by H serves superb Tuscan cuisine, with a slight modern twist, in a refined and elegant ambiance that stands in complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of surrounding Lan Kwai Fong…

  Created by Hong Kong’s celebrity-chef, Harlan Goldstein, the restaurant uses top quality Italian ingredients to produce some superb culinary creations.

• The Verandah Restaurant – Repulse Bay Hotel
  Facing Hong Kong Island’s southern shore, this fantastic restaurant revives the elegance and charm of bygone colonial days…

  Beautiful Ocean views, tuxedoed waiters, crisp white table cloths, candles on the tables and, above all, fantastic European-French food… Who can ask for anything else?

• Le Marron
  This small private kitchen restaurant is one of Wanchai’s best kept secrets.

  Tacked on the 12th floor of an ordinary commercial building, you can’t really know anything about Le Marron until the door is open and you find yourself stepping into a small piece of classic France, right in the middle of one of Hong Kong’s busiest districts…

  Fine lace curtains, antiques, heavy furniture and Parisian bric-a-brac set the tone in this tiny restaurant and create the right ambiance for a sensational French dinner of Escargot, Foie Gras, Duck Confit and other favorites.

An ideal solution to overcome the traffic problem is the tram. The tram system has been in operation in Hong Kong since 1904. Operated by the Hong Kong Tramway Limited it is one of the oldest tram car operations in the world.

The tram line runs along a 13 km stretch and is laid out across the Northern part of the island. The double line track operates through mainly 6 routes and during rush hours trams can be expected almost every 2 minutes. 240’000 residents commute daily on these trams.

Consisting of a lower deck that is on level with the other vehicles on the road and an upper deck that is better suited as an observation deck, the tram is an effective, enjoyable and also extremely cost efficient mode of transportation. The lines run from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, whilst a supplementary circular route runs around the Happy Valley. The tram ride takes you past many attractions which include the many sky scrapers, Edinburgh Place, the Central Library and Times Square Shopping Mall. The final stop at Shau Kei Wan brings travellers to the temple area. Given the uniform rate paid, no matter how far you travel, travellers can opt to hop on and off at will. Whilst a fare for adults is HK$2, senior citizens above 65 and children under 12 have to pay only HK$1.

A tram can carry only 115 people maximum. Although speeds used to be relatively slow, modern trams can reach speeds of 50 and sometimes 60km/h. A tram ride provides an ideal opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery and observe the daily lives of the residents of Hong Kong. Of course avoiding rush hours will make this activity more pleasant.

In Mandarin, Hong Kong means “fragrant harbour”, evoked by its location as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. However, the name Hong Kong is derived from the Cantonese pronunciation of its name.

The history of Hong Kong began in 1842 when it was ceded in perpetuity to the British following their defeat of China in the so-called “Opium War”. Before the British took over,It was home to only some fishing communities. Few people stayed there fore long due to its lack of water sources. It was also frequented by pirates who sometimes worked with the British to fuel the trade of opium.

From its humble beginnings as a backwater colony, the history of Hong Kong has seen the city go through rapid development and expansion of its territories. Warehouses, banks, ship repair facilities and stores sprang up quickly after the arrival of the British government. In 1862, the colony was expanded when the Chinese government ceded Kowloon to the British, also in perpetuity. The colony became famous as an innovative center for banking, shipping and insurance.

Major events in the history were those such as the third pandemic of the bubonic plague, a 3 year invasion by Japanese troops during World War II, as well as waves of refugees emigrating from China following the famines following the Great Leap and the Cultural Revolution. While there were fears that its economy would stagnate when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, the establishment of the “one country, two systems” policy allowed the former colonial territory to maintain a degree of autonomy and allow its existing social and economic systems to remain the same.

Hong Kong is a major financial and business hub in Asia. It is also a city that wields major influence over entertainment and fashion trends in the region.

I moved to Hong Kong almost seven months ago from a much different environment in Cincinnati, Ohio. The transition has been relatively easy and I was surprised out how little of a culture shock I experienced. With that said, HK is very different from most western cities and lot are a lot of great things to do. Whether you are just thinking about visiting this great city, considering relocating or moving here for your job, I thought it would be helpful to put a short list together of things to see and do in this magnificent city.

