LATEST INFORMATION 


For information on exhibitions see CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
For information on future developments see WHAT'S PLANNED
For information on new attractions/developments see WHAT'S NEW
For information on new, future and renamed hotels see NEW AND FUTURE HOTELS 

 

PEAK TRAM FARES TO BE STANDARDISED

With effect from 30th December 2024 fares for the Peak Tram will be standardised and the current dynamic fare structure will be discontinued. The new fares for all days will be HK$108 for an adult, HK$54 for a child or senior for a return ticket and HK$76 adult and HK$38 for a child or senior single journey ticket.

Peak Tramways Company advises the new structure is expected to make it easier for passengers to plan their journeys, simplify the ticket buying process and will also provide the company with more flexibility to devise additional promotional strategies.

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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR EVENTS

For information regarding Christmas and New Year events in Hong Kong see;
 

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THE 58th HONG KONG BRANDS AND PRODUCTS EXPO 

The 58th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo (HKBPE), organised by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA) takes place in Victoria Park at Causeway Bay from 14th December 2024 until 6th January 2025.

The HKBPE is an annual event which first took place in 1938 has a history of over 80 years and aims to promote Hong Kong brands and products both locally and overseas. The first expo was originally a joint venture with the YWCA and took place St Paul’s College in Central with 48 exhibitors. Since then the event has been held at various locations including Happy Valley, Tsim Sha Tsui, Naval Dockyard, reclamation sites in Central, Hung Hom and Wanchai and Tamar Site before moving to its current location in Victoria Park in 2003, growing to almost 900 exhibitors, attracting over 2.5 million visitors and covering an area of 28,000 sq metres.

The 58th HKBPE slogan is “CMA Brilliant 90 Years Dazzling Expo”  and the event features more than 900 booths in eleven zones, namely the Hong Kong Brands Square; Food & Beverages Zone; Grocery & Noodles Zone; Ginseng, Dried Seafood & Soup Packs Zone; Beauty & Healthcare Zone; Fashion & Stylish Products Zone; Living & Household Zone; Social Enterprises Zone; Promotion Zone; Food Plaza and the special zone - Chillax Zone featuring stylish bars and photo spots with various wines and snacks. The event also features thematic days with special events and stage entertainment including musical performances and a “Miss Exhibition Pageant” featuring eight contestants.

The expo has been held since 1938. The expo is open from 11am until 9pm from 14th to 22nd December and 1st to 5th January, 11am to 10pm 23rd to 31st December and 11am to 8pm on the last day, 6th January 2025.

Admission is HK$10 for adults and is free for children under 1m in height, seniors age 65 and over and persons with disabilities and all visitors from 7pm onwards every day.

The expo is located within short walking distance of Causeway Bay MTR Station Exit E and Tin Hau MTR Station Exit A2.

For further details including transport arrangements see;

https://www.hkbpe.com.hk/web/subpage.php?mid=341

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TERMINATION OF WONG SHEK PIER – WAN TSAI (NAM FUNG WAN) / CHEK KENG KAITO FERRY SERVICE

The licensed scheduled kaito ferry service operated by Tsui Wah Ferry Service between Wong Shek Pier and Wan Tsai (Nam Fung Wan) / Chek Keng on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays is to cease operation from 13th October 2024.

The service was popular with hikers and tourists to Sai Kung East Country Park. Nam Fung Wan can alternatively be reached on foot from Wong Shek or by private charter boat.

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KMB TOUR @ KOWLOON RECREATION ROUTE HK1

Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) has introduced from 21st September 2024 its “KMB TOUR @ KOWLOON” route HK1 which is a “hop-on, hop-off” tourist sightseeing route highlighting landmarks and attractions in Kowloon, including West Kowloon Cultural District, Temple Street, the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, Flower Market, Mei Ho House, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Kowloon City. The route circulates around Kowloon, departing from Star Ferry Pier Bus Terminus, Tsim Sha Tsui, via West Kowloon Cultural District, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, Prince Edward, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin and Kowloon before returning to Star Ferry. The route has a total of 17 stops with an on-board broadcast introducing attractions near each stop. For further details see;

https://www.kmb.hk/news_detail.html?id=996&year=2024


The seats on board have extra legroom, free Wi-Fi service, USB charging ports and curtains, with no standing allowed. The bus is decorated in a distinctive themed livery.

The tour bus departs from Star Ferry at 30 minute intervals from 10-00 to 18-00 on Mondays to Fridays and 10-00 to 20-00 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Fare is HK$19 for the full route.

KMB has produced a 24-page attractions guide to accompany the tour;

https://www.kmb.hk/hk1/

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TERMINATION OF CHEUNG CHAU PUBLIC PIER – SAI WAN LICENSED KAITO FERRY SERVICE

The Transport Department has advised that the licensed Cheung Chau Public Pier – Sai Wan kaito ferry service has permanently ceased operation with effect from 12 September 2024.

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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND ADMISSION PRICE INCREASE

Hong Kong Disneyland has revised its pricing structure with effect from 25th September 2024. For most ticket categories the revised prices represent and increase of about 7% over previous prices. Pricing for 1-day tickets is demand based on a four-tier structure being Tier 1 (formerly "Regular Days" prior to September 2023), Tier 2 (formerly "Peak Days"), which apply mainly at weekends and during some holiday periods, Tier 3 (formerly"Peak Days Plus"), which apply for some popular seasons and a new Tier 4 which applies on the busiest days at peak periods such as Christmas and Chinese New Year. The age of eligibility for concessionary admission for seniors has been reduced from 65 to 60 but the previous concessionary rate of HK$100 for seniors and is now applicable only to Hong Kong residents age 60 and over holding a valid JoyYou Card. New admission prices;

TIER 1 - Adult HK$669, Child (age 3-11) / Senior (age 60 and over)* HK$499

TIER 2 - Adult HK$759, Child (age 3-11) / Senior (age 60 and over)* HK$569

TIER 3 - Adult HK$849, Child (age 3-11) / Senior (age 60 and over)* HK$639

TIER 4 - Adult HK$939, Child (age 3-11) / Senior (age 60 and over)* HK$705

*Senior admission prices apply to visitors age 60 and over. Hong Kong residents age 60 and over with valid JoyYou Card are entitled to concessionary admission price of HK$100.

Designation of tier type for specific dates can be found in the Park Calendar on the Hong Kong Disneyland website up to three months in advance.

Magic Access annual pass prices have also increased and for an adult Platinum Membership is HK$4998, Gold Membership is HK$2748, Silver Membership HK$1568. The new prices for student/child memberships under Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers are HK$3748, HK$2058 and HK$1178 respectively.

Hong Kong Disneyland last increased its admission prices in September 2023.

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OPENING OF THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF THE WAR OF RESISTANCE AND COASTAL DEFENCE

The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence at Shau Kei Wan was officially converted into the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence on 3rd September 2024.

 New logo of the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence

The first thematic exhibition of the museum "Brothers in Arms: War of Resistance Activities of the East River Column in Shenzhen and Hong Kong" focuses on the War of Resistance activities of the East River Column in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Precious exhibits and historical images in the new exhibition include a cloth bag, a felt blanket and a revolver used by members of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column during wartime, newspapers published by the East River Column (replica), the first issue of the "Tati Pictorial" published in Hong Kong in November 1938, cartoon images of "Miscellaneous Memories of One Hundred Days in Dongjiang" created by cartoonist Ding Cong, and a commemorative medal of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression as well as valuable oral history records from veterans. The exhibition runs until 2nd June 2025.

The four existing exhibition galleries at the museum showcasing the history of the War of Resistance, namely the "Narrative of the War of Resistance", "Join Hands to Resist Japanese Invasion", "Japanese Invasion of Hong Kong" and "Anti-Japanese Guerrillas behind Enemy Lines" galleries, will be collectively known as the "War of Resistance Galleries". Through the display of massive historic photos and artefacts as well as multimedia programmes, the history of the War of Resistance as well as the activities of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column behind enemy lines will be shown to recognise the significant contribution of the column. After the conversion, the Certificate of Commendation (replica) presented by the HKSAR Government to the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column, and the name list of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column on the Roll of Honour 1941-1945 who lost their lives during the period of Japanese occupation, are displayed near the entrance of the museum's Reception Building to highlight their importance.

For further information see;

https://hk.waranddefence.museum/en/web/mcd/home.html

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MTR TO EXTEND CONTACTLESS PAYMENT SERVICE TO MASTERCARD AND UNIONPAY

MTR Corporation has announced that it to extend its contactless payment methods for MTR travel to include Mastercard and Union Pay debit and credit cards from 24th August 2024, except for Airport Express journeys. MTR has already accepted contactless Visa card payment since December 2023. Each station on the MTR network is currently equipped with at least two light blue coloured entry/exit gates which accept contactless payment. Airport Express entry/exit gates are expected to be upgraded to accept contactless payment during 2026 at the earliest. All MTR customer service centres accept contactless payment.

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CHANGES TO ELDER OCTOPUS

With effect from 25th August 2024 the existing anonymous Elder Octopus will no longer provide the benefits of the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities (HK$2 Scheme). Hong Kong residents age 60 and over can continue to enjoy concessions of the scheme by applying for a JoyYou Card which includes photo ID of the card holder. Applications for JoyYou Cards have been rolled out in batches since June 2022 and by the end of December 2023 1.25 million applications had been received. Non-residents age 65 and over can continue to use anonymous Elder Octopus to benefit from the public transport operators own elderly concession which is usually half of the normal adult fare.

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DISCOVERY BAY FERRY FARE INCREASE

Discovery Bay Transportation Services has announced that with effect from Sunday 11th August 2024 ferry fares for services between Discovery Bay and Central will increase owing to continuing escalation of operating costs.

For non-residents using Octopus or Single-Trip Ticket the fare will increase from HK$46 to HK$55.8, while for holders of DB Resident’s Octopus the fare will increase to HK$38.2. Child and Senior fares will increase to HK$27.9 for non-residents and HK$19.1 for residents except for senior passengers eligible for the government-subsidised HK$2 fare scheme.

The revised fares which have been approved by the government represent the first increase since June 2018 and are lower than the company applied for.

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TAXI FARE INCREASE

Increases in taxi fares have taken effect from 14th July 2024. The flagfall for all taxis (Urban, New Territories (NT) and Lantau) will increase by HK$2 to HK$27, HK$23.5 and HK$22 respectively. The incremental charge for the first-tier distance after flagfall will increase by HK$0.2 and the incremental charge for second-tier distance after flagfall will increase by HK$0.1.

Revised fare structure from 14th July 2024;

URBAN (RED) TAXIS

HK$27 for the first 2kms then HK$2.1 each 200-metres up to 9km, then HK$1.4 each 200-metres over 9km.
 

NEW TERRITORIES (GREEN) TAXIS

HK$25.5 for first 2kms then HK$1.9 each 200-metres up to 8km, then HK$1.4 each 200-metres from HK$74.5 upwards.
 

LANTAU (BLUE) TAXIS

HK$24 for the first 2 kms then HK$1.9 each 200-metres up to 20km, then HK$1.6 each 200-metres over 20km.

There are corresponding adjustments to the charge for the waiting time as a result of the increase in incremental charges after flagfall, other additional charges such as luggage fees remain unchanged.

Taxi fares were last increased on 17th July 2022 and the latest increases approved by the Government are substantially less than the taxi trade had applied for.

The Government has recently reviewed overall taxi operation and management, and launched a series of measures with a view to enhancing the quality of taxi services and promoting the development of the taxi industry. Such measures include introducing a taxi fleet regime, increasing the maximum passenger seating capacity of taxis from five to six, and introducing a Taxi-Driver-Offence Points System and a two-tier penalty system for certain taxi-driver-related offences. The measures are being implemented progressively with a view to enhancing service quality and the overall image of the taxi trade. Among these measures, the taxi fleet regime is a new regulatory regime. Under the taxi fleet regime, the Transport Department will issue Taxi Fleet Licences and regulate the operation and management of taxi fleets through licensing conditions, including the requirements in relation to fleet size, age of vehicles and services to be provided by fleet licensees, such as the provision of online booking channels (including mobile applications and websites) and e-payment means, as well as the installation of CCTV systems and technological devices to enhance driving safety inside the compartments. The Transport Department issued the invitation for applications for Taxi Fleet Licences on 12th April 2024 with fifteen applications having been received by the 31st May deadline. Taking into account the time needed for setting up a taxi fleet, the Transport Department will require taxi fleet operators to commence operation in not more than 12 months after the grant of Taxi Fleet Licences (i.e. no later than mid-2025).

For more information on taxi services in Hong Kong see TAXIS

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TWO GIANT PANDAS GIFTED TO OCEAN PARK

On 1st July 2024, a date which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China the Central Government announced it is gifting another pair of giant pandas to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In conjunction with the National Forestry and Grassland Administration preparatory work is underway to ensure that Hong Kong Ocean Park is fully geared up in taking care of the giant pandas with details of the arrangements for arrival of the giant pandas in Hong Kong to be announced in due course. The pandas will arrive in Hong Kong on 26th September and will undertake 30 days quarantine. It is expected the pandas will be on display to the public from about 8th December 2024.

The new pair of pandas seen arriving at Hong Kong International Airport on 26th September 2024

Since the announcement of the gifting of the pair of pandas Ocean Park has announced that the giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, gifted by the Central People's Government to the HKSAR in 2007, succeeded in natural mating at Ocean Park in March 2024 and after a pregnancy period of nearly five months, Ying Ying gave birth to a pigeon pair of cubs at 2.05am and 3.27am on 15th August 2024.

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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HONG KONG WETLAND PARK EXHIBITION GALLERIES AND THEATRE

The exhibition galleries and theatre in the Visitor Centre of Hong Kong Wetland Park will be closed temporarily from 26th June 2024 for upgrading works. The upgrading works aim to enhance the appeal of the Wetland Park as a green tourism spot by introducing interactive and information technology features to the Visitor Centre.The upgrading works are expected to be completed by the end 2025. Other facilities at the Wetland Park will remain open during the upgrading works.

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HIGH SPEED RAIL INTRODUCES SLEEPER TRAINS TO BEIJING AND SHANGHAI

MTR High Speed Rail is to introduce overnight sleeper train services between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, Beijing and Shanghai on Fridays to Mondays from 15th June 2024.

Train D910 to Beijing West departs Hong Kong West Kowloon at 18-24. Train D909 departs Beijing for Hong Kong West Kowloon at 20-13. Journey time is about 12 hours, 30 minutes.

Train D908 to Shanghai Hongqiao departs Hong Kong West Kowloon at 19-49, Train D907 departs Shanghai for Hong Kong West Kowloon at 2015. Journey time is about 11 hours.

Trains will comprise sixteen cars, accommodating approximately 600 passengers. The train composition includes thirteen sleeper cars, one dining car, and two second class seating cars. Trains to and from Shanghai Hongqiao station also feature one premium sleeper car.

The new High Speed service replace the MTR Inter-City Through Train sleeper services between Hung Hom Station in Kowloon and Beijing and Shanghai which operated from 2007 until the service was suspended in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

For further information see;

https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/en/latest-news/SleeperTrain.html

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KOWLOON STATION IN-TOWN CHECK-IN SERVICE TO RESUME

The Airport Express In-town Check-in service at Kowloon Station which has been suspended since April 2020 is to resume from Thursday 6th June, initially for Cathay Pacific passengers only. Operating hours are 6am to 3pm.

From 7th June the In-town Check-in service at Hong Kong Station which is currently restricted to Cathay Pacific passengers will be extended to include Hong Kong Airlines. Operating hours for Cathay Pacific are 6am to 11pm and for Hong Kong Airlines 6am to 3pm;

https://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/corporate/en/press_release/PR-24-032-E.pdf

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HING CHUN ALLIANCE HERITAGE TRAIL LAUNCHED

The Hing Chun Alliance Heritage Trail was launched on 23rd May 2024 by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in collaboration with Lai Chi Wo village, Mui Tsz Lam village and Kop Tong village, to further promote the history, culture and life stories of the Hong Kong Geopark communities while providing an in-depth travel experience for visitors.

The first section of the Hing Chun Alliance Heritage Trail links Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong, totalling approximately 3.7 kilometres in length. The Trail, featuring 28 interpretation panels and three map boards, was planned along the existing footpath. It connects many important historical and cultural relics, portraying the history, culture and interesting life stories of the villages. Through historical photos and drawings, the Trail illustrates the lifestyle of the Hing Chun Alliance.

