There are many hotels near the conference venue. Our conference organizer, China Travel Service (H.K.), has reserved blocks of rooms at discounted prices in several hotels at convenient locations.

Official Language

The official language of the Symposium will be English. There will be no official simultaneous translation.

Transportation

General:

Hong Kong is easily accessible and served by direct passenger flights to all major cities in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. The Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok is only 45 minutes direct from most major hotels and shopping areas. The airport express train can reach the central business district in 30 minutes. Because the city is so compact, getting around Hong Kong is also easy. Fleets of taxis, buses, ferries and trams, complemented by the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR) subway systems, enable visitors to explore Hong Kong on their own safely and easily.

Transportation to the conference venue:

Bus Routes (alight at Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road)
No. 4, 7, 37, 40, 40M, 46X, 71, 90B, 91, 94, 970, 970X, 973

Minibus Routes (alight at Sassoon Road)
No. 8 (Baguio Villa <--> Central), No. 28 (Baguio Villa <--> Causeway Bay)

Map to conference venue (on Sassoon Road)

Currency

The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HK$). This is linked to the US$ at a rate of HK$7.7-7.8 to US$1.

Climate

Hong Kong is in the sub-tropical region. The weather in June is typically warm with an average temperature of 27°C, rainfall of 12 mm/day, and relative humidity 82%.

Insurance

The organizers do not accept any responsibility for individual, medical, travel or personal insurance, and delegates are advised to take out their own personal insurance policies.

Visas

British citizens or U.K. passport holders do not require visas. U.S. nationals only require visas for a visit exceeding one month. British Dependent Territories' Citizens, Commonwealth citizens and citizens from most Western European countries and Japan can stay in Hong Kong for up to three months without a visa. Visitors from certain Middle East and East European countries, as well as Taiwan, require visas. Visitors should check at relevant consulates, high commission or visa offices in advance of departure, or check with the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Voltage

The electric power is 220 Volts, 50 Hz, AC.

Geography & Population

Hong Kong lies on the southern shore of China. In total area, Hong Kong covers just under 1,100 sq km, consisting essentially of Hong Kong Island (78 sq km), Kowloon peninsula (12 sq km), the New Territories and 235 outlying islands (980 sq km). With a population of about 7 million, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Nearly 98% of the population are Chinese. The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect. Most vendors speak some English.

Further information on Hong Kong