1. The Peak. One of the first things I did when I moved to Hong Kong was to get a view of the city from high above. The absolute best place to see all of the area is by visiting The Peak. This is an area that sits high above the city and allows you see most of the northern portion of Hong Kong Island, as well as Victoria Harbor and Kowloon on the other side of the harbor. The most exciting way to reach The Peak is by taking the historic incline, which I will discuss.
2. The Hong Kong Peak Tram. There are many ways to reach the Peak in HK. You can take a taxi, a bus or even walk (but only if you are VERY fit). The most exciting way to reach the Peak however is by taking the famous and historic Peak Tram. The tram is like a cable car, but it runs on a VERY steep angle, giving you the false impression that the surrounding buildings and landscape are actually sprouting from the ground at a 45 degree angle! The ride only lasts eight to ten minutes, but it’s definitely something that you will want to experience at least once.
3. The Star Ferry. Reminiscent of early 1900’s Hong Kong, the Star Ferry is a short ride across Victoria Harbor and takes you straight in Kowloon where you will find the arts and cultural center, Nathan Road and fabulous shopping and dining destinations. The best part about riding the Star Ferry is that it gives you an unobstructed view of HK Island. It is only then that you are able to fully appreciate the vastness and beauty of one of the greatest cities in the world.

Traveling throughout Hong Kong is much easier than you might think. Most people here speak English and are usually helpful to visitors. The transportation system is awesome. Taxis, busses, subways and ferries are readily available at most hours of the day and night and are very inexpensive. If you are looking for a trip that is a little off the beaten path, yet still offers a unique cultural experience and plenty to do, consider visiting Hong Kong. You won’t be disappointed!

The term “brain drain” first appeared in 1957 in a novel called Atlas Shrugged and the term refers to the loss of skilled researchers, analysts, the accomplished and the talented – for political, industrial and social reasons.

It’s currently frequently utilized as a dramatized synonym for loss and could be outlined as “the world transfer of resources in the shape of human capital” and “the loss of abilities or human capital to society or to the country from which migration takes place“.

Brain drain appeared in Hong Kong in 1987 when a major wave of emigration was seen experienced due to the uncertainties surrounding Hong Kong’s future in light of the 1997 hand back to China. The trend endured in the following decade thanks to the concerns of some HK residents, particularly those educated and professionally talented, about the political future under Mainland Chinese sovereignty and the enlarging immigration opportunities to be had in the more well-liked destination nations.

An annual average of 55,000 émigrés left Hong Kong between 1989 and 1995. This resulting outflow of talent impacted on the economy of Hong Kong in four discrete ways:

Loss of Efficiency

In order to compensate for the lack of professionally trained employees due to their emigration, junior staff were promoted ‘beyond their station’ to take up their vacancies. As such junior staff had neither adequate coaching nor experience for these higher level positions, the standard of service and operational effectiveness were significantly negatively impacted.

Productivity of Subordinates

The exit of the very skilled influenced the output of their subordinates due to the lack of their supervision. The economy so suffered an indirect loss of output.

Loss of Human Capital

Émigrés were often highly educated, had received significant job related training and were well-experienced in their work having typically been engaged with their employers or within their professionals since the end of their formal education. Their exit represented a great loss of human capital to Hong Kong’s economy.

Outflow of Capital

Most émigrés left Hong Kong with their wealth. Depending on their destination of choice, quite a number of them had to commit significant sums of capital in their new countries in order to qualify for immigration overseas.

To address the issues caused by brain drain in the 1980s and 1990s, the government of Hong Kong has taken concrete measures in the development and implementation of immigration policy.

These initiatives including retention, return migration, replacement and retraining. Among those measures, replacement was a comparatively simple and acceptable way to fill the vacancies of the émigrés. Aside from the swift growth of tertiary educational opportunities, the HKSAR Government has relaxed its limitations on the importing of professionally trained employees, particularly those from the Mainland, to fill manpower openings.