Kop Tong village

For further information see WHAT'S NEW

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KMB INTRODUCES TOURIST DAY PASS

Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) is introducing a Tourist Day Pass providing unlimited all day bus journeys on a single day for over 450 routes operated by KMB and sister company LWB (Long Win Bus). The pass, which is priced at HK$55, will be available from 28th April 2024 and can be purchased either by using the “App1933” KMB mobile app or at 19 designated sales points.

When purchased using the mobile app, customers can access the “eCoin” page and follow the instructions to complete the online transaction. Purchasers are required to provide the first four digits of their passport number during the process. The pass will be available for use for 24 hours following activation and passengers scan the QR code generated on the app when boarding. When obtained from any of the 19 designated sales points purchasers will be given a card with a 16-digit activation code to activate their day pass on the “App1933” KMB mobile app. Designated sales points include Hong Kong International Airport, Lok Ma Chau bus station, and Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Bus Terminus (see full list below).

Payment for the pass when purchased through “App1933” can be made using Visa, MasterCard, AlipayCN, AlipayHK and Union Pay or when purchased from designated sales points Visa, MasterCard, AlipayCN, AlipayHK, UnionPay, WeChat Pay and BoC Pay. Cash payment is not accepted.

The pass does not provide for journeys on routes K12, K14, K17 aand K18 (Northwest New Territories MTR feeder services).

Designated sales points and service hours;

Tsim Sha Tsui East Bus Terminus (Mody Road) 9am to 7pm                                                                                                            Jordan (West Kowloon Station) 9am to 7pm                                                                                                                                      Tsing Yi Station 9am to 7pm                                                                                                                                                              Tsuen Wan (Nina Plaza) 9am to 7pm                                                                                                                                                     Sai Kung 9am to 7pm (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only)                                                                                                Lam Tin Station 9am to 7pm                                                                                                                                                                  Yau Tong 9am to 7pm                                                                                                                                                                          Tuen Mun Station 7-30am to 7pm                                                                                                                                                         Lok Ma Chau Station 9am to 9pm                                                                                                                                                        Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange - 24hours                                                                                                    Sheung Shui 9am to 7pm                                                                                                                                                                   Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point 9am to 9pm                                                                                                                             Tai Po Market Station 9am to 7pm                                                                                                                                                 University Station 9am to 7pm                                                                                                                                                                   Airport (Ground Transportation Centre) 9am to 9pm                                                                                                                           Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port 9am to 9pm                                                                                                          Tsim Sha Tsui, Star Ferry Bus Terminus service kiosk 11am to 2pm and 3pm to 8pm                                                                          Sha Tin Sha Tin Town Center Bus Terminus 11am to 2pm and 3pm to 8pm                                                                                     Tuen Mun Town Center Bus Terminus 11am to 2pm and 3pm to 8pm

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OCTOPUS T-UNION CARD LAUNCHED

Octopus Cards has launched the Octopus – China T-Union Pilot Programme on 26th March 2024 for the Octopus – China T-Union Card which enables card users to take public transport in over 336 cities across China. This includes over 38,000 public bus routes and 285 train and ferry routes bearing the “China T-Union” logo. The card can only be used on public transport in mainland China, not for other retail services but retains all original Octopus functions when used in Hong Kong at over 180,000 outlets including shopping and dining.

The first edition of the card which can be purchased from over 7,000 Circle K convenience stores in Hong Kong and MTR customer service centres at Hung Hom, Admiralty, Sheung Shui, Fanling, Lok Ma Chau, Kowloon Tong and Tsuen Wan stations costs HK$88 with no deposit and has a stored value limit of HK$3,000. The card is topped up in Hong Kong dollars while fares are deducted in renminbi with conversion at the fare collection system’s foreign exchange rate. The card can be paired with the Octopus app to enable holders to check remaining value and track existing exchange rates including the last ten exchange rates and transaction records. The card can be topped up with cash at designated locations in Hong Kong including public transport venues and retail outlets and the Octopus app. In Mainland China the card can be topped up via the Octopus app and in Shenzhen also at Shenzhen UnionPay EPS Kiosks.



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MTR FARE INCREASE CAPPED AT 3.09%

MTR Corporation has announced that the Fare Adjustment Rate for the 2024/25 period will be capped at an overall increase of 3.09%. Changes to individual fares will be calculated and effective date of increases will be announced at a later date.

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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF DR SUN YAT-SEN MUSEUM

​The Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, located at 7 Castle Road, Mid-Levels, Central, is to close temporarily from 1st May 2024 for upgrading the permanent exhibition galleries to enhance the design and presentation in addition to maintenance and renovation works. It is expected to re-open in the second quarter of 2025.

The "Hong Kong in Dr Sun Yat-sen's Time" permanent exhibition will remain open until 30th April 2024 and the "Learning through play: Old textbooks, toys and games" special exhibition will run until 31st March.

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ROBIN’S NEST COUNTRY PARK ESTABLISHED

Hong Kong’s newest country park, Robin's Nest Country Park was established on 1st March 2024. 
 
Robin's Nest Country Park, occupying an area of about 530 hectares at Sha Tau Kok in Northeastern New Territories, is the 25th country park in Hong Kong. The Park lies on a continuum of mountain ridges stretching from the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area to the north and Pat Sin Leng Country Park to the south.

 View of ridges from Hung Fa Chai in the newly-established Robin’s Nest Country Park

For further information see WHAT’S NEW

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HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX TO BE REINSTATED

The Financial Secretary to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has announced in the Budget Speech of 28th February 2024 that the Hotel Accommodation Tax (HAT) of 3% which has been waived since 1st July 2008 is to be reinstated with effect from 1st January 2025. The HAT is estimated to only account for less than one per cent of the total spending of overnight visitors in Hong Kong. In the coming year, the Government plans to allocate over HK$1 billion for upgrading tourism infrastructure and services to attract more high-spending overnight visitors from different visitor source markets to Hong Kong.

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FIRST BATCH OF NEW VESSELS FOR OUTLYING ISLANDS FERRY SERVICE TO ENTER SERVICE

The Transport Department has announced that the first batch of three fully government-subsidised new vessels procured under Phase I of the Vessel Subsidy Scheme will be gradually deployed to provide services from March 2024, operating on the Central - Cheung Chau, Central - Mui Wo and Central - Peng Chau routes.

The Government announced in the Chief Executive's 2019 Policy Address that it would implement the Vessel Subsidy Scheme to fully subsidise ten ferry routes to replace the entire existing fleet with greener vessels and newer facilities in two phases. Under Phase I of the scheme, 22 vessels will be procured for the the six major outlying island routes (including Central - Cheung Chau, Central - Mui Wo, Inter-islands, Central - Peng Chau, Central - Yung Shue Wan and Central - Sok Kwu Wan). About half of the new vessels are expected to arrive by the end 2024. 

The scheme aims to improve the fleet quality and promote environmental protection, as well as enhance the experience of passengers. The new vessels provide more comprehensive facilities, including additional breastfeeding areas and dedicated seats for passengers with pets, double or more the number of wheelchair seats as compared with existing vessels, provision of accessible toilets and mobile phone-charging facilities for some of the seats. The new vessels have been built with lightweight materials such as aluminium alloy and carbon fibre to reduce the weight of the vessels. They are also equipped with environmental-friendly engines which comply with the highest International Maritime Organization Tier III standard to reduce emission of nitrogen oxides.


New vessel 'Xin Ming Zhu II" which, along with "Xin Ming Zhu VIII", will operate on the Central - Cheung Chau and Mui Wo routes. The vessel features the newly designed promotional logo for government-funded projects.

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NEW FERRY SERVICE   SAI WAN HO – TSEUNG KWAN O

With effect from 28th January 2024 a new kaito ferry service has commenced service between Sai Wan Ho (Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter) and Tsueng Kwan O (South) Landing. The service, operated by Yun Lee Marine Holdings, has ten each way sailings daily with the first departure from Sai Wan Ho at 6-45am and the last at 7-15pm and first and last departures from Tseung Kwan O at 7-15am and 7-45pm respectively. The journey time is about 17 minutes. Adult single-journey fare is HK$16.8 and a concessionary fare of HK$8.5 is available for children and for seniors. Payment can be made by Octopus Card or cash (no change given). For further details including timetable and location of boarding points see;

http://www.yunlee.com.hk/our_business/service/30

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"e-HongKongGuide" 2024 AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD

The electronic map "e-HongKongGuide" 2024 edition produced by the government’s Lands Department is available for free download from 24th January.
           
The "e-HongKongGuide" provides 119 detailed maps of Hong Kong in A3/A4 sizes, gazetteers of street and place names, and indexes of estates and buildings. These maps cover the whole territory of Hong Kong, with those for urban areas and other built-up areas depicted on a larger scale.

          
The maps, in GeoPDF format, can be read on desktop computers and applications on mobile devices in offline mode. Users can locate their positions on the "e-HongKongGuide" maps with satellite positioning functions. Button links are provided on the maps and indexes for easy browsing on desktop computers. Maps in A3/A4 sizes can also be printed out.

The new "e-HongKongGuide" is available for browsing and free download on the Lands Department website;

https://www.landsd.gov.hk/en/resources/mapping-information/ehkg.html

The Lands Department ceased the annual publication of the printed edition of "Hong Kong Guide" starting from 2023. Special editions of the paper-based map book or photo book will be published as and when necessary.

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CHANGES TO MUSEUM OPENING HOURS

With effect from 2nd January 2024 the weekend and public holiday opening hours of Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Museum of Art will be 10am to 9pm, except for special designated days.

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OPENING UP OF SHA TAU KOK TO TOURISTS

The Second Phase Opening-up of Sha Tau Kok will begin on 1st January 2024. Initially, up to 1,000 tourists per day will be allowed to visit all parts of Sha Tau Kok (except Chung Ying Street) after applying online for a Closed Area Permit, allowing more people to learn about the history, culture, and natural geological features of Sha Tau Kok and nearby outlying islands, and promoting cultural and eco-tourism.
 
The daily tourist quota includes 700 tour group visitors and 300 individual tourists. Travel agencies or tourists can log onto the Hong Kong Police Force Online Applications Platform to apply for a free electronic Tourism Closed Area Permit on a first-come, first-served basis;

https://www.es.police.gov.hk/eserv-online-portal-ui/#/pages/home

Hong Kong residents or visitors to Hong Kong can both apply and visit Sha Tau Kok from 7am to 9pm on the date they have applied for. The application process takes three working days. The quota for January 2024 is now open for application. Subsequently, applications will be open on the first day of each month for all the quotas in the following month. Tourists may also contact licensed travel agents directly to sign up for tours visiting Sha Tau Kok, and licensed travel agents will handle the relevant application procedures.
 
The Second Phase Opening-up of Sha Tau Kok features a number of new attractions, including Chung Ying Street Garden, which is situated in front of the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint, where visitors will find a viewing deck overlooking the famous Chung Ying Street where one side of the street is located in Hong Kong and the other Mainland China. Chung Ying Street bears great historical significance and uniqueness in that it has no border control facilities but only boundary stones demarcating the boundary between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The street itself will remain closed to visitors for security reasons.

The first phase of the opening up of the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area was implemented in June 2022 allowing designated tour groups to visit rural areas such as Lai Chi Wo and Kat O for sightseeing by vessels via Sha Tau Kok Pier.

For further information see WHAT'S NEW

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DISCOVERY BAY - CENTRAL  FERRIES TO STOP ADDITIONALLY AT DISCOVERY BAY NORTH ON TRIAL BASIS

With effect from 17th December 2023 some Sunday and public holiday Discovery Bay - Central ferry services will make an additional stop at Discovery Bay North on a trial basis. At commencement of the trial four each-way services will make the additional stop at Discovery Bay North. For further details see;


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NEW CITYFLYER BUS ROUTE A28 AND ALTERATIONS/CANCELLATION OF EXISTING ROUTES

In order to enhance bus services for passengers wishing to travel between Kai Tak, Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Hong Kong Port at the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao Bridge, Citybus is introducing a new route A28 and making alterations to some existing routes.

Route A28 will commence service on 18th December 2023 serving LOHAS Park, Oscar by the Sea, Tseung Kwan O South, Tiu Keng Leng, Tsui Lam Estate, Hong Sing Garden, Po Tat Estate, On Tat Estate, On Tai Estate and Wong Tai Sin. Services from the airport operate daily on an hourly schedule from 11-20 to 00-20. Adult fare HK$44.

Route A25 operating between HKIA/Hong Kong Port and Kai Tak which currently operates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays will operate daily from 18th December 2023.

Route A26 will be re-routed from 18th December 2023. Departures from the Airport will divert via Kwun Tong Road after Lung Cheung Road travelling via Choi Ying Estate, Cheerful Court, Lok Wah Estate, Shun Lee Estate, Shun Tin Estate and Sau Mau Ping Estate and then follow its original routing to Yau Tong. Departures from the Airport will operate between 11:35am and 11:35pm daily.

From 18th December 2023 Cityflyer Routes A26P and A29P will be cancelled. Passengers for Sau Mau Ping Estate, Shun Tin Estate, Shun Lee Estate, Lok Wah Estate and Jordan Valley should ttake Route A26. Passengers for Tseung Kwan O South, Anderson Road new development area and Choi Wan Estate should take Route A28.

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PEAK TRAM TO INTRODUCE PEAK DAY FARES

Peak Tramways Company has announced a new fare structure for the PEAK TRAM effective from 18th December 2023 with higher fares for “Peak Days” which will apply mainly on weekends, public holidays and school holiday periods. Existing fares will continue to apply on “Regular Days” which are most weekdays.

PEAK DAY fares;

 Adult Single - HK$76, *Child/Senior Single - HK$38

 Adult Return - HK$108, *Child/Senior Return – HK$54

REGULAR DAY fares remain unchanged at;

Adult Single - HK$62, *Child/Senior Single - HK$31

Adult Return - HK$88, *Child/Senior – HK$44

*Child age 3-11, Senior age 65 and over

Hong Kong Residents can purchase Combo Tickets comprising return Peak Tram journey and Sky Terrace 428 admission at existing price online from the official Peak Tram ticketing website from 18th December until 31st January for travel up until 31st January 2024.

The Peak Tram will adopt a new fare structure based on Regular Days and Peak Days

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360 LANTAU SIGHTSEEING BUS TOUR LAUNCHED

Ngong Ping 360 and Big Bus Tours have partnered to launch an open-top “360 Lantau Sightseeing Bus” tour. The service which begins on 29th November operates daily with seven trips on two circular routes with four morning departures and three afternoon departures commencing from Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal and confined to North Lantau. The routes take about 60 minutes from start to finish and passengers can “hop on and off” at any of the stops along the routes throughout the day.

ROUTE AM (the morning route):  Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal Sheraton & Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung 11 SKIES Hong Kong Skyline Marriott Hotel Hong Kong Disneyland Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal

ROUTE PM (the afternoon route): Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal Hong Kong Disneyland 11 SKIES Passing through the Aircraft Maintenance Area Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal

Ticket price is HK$150 per person with no concessions for children and seniors but a promotional ticket price of HK$120 per person applies until 31st December 2023.

For further details see;

https://www.np360.com.hk/en/tickets-promotions/promotions/lantau-sightseeing-bus

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NEW FERRY SERVICE FROM SAI KUNG TO HIGH ISLAND LAUNCHED

Tsui Wah Ferry Services have launched a new kaito ferry service from 11th November 2023 operating between Sai Kung Pier, Kau Sai Village Pier and High Island (Leung Sheun Wan Pier) on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. There are four each way sailings on operating days with the journey between Sai Kung and High Island taking about one hour. Until 28th January 2024 the departures from High Island at 10-30, 12-30 and 15-30 may also stop at Pak A Pier for boarding and alighting on a trial basis depending on actual tidal, weather and berthing conditions. The fare is HK$65 per trip payable by Octopus or cash. The new service provides convenient direct access to Sai Kung East Country Park and Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark with previous alternatives being taxi, green minibus from Pak Tam Chung or hike;

https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/ferries/kaito_services_map/service_details/index.html#k08

Tsui Wah's new kaito service between Sai Kung and High Island is already proving popular

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PARTIAL CLOSURE OF HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY

To facilitate the preparation of new exhibitions, the first floor of Hong Kong Museum of History will be closed from 2nd November 2023. The "Recreating a Classic: The Best Features of The Hong Kong Story" exhibition at the first floor exhibition gallery will also be closed. Details of the new exhibitions and opening dates will be announced at a future date.

