VISAS, ENTRY RULES, CUSTOMS REGULATIONS in Hong Kong, China
On July 1, 2009, the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on the mutual abolition of visa requirements for citizens of the Russian Federation and permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China entered into force. The agreement provides for the possibility for Russian citizens and permanent residents of Hong Kong to make visa-free tourist or other trips for up to 14 days on a reciprocal basis, if they are not related to making a profit. To do this, you only need a passport valid for at least 1 month after the end of the trip. You will also need to present a return ticket, or a ticket to a third country (only if the next destination is not China or Macau).
In other cases, to enter Hong Kong, even when passing through the territory of China, it is necessary to issue a separate visa. Also, Hong Kong visa is not valid in the rest of China. Registration is carried out at the consular section of the Chinese Embassy.
Embassy in Countries list Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong, China, Embassy in Moscow
117330, st. Friendship, 6
Phones:
Reception: 938-20-06,
Consular Department: 143-15-43, 956-11-69 (fax)
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, from 9:00 to 12:00
Hong Kong, China, website Embassies: http://ru.china-embassy.org/rus/
Hong Kong, China, Russian Embassy in the country:
1000600, Beijing, st. st. Dongzhimen Beizhongjie, 4
Phone: (86106) 532-20-51, Consular Department – 532-12-67
Communication in Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong has one of the most modern telecommunications systems in the world. There are 3 types of street payphones: those operating with coins (1 HK$ for every 5 minutes of conversation), operating with credit cards and with special telephone cards (sold at postal stalls and post offices), from which you can call abroad.
Emergency Phones in Hong Kong, China
Police, ambulance, fire and emergency services – 999.
HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS
January 1-2 – New Year
Three days in January or February – Chinese New Year. At this time, the famous fireworks are held in Hong Kong, when several barges enter Victoria Bay, from which, within 40 minutes, 15,000 charges are fired. A huge number of people gather for this spectacle on the Hong Kong waterfront.
March 8 – International Women’s Day
March 12 – Forest Plantation Day
May 1 – Labor Day
May 4 – Youth Day
June 1 – Children’s Day
July 1 – Founding Day of the Chinese Communist Party
August 1 – Founding Day of the Chinese National Liberation Army
September 10 – Teacher’s Day
1- October 2 – Proclamation Day of the People’s Republic of China
The most important and widespread traditional holidays in China are the Spring Festival, Yuanxiao (Lantern Festival), Qingming, Duanwu, Zhongqiu (Mid-Autumn) and Chongyang.
The Spring Festival is celebrated at the end of winter. The night before, the whole family gathers together. A plentiful festive dinner is arranged, after which conversations are held on various topics, games. In many families, they stay up all night, this is called “Shousui” – waiting for the New Year. In the morning of the next day, it is supposed to go around the houses of relatives and friends with congratulations and wishes of all the best. On the days of the Spring Festival, traditional mass performances are held: lion dances, dragon dances, round dances of “land boats”, numbers on stilts.
Yuanxiao falls on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar. It coincides with the first full moon of the new year. Yuanxiao is eaten on this day, which is made from glutinous rice with sweet filling and candied fruits. They have the shape of a ball and symbolize the happiness of a close-knit family. Holiday lanterns are also admired on this day, so it is also called the Lantern Festival. By this day, the most diverse, but certainly colorful lanterns are made, which are hung on the streets and in the yards. Holiday evenings are arranged when riddles written on lanterns are solved.
“Qingming” falls on one of the days of April 4-6. Since ancient times, this day commemorated their ancestors. And now, on the Qingming holiday, events in memory of the fallen revolutionaries and fallen heroes have begun to stand up. On this day, their graves are put in order. In “Qingming” it is usually warm, nature blossoms, so many go on country walks, fly kites, admire the spring nature. That is why this holiday is also called “Taqingze” – the day of walking on the first greenery.
It is believed that the Duanwu holiday originated as a memory of the ancient Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan. The poet lived in the kingdom of Chu during the era of the Warring States. He was unable to achieve his political goals, was unable to save the kingdom of Chu from destruction, and on the 5th day of the fifth month (after the overthrow of the kingdom of Chu by the kingdom of Qin), Qu Yuan committed suicide by throwing himself into the Milojiang River. According to legend, after the death of the poet, people got into boats and searched for his body for a long time in the river. Since then, every year on the 5th day of the fifth month, in memory of the great poet, boat races shaped like a dragon are traditionally held on the rivers. At the same time, bamboo rings filled with boiled rice are thrown into the river for Qu Yuan. The people also preserved the custom of eating “zongzi” on this day – rice wrapped in reed leaves.
“Zhongqiu” falls on the middle of autumn. Since ancient times, every year on this day, people made gingerbread from flour and brought them as a gift to the god of the moon. At the end of the ceremony, the whole family ate the gingerbread, which symbolized well-being in the family. This custom has survived to this day.
Chongyang falls on the 9th day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. In ancient times, this day was considered lucky. On this day, the people retain the custom of climbing a mountain, enjoying cakes, drinking beer and admiring chrysanthemums. From the end of the 80s. The holiday has become a significant date for the elderly. Every year on this day, various events are held throughout the country in honor of the elderly, they are invited to solemn meetings and amateur art shows.
USEFUL THINGS
In Hong Kong, smoking in public buildings (airport, shops, metro) is subject to a fine of 5000 NK $.
If you give your business card to someone, then you need to give it with both hands, face up. Otherwise, it will be perceived as disrespectful.
SHOPS
Shops are almost everywhere open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, except for the Central Gallery, where they close at 19:00.
Tipping
Tipping is officially prohibited in China.
NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
General national psychological characteristics of the Chinese nation are also inherent in the inhabitants of Hong Kong. However, there are also some differences. The vast majority of Hong Kong Chinese are well educated, less conservative than mainlanders, and quick to embrace new things. Hong Kongers, being part of the British Empire for a long time, studied English, adopted the external attributes of the culture of the British and other foreigners, trying to imitate them. At the same time, they learned to resist the impact of Western civilization and accepted only those norms of behavior of foreigners that did not play a significant role in the system of Chinese values.
In Hong Kong, how you look in the eyes of others is very important. Even low-income families throw lavish wedding ceremonies and overspend in order to “get face”. Another distinctive feature of the locals is superstition: they believe in good and evil spirits, dragons, fate and unfavorable combinations of numbers.
ELECTRICITY
220V, 50Hz;
HEALTH CARE
In Hong Kong, medical services are paid and quite expensive, so it is recommended to take out insurance before traveling. Travelers are not required to have any vaccinations.