Out of the phenomenon of Brain Drain emerged the Admission of Mainland Talents and Professionals Scheme, the Quality Migrants Admission Scheme, the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates and the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme. In the meantime, the private sector has responded aggressively to the lack suitable talent caused by emigration by employing more expatriates under the General Employment Policy.

Asian financial centers like Hong Kong are experiencing an increase in wealthy individuals seeking asset protection. The growth of investment here outpaces the global average for wealth growth.

In 1997 the British returned Hong Kong to China. The city became one of China’s two Special Administrative Regions. Many foreign investors were initially fearful of the impact of the city now being run by a communist power, and some investors pulled their investments out of their local accounts.

However, the governing model adopted by Beijing has proven very successful. The model provides this unique city with a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign relations and defense allowing Hong Kong to use its financial expertise to expand commerce between East and West.

Today international investors and businesses are returning to this city in part because of the Chinese connection. H.K. has become the point of access to Chinese trade for many international businesses without the legal and cultural obstacles of operating a business inside mainland China.

Many individual investors and businesses are choosing to open offshore bank accounts in Asia because these economies are anticipated to continue to grow despite the current global recession, as well as the greater account holder privacy the Asian jurisdictions offer. Investors and businesses see the stable economy and privacy protections as a strategy for minimizing business risks.

Other Advantages of Banking in Hong Kong:

• Many offshore accounts are opened as Hong Kong corporate accounts, as opposed to individual accounts. Hong Kong corporations can be structured with nominee shareholders and can appoint a resident as the corporate secretary protecting the privacy of the beneficial owners of the company.
• The increased sophistication of online banking services have made offshore accounts convenient and efficient. Bank accounts opened in H.K. offer the advantage of being multi currency, allowing account holders to exchange investments between currencies quickly and freely online.
• The relatively low minimum deposits required by most Hong Kong banks to open an account also makes this an attractive option. Of course if you want to open an account with all the private banking services higher minimum deposits are required.
• The policy of levying no capital gains tax, no tax on bank interest or stock market investments, and no tax on offshore sourced income makes the city a good choice for an offshore account.
• The ease of opening an offshore bank account with a local bank makes it an attractive option for many. If you are in Hong Kong and have the proper documentation an account can often be opened in one day.
• It is also possible to open accounts without visiting Hong Kong however this will take a little longer. It is possible to open a Hong Kong account with an international bank at a branch office in your home country or if you are using a professional service they will arrange to have the necessary documents emailed to you.

Developed countries in the world may be in an economic recession, but Asia is not. Countries like India and China are leading from the front and investors from all over the globe are flocking to Asia. Hong Kong is a busy and lively place and is overflowing with tourists all throughout the year. Multinational companies are shifting their staff to Asian countries, and Hong Kong has seen a heavy inflow of expats in the first half of 2011. The growth opportunities are there in Hong Kong and every multinational company knows that. Asia, today, means to investors what El-Dorado meant to gold prospectors many years back.

Hong Kong’s apartments are almost fully occupied all around the year and tourists have to book in advance to avail of discounted rates. The serviced apartment off take is quick and companies generally enter into long-term contracts with owners. Hong Kong is also the preferred destination for business men who visit mainland China. The expats and business executives who visit Hong Kong on work or business prefer to stay in serviced apartments because they would not like to get into long-term commitments.

The apartments come fully loaded and that makes them the preferred choice of tourists and expats. There are studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments and suites. Each apartment is well-stocked. The furnishings are top-class and the maintenance is professional. Most of these apartments are even equipped with air purifiers and green energy equipment like solar heaters, water-saving taps. The maintenance staff uses environment-friendly, biodegradable material in most of the apartments. Some apartments even allow dogs.

The apartments are just right for business executives on long stays, families on a budget, and for individual vacationers who want to stay in a home-like environment that’s affordable. There are all types of serviced apartments here – some cater to the multinationals, some are ideal for people on a budget, etc. The biggest advantage is that even the middle-rung serviced apartments are far more luxurious and convenient than hotel rooms.

All serviced apartments come equipped with modern kitchens that contain modern kitchen appliances, washrooms with showers, sinks, and more, access to public transport, Wi-Fi Internet, and housekeeping services. It is the kitchen in these serviced apartments that saves you a whole lot of cash. Plus, restaurant food is expensive and greasy.