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NGONG PING 360 TICKET PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Ngong Ping 360 has announced new ticket prices to take effect from 1st November 2023. The price increases are the first since October 2018 and represent an overall weighted average increase of 14.7%. Ticket prices for seniors and for the 360 Annual Pass will remain unchanged. Hong Kong Residents will be able to purchase tickets at the old prices until 31st December 2023.

TICKET PRICES FROM 1st NOVEMBER 2023;

ADULT;

Round Trip (Standard) HK$270, Single Trip (Standard) HK$195

Round Trip (Crystal) HK$350, Single Trip (Crystal) HK$235

Round Trip (Crystal+ and Standard) HK$395

Single Trip (Crystal+) HK$320

CHILD*;

Round Trip (Standard) HK$135, Single Trip (Standard) HK$95

Round Trip (Crystal) HK$215, Single Trip (Crystal) HK$135

Round Trip (Crystal+ and Standard) HK$260

Single Trip (Crystal+) HK$220

* Child ticket prices are applicable to child age 3-11. Child under 3 can travel free.

SENIOR**;

Round Trip (Standard) HK$155, Single Trip (Standard) HK$105

Round Trip (Crystal) HK$235, Single Trip (Crystal) HK$145

Round Trip (Crystal+ and Standard) HK$280

Single Trip (Crystal+) HK$230

**Senior ticket prices are applicable to Hong Kong Residents age 60 and over with JoyYou Card or Hong Kong Senior Citizen Card

360 ANNUAL PASS -  HK$550

Until 31st December 2023 Hong Kong residents can purchase tickets at the previous prices at Tung Chung and Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminals on production of Hong Kong ID Card or birth certificate.

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HIGH SPEED RAIL TO SERVE FIVE NEW DESTINATIONS

MTR has announced that from 11th October 2023 High Speed Rail will commence a new route from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station serving five new destinations and railway stations at Jiangmen, Kaiping South, Yangjiang, Maoming and Zhanjiang West with one pair of southbound and northbound trains operating daily. This increases the number of Mainland destinations directly served from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to 73.

In addition, train services between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Guangzhou East, as well as Futian Station, will be strengthened starting from 11th October. The number of daily train services to Guangzhou East will increase to 20, while the last southbound train departure time will be extended from the current 6-45pm to 8-18pm from Guangzhou East. Train frequencies between Shenzhen and Hong Kong will also increase from 178 to 184 from 11th October.

New timetables can be viewed at;

https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/en/ticket/timetable.html

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HKIA – MACAU DIRECT BONDED BUS SERVICE

Following trials in late August 2023 a direct bonded bus service “Macau HK Airport Direct” has begun operating between the new SkyPier Terminal of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Macau Port via the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao (HKZM) Bridge. Passengers of 54 participating airlines are able transfer from HKIA to Macao Port and vice-versa avoiding the need to pass through immigration entry formalities at HKIA and exit procedures at Hong Kong Port of the HKZM Bridge. The new 5-storey SkyPier Terminal building is located in the restricted area of the airport, adjacent to SkyPier.

The service operates from HKIA hourly from 08-30 to 20-30 and from Macao Port hourly from 07-30 to 19-30 with a journey time of 45 minutes. Adult fare is HK$280, Child under age 12 and Senior age 65 and over fare is HK$210. A promotional adult fare of HK$250 applies until 30th November 2023.

For further information including participating airlines, ticketing arrangements, transfer procedures and minimum connection times see the operators website;

https://www.macauhkairportbus.com/service.php

A direct bonded bus service between HKIA and Zhuhai is expected to begin operation before the end of 2023.

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REOPENING OF HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM 

After a short closure for exhibition enhancement work, Hong Kong Railway Museum at Tai Po Market is to reopen to the public from 4th October 2023 with a new addition to its existing collections, Diesel Electric Engine No. 60 - "Peter Quick" (L60).
      
L60, which commenced operation in 1974, was one of the last fleet of diesel electric engines introduced to Hong Kong for the Kowloon-Canton Railway. Operating on the East Rail Line, L60 had witnessed the golden era of railway freight services between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Following the full electrification of the Kowloon-Canton Railway in 1983, L60 was withdrawn from passenger services and switched to hauling freight and maintenance trains. It was named after Mr Peter Quick, the second Managing Director of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation, and was the last locomotive named after a person in Hong Kong. After serving Hong Kong for nearly half a century, L60 was retired from service in 2021. L60 was handed over to the museum for its permanent collection and display by the MTR Corporation Limited with the conservation work supervised by the Conservation Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Locomotive L60 "Peter Quick"

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OPEN3Dhk APP LAUNCHED

​During September 2023 the Hong Kong Government Lands Department launched the 3D Visualisation Map dataset of Kowloon Central and an online application platform, "Open3Dhk", for the public to use free of charge.

To tie in with the development of smart city, the Lands Department has started the production of a territory-wide 3D Visualisation Map since 2021 for release for public use in phases. The first 3D Visualisation Map covering Kowloon East was launched in December 2022. The dataset of 3D Visualisation Map of Kowloon Central released today comprises around 9,500 buildings and about 210 individual models of infrastructures, including flyovers, footbridges and subways. Public can download the dataset through the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure portal;

https://portal.csdi.gov.hk/csdi-webpage/

3D Visualisation Map adopts advanced survey and mapping technologies to generate high-precision and photorealistic 3D models of the city. Its dataset comes in both native and open formats, which can be integrated with various types of spatial data to support a variety of analysis and applications, including urban planning, land administration, project development, environmental assessment, transportation and logistics study, spatial analysis and game design, contributing to the smart city development in Hong Kong.

To demonstrate the potential applications of 3D map data, the Lands Department also launched a new online application platform, "Open3Dhk";

https://3d.map.gov.hk/

The platform transformed a large variety of spatial data into user-friendly applications which can support diverse uses by the general public, the academia and professionals. Through the interactive functions on the platform, users can view photorealistic 3D city models of Kowloon East and Kowloon Central, building information and the approximate lot boundaries. Users can also plan hiking and cycling routes with the help of the intuitive profiles graphs and gradient measurement tool. The platform also provides a first-person view function which enables users to have a detailed understanding of the surrounding environment of a location.

The platform also offers Application Programming Interfaces (API) for streaming data of 3D maps and sample code, allowing innovation and technology sector and the academia to utilise the dataset in developing web services or applications.

The Lands Department will continue to promote spatial data, with a view to completing the full set of 3D Visualisation Map covering the whole territory of Hong Kong in the third quarter of 2024. More 3D map applications will also be provided to the public on "Open3Dhk" progressively.

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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND REVISED PRICING STRUCTURE

Hong Kong Disneyland has revised its pricing structure with effect from 20th September 2023. Pricing for 1-day tickets is demand based on a four-tier structure being Tier 1 (formerly "Regular Days"), Tier 2 (formerly "Peak Days"), which apply mainly at weekends and during some holiday periods, Tier 3 (formerly"Peak Days Plus"), which apply for some popular seasons and a new Tier 4 which applies on the busiest days at peak periods such as Christmas and Chinese New Year. The Tier 1 ticket price remains the same as the former Regular Day price and there is no change to the admission price for seniors which remains at HK$100 at all times.

TIER 1 - Adult HK$639, Child HK$475, Senior HK$100

TIER 2 - Adult HK$719, Child HK$539, Senior HK$100

TIER 3 - Adult HK$799, Child HK$599, Senior HK$100

TIER 4 - Adult HK$879, Child HK$659, Senior HK$100

Designation of tier type for specific dates can be found in the Park Calendar on the Hong Kong Disneyland website up to three months in advance.

Until 15th November 2023 Hong Kong residents can continue to purchase 1-Day tickets at previous prices

Magic Access annual pass prices have also increased and for an adult Gold Membership is HK$2,558, Platinum Membership is HK$4,678, Silver Membership HK$1468. The new prices for student/child memberships under Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers are HK$1088, HK$1,918 and HK$3,558 respectively.

Hong Kong Disneyland last increased its admission prices in September 2022.

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OUTLYING ISLANDS FERRY FARE INCREASE

Following approval by the government, ferry operators Sun Ferry Services Company “Sun Ferry” which operates routes between Central and Cheung Chau, Central and Mui Wo (Lantau) and the Inter Island Ferry Service and Hong Kong Kowloon Ferry Company (HKKF) which operates services between Central and Lamma Island and Central, Peng Chau and Hei Ling Chau will increase fares from Sunday 24th September 2023. The operators applied for increases early in 2023 citing substantial increased operating costs and expenses as well as a decline in passenger numbers during the Covid pandemic. Following consideration by the Transport Department the increases approved by the government were considerably less than the operators has applied for.

Details of revised fares can be found on the operators websites;

Sun Ferry;

https://www.sunferry.com.hk/en/sun-ferry/news-update

HKKF;

https://hkkf.com.hk/en/news/

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MACAU FERRY FARE INCREASE

With effect from 15th September 2023 both TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet will increase fares on routes between Hong Kong and Macau. These are the first increases since November 2017 and revised each way economy class fares for both operators will rise to HK$/MOP175 for daytime weekday sailings, HK$/MOP190 weekend and public holiday sailings and HK$/MOP220 for night sailings.

Fares for sailings on the Hong Kong International Airport – Macau route (currently restricted to only two each way sailings per week) will rise to HK$/MOP297 in economy class.

For further details see;

TURBOJET;

https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/routing-sailing-schedule/hong-kong-macau/sailing-schedule-fares.aspx

COTAI WATER JET;

https://www.cotaiwaterjet.com/ferry-schedule/hongkong-macau-taipa.html

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MTR FARE INCREASE TO TAKE EFFECT FROM 25th JUNE

Following the annual Fare Adjustment Mechanism review completed jointly by MTR Corporation and the government the new fare chart for 2023/24 will take effect on Sunday 25th June 2023. The overall adjustment rate for MTR fares this year is calculated at an increase of 2.3%.with over 90% of fares having an upward adjustment of 40 cents or less. Individual MTR, Light Rail and MTR Bus fares will be adjusted with the weighted average adjustment of all fares combined equaling the overall fare adjustment rate. Whilst over 90% of fares will have an adjustment of 40 cents or less, about 75% of fares will have an adjustment of 20 cents or less (amongst which 4% will remain unchanged), while about 18% of fares will have an adjustment of 30 to 40 cents.

New fare charts are available on the MTR website;

https://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/more_tickets_fares.html

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BUS FARES TO INCREASE FROM 18th JUNE

Following consideration of fare increase applications from the five franchised bus operators the government has agreed the following fare increases to take effect from Sunday 18th June 2023;

LONG WIN BUS COMPANY LIMITED - increase by an overall actual weighted average rate* of 4.2%.

CITYBUS LIMITED - (Franchise for the Airport and North Lantau bus network) - increase by an overall actual weighted average rate* of 4.2%.

CITYBUS LIMITED (Franchise for Hong Kong Island and Cross-Harbour bus network) and NEW WORLD FIRST BUS SERVICES LIMITED - increase by an overall actual weighted average rate* of 4.9%.

NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY (1973) LIMITED - increase by an overall weighted average rate* of 7.0%;
 
KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (1933) LIMITED - increase by an overall actual weighted average rate* of 3.9 %

* actual weighted average rate takes into account (where applicable) the mitigation effect of the Franchised Bus Toll Exemption Fund

 
Upon the implementation of new fares about 87% of passengers are expected to pay no more than 50 cents extra per trip and almost all passengers are expected to pay no more than HK$1 extra per trip.
      
In considering and reviewing the applications, the Government noted that the franchised bus operators submitted their applications last year against the backdrop of the fifth wave of the epidemic and oil prices also at a higher level. Accordingly, the Government has suitably adopted projections with a relatively positive recovery outlook with the benefit of the most up-to-date patronage figures reflecting the prevailing normalcy and cross-boundary travel situation. The Government has also taken into account the future opportunities of business growth for the franchised bus operators arising from the new population intake of major new developments such as those in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen, Anderson Road in Kwun Tong, and Tuen Mun Area 54.

The Government has been implementing the non-means tested Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme (PTFSS) since 2019 to relieve the fare burden of passengers who travel on local public transport services for daily commuting and whose public transport expenses are relatively high. For the beneficiaries of the PTFSS, a portion of the increase in bus fares could be subsidised by the PTFSS. 
      
According to the Fare Adjustment Arrangement for Franchised Buses the Government has taken into account a basket of factors in assessing the bus fare adjustments:
 
(a)   changes in operating costs and revenue since the last fare adjustment;
(b)   forecasts of future costs, revenue and return;
(c)   the need to provide the bus operator with a reasonable rate of return;
(d)   public acceptability and affordability;
(e)   the quality and quantity of service provided; and
(f)    the outcome of the supportable fare adjustment rate formula. The formula is only for reference and does not operate as an automatic determinant of the rate of fare adjustment.

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INBOUND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

With effect from 1st April 2023 all mandatory testing and quarantine requirements for inbound travellers to Hong Kong have been lifted. Temperature checks for inbound travellers will continue and voluntary self-administered rapid antigen tests are recommended for the first five days following entry;

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html

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HIGH SPEED RAIL TO RESUME FULL SERVICE INCLUDING ADDITIONAL DESTINATIONS FROM 1st APRIL 2023

Following the recent resumption of short-haul and long-haul services between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and destinations in Guangdong Provice, High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) will fully resume train services from 1st April 2023, connecting directly to 66 Mainland destinations including Beijing, Changsha,Hangzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan and additional stations Changping, Huizhoubei, Heyuandong, Ganzhouxi and Shengfang. Advance ticket sales will start on 23 March.

Trains running between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Shanghai Hongqiao will use a new route which will shorten the traveling time by about 20 minutes to about 8 hours and pass-through the new destinations of Huizhoubei, Heyuandong and Ganzhouxi. Four daily trains running between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Guangzhoudong Station will stop at the new Changping Station instead of Dongguan Station. Southbound trains from Tianjinxi Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station will stop at the new Shengfang Station. Huizhounan Station and Huidong Station will be renamed as Huiyang Station.

For timetables, fares and ticketing arrangements see;

https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/en/main/index.html

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REOPENING OF BOUNDARY CONTROL POINTS

With effect from 6th February 2023 all all borders between Mainland China and Hong Kong have reopened with normal services and no entry quota. Appointments are not required for travellers intending to pass through the Mainland China–Hong Kong boundary control points.

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RELAXATION OF INBOUND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

With effect from 6th February 2023 travellers can enter Hong Kong with no quarantine, isolation, or vaccination requirement. The pre-departure COVID nucleic acid test requirement remains the same. Passengers transferring or transiting in Hong Kong (without passing through immigration control) are not required to present proof of a pre-departure nucleic acid test. For further information regarding current inbound entry requirements see;

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html

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REOPENING OF SHEUNG YIU FOLK MUSEUM

Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, which was temporarily closed for renovation from 1st December 2021 reopened to the public on 23rd December 2022. The museum was originally a Hakka village built in the late 19th century. The village and its neighbouring lime kiln were gazetted as monuments in 1981. After it was restored, the village was opened as a museum in 1984. The revamped Hakka village comprises dwellings, a spacious drying terrace and other ancillary structures such as a kitchen, a cattle shed, pigsties and a six-metre-high watchtower. Exhibits including the farm implements and everyday objects of the Hakka people are displayed to recreate the simple rural life of Sheung Yiu Village in its heyday. Sheung Yiu Folk Museum is located on the Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail, Sai Kung. It is open from 10am to 5pm from October to February and from 10am to 6pm from March to September. It is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and on the first two days of Chinese New Year. Admission is free. For further details see;

https://www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/en_US/web/hm/museums/sheungyiufolk.html

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POLICE MUSEUM REOPENING 

The Police Museum, which has been closed during a 28-month revitalisation project undertaken by The Police College, is reopened to the public on 15th September 2022. The Museum, located in the former Wan Chai Gap Police Station at Coombe Road, the Peak, has been replanned from a “people-oriented” perspective, with the addition of new interactive technology and sense of times to help visitors fully understand the history and the work of the Hong Kong Police Force.

The Museum has four galleries including Orientation Gallery, Thematic Gallery, Serious Crime Gallery and Triad Society Gallery as well as a Multi-Function Room, exhibiting about 1,300 artefacts, double of items displayed before its closure. The Museum provides free wi-fi to facilitate visitors to download the new Police Museum App and connect to audio guide, so that visitors are able to learn more about the stories behind the exhibits. The Police College has also recruited a number of enthusiastic retired Force members as docent volunteers.