If you want to live in the middle of excitement, noise and crowds, then you must book a serviced apartment in the Central District or in Lan Kwai Fong. These are the areas where all the action is. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then look for options that are way from these hotspots. Ensure that you choose a Hong Kong apartment based on your lifestyle. However, do not rush to book a serviced apartment. Take your time and compare many serviced apartments in different Hong Kong localities before booking one. But, do all your checking in advance because these apartments fill up fast.

Hotels in Hong Kong are known to be expensive. On average, hotel rates can be from as low as $100 to as high as $500 per night. There are also budget hotels that are lower than $100 per night which are of high standard and at the same time not compromising the services they provide.

There are 3 cheap hotels in Hong Kong which falls under this category. Not only is the price reasonable, the amenities and facilities from these hotels are complete and up to standard for the price you pay.

L Hotel Island South (3.5 Stars) – From $76 per night

It is located in the Hong Kong’s Aberdeen neighbourhood and is close to Jumbo Kingdom. This hotel has a restaurant and a bar convenient to your dining needs. Room service is also available if you prefer to dine in the comfort of your room. You can also find small meeting rooms, town car services and business services. You can also enjoy the free wireless internet services in the public areas. There is also a free shuttle service to the theme park and shopping centre.

Oriental Lander Hotel (3 Stars) – From $79 per night

The hotel is located in the heart of Kowloon and is near to the Grand Century Place and Flower Market. A nearby tourist attraction is the famous Temple Street Night Market.

Within the hotel, there is a 24 hour business centre which offers small meeting rooms. Free wireless internet access is also available in the public areas. Airport transfer is available at a surcharge. Room service is available but only during limited hours.

Silvermine Beach Hotel (3 Stars) – From $46 per night

Silvermine is a beachfront hotel located near to the Silvermine Beach and Mui Wo Market. If you play golf, the Discovery Bay Golf Course is near the hotel.

This hotel offers recreational amenities which include sauna, fitness and tennis courts. Meeting rooms are fully equipped with audio-visual devices should you need them for business purposes. As with most hotels in Hong Kong, high-speed internet is available for free at the public access areas. Coffee shop and room service is there for you whenever your need arises.

Travelling to Hong Kong and planning for the trip can be overwhelming as there is so much to see and do. Attractions from the world’s largest night parade to the stunning nightlife, the Pearl of the Orient is a place not to be missed. Selecting the right hotel will make your stay more enjoyable and the extra savings from the hotel rates can be well spent elsewhere during your trip.

The current economic crisis has hit most countries across the globe to varying degrees. Some countries are already on the path to recovery, but other countries are taking a longer time. Hong Kong is one of the countries that is recovering faster than others mainly due to the increasing support of China. The other factors that have helped its economy to grow faster are its political stability, attractive tax and business incentives, and its free market environment. Its reputation as a desirable place for offshore companies to set up business has held its ground in spite of the current worldwide economic downturn.

Advantages Of Setting Up A Business In Hong Kong

1) Setting Up Business is Easy: Hong Kong is one of the most efficient places in the world for incorporating an offshore company mainly because of its free market and trade policies and its free business environment. Moreover, as there are relatively fewer restrictions on investment, it is an investor-friendly business city. It has the reputation of being the world’s freest economy because there are no controls on foreign exchange transactions and corporate ownership. It has maintained this status for more than 10 years. As such, there is complete business freedom for offshore entrepreneurs.

2) Low Start-Up Cost: As per the Milken Institute’s Opacity Index, Hong Kong ranks second in five key measures, such as lower risk, low cost of doing business, corruption, policy effectiveness, and efficiency. The Hong Kong dollar is fully convertible, and it is not linked to the Yuan. An offshore company can be started in Hong Kong with very little cost.

3) Favorable, Convenient, and Low Taxes: With a maximum corporate tax of 16.5% and a maximum income tax of 15%, Hong Kong has the third lowest tax burden in the world. Moreover, there are no auxiliary taxes, such as tax on dividends, sales tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax, and individual estate tax.