The revitalised Museum has added a number of new features, such as the “Force’s Century-old Map” in the corridor which showcases the historical development of the Force over 170-odd years in animation. In addition, a “Police Memorial Wall” stands in the Orientation Gallery to commemorate the police officers who have died in the line of duty. The exhibition in the Thematic Gallery features the “HKSAR 25th Anniversary Celebrations and National Security” with the theme of “National Security Starts with Me”, with a view to enhancing the public’s understanding on national security. The new Serious Crime Gallery showcases the detection highlight of past landmark crime cases through video clips. Other new highlights include the digital photograph database “Force’s Historic Photo Album”; the interactive multimedia games “Smart Detective”; the “Holographic Elites” which uses holographic projection, as well as “VR Police Experience” that renders a taste of virtual reality.

Selfie spots have been added for visitors to take pictures, including the “Virtual Police Selfie Kiosk” and “AR Police Spot”, whereas the “Heritage Trail” in the outdoor area has been decorated with staircase paintings and street murals.

 
A Reopening Ceremony of the Police Museum was held on 9th September prior to the public reopening on 15th September. Photo shows the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, centre); the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (front row, fourth left); the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee (front row, fourth right) and honorable guest, Mr Tang Yat-sun (front row, third right) taking a group photo with police officers and docent volunteers 

For further details see the Police Museum website;

https://www.police.gov.hk/museum/en/


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PEAK TRAM REOPENING

Following a major HK$799 million upgrade project the Peak Tram service recommenced on 27th August 2022 with the launch of the new 6th generation trams.

The project began in late 2018 following government approval of the plans and the award to the Peak Tramways Company of additional 10-year period operating rights from 2026 to 2035. The project has been wholly funded by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited which owns the Peak Tramways Company and overran by 8 months owing to Covid related procurement difficulties and by HK$199 million in terms of cost.

The new dark-green liveried tramcars replace the old burgundy trams and increase the maximum capacity of passengers per trip from 120 to 210. In addition to new tramcars the project included replacement of all haulage, control and signalling systems, new ropes and track rails, and the refurbishment of the Central and Peak Termini to facilitate the new, larger capacity tramcars. The Central Terminus has been extended to provide covered, temperature-controlled arrival and waiting areas for up to 1,300 people which is expected to reduce queuing times by 70%. Platforms and tramcar floor levels have been aligned to provide enhanced step-free access for people with disabilities. 22 downhill facing seats allow a view of the harbour on the downward journey and there are eight secure parking places for wheelchairs and prams and wider windows for enhanced views.

 
6th Generation Peak Tram (Photo: Peak Tramways Company Limited)

During the renovation period there were two service suspension periods, the first from late April to late July 2019 followed by a further suspension from June 2021 until launch of the new trams. In between the two closure periods the Peak Tram operated from a temporary platform at the Lower Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road.

The Peak Tram is one of the world's oldest and most famous funicular railways. Opened in May 1888, the double reversible funicular railway rises from 33m to 396m above sea level along a 1.27 km track with a gradient of between 4 to 25.7 degrees. The Peak Tram terminates at The Peak Tower shopping and entertainment complex and Sky Terrace 428 with outstanding panoramic views.

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CITYBUS AND NEW WORLD FIRST BUS TO MERGE BUS NETWORKS


Bus operators Citybus and New World First Bus are to merge operations currently provided under their existing franchises "Citybus (Franchise for Hong Kong Island and Cross-Harbour bus network)" and "New World First Bus" under a new 10-year franchise "Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Urban and New Territories bus network) which will run from 1st July 2023 to 1st July 2033.

Both companies have been under the ownership of Bravo Transport Services since August 2020 after a buyout funded by a private equity fund Templewater Bravo from NWS Holdings, but have suffered large financial losses since the Covid-19 pandemic. With the merger the two existing franchises with largely overlapping service areas it is expected that rationalisation of the franchised bus network on Hong Kong Island will enable the bus company to deploy its resources more flexibly for enhancing existing services or introducing new services and providing more comprehensive public transport ancillary facilities for the benefit of passengers. After merging the franchises, relevant service rationalisation proposals will be implemented progressively under the annual Route Planning Programme. The merger exercise will not involve any changes of fares for existing routes. In addition, the bus companies intend to pursue various initiatives during the new franchise periods, including further enhancing the operational safety of franchised buses, installing more passenger shelters, co-operating with the Government in promoting the development of electric and other new energy public transport vehicles, and improving the working environment of staff.

The government has also confirmed it has granted new 10-year franchises to Long Win Bus Company and to Citybus for its separate Airport and North Lantau routes to run from 1st May 2023 to 1st May 2033.

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JUMBO FLOATING RESTAURANT LOST AT SEA

The iconic triple-deck Jumbo Floating Restaurant, which together with the connected Tai Pak Floating Restaurant formed "Jumbo Kingdom", sank on 20th June 2022 whilst approaching the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea whilst being towed from Hong Kong. The vessel had left Hong Kong's Aberdeen Harbour on 14th June with the owners not disclosing the destination but it was later learned that the Marine Department had granted permission for the it to be towed to Cambodia. The vessel sunk to a depth of 1km and is unlikely to be salvaged as the high cost would be expected to exceed its market value.

The restaurant closed on 3rd March 2020 following a downturn in business owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and earlier social unrest. In November 2020 it was announced that the floating restaurant would be donated to Ocean Park to become a heritage and leisure attraction as part of plans to develop part of south Hong Kong Island into a tourist and leisure hub. However, In June 2022 it was confirmed that Ocean Park was unable to find an operator willing to take over the attraction and the offer of donation had lapsed. Jumbo's parent company Melco International Development has been unable to find any enterprise willing to take over the restaurants and the Hong Kong Government indicated it would not be willing to assist and in view of the high maintenance costs in licensing and upkeep Melco announced it would relocate the restaurant elsewhere whilst it attempts to find a new owner as it was unable to afford maintenance costs to meet the Hong Kong Government requirements.

Tai Pak, however, will remain laid-up in Aberdeen Harbour, having received a licence from the Marine Department for a year and it is hoped a new local operator will be found.

The triple-deck Jumbo, elaborately decorated in the theme of a Chinese Imperial Palace with pagodas and gold dragons is the largest floating restaurant in the world, seating over 2000 diners, and dwarfed its smaller neighbour Tai Pak to which it was linked by walkways. The original Jumbo burnt down before its opening in 1971 with a loss of over 30 lives. It was rebuilt and finally opened in 1976 since when it has become world-famous and attracted over 30 million visitors including many celebrities. Famous diners include John Wayne, Tom Cruise, Chow Yun Fat, Gong Li and Queen Elizabeth II. It has been featured in many movies including James Bond “The Man With The Golden Gun” and Jackie Chan’s “The Protector”. Tai Pak, which can seat about 400 diners, dates back to 1952 and has also has celebrity status having featured in several movies including “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” in 1955 and “The World of Suzie Wong” in 1960. Scenes for Steven Soderbergh's thriller "Contagion" released in 2011 and starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jude Law and Kate Winslet were filmed on Tai Pak during October 2010. Tai Pak has been visited by Hollywood stars including Yul Brynner, Elizabeth Taylor and John Wayne.

Jumbo Kingdom underwent a complete renovation is 2003 and essentially became a floating theme park with shopping, sightseeing and cultural attractions as well as dining. Dragon Court and Jumbo Chinese Restaurants on the first and second floors deck offered Cantonese cuisine with fresh seafood being a speciality. The upper deck which was once a mahjong parlour for staff was operated by Café Deco group and transformed into the alfresco Top Deck restaurant serving fine Western food until 2013 when following closure during a further renovation of Jumbo, it did not reopen. The restaurant looked out to the luxury yachts of the exclusive Aberdeen Marina Club to the front and the high-rise blocks of Ap Lei Chau to the rear. Diners were also able to enjoy a Typhoon Shelter seafood meal aboard a sampan, sample various varieties of tea in the Chinese Tea Garden or enjoy a glass of wine in the Pier Plaza. The attraction also offered conference and banqueting facilities and a Cooking Academy. Melco International indicated in October 2017 that a major refurbishment of Jumbo Kingdom was planned but this never materialised.

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HONG KONG TRAMWAYS FARE INCREASE 

Fare increases for travel on Hong Kong trams have been approved by the government and will take effect from 11th July 2022. Adult fares per trip will increase from HK$2.6 to HK$3.0, child (age 3-11) fares will increase HK$1.3 to HK$1.5 and fares for seniors (age 65 and over) will increase from HK$1.2 to HK$1.3. The Monthly Ticket price will increase from HK$220 to HK$260. The Tourist Ticket will be discontinued.

Since the last fare increase in July 2018 patronage has been decreasing and fare revenue has declined owing to competition from other public transport modes, as well as the prolonged pandemic and the necessary social distancing measures. The potential to further increase non-fare box revenue is also limited. The company's profit margin has plunged from 18% in 2018 to a loss of 1.3% in 2021. In view of the financial situation, the fare adjustment was considered necessary for maintaining its financial sustainability.

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HONG KONG PALACE MUSEUM TO OPEN 2nd JULY 

The newly constructed Hong Kong Palace Museum will open to the public on 2nd July 2022. The museum, which is a joint venture between West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) and Beijing's Palace Museum has take about three years to develop with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust donating HK$3.5 billion to fund the capital cost of the project, covering design, construction and exhibition development. Rocco Yim, head of architectural practice Rocco Design Architects which has been involved in many major projects in Hong Kong and the Mainland was appointed as design consultant. The museum stands out prominently on the western harbourfront of the WKCD with a site footprint of around 10,000 square metres and an approximate floor area of 30,500 square metres. Major facilities include exhibition galleries, activity rooms, a lecture theatre, souvenir shop and restaurant. Part of the gallery space will be used for permanent exhibitions to showcase relics on imperial life, as well as the history and culture of the Palace Museum. Other galleries focus on its collections such as paintings and calligraphy, ceramics as well as other arts and cultural artefacts. In addition to the two thematic exhibition galleries, a gallery is dedicated to collections from Hong Kong collectors.

At its opening the museum will feature an exhibition of 941 priceless Chinese antiques and arts pieces loaned from the collection of the Palace Museum in Beijing's Forbidden City including 166 "grade one" national treasures.

The museum, located at 8 Museum Drive, will open from 10am to 6pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 10am to 8pm on Friday, Saturday and public holidays. Closed on Tuesday.

General admission costs HK$50 or HK$25 for concessions (child 7-11, full-time students, seniors age 60 and over, persons with disabilities and CSSA recipients), free for children under 7 and includes admission to thematic exhibition galleries 1-7. General admission will be free for all on Wednesdays for the first year of operation. For special exhibitions admission is HK$120 or HK$60 for concessions and includes admission to special exhibition galleries 8 and 9 as well as galleries 1-7.

In order to comply with coronavirus precautions attendance will be limited to 5,000 per day during the first month of operation then increasing to 7,000 per day.

For further information see the museum website;

https://www.hkpm.org.hk/en/home

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MTR EAST RAIL CROSS-HARBOUR EXTENSION TO OPEN 15TH MAY 2022

The cross-harbour section of the MTR East Rail extension from Hung Hom to Admiralty via the new Exhibition Centre Station is to open on 15th May 2022. The section forms part of the HK$90.7 billion "Sha Tin to Central Link" which has been subject to lengthy construction delays and will enable significant reduction in journey times between the northern New Territories and Hong Kong Island with a journey between Sheung Shui and Admiralty taking 40 minutes. Including the new extension East Rail will serve 16 stations along a length of 46km and will be operated by nine-car trains at 2.7 minute frequency during peak hours. Part of the line will operate under a service concession between Kowloon - Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) and MTR whereby MTR will pay KCRC, whose railway operation were merged with those of MTR in 2007, a fee over a period of ten years for use of property and operation of rail services of the Sha Tin - Central Link.

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PEAK VISITOR CENTRE PERMANENT CLOSURE 

The Peak Visitor Centre operated by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) which has been closed since 15th January 2022 will permanently cease operation from 2nd April 2022 when the lease expires. The decision to close the centre has been made in view of the declining number of sightseeing enquiries received even prior to the current pandemic situation with the trend being towards visitors preferring to seek information online.

The heritage tram car in which the centre is located will be returned to Hong Kong Museum of History.

After closure of the centre visitors will still be able to obtain tourist information from other sources;

i. VISITOR HOTLINE:+852 2508 1234 (9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday)

ii. HKTB DISCOVER HONG KONG WEBSITE

iii. LIVE CHAT SERVICE on the Discover Hong Kong website (9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday)

iv. VISITOR CENTRES;

Buffer Halls A and B, Arrivals Level, Terminal 1, Hong Kong
International Airport

Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

B2 Level, Arrival Concourse, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
(Temporarily closed until further notice)

G/F, Passenger Clearance Building, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao
Bridge Hong Kong Port

In addition visitors can download e-guidebooks from the Discover Hong Kong
website or obtain a printed copy of the travel guidebook from the Kowloon
Visitor Centre at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Concourse.

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REAL-NAME SIM REGISTRATION 

With effect from 1st March 2022 all new SIM service plan services and pre-paid SIM cards issued by Hong Kong telecommunications providers require real-name registration before activation under the The Telecommunications (Registration of SIM Cards) Regulation. Existing pre-paid SIM card users have until 23rd February 2023 to register cards after which time unregistered cards will be deactivated. Individual users are able to register a maximum of 10 cards with each telecommunications operator whereas corporate users will be able to register up to 25 cards with each operator.

For registration SIM card users are required to provide personal information including name in English and Chinese (as applicable), identity document number (i.e. HKID number or serial number of other acceptable identity documents such as travel documents for visitors), copy of the identity document and date of birth.

The regulations do not apply to SIM cards issued by overseas telecommunications operators.

For further details see;

https://www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/guide/hot_topics/sim_registration/index.html


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PUBLIC TRANSPORT HK$2 CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEME AGE ELIGIBILITY EXTENDED TO 60-64 YEAR OLDS AND INCLUDE RED MINIBUS, TRAMS AND KAITOS

Following a review of the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities with effect from 27th February 2022 the age of eligibility for Hong Kong residents to benefit from the maximum HK$2 fare has been lowered from 65 to 60. The scheme has also be extended to include 45 red minibus routes, 11 kaito routes and tramways;

https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202202/11/P2022021100393_387240_1_1644568121225.pdf

The scheme, which was introduced June 2012 and since extended in phases, currently extends to MTR journeys, franchised bus routes, green minibus and domestic ferry services. It is expected that over 600,000 Hong Kong residents will benefit from the enhanced scheme. In order to prevent abuse the scheme has been implemented by means of an Octopus JoyYou Card with photo ID and is restricted to locals. Applications from Hong Kong residents for the new JoyYou card has been accepted in phases from August 2021 has only served as a standard Adult Octopus until the extension of the concessionary scheme on 27th February 2022. People holding an existing Personalised Octopus with “Persons with Disabilities” Status can continue to use that card and do not need to apply for the JoyYou Card;

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/octopus-cards/products/on-loan/joyyou.html 

People age 65 and over who currently benefit from the scheme can continue to use existing anonymous Elder Octopus or Personalised Octopus for the time being and an announcement is to be made later in 2022 about the application process for JoyYou cards for those existing card holders. The existing anonymous Elder Octopus Card will be phased out by 2024 and tourists and visitors will no longer be able to benefit from the HK$2 fare scheme.

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FOOD TRUCK TRIAL SCHEME TO END *see note

Hong Kong's Tourism Commission has announced that the Food Truck Pilot Scheme will end on 1st June 2022 after a comprehensive evaluation by the Government of its effectiveness.

Promoted as a tourism promotion project, the two-year Scheme was launched on 3rd February 2017. Since its inception the government has implemented a number of refinement and helping measures, including the introduction of new operating venues and rental concessions. The Scheme has also been extended twice up until 2nd February 2022. However, the business development of food trucks serving as a tourism promotion facility was not satisfactory. Their business was only better in the first year after commencement of the operation, but deteriorated continuously in the subsequent two years and fell to its lowest level in the first half of last year due to the double blow of the social unrest in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government finally decided to end the Scheme, but will extend it for about four months to 1st June 2022, to allow the operators sufficient time to make their corresponding arrangements.

Fifteen food trucks commenced operation when the Scheme was launched in 2017. Subsequently, some operators withdrew and new ones joined. Currently among the remaining 12 food trucks, only six have been maintaining relatively regular operations. Of the current 12 operating venues, only three have experienced relatively frequent food truck operations.

* note - it has subsequently been agreed by West Kowloon Cultural District Authority in May 2022 that food trucks participating in the Food Truck Pilot Scheme can continue to operate under new licences from 1st June 2022 at specified locations within its Arts Park. One reason behind the decision is the trucks are expected to be popular with visitors to the newly opened M+ Museum and Palace Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District.