4) Availability of Skilled and Productive Workforce: The workforce is productive, efficient, has good work ethics and a good can-do attitude, and is proficient in English. Hong Kong also has a liberal immigration policy, and the official language at the work place is English, making it a highly desirable place to start a business. Starting a business is also without any hassles.

5) Confidentiality of Operations: Nominee directors and a company secretary can be elected by an offshore company owner to maintain confidentiality of the company’s operations. Nominee services are normally provided by professional consulting companies.

Setting Up An Offshore Company In Hong Kong

The procedure for setting up an offshore company in Hong Kong is simple, fast, and inexpensive because its free economy provides low business costs and corporate taxes, strict privacy laws, and an efficient workforce. Normally, it takes less than 4 days to set up a company in Hong Kong, and if help from a professional consultancy firm is taken, the procedure is relatively simple.

Deciding The Type Of Company To Be Formed

For incorporation of a company, it is necessary to register it with the Companies Registry under the Companies Ordinance. However, as a first step, the entrepreneur has to decide the type of company that he/she wishes to form. Basically, there are two types of companies: private and public. A private company is usually formed for operating a small business, and its characteristics are that there are restrictions on the right to transfer its shares; the number of members is limited to 50, which do not include employees and former employees; and the public cannot subscribe for any of its shares or debentures. A public company, on the other hand, has none of the above restrictions. Private companies far outnumber the number of public companies. Moreover, most companies are limited companies, implying that the liability of the shareholders is limited to their respective shareholdings. In case of a financial crunch, where the company accrues high debts and liabilities, the assets of the company might be used to pay off the creditors, but the shareholders of the company would not be required to settle the balance in case there are insufficient funds to settle all the debts. A prospective entrepreneur would need to decide the type of company to incorporate in consultation with a professional consultancy firm.

Company Formation Procedure

The required services for setting up the company are confirmed by the corporate services firm after it has collected the required diligence. The legal, accounting, and tax implications of company incorporation are settled with this firm. The availability of the company name is reviewed. Thereafter, the client and the corporate services firm finalize the optimum corporate structure for starting the new company. This structure includes the number of directors and shareholders. The consultancy firm then delivers the incorporation documents for signing to the client. The client signs the documents and returns them to the corporate services firm. The interaction with the relevant government bodies for the business incorporation is done by the professional consultancy firm, leading to completion of the incorporation process.

Once the company is set up, the entrepreneur will have to open a corporate bank account, get corporate and trade finance and merchant accounts, and then look for a suitable local office space or a virtual office. It is easy to open multicurrency accounts of the highest quality, along with Internet banking facilities. Many international banks operate in Hong Kong, and entrepreneurs can choose any of them for opening their corporate bank accounts. Due to the fact that there are no foreign exchange controls or restrictions on inward or outward remittances, operating an international business from an office in Hong Kong is without any hassles at all. The other necessary adjuncts for starting a business, such as launching a company website, establishing a company logo and search engine advertising, are easily accomplished. One of the major advantages of operating a business from Hong Kong is that it has an easy corridor to China, which is the world’s third largest economy.

Company Structure

The composition of the company must necessarily have the following elements: at least one shareholder; one director of any nationality or residence; a company secretary; a registered Hong Kong office address; auditors from a Hong Kong accountants company; and a business registration certificate. It is possible for one person to operate as a director, shareholder, and secretary, but if there is only one director, then he/she cannot act as secretary. There is no minimum requirement for the amount of share capital.

It is advisable to appoint a good corporate service provider for opening bank accounts and fulfilling all the other formalities, as they would be aware of whatever needs to be done. It is well recognized by international banking institutions that doing business in Hong Kong is without any hassles and is straightforward with positive aspects, such as the ease of getting construction permits, investor protection, and no restrictions on trading in international markets or paying taxes abroad. If the structure of the company is legal and proper, it can benefit from legal tax exemptions for profits earned from across the borders.

The decision to set up a business in Hong Kong should, however, be made only after taking into consideration all the pros and cons of doing so with the business objectives in mind. It would also be worthwhile to get an expert opinion from an offshore company specialist who will give a third-party perspective and a clear picture of the prospects of business success.