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M+ MUSEUM OPENING 12 NOVEMBER

Hong Kong' major new contemporary art and culture venue, M+ museum, opens to the public on 12th November 2021. Located in the West Kowloon Cultural District overlooking Victoria Harbour the HK$5 billion landmark building occupies 18 floors with a total floor area of 65,000 sq metres and includes 33 galleries, 7,700 collections, three cinemas, restaurants, two museum shops and roof garden and has a visitor capacity of 6,000. Designed by Swiss architect and Pritzker Prize laureate Herzog et de Meuron the T-shape building takes the form of a large horizontal slab housing the exhibition spaces and galleries and a vertical semi-transparent structure which houses the research centre, curatorial centre and retail, dining and entertainment facilities and features a large screen on the facade.

The museum features local and Asian contemporary art, architecture and design exhibits including an art installation with tens of thousands clay figurines by British sculptor Antony Gormley, and about 1,500 pieces either donated or bought from the Swiss collector Uli Sigg in six exhibitions. The museum is also the permanent home to one of the works of the renowned graffiti artist Tsang Tsou-choi, known as the "King of Kowloon", who died in 2007. Examples of Tsang's graffiti could be found on walls, lamp posts and pillars throughout Hong Kong although very few now remain. The work exhibited in the museum is a pair of graffiti covered wooden doors which were commissioned by Red Dog Studio in 2003 to help promote Hong Kong art.

 
Attendees viewing the Sigg Collection at the M+ Opening Ceremony which took place on 11th November, one day prior to its public opening

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm (extended to 10pm on Fridays) and admission is free (except for some special exhibitions and cinema screenings) for the first 12 months by pre-registering after which admission is HK$120 for adults with half-priced tickets available for elderly, children and the handicapped.

The museum can be reached on foot from Exit E of Kowloon Station or Exit D of Austin Station or from bus stops at the Western Harbour Crossing Toll Plaza or from Kowloon Station Public Transport Interchange. In addition to normal public transport there will be two special departures of the "Central - West Kowloon - Tsim Sha Tsui East - Central water taxi service at 1-30pm and 2-40pm on Sundays and public holidays on a trial basis from 14th November onwards which will travel to West Kowloon Cultural District before returning to Central.

https://www.mplus.org.hk/en/ 

West Kowloon Cultural District is a large-scale investment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in arts and culture. Sitting on a 40-hectare prime waterfront site, it is developed as an integrated district with world-class arts and cultural facilities. The District started operation in 2019 with the opening of the performing arts venue of Freespace and the Xiqu Centre for Chinese opera, and a modest arts pavilion for visual arts. The district will also be home to the Hong Kong Palace Museum, expected to open in July 2022, which will include about 900 exhibits loaned from the Palace Museum in Beijing including 160 Grade One Cultural Relic pieces and an exhibition featuring paintings from the Tang, Song and Yuan dynasties, and another one with the theme of the horse
.

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WATER WORLD OCEAN PARK TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER 

Ocean Park's "Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong" will open on 21st September 2021. The attraction, covering an area of 55,740 square metres on the Tai Shue Wan side of Ocean park and costing an estimated HK$4 billion was originally planned to open in 2017 but has been beset by construction delays.

The all-weather water park will open all year round and features 27 indoor and outdoor attractions in five themed zones including rainbow-coloured speed slides, action rivers, speed wave pools, raft rides, tube slides and infinity pool.

Water World's "Rainbow Rush" racer slide

Admission is separate to the main Ocean Park admission and Water World will adopt a dynamic pricing policy, where admission prices will vary according to season and day of the week with special opening offers over the first 60 operating days with prices starting at HK$320 for adults and HK$225 for children. A shuttle bus service will operate between Ocean Park MTR Station and the Water World entrance at Tai Shue Wan with a journey time of about 15 minutes. Owing to the coronavirus pandemic the park will initially open at half-capacity of 4,500 with visitors being requested to use reusable fabric face masks with the option to remove them whilst on attractions if so desired.

For further information see Water World website;

https://waterworld.oceanpark.com.hk/en/

Ocean Park previously had a Water World which operated from the park's opening in 1977 until permanently closing in 1999. It was an outdoor seasonal attraction open from May to September with nine attractions but attendance was impacted by the persistently weak overall economic condition at that time due to the Asian financial crisis in 1998 and also other swimming facilities in Hong Kong had water slides.

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MTR TUEN MA LINE FULL SERVICE BEGINS 

With the opening of two new MTR stations, Sung Wong Toi and To Kwa Wan on 27th June 2021 the Tuen Ma Line is now fully operational along its entire 56km length and is Hong Kong's longest MTR line connecting the east and west ends of the New Territories and serving 27 stations including six interchange stations. Phase I from Tai Wai to Kai Tak was completed in February 2020 and the opening of the two new stations connects that phase to the current West Rail Line enabling trains to run direct from Tuen Mun Station in the west to Wu Kai Sha Station on the former Ma On Shan Line in the east. The journey time to travel the entire line is about 75 minutes. The line will eventually connect with the cross-harbour section of the delayed Sha Tin - Central Link which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2022.

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"WATER TAXI" SERVICE BEGINS TRIAL OPERATION

A “water taxi” service for which the government awarded a licence to Fortune Ferry Company in early 2020 will begin operating on a trial basis with a special sailing on the 1st July 2021 then one sailing every Saturday from 3rd July 2021 with a capacity of 170 passengers. The service will initially operate a limited route departing 7-20pm from Hung Hom (South) Ferry Pier calling at Tsim Sha Tsui Landing No. 1 (the waterfront beside the Avenue of Stars) and Central Pier 9 then returning to Hung Hom. The journey time for the full route is about 70 minutes, allowing viewing of "A Symphony of Light" from on board. Passengers can freely hop on and off at any calling point. The adult full fare of the route is H$48 with sectional fares of HK$10 (Hung Hom - Tsim Sha Tsui East) and HK$14 (Tsim Sha Tsui East - Central) respectively and half-fare concession for children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The intention is that when the situation regarding the Covid pandemic improves and tourism returns to Hong Kong, the service will operate on a more frequent basis, with some sailings extended to cover the full route which will include Kai Tak and West Kowloon;

https://www.hongkongwatertaxi.com.hk/en/

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CHANGES TO AIRPORT BUS / NORTH LANTAU BUS ROUTES SERVING YUEN LONG / TIN SHUI WAI

With effect from 20th June 2021 the following Long Win Bus Company routes operating between Hong Kong International Airport, North Lantau and Yuen Long district will travel via the Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Tunnel and no longer travel via the Lantau Link, Tuen Mun Bus-Bus Interchange or Tai Lam Tunnel Bus - Bus Interchange;

A36 Yuen Long (Kam Sheung Road Station) - Airport (Ground Transportation Centre)

A37 Yuen Long (Long Ping Station) - Airport (Ground Transportation Centre)

E36 Yuen Long (Pat Heung Road) - Airport (Ground Transportation Centre)
.
E36A Yuen Long (Tak Yip Street) - Tung Chung (Yat Tung Estate Public Transport Terminus)

E37 Tin Shui Wai Town Centre - Airport (Ground Transportation Centre)

NA36 Yuen Long (Kam Sheung Road Station - Airport (Cathay Pacific City)

NA37 Tin Shui Wai Town Centre – Airport (Cathay Pacific City)

N30 Yuen Long Station – Airport (Cheong Tat Road)

The new routeings are expected to reduce the journey time between Yuen Long Town Centre and Tin Shui Wai Station and the airport to about 30 minutes.

For further information see Long Win Bus Company's website;

http://www.lwb.hk/en/tmclk.html

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TUEN MUN - MACAU FERRY SERVICE PERMANENTLY CEASED OPERATION 

The Tuen Mun - Macau ferry service which has been suspended since January 2020 owing to border restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic has permanently ceased operation. Tenancy of the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal is being terminated and the terminal repossessed by the governement on 8th June 2021.

The route was first operated by Hong Kong North West Express from April 2011 until July 2012 before the terminal was repossessed by the government due to unpaid rent. The service was revived by TurboJET in January 2016 and continued to operate until the latest suspension. On resumption of ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau, China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan have sufficient capacity to cope with the need of cross-boundary ferry passengers and additionally the newly commissioned Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel Link together with the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge provide an alternative transport for passengers travelling between Hong Kong and Macau.

The future use of the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal is to be considered having regard to Government assessment of any public demand for water transport services and requests from ferry service operators to enable it to be put into gainful use where possible.

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NEW e-PAYMENT FARE SYSTEM FOR ALL CITYBUS / NWFB FRANCHISED BUS ROUTES 


With effect from 9th May 2021 passengers on all Citybus and New World First Bus (NWFB) franchised bus routes will be able to pay fares by QR code using Alipay HK "EasyGo", Alipay "Transit QR Code"* or UnionPay "Transit QR Code*

* set to Hong Kong travel area.

Adult fares are pre-set on the QR code payment system with a fare concession button for child and elder fares. The system will display "Approved" on the screen with a voice message when the transaction is complete.

The QR code system cannot yet be used to make concessionary fare payment under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for Elderly (age 65 and over) and Eligible Persons with Disabilities and Octopus should continue to be used for passengers wishing to benefit from this scheme. Passengers age 60-64 wishing to benefit from the HK$2 fare concession on Citybus Hong Kong Island and Cross-Harbour (not airport or North Lantau) routes on Sundays and public holidays must continue to use Personalised Octopus for fare payment.

The Citybus / NWFB e-payment system will be extended to include contactless credit card and mobile credit card payment by the end of 2021.


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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx OCTOPUS STORED VALUE LIMIT INCREASED 

With effect from 29th April 2021 Octopus with a stored value limit of HK$1,000 will have the limit automatically increased to HK$3,000. Octopus with a HK$1,000 limit are those issued before 1st December 2019 including On-Loan Octopus, Sold Octopus, Co-Brand Octopus and Octopus Mobile SIM and Smart Octopus. The HK$3,000 limit will automatically be applied when tapping an Octopus at any of the following channels;

1. View Octopus recent records and balance

2. Collect refunds and bonus

3. Top up an Octopus

4. Activate the Automatic Add Value Service function

5. Successfully collect public transport fare subsidy

For Octopus products issued on or after 1st December 2019 the stored value limit is already HK$3,000.

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DIGITAL MAP PRODUCTS MADE FREE TO PUBLIC 

The following Hong Kong digital map products have been released for free browsing and downloading by the Lands Department;

(a) Digital Topographic Map;
(b) Digital Land Boundary Map;
(c) Geo-Reference Database;
(d) Digital Orthophoto;
(e) Digital Aerial Photo (300 dpi resolution);
(f) GeoCommunity Database; and
(g) 3D Spatial Data.

The digital map products have been widely used by government departments, businesses and educational entities for uses including land boundary surveys, town planning, engineering design, environmental studies, transportation management, publications, online maps, academic research and various types of data analysis. In 2020-21 the Lands Department provided over 36,000 digital maps and aerial photos to over 4,300 corporate clients and members of the public.

The open digital map products in the Geographic Information System and machine-readable formats (except image products) are now available for browsing and downloading at Hong Kong Map Service 2.0;

www.hkmapservice.gov.hk.


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FIRST FERRY CHANGE OF NAME 


Following its takeover by Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Holdings) Company Limited and Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Group) Company Limited, New World First Ferry Services Limited has changed its corporate name to “SUN FERRY SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED” with effect from 18th January 2021. Logo and branding will be updated to reflect the new name over a period of time and there will be no change to existing ferry services as a result of the takeover and name change. First Ferry currently operates two cross-harbour routes, North Point-Hung Hom and North Point-Kowloon City as well as three outlying island routes Central-Cheung Chau, Central-Mui Wo and Inter Islands between Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

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LANTAU LINK TOLL CHARGE TO BE WAIVED 

The Lantau Link Toll is to be permanently waived with effect from midnight on 27th December 2020 and vehicles will be able to pass through the toll plaza without stopping and paying fees. The measure coincides with the opening of the Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Northern Connection on the same day.

The proposal to waive the fee was first announced in the Chief Executive's 2019 Policy Address as part of measures to reduce the burden of commuting which also include waiving tolls for the Tseung Kwan O - Lam Tin Tunnel scheduled to open at the end of 2021.

For further details see;

https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/tunnels_and_bridges/toll_rates_of_road_tunnels_and_lantau_link/arrangements_of_toll_waiver_for_lantau_link/index.html

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TUEN MUN DISTRICT AIRPORT BUS ROUTE ALTERATIONS AND FARE REDUCTIONS

With the opening of the Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Tunnel on 27th December 2020 Long Win Bus Company has announced details of the first phase of bus route diversions in Tuen Mun District from the following day 28th December 2020, comprising six routes including three Airbus “A” Routes, two North Lantau External “E” Routes and one Overnight Airbus “NA” Route, with wider service network, lower fares and reduced journey times. For full details see;

http://www.lwb.hk/en/news/press/archives/news20201203684.html

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STAR FERRY FARE INCREASE 

Star Ferry's application, seeking to increase the fares of the two ferry services operating between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui by HKD 0.3 to HKD 0.5 per trip has been accepted. In considering the application account has been taken of all factors including the financial position of the ferry operator; forecasts of changes in operating costs, revenue and return; past performance of the ferry operator in the provision of ferry services; public acceptability of the proposed fares, and measures implemented by the ferry operator to save costs and generate additional revenue. A Government spokesman said, "Star Ferry has suffered losses since 2018. As Star Ferry is a transport mode much preferred by visitors, in the fallout of public order events and the COVID-19 pandemic, its patronage and thus farebox revenue dropped significantly in 2019 and 2020, and would unlikely return to the previous level in the short-to-medium run. Moreover, since the last fare increase in July 2017, there was a continuous rise in Star Ferry's operating costs. In light of the uncertain economic situation, its non-farebox revenue (including rental and advertising income) could not be guaranteed. Therefore, there is a need for Star Ferry to adjust its fare.". The concession of free travel for non-resident seniors appears to have been withdrawn in the new fare table.

The revised fares will take effect from 9th February 2021 and new fare table can be viewed at the link below;

https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202012/08/P2020120800584_356113_1_1607422679502.pdf

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BRUCE LEE EXHIBITION TO BE EXTENDED AND REVAMPED 

Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Bruce Lee Foundation in the US, have arranged that the "Bruce Lee: Kung Fu • Art • Life" exhibition being held at the museum will be revamped and the show period will be extended until 2026.

This year marks the 47th anniversary of the passing of the internationally renowned movie star Bruce Lee. Since its opening in 2013, the "Bruce Lee: Kung Fu • Art • Life" exhibition has enjoyed continuous popularity, attracting a total attendance of about 3.7 million. Following mutual consent this year between the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Bruce Lee Foundation in the US, the exhibition period will be extended to 31st December 2020 and the revamp will then take place subsequently. The revamped exhibition is expected to reopen in the second half of 2021. In addition to implementing a redesign of the gallery and renewal of exhibits, the revamp will introduce a multimedia experience and other display items, offering visitors a refreshing and diverse experience. Furthermore, the local and overseas collectors of Bruce Lee memorabilia whose collection pieces are now on display at the exhibition have also agreed to extend the loan of their items to help let the legend of Bruce Lee go on at the museum. After the completion of revamp, the museum will hold various education and public programmes, including talks, guided tours and youth activities on Bruce Lee's philosophy of life and martial arts.

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NEW LICENCES AWARDED FOR OUTLYING ISLANDS FERRY SERVICES 

After an open tender for the six major outlying islands ferry routes new licences have been awarded to the current operators. New World First Ferry Services Limited has been selected to operate the Central – Cheung Chau, Inter-islands between Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau, and Central – Mui Wo ferry routes; while Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Limited has been selected to operate the Central – Peng Chau, Central – Yung Shue Wan, and Central – Sok Kwu Wan ferry routes. The new five-year ferry licences will be effective from 1st April 2021. During the new licence period, the ferry operators will enhance service levels, improve passenger facilities and provide new fare concessions.

In response to passenger demand and the views collected earlier during the consultations with the Islands District Council and local representatives, the Transport Department had made requirements for service enhancement of individual routes in the tender. According to the tender results, the service level of individual routes will be enhanced by providing additional early morning, evening or peak period sailings. For instance, most of the routes will provide additional sailings from Mondays to Saturdays (public holidays excluded). The operators will also improve the passenger facilities, for example, provision of Wi-Fi, replacement of benches and fans and provision of self-service ticket machines at ferry piers. The operators will disseminate real-time arrival/departure time of sailings and the number of remaining seats via mobile phone apps.

Regarding the fare levels, having taken into account the last fare increase of the six major outlying island ferry routes was in 2017, the Transport Department had required that the fare for each fare type proposed by the tenderers must not exceed the existing fare level of the respective route by more than five per cent in the tender, and that new fare concession proposals should be provided in their tender submission. Apart from the continuous provision of the existing fare concessions, including a monthly ticket and a holiday return ticket, the selected operators will also provide new fare concessions including a student monthly ticket and a multi-ride ticket. The average fare increase rate of a single adult fare is about 4.7 per cent. The new fare will be effective from the commencement of the new five-year licence period on 1st April 2021.

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NEW BOUNDARY CROSSING OPENED

The seventh boundary crossing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen opened on 26th August 2020. The Liantang Port - Heung Yeung Wai control point has taken seven years to construct at an estimated cost of HK$33.7 billion and is expected to improve connections and journey times between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and cities in eastern Guangdong Province. It is initially open to goods vehicles only from 7am to 10pm daily and will open to passenger traffic once the COVID-19 pandemic situation improves. The design capacity is for 17,850 vehicles and 30,000 passengers. Vehicles will only need to stop once for inspection and customs clearance with the process taking 10 to 15 seconds.

When the control point is fully opened travellers will be able to reach it by private car, public transport or on foot and the facility will include a public transport interchange, car park and shopping mall.

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NEW CENTRAL TO HUNG HOM FERRY BEGINS SERVICE 

A new cross-harbour ferry service commenced operating on 28th June 2020. The service is operated by Fortune Ferry Company, a member of Chu Kong Shipping Group (CKS) under licence for a period of 5 years from 28th June 2020. The service operates between Central Pier 8 (western berth) and Hung Hom (South} Ferry Pier (eastern berth). Operating frequency is 20 mins during peak hours Monday to Saturday and 30 - 50 mins off-peak and on Sundays and public holidays. Operating hours are 7-30am to 7-20pm Monday to Saturday and 7-30am to 6-20pm Sundays and public holidays. Adult fare is HK$9 and the journey time about 16 minutes..

A Central - Hung Hom ferry route had previously been operated by Star Ferry Company from 1965 to 1967 and from 1999 until 2011. The route together with its Wan Chai - Hung Hom route had become uneconomical for Star Ferry to operate and the company did not seek to renew its licence at expiry in 2011. The government subsequently invited tenders to operate the Central - Hung Hom route and also a new harbour "water taxi" service between Kai Tak, Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui East, West Kowloon and Central with Fortune Ferry being awarded the licence for both services in early 2020. The "water taxi" service is expected to commence in late 2020.

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AIRPORT EXPRESS SHUTTLE BUS TO PERMANENTLY CEASE OPERATION 

MTR Corporation (MTRC) has announced that the Airport Express Shuttle Bus service which has for many years provided Airport Express passengers with free bus connections between Hong Kong and Kowloon Airport Express stations and many hotels and transport interchanges is to permanently cease operation when the existing service contract expires on 30th June 2020. The service has been suspended since 10th April 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airport Express passengers will in the near future be able to use the MTR Mobile app to hail taxis and enjoy discounted fares on journeys to Airport Express stations for airport-bound journeys. MTRC has also announced an upgrade to ticketing facilities including self-service ticket machines accepting credit card payment as well as enhanced waiting time information ar station platforms and a roll-out of new seat covers on trains.

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CROSS-BOUNDARY FERRY EMBARKATION FEE ABOLISHED 

The government-imposed HK$11 single-trip embarkation fee currently included in fares for cross-boundary ferries departing Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, China Ferry Terminal and Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal is to be abolished. Ferry operators have agreed to reduce fares by the full amount and maintain the reduced fares for a period of at least one year with the revised fares expected to take effect from 1st August. The move is a response to a substantial drop in patronage following opening of the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge and is intended to promote healthier competition between the three ferry operators and land transport using the bridge.


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MTR TUEN MA LINE PHASE 1 BEGINS SERVICE 

The MTR Tuen Ma Line Phase 1 commenced services on 14th February 2020, connecting Kowloon East to the existing Ma On Shan Line through Lion Rock. The new line includes two new stations, Hin Keng and Kai Tak, as well as the expansion of Diamond Hill Station which becomes an interchange station with the Kwun Tong Line. In addition to providing linkage between the New Territories East and Kowloon East, the line extends railway service to new communities in the Kai Tak redevelopment area. Trains operate at a frequency of about 3.5 minutes and the journey time for the full length of the line is about 20 minutes. Phase 2 which extends the line to Hung Hom is expected to be completed in 2021. Construction began in June 2012 and the new line is the first section of the HK$99.1 billion Shatin to Central Link to commence passenger services.


ABERDEEN - CHEUNG CHAU FERRY SERVICE TO CEASE OPERATION

The ferry service operating between Aberdeen Promenade and Cheung Chau is to cease service with effect from 1st January 2020. The service was introduced in August 2015 and operated by Maris Ferry Service Limited but has been suffering financial loss. The Transport Department invited Expression of Interest from other potential operators in October and December this year with relaxed requirements for passenger capacity and service frequency but, to date, no applications have been received. However, in the 2019 Policy Address the Government announced its intention to launch Special Helping Measures in order to enhance the financial viability of the ferry services, and a new Vessel Subsidy Scheme to replace the fleets of ferry routes (including the "Aberdeen – Cheung Chau" route) Any future applications to operate the service will be welcomed and given due consideration by the Transport Department.

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NEW CITYBUS CITYFLYER AIRPORT BUS ROUTES 

Citybus is to introduce two new "Cityflyer" airport bus services from 6th January 2020.

Route A17 will operate between the Airport and Shum Wan via Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge, Lantau Link Toll Plaza, Western Harbour Crossing, Admiralty Station, Queen's Road East, Wong Chai Nung Road, Happy Valley (Lower), Sing Woo Road, Blue Pool Road, Wong Chuk Hang and Ocean Park. The service operates daily from the airport, hourly from 11-30 to 23-30 and from Shum Wan hourly from 05-30 to 20-30. Adult fare is HK$45.

Route A23 will operate between the Airport and Tsz Shan Wan, via Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau Bridge, Lantau Link Toll Plaza, Austin Station, Jordan Road, Hung Hom, Ma Tau Wai, To Kwa Wan and Choi Hung. The service operates daily from the airport every 30 mins from 11-10 to 00-10 and from Tsz Shan Wan every 30 mins from 05-10 to 21-40. Adult fare is HK$39.

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OCTOPUS STORED VALUE LIMIT INCREASED TO HK$3,000

Octopus Cards Limited (OCL) is increasing the stored value limit for all Octopus to HK$3,000 effective from 1st December 2019. At the same time, users can also make payment of up to HK$3,000 at designated Octopus merchants.

Starting from 1st December 2019, the stored value limit of all newly issued Octopus products including On-Loan Octopus, Sold Octopus, Bank Co-Brand Octopus, Smart Octopus and Octopus Mobile SIM etc., will be HK$3,000. Any user who possesses a Smart Octopus issued before 1st October 2019 or an Octopus product issued before 1st December 2019 can upgrade the stored value limit from HK$1,000 to HK$3,000 via Octopus App* or at any Octopus Service Point. Once the stored value limit has been upgraded, users can also make payment of up to HK$3,000 for each transaction starting from 1st December at over 3,200 retail outlets† operated by more than 30 merchants, including SOGO, PARKnSHOP, Wellcome Supermarket, Watsons, 7-Eleven and Mannings. More merchants are expected to support the maximum Octopus payment amount of HK$3,000.

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HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART TO REOPEN ON 30th NOVEMBER 2019

After major expansion and renovation, the Hong Kong Museum of Art will reopen to the public on Saturday 30th November 2019.

A total of eleven exhibitions will be held. They include a series of collection exhibitions representing the cultural legacy in the museum's holdings, namely "Ordinary to Extraordinary: Stories of the Museum", "From Dung Basket to Dining Cart: 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Wu Guanzhong", "A Pleasure Shared: Selected Works from the Chih Lo Lou Collection", "The Wisdom of Emptiness: Selected Works from the Xubaizhai Collection", "Lost and Found: Guardians of the Chater Collection" and "The Best of Both Worlds: Acquisition and Donation of Chinese Antiquities".

Another series of exhibitions and displays on Hong Kong art, namely "Classics Remix: The Hong Kong Viewpoint", "Hong Kong Experience‧Hong Kong Experiment", "The Breath of Landscape" and "Rediscovering Landscape", will display the lineage of local art. An international blockbuster exhibition, "A Sense of Place: from Turner to Hockney" will also be ready for public appreciation.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art has been closed since August 2015 for a renovation project to increase exhibition space and upgrade its facilities. After expansion, the total exhibition area has been increased by about 40 per cent from about 7,000 square metres to around 10,000 sq m.

Established in 1962, the museum was first housed in the City Hall High Block and moved to its present purpose-built premises in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1991. The museum's mission is to preserve the cultural heritage of China and promote Hong Kong art.

The museum is located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

Hong Kong Museum of Art is to reopen following a four year renovation

For further information see the museum website;

https://hk.art.museum/en_US/web/ma/home.html

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HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 1 EXTENSION OPENED AND TERMINAL 2 CLOSED FOR REDEVELOPMENT

The extension of Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) commenced operations on 29th November 2019. Situated at the northern end of Terminal 1 and spanning a gross floor area of around 18,000 square metres, the extension adds the new Aisle L, featuring 48 check-in counters that bring the total in Terminal 1 to 369. On the smart technology front, there are also key applications in the form of self bag drop facilities and e-Security Gates. The number of smart check-in kiosks in Terminal 1 will also increase to over 100 at the extended Departures Level. In tandem with the opening of the Terminal 1 extension, Terminal 2 has been decommissioned temporarily for expansion as part of the three-runway system project. Check-in service for all airlines will now be conducted at Terminal 1, as all check-in counters at Terminal 2 have suspended operations. Other ancillary services previously provided in Terminal 2, including the lost and found office, baggage storage service, and ticketing counters for cross-boundary limousine and coach service, have also been relocated to the Arrivals Level of the Terminal 1 extension area. Two additional baggage reclaim carousels in the restricted area at the Arrivals level, catering kiosks and offices will commence operation in phases. The Meeters and Greeters Hall has also been expanded to provide additional seating, as well as extra dining facilities in the future.

Terminal 2 is expected to reopen in 2024 as a full-service terminal for arrivals and departures, along with the commissioning of the entire three-runway system project. The expanded Terminal 2 will be directly connected to the Third Runway Passenger Building by a new Automated People Mover system.

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NEW HARBOURFRONT PROMENADE OPENED 

The new harbourfront promenade connecting Tamar and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) opened to the public on 21st October 2019. The public can now stroll or jog along the 4.5-kilometre promenade from the Western Wholesale Food Market at Shek Tong Tsui all the way to the HKCEC in Wan Chai, making it the longest harbourfront promenade within the Victoria Harbour by far.

Being part of the harboufront enhancement initiative for Wan Chai and located on a piece of newly reclaimed land, the new promenade section is about 560-metres long and six metres wide. In accordance with the "incremental approach" advocated by the Government and the Harbourfront Commission, the Harbour Office of the Development Bureau has arranged to first complete and open the waterfront section of this site for early public enjoyment about 15 months ahead of the original schedule. The remaining works of the promenade system will continue and are targeted to be completed in early 2021.

Providing a panoramic view of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, the new promenade section is one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset with the Central Business District on both sides of Victoria Harbour as a backdrop. A simplistic design has been adopted, while interesting facilities and installations with human touches are displayed and will be renewed periodically in collaboration with community designers to enhance the uniqueness and attractiveness of the promenade.

 
The promenade opened 15 months ahead of the original schedule. This connector links the 4.5-kilometre promenade between Shek Tong Tsui and Wan Chai, forming the longest waterfront promenade within Victoria Harbour.

Hong Kong Design Centre has arranged the display of colourful and meaningful public installments designed by teachers and students of the Hong Kong Design Institute along the promenade, providing areas for the public to rest and appreciate the creativity of young local designers.

The On Tai Mini Workshop has also launched its first communal development project along the harbourfront. Under the theme of "Growth from the Earth, Our Home", the miniature art pieces are installed and will be updated from time to time to bring bac memories of old Hong Kong. These include transparent tiles showing the living spaces in the old days of Hong Kong, as well as other creative works to come.

The Harbour Office is working with Tech Hill Limited, a startup company founded in the Hong Kong Science Park, to introduce augmented reality features along the harbour. With the gradual introduction of various features, visitors can discover more about the surrounding landmark buildings by scanning relevant QR codes on the promenade, as well as take photos and produce customised electronic postcards with their mobile phones or tablets.

The Harbour Office also attaches importance to sustainable design. To this end, water-filling machines and plastic bottle reverse vending machines will be installed to encourage the public to bring their own water bottles and reduce plastic waste.

In addition, four sets of public landing steps have been built along the promenade to encourage better water-land interfacing and create more opportunities to activate the water body of Victoria Harbour in future.

The second phase of the works to be completed in early 2021 will bring about more facilities, including a fun area for children, sheltered seatings, grass footpaths and viewing hillocks. The Civil Engineering and Development Department will also carry out the construction of a landscaped deck west of the HKCEC, connecting the harbourfront promenade with the existing elevated walkway network at Harbour Road in Wan Chai to provide the public with a more direct and convenient access from Wan Chai to the harbourfront.

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DISNEYLAND ANT-MAN ATTRACTION OPENED

Hong Kong Disneyland's Marvel-themed attraction "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!" opened to the public on 31st March 2019. The interactive ride allows visitors to fight alongside Ant-Man and The Wasp as they are shrunk down to the size of an ant. The attraction features an entirely new Marvel story with the first Hong Kong specific Marvel character, Leslie Lam battling against Arnim Zola and his army of Swarmbots.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle!" is the second Marvel-themed attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland, following "Iron Man Experience" which opened in early 2017.

For further information see;

https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/attractions/ant-man-and-the-wasp-nano-battle/

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MTR FARE ADJUSTMENT 

MTR Corporation has announced that under the Government's Fare Adjustment Mechanism (FAM) the fare adjustment for the period of 12 months from 1st June 2019 results in a fare increase of 3.3%. However, MTR has confirmed its commitment to the fare rebate scheme whereby passengers paying fares by Octopus Card will receive a rebate of 3.3% on each Octopus trip until the end of 2019. MTR has since announced an extension of the rebate period to 40 weeks from 1st June 2019 meaning there will be no fare increase for Octopus passengers before March 2020..

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NEW SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK BUS ROUTE 289R

With effect from 24th March 2019 KMB is introducing a one-way express bus service 289R on Sundays and public holidays only from Wong Shek Pier to Sha Tin Central Bus Terminus. The service will depart Wong Shek Pier every 30 minutes from 3pm to 7pm and travel via Pak Tam Au, Pak Tam Chung, Tai Mong Tsai, Sai Sha Road and City One Shatin.

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CHANGES TO ON-LOAN OCTOPUS CARD FEES

Octopus Cards Limited has announced revised fees in relation to On-loan Octopus Cards. With effect from 1st April 2019, cards issued from that date onwards will incur a handling fee of HK$11 if the card is returned for refund of deposit and any unused stored value within 90 days of issue of the card. The current fee of HK$9 remains unaltered for cards issued before 1st April 2019.

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AVENUE OF STARS REOPENED 

The popular tourist attraction Avenue of Stars, which has been closed for renovation works since October 2015, reopened to the public on 31st January 2019.

The works have enhanced those elements related to the Hong Kong film industry. In addition to the 107 original superstars' handprints, nine new handprints from the winners of Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress are to be added soon. A special pig hoof print from one of the McDull statues has also been added. All handprints have been newly designed and carry the elegant bronze colour of the Hong Kong Film Award statuette. The handprints have been finely crafted and the palm prints are clearly visible. After relocating the handprints from the ground to wooden handrails, allowing visitors a closer look at them.

Visitors can also get closer to the four bronze statues are no longer surrounded by fences. The statues of Bruce Lee and Anita Mui are decorated beneath with flowing-water features; the water installation for the former flows faster to represent Lee's martial arts fighting speed, while the latter flows more slowly to mimic Mui's performance on stage. Visitors can use smart phones to scan QR codes near the handprints to view a brief biography and film footage of the superstars and learn more about them and also take photos next to the statues of the stars with the augmented reality (AR) based technology on site.

 


The Bruce Lee statue is decorated with flowing-water features beneath. The water flows quickly to represent his martial arts fighting speed

The revitalisation project also provides visitors with a more comfortable and relaxing harbourfront for meeting with others. The project emphasised landscape design, leading to a double of the seating area, as well as an increase of shaded and green areas by about 700% and 800% respectively. Environmentally friendly materials have also been used - the railings and chairs are made of a bio-based wood substitute which mainly consists of rice husks, while the light-coloured pavers, which partly comprise recycled glass, help reduce heat absorption.

 

The design and has doubled the seating area and substantially increased the shaded and green areas.

For further information see the Avenue of Stars website;

https://www.avenueofstars.com.hk/en/

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NEW TOYOTA COMFORT HYBRID TAXI INTRODUCED INTO SERVICE

Crown Motors, the exclusive distributor of Hong Kong's Toyota taxis, has announced the introduction of the new Toyota Comfort Hybrid Taxi. The LPG/electric model has a capacity of 4 passengers and is equipped with an electric sliding door for wheelchair access. The new taxi costs about HK$320,000, about HK$60,000 more than the previous Toyota Comfort taxi which has already ceased production, and can achieve a fuel consumption of 19.4km compared to 9km per litre for the old model. It is expected that about 1,000 new model taxis will be in service by the end of 2019.

 The new Toyota Comfort Hybrid Taxi

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WEST KOWLOON CULTURAL DISTRICT XIQU CENTRE OPENING DATE 

The Xiqu Centre, the traditional Chinese performing arts and music venue in West Kowloon Cultural District, is to officially open on 20th January 2019.

The distinctive eight -storey building covers an area of 28,164 sq mtrs, including the 1,073-seat Grand Theatre, Tea House Theatre, eight professional studios and a seminar hall. The centre has been designed to be soundproof in order to eliminate noise from the two main roads outside the centre and the nearby Austin and West Kowloon stations. The Grand Theatre is located 30-metres above ground and will not be affected by vibration from trains. The Tea House is a small 200-seat capacity venue furnished in contemporary Chinese style. Audiences will be able to participate in the tradition of drinking tea and enjoying snacks while watching the performance. The 108-seat capacity Seminar Hall will house film screenings, talks and cultural exchanges. The centre also has a Chinese restaurant, a cha chaan teng, outlets selling special Chinese desserts and cakes, and souvenir and retail shops.

The opening performance in the Grand Theatre will be the Cantonese Opera "The Reincarnation of Red Plum" which will run from 21st to 30th January and was first played in 1959. The opera is a love story between scholar Pei You and the ghost of his concubine Li Huiniang and was first performed in 1959.

The centre was designed by leading Canadian architect Bing Thom Architects and Hong Kong award-winning architect Ronald Lu & Partners following a 10 month competition during 2012 which attracted over 50 entrants and construction began in Sepetember 2013. The building features a lantern-like design with core elements of traditional Chinese architecture, being a gateway, pavilion, courtyard, nature and the concept of "qi", the flow and transition between internal structures and neighbouring buildings. "Flow" is interpreted in the fluid movements in the building and the use of curved planes, arched openings and circular paths, nature is expressed by bringing the landscape into different levels of the building to create in-between spaces, gateway and pavilion is represented in the openness and door-less nature of the design, welcoming different visitors into the building from all four of its corners and courtyard is presented as a generous covered public space on ground level, which serves as an urban stage for events and celebrations.

 

The distinctive façade and main entrance of the Xiqu Centre, designed to resemble parted stage curtains

The final cost of the government funded project which will be directly operated by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority is about HK$2.7 billion, more than double the original estimate in 2006.

For details of performances and events at the Xiqu Centre see;

https://www.westkowloon.hk/en/xiqu-centre

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RELAXATION OF NO-STOPPING RESTRICTIONS FOR TAXIS TO BE MADE PERMANENT 

In line with recommendations in the Public Transport Strategy Study published in June 2017, starting from 28th December 2018 works will progressively be carried out to permanently relax the restrictions on taxis for picking up or setting down passengers in all designated restricted zones on roads with speed limit at 70 kilometres per hour or below. Supplementary traffic signs displaying "except taxi pick up or drop off" beneath traffic signs with a no-stopping restriction will progressively be erected in restricted zones across the territory. This will spare the taxi trade the need to renew restricted zone permits annually. The works are expected to be completed by 2021. Before the completion of the works, restricted zone permits will continue to be issued to the taxi trade at the end of January each year.

Taxi drivers have been reminded to continue to exercise self-discipline and to strictly observe the "pick up, drop-off and go" and "no waiting" rules. In the event of violations of the rules causing obstruction to other road users, the Government may consider implementing traffic control measures, including restoring the no-stopping restrictions for taxis at certain road sections.

The current scheme for relaxation of no stopping restrictions was introduced in 2003 to help taxis recover from the economic effect of the SARS crisis by enabling them to provide better point to point services and compete better with other public transport, Taxis can now pick up and drop off almost anywhere, provided they do not cause an obstruction. However, taxis are not allowed to wait for passengers on roads with no stopping restrictions. The scheme, under which taxi owners/drivers must apply for a permit for exemption from picking up or setting down on roads with no stopping restrictions has been reviewed annually with the latest exemption expiring on 31st January 2019.

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HONG KONG - ZHUHAI - MACAO BRIDGE OPENING DATE 

Following an offical opening ceremony on 23rd October, the Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macao Bridge (HZMB) will open to the public the following day, Wednesday 24th October 2018.

Work on the 55km dual three-lane bridge and tunnel sea crossing began in December 2009 and includes a 22.9km main bridge, 6.7km underwater tunnel, two artificial islands and link roads of about 12.6km on the Hong Kong side and 13.9km on the Macau and Zhuhai side. On the Hong Kong side the link to the tunnel and main bridge starts from a 130-hectare artificial island east of Hong Kong International Airport where the Boundary Crossing Facilities are located. The Zhuhai and Macao Boundary Crossing Facilities are located on an artificial island off Gongbei close to the mainland/Macau border.

The Hong Kong Port will be served by various modes of public transport including franchised buses, green minibuses, coaches and taxis. Having passed through immigration control at the Boundary Crossing Facilities Building, passengers can interchange to a 24-hour frequent shuttle bus service to travel to the Zhuhai and Macao control points. The service operates at a frequency of 5 minutes in peak hours, 10 to 15 minutes during non-peak daytime hours and 15-30 minutes overnight. Journey time between Hong Kong Port and Macau Port is about 40 minutes. The adult fare is HK$65 during the daytime and HK$70 at night.

To serve the Hong Kong Port three new franchised bus routes and one green minibus route. Passengers using MTR can interchange to route B5 at Sunny Bay Station or route B6 at Tung Chung Station. Route B4 links up the Airport and the Hong Kong Port to facilitate air passengers and also those going to the Asia World Expo. There will also be one green minibus route 901 from Tung Chung to Hong Kong Port via the catering area in the airport island.

In addition to the new routes, nine existing direct "A" airport bus routes are being extended to serve the Hong Kong Port.

Apart from franchised buses, contract hire coaches for tour groups can serve the control point.

The control point will be served by all taxis (urban - red, New Territories - green and Lantau - blue).

In addition to shuttle buses, to cross the bridge passengers can also use cross-boundary coach services which provide direct point-to-point services from Hong Kong destinations to destinations in Mainland and also in Macao.

Travellers can also take cross-boundary hire cars. There is provision of about 3,000 private car parking spaces at the Macao Port and a HZMB Macao Port Park-and-Ride Scheme.

Hong Kong Transport Department has launched a dedicated website with useful information for getting to and crossing the bridge and procedures and facilities at the Hong Kong Port;

https://www.hzmb.gov.hk/en/index.html 

For further information see WHAT'S NEW

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REMOVAL OF GARDEN OF STARS STATUES 


The statues of Bruce Lee, Anita Mui, the Hong Kong Film Awards and Mcdull will be removed from the Garden of Stars from the following dates for maintenance as a part of the preparation for re-opening of the renovated Avenue of Stars;

Statues of Bruce Lee and Anita Mui - 1st November 2018

Statue of Hong Kong Film Awards - 8th November 2018

Statue of McDull - 15th November 2018

The existing handprints will remain at the Garden of Stars during this period and the Avenue of Stars is tentatively scheduled to be re-opened in early 2019.

The Garden of Stars at Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium has been the temporary home for some of the statues and exhibits of the Avenue of Stars which closed for major renovation in October 2015.

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"VISIT HONG KONG" WEBSITE LAUNCHED BY TOURISM COMMISSION

The Tourism Commission, part of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Government, has launched a new website aimed particularly at visitors just arriving in Hong Kong to help access Hong Kong tourism information via mobile devices.

The "Visit Hong Kong" website is a one-stop platform for useful tourist information, including terminal facilities, events/festivals and attractions in Hong Kong, transport to/from tourist attractions, shopping, dining, hotels and promotional offers to assist visitors in itinerary planning. Tourists arriving at Hong Kong International Airport can also click on the link provided through the free Wi-Fi services at the airport to visit the landing page. The landing page provides a function for tourists to share content through social media platforms and adopts a responsive web design which enables an automatic adjustment of page size and content in mobile phones and tablet computers. The landing page will be extended to other control points including the soon-to-be-commissioned West Kowloon Station of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

The website can be found at;

https://www.visithongkong.gov.hk

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WEST KOWLOON STATION BUS TERMINUS TO COMMENCE OPERATION

West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus, which is located at the north side of West Kowloon Station, will commence operation on Sunday 16th September 2018 to replace the temporary bus terminus at To Wah Road in Jordan and provide services for passengers wishing to use the High Speed Rail.

KMB routes 36B, 36X, 42A, 46, 60X, 63X, 69X, 81, 95 and 268X, which currently terminate at the temporary bus terminus at To Wah Road in Jordan, will be relocated to West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus from 16th September. KMB route 271 which currently terminates at Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui will be extended to terminate at West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus from 16th September and en-route bus stops will be provided at Canton Road.

From 23rd September 2018, the date of commencement of High Speed Rail operations, three new bus routes will provide services to/from West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus, namely Citybus route W1 (to/from Admiralty and Central), KMB route W2 (to/from Kwun Tong and Lam Tin) and KMB route W3 (to/from Sheung Shui, Tai Po and Sha Tin).

Citybus Route W1 West Kowloon Station bound service operates from 05-45 to 21-45 daily, departing from Admiralty Station (West) Bus Terminus, via Connaught Road Central near Statue Square and directly heading via the Western Habour Crossing for West Kowloon Station boarding and alighting area, before terminating at West Kowloon Station. Admiralty bound service operates from 07-30 to midnight daily, departing from West Kowloon Station, via West Kowloon Station boarding and alighting area and directly heading for Connaught Road Central near Jardine House, before terminating at Admiralty Station (West) Bus Terminus. The service will operate at 10-15 minute frequency. The full fare is HK$8.9.

KMB Route W2 West Kowloon Station bound service operates from 05-20 to 22-40 daily, departing from Kwun Tong Station via Lam Tin Station , Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre (KITEC) and West Kowloon Station boarding and alighting area, before terminating at West Kowloon Station. Kwun Tong bound service operates from 06-25 to 01-00 daily via the same route. The service will operate at 15-20 minute frequency. The full fare is HK$5.5.

KMB Route W3 West Kowloon Station bound service operates from 05-00 to 22-40 daily, departing from Sheung Shui Bus Terminus via Kwong Fuk Estate, Sha Tin Station, Tsing Sha Highway Toll Plaza, West Kowloon Station boarding and alighting area, before terminating at West Kowloon Station. Sheung Shui bound service operates from 06-25 to 01-00 daily via the same route. The service will operate at 15-20 minute frequency. The full fare is HK$12.7.

Discounted (10%) round-trip tickets, valid 3 months from date of issue, can be purchased for routes W2 and W3 by using Octopus Card at the bus supervisor's offices at West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus, Lam Tin Station Bus Station and Sheung Shui Bus Terminus.

 

The new West Kowloon Station Bus Terminus will provide services for passengers wishing to travel to/from West Kowloon Station where high-speed rail services commence on 23rd September 2018

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NEW GEOPARK FERRY SERVICE LAUNCHED 

Visitors to Hong Kong can explore two islands within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark by a new kaito ferry service operating between Ma Liu Shui, Kat O (Crooked Island) and Ap Chau (Duck Island), launched on 2nd September 2018 by Best Sonic Industrial Limited. The service operates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays leaving from Ma Liu Shui Landing No3 at 8-30am , arrives Kat O Pier at 10am, departs Kat O at 10-15am, arrives Ap Chau Pier at 10-30am, departs Ap Chau at 12 noon, arriving on the return journey at Kat O at 12-15pm, departing 3-30pm and arriving back at Ma Liu Shui at 5pm. The fare for the round-trip is HK$90 or for a single-journey between Kat O and Ma Liu Shui HK$50.

Ma Liu Shui Landing Pier is located about 15 minutes walk from University MTR Station (East Rail Line) by following the direction signs from station exit B.

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HONG KONG PARK AVIARY TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The Edward Youde Aviary in Hong Kong Park is to close from 17th September 2018 until 1st February 2019 for the first phase of refurbishment works.

The second phase of refurbishment works is expected to commence in mid-2019.

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OPENING DATE FOR HONG KONG SECTION OF GUANGZHOU - SHENZHEN - HONG KONG EXPRESS RAIL LINK ANNOUNCED

Hong Kong's Transport and Housing Bureau has announced that the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou - Shenzhen - Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) will commence operating on 23rd September 2018. The opening of XRL will connect Hong Kong with the 25,000 km Chinese national high-speed rail network allowing direct trains to 44 destinations. The 26km Hong Kong Section of the 142km XRL runs underground from the West Kowloon Station terminus to the mainland boundary at Huanggang where it connects with the national network. Constuction began on mid-2010 and the estimated cost of the project is about HK$84 billion. The service concession has been granted to MTR Corporation for a 10-year period.

The 44 destinations that the direct XRL trains will reach comprise six short-haul destinations, namely Futian, Shenzhen North, Guangmingcheng, Humen, Qingsheng and Guangzhou South of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Passenger Line, and 38 long-haul destinations along the Beijing-Guangzhou Passenger Line, the Hangzhou-Fuzhou-Shenzhen Passenger Line, the Shanghai-Kunming Passenger Line and the Guiyang-Guangzhou Passenger Line, including Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Guilin, Guiyang, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Changsha, Hangzhou, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Xiamen and Shantou.

There will be 114 pairs of short-haul trains daily during peak periods (general holidays of Hong Kong and public holidays in the Mainland and the connecting weekends, summer holidays during July and August, and the Spring Festival travel seasons in the Mainland). On weekdays and weekends (Friday to Sunday), 70 and 82 train pairs will run daily respectively. Subject to market demand, the train schedule will be suitably adjusted in view of passenger flow. There will also be 13 pairs of direct long-haul trains daily. Nine sets of Hong Kong-owned trains are branded "Vibrant Express".

Journey times for long-haul services include 8h 56m to Beijing, 8h 17m to Shanghai, 6h 20m to Zhengzhou, 4h 33m to Wuhan 3h 12m to Changsha, 7h 38m to Kunming 10h 30m to Hangzhou and 3h 19m to Guilin.

Short-haul journey time to Guangzhou South is 47 minutes via non-stop services and between 51 and 71 minutes for stopping services. Journey time to Futian and Shenzhen North is 14 and 23 minutes respectively.

Trains to Futian and Shenzhen North will operate at 10 to 20 minute frequency and to Guangzhou South at 15 to 30 minute frequency although only three daily services to Guangzhou South will be non-stop.

Second Class fares from the Hong Kong terminus, West Kowloon Station, to the short-haul destinations will range between RMB68 (about HK$78) for Futian to RMB215 (about HK$247) for Guangzhou South. Second Class fares of long-haul destinations along the Beijing-Guangzhou Passenger Line, the Hangzhou-Fuzhou-Shenzhen Passenger Line, the Shanghai-Kunming Passenger Line and the Guiyang-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, are RMB1,077 (about HK$1,239) for Beijing, RMB349 about HK$401) for Fuzhou, RMB1,008 (about HK$1,159) for Shanghai and RMB538 (about HK$619) for Guiyang respectively. In actual operation, there may be various promotional and concession fares for the XRL during non-peak periods or low seasons for tourists having regard to market demand.

It is planned to adjust the fares of the XRL in Hong Kong dollars on a monthly basis for tickets sold through the Hong Kong ticketing system (via a Hong Kong ticketing website and hotline, at a ticketing office and ticket vending machines at West Kowloon Station and through local travel agencies). As for the arrangements and service fees for purchasing Mainland journey tickets, the Mainland and Hong Kong sides have agreed, as an interim measure, to charge concessionary service fees for people purchasing Mainland journey tickets at the five ticketing counters at the ticketing office of West Kowloon Station. The new service fees will depend on the fare level - HK$10 for a ticket less than RMB200, HK$20 for a ticket at or above RMB200 to less than RMB300 and HK$30 for a ticket at or above RMB300. As compared with the current service fees for purchasing Mainland journey tickets, the new arrangement greatly reduces the service fees for purchasing Mainland journey tickets at West Kowloon Station. Meanwhile, MTR Corporation and China Railway Corporation are exploring other channels through which Hong Kong passengers may purchase Mainland journey tickets in a more convenient manner. China Railway Corporation is in support of the idea of enhancing the Mainland ticketing system ( http://www.12306.cn/mormhweb/ ),currently available only to those with Mainland phone numbers, to facilitate online purchase of Mainland journey tickets by Hong Kong passengers and is working to overcome the policy and technical challenges with a view to achieving system enhancement.

For timetables, fares and ticketing information see;

https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/en/main/index.html

The rail line is expected to carry about 80,100 passengers a day, of which about 13,700 are expected to use services to long-haul destinations and 66,400 travelling to short-haul destinations such as Shenzhen, Dongguan and Guangzhou. 

The Hong Kong Government has transferred the assets and land rights of the railway to the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC). Under the Supplemental Agreement to the existing Service Concession Agreement, the KCRC has granted the MTR Corporation a 10-year concession to operate the XRL. The MTR Corporation will pay the KCRC concession payments based on the actual patronage of the XRL.

A joint immigration checkpoint will operate enabling passengers to complete both Hong Kong and Mainland entry/exit procedures at West Kowloon Station where a 1.1 million sq ft Mainland Port Area has been established on land leased to the Mainland authorities until 2047. The Hong Kong Government will charge an annual rent of HK$1,000 and in return the Shenzhen municipal authority is reducing the annual rent which it charges Hong Kong for lease of the 4.4 million sq ft Shenzhen Bay port area in Shekou from 8.1 million RMB to 1,000 RMB.

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TUNG CHUNG - TAI O FERRY SERVICE ADDITIONAL SAILINGS TRIAL

With effect from 25th August 2018 a regular "short-working" service of the Fortune Ferry Tuen Mun - Tung Chung - Sha Lo Wan - Tai O ferry service will operate on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays on a trial basis for a period of one year.

The service will operate between Tung Chung and Tai O via Sha Lo Wan but will not extend to Tuen Mun. These sailings are in addition to existing scheduled sailings and depart from Tung Chung at 10-00, 12-00, 14-00 and 16-00 and from Tai O at 11-00, 13-00, 15-00 and 17-00. Sailings call at Sha Lo Wan 15 minutes after departure from Tung Chung and 30 minutes after departure from Tai O.

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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY INFORMATION CENTRE CURRENCY SECTION GIVEN A NEW LOOK 

The Currency Section of the Hong Kong Monetary Information Centre has been reopened to the public on 16th August 2018 with a fresh new look.

In light of the launch of the 2018 New Series Hong Kong Banknotes, the Currency Section of the Information Centre has undergone a complete revamp to introduce the design, security features, production process, and other fun facts about Hong Kong currency notes and coins in a more interactive way, including using educational games, multimedia displays and mechanical devices. Apart from exhibiting the notes and coins currently in circulation in Hong Kong, the newly revamped Currency Section also features a new interactive device which displays the electronic images of the designs of Hong Kong currency notes issued over the past 150 years and coins in circulation over the past 60 years. Another spotlight of the redesigned Currency Section is a new art installation "Chanting Notes", a bauhinia tree created with shredded currency notes, which contrasts nicely with another artwork currently exhibited in the Information Centre called "Small Change, Big Ode" that is made up of Hong Kong coins.

Members of the public can visit the Information Centre which is located on the 55th floor of Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Last entry 20 minutes before closing.

 

The HKMA Information Centre also affords panoramic views

For further information see;

https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/about-the-hkma/hkma-information-centre/currency-section.shtml

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NEW TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC MOBILE APP LAUNCHED

A new all-in-one mobile application "HKeMobility" has been launched as one of the initiatives to take forward the Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint.

The Transport Department's three existing mobile applications, "Hong Kong eTransport", "Hong Kong eRouting" and "eTraffic News", are integrated into "HKeMobility", with the user interface improved and new features added. Users can acquire real-time traffic and transport information anytime and anywhere to plan their journeys.

The public can also make use of "HKeMobility" to obtain traffic news with a voice-over function, snapshots of traffic conditions from about 180 CCTV cameras installed at major roads, estimated times of arrival of buses and trams, and parking vacancy information for about 220 car parks. To promote the habit of walking, the walking route search feature, at present covering Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, will be progressively extended to other districts. "HKeMobility" has also enhanced the walking route searching feature by offering the choice of barrier-free routes for people with visual and mobility disabilities.

"HKeMobility" for Android phones and iPhone are available for free download from Google Play and the App Store respectively. Alternatively, members of the public can download it by scanning a QR code or through the link on the Transport Department's website;

http://www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/hong_kong_emobility/index.html

Users of the TD's three existing mobile applications will also receive guidelines on how to download or update to "HKeMobility".

 


"HKeMobility" mobile application icon

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2018 NEW SERIES BANKNOTES

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), and the three note-issuing banks (NIBs) (Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) have announced the issue of the 2018 new series Hong Kong banknotes.

Consistent with the current series, the new series will consist of five denominations, each adopting the same colour scheme. It is the first time that the thematic subjects on the reverse side of the NIBs' new series banknotes are standardised for each denomination to facilitate easy recognition by the public. The selected thematic subjects represent different aspects of Hong Kong as an international metropolis, featuring its rhythm of life, recreation and entertainment, as well as its rich natural and cultural heritage. The five denominations depict respectively the position of Hong Kong as international financial centre (HK$1,000), the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (HK$500), Cantonese opera as Hong Kong's art and cultural legacy (HK$100), butterflies that inhabit Hong Kong (HK$50), and the popular dim sum and tea culture (HK$20). For aesthetic presentation of the subject and easy distinction from previous series, the reverse side of the banknote is in vertical orientation instead of the traditional horizontal layout.

The HK$1,000 and HK$500 notes will be put into circulation in the last quarter of 2018 and early 2019 respectively, and the lower denominations of HK$100, HK$50 and HK$20 will be ready for issue in batches between 2019 and 2020.

The new banknotes have incorporated advanced security features. Their placement on the banknotes is uniform across all five denominations. The six key features are:

1. Dynamic shimmering pattern – when the note is tilted, the shimmering ring in the pattern moves correspondingly.

2. Windowed metallic thread – when the note is tilted, the large and small rings on the metallic thread move correspondingly.

3. Enhanced watermark – the theme of the bauhinia flower is used such that the flower, leaves, bud and denomination numeral can be seen when the note is held up to the light.

4. Fluorescent see-through denomination – the patterns on the front and back, which are of a single colour under normal light, will appear as two fluorescent colours when exposed to ultraviolet light. The patterns on the front and back fit perfectly to form the denomination numeral when the note is held up to the light.

5. Concealed denomination – when the note is tilted under the light, the denomination numeral hidden in the background can be seen.

6. Embossed feel – raised printing gives the note a strong embossed feel by touch.

Accessibility features such as braille and tactile lines will continue to be available in the new series for people with visual impairments to differentiate the denominations.

All existing banknotes will continue to be legal tender. They will continue to be in circulation alongside the new banknotes, and will be gradually withdrawn as appropriate in due course.

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VISITORS TO HONG KONG TO BE REQUIRED TO DECLARE CASH AMOUNTS OVER HK$120,000

With effect from 16th July 2018 visitors to Hong Kong entering via border control points at Hong Kong International Airport, Lo Wu, Hung Hom Station, Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok, Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, China Ferry Terminal, Lok Ma Chau, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal, Shenzhen Bay Port Hong Kong port area, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Ocean Terminal carrying any cash amount exceeding HK$120,000 will be required to use the Red Channel and make a written declaration.

The measure is being imposed under the Cross-boundary Movement of Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments Ordinance in order to fulfill Hong Kong's international obligation to implement Recommendation 32 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for ensuring that terrorists and other criminals cannot finance their activities or launder criminal proceeds through such cross-boundary means. The FATF is an inter-governmental body setting standards on combating money laundering and terrorist financing through 40 recommendations for compliance by member jurisdictions, including Hong Kong.

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NEW GREEN MINIBUS TRIAL SERVICE FOR HONG KONG UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

With effect from Sunday 22nd July 2018 a new green minibus route 9A will operate on a trial basis on Sundays and public holidays in Sai Kung Country Park between Pak Tam Chung and the East Dam of High Island Reservoir. The service will operate from 3pm to 6pm at a frequency of 20 to 25 minutes and the fare will be $11.30. The Transport Department will closely monitor passenger demand and will suitably adjust the service if necessary.

The East Dam of High Island Reservoir is located within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, which is a popular tourist attraction for both local and overseas visitors. The route will be reviewed after three months of operation.

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HONG KONG TRAMWAYS FARE INCREASE

Hong Kong tram fares have increased from 2nd July 2018. The adult fare has increased from HK$2.3 to HK$2.6 and child and seniors fares have increased by ten cents to HK$1.3 and HK$1.2 respectively. The cost of a monthly ticket has risen from HK$200 to HK$220 but the price of the four-day Tourist Pass remains unchanged at HK$34.

The increase is the first for seven years and has been granted taking into consideration various factors, including the quality and quantity of service provided, planned improvement projects of HKT; the changes in operating costs and revenue since HKT's last fare adjustment; HKT's forecasts of future costs, revenue, profit and return; and public acceptability. Since the last fare adjustment in June 2011, owing to competition from other public transport modes, particularly the MTR Island Line extension to Kennedy Town, its patronage has been decreasing and fare revenue has diminished although daily patronage has now stabilised at about 185,000 passengers. The potential to further increase non-fare box revenue is rather limited. Although HKT made profits between 2011 and 2017, its profit after tax has been decreasing since 2014. HKT's profit after tax in 2016 and 2017 was HK$37.6 million and about HK$22.9 million respectively (the profit margin was about 14.7 % and 9 % respectively). HKT has planned to invest about HK$110 million in the next few years for implementing a series of service improvement projects which will enable the company to provide quality, efficient, cheap and environmentally friendly services. Without a fare increase, HKT estimated that its profit margin would drop to below 2.6% from 2018 and beyond.

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IN TOWN CHECK IN FACILITY RESTORED FOR CATHAY PACIFIC FLIGHTS TO USA

Cathay Pacific has announced that in-town check-in facilities at Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station for passengers travelling on direct flights to the USA have been reopened from 29th June 2018. Passengers can check in and obtain boarding passes from 24 hours until 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. US authorities have relaxed part of the current pre-screening interview requirements, allowing passengers joining flights in Hong Kong to undertake the pre-screening interview at the boarding gate rather than at check-in.

The in-town check-in service for direct Cathay Pacific flights to the USA was suspended in October 2017 as a result of enhanced US security measures.

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OPENING OF TAI KWUN - CENTRE FOR HERITAGE AND ARTS (Former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison Compound)

Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, Hong Kong's largest heritage conservation and revitalisation project, involving a HK$3.8 billion renovation of the historic Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison compound dating back to between 1824 and 1925 and construction of new contemporary buildings, partially opened to the public on 29th May 2018. Eleven of the sixteen heritage buildings on the site are now open with the remaining buildings expected to open later in the year except Married Inspectors Quarters for which renovation has been delayed by a wall collapse in 2016.

 

The façade of the renovated Central Police Station on Hollywood Road, one of the historic buildings now open to the public at Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Arts

For further information see WHAT'S NEW.

Tai Kwun website;

https://www.taikwun.hk/en/

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HONG KONG MUSEUM OF MEDICAL SCIENCES SPECIAL OPENING HOURS 

Owing to piling works taking place at Seymour Road in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences is currently affected by noise and vibration. For safety reasons, with effect from 15th May 2018 until further notice the museum opening hours will be as follows;

Tuesdays to Fridays 9-30am to 11-30am and 12-30pm to 4-15pm

Saturdays 9-30am to 2pm

Sundays and public holidays 1pm to 5pm

Closed Mondays

During this period half-price admission will apply.

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HONG KONG SPACE MUSEUM NEW EXHIBITION HALLS OPENED 

The new exhibition halls of Hong Kong Space Museum, namely the Hall of the Cosmos and the Hall of Space Exploration, which focus on astronomy and space science respectively, opened to the public on 25th April 2018, introducing a total of over 100 new exhibits. The previous exhibition halls had become outdated and closed in 2015.

Covering a total area of 1,600 square metres, the two exhibition halls showcase exhibits, of which about 70 per cent are of interactive design. With the aid of advanced equipment coupled with lighting effects and environmental decorations, the exhibition halls aim to take audiences on a journey of discovery allied to extra sensory perception.

The Hall of the Cosmos explores the evolution of the universe, from the solar system where Earth is located to the myriad stars, Milky Way and distant galaxies. Among fun-filled interactive exhibits, "Aurora" allows visitors to adjust the strength of "solar wind" inside a vacuum tube to create a mini-aurora, while "Icy Bodies" creates comets with dry ice to simulate their jet streams and movement. In "Gravity Surfing", visitors can stand on surf boards for a simulated adventure through different celestial objects to help them better understand the warping of space by gravity.

In the Hall of Space Exploration, which depicts the development of space exploration and space technology, visitors are able to enter an upside-down virtual space station to experience the disoriented sensation of being in a weightless environment. They can also try a simulated launch of a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. A 3D photo effect is also provided for visitors to experience how it feels to be inside a re-entry capsule.

In order to provide a better visiting experience, admission to the exhibition halls will be arranged in sessions with limited quotas. Members of the public are advised to plan their visits in advance.

For further information see the museum website;

http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space/en_US/web/spm/whatsnew.html

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MTR FARE ADJUSTMENT 

In accordance with the Fare Adjustment Mechanism (FAM) formula, agreed with the Hong Kong government, and taking into account an adjustment offered by MTR Corporation outside of the FAM formula the overall fare adjustment for the twelve month period commencing June 2018 amounts to an increase of 3.14%. However, since MTR agreed in 2017 to provide a 3% rebate for Octopus Card users for at least six months in each fiscal year until 2022/23 it is unlikely that there will be any increase in fares for Octopus users during the calendar year 2018. MTR is to calculate changes to individual fares using the overall fare adjustment of 3.14% and will make a formal announcement at a later date.

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"SAFEGUARD HK" HIKER TRACKING SERVICE 

Hong Kong's Security Bureau Security has launched an updated version of the mobile application "Safeguard HK", featuring a new hiker tracking function to better protect hikers, as well as commonly used travel phrases in eight additional languages.

When a user of the "Safeguard HK" mobile app activates the "Hiker Tracking" function and registers his or her mobile phone number, the app will track and record the user's locations using GPS in the next 24 hours. In the event that the user gets lost or is reported missing, the emergency rescue teams of the Fire Services Department and the Hong Kong Police Force may search for the user with information recorded to expedite the rescue operation. The GPS data will be erased automatically after seven days if no incident has been reported. The "Hiker Tracking" function is provided by the Communications Association of Hong Kong. The registered mobile phone number must be a Hong Kong number and visitors will need a local SIM card to be able to register.

In addition, the "Safeguard HK" mobile app has introduced eight additional languages to its collection of commonly used travel phrases, bringing the total number of languages of useful travel phrases with auto speech function to 20, namely Arabic, Czech, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Putonghua, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai and Turkish. The travel phrases cover daily life and emergency situations to facilitate users' communication with locals during travel.

"Safeguard HK" mobile app is a one-stop platform providing useful information on safety in daily life and during travel. "Safeguard HK" can be downloaded for free through the Apple App Store and Google Play. For further information see;

http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/news/mobileapp/

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REFURBISHMENT OF CENTRAL - MID-LEVELS ESCALATOR AND WALKWAY SYSTEM

A complete refurbishment of the Central - Mid-Levels and Walkway System is to be undertaken over a four year period commencing in March 2018. During this sections of the system will be temporarily closed at various times to enable the work to be carried out. The system opened in 1993 and carries about 70,000 pedestrians daily. Full details of the affected areas can be found at the link below;

http://www.anlev.com/mid-levels/

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SMART DEPARTURE SERVICE EXTENDED TO 11 FURTHER BORDER CONTROL POINTS 

Following the launch in October of the self-service departure (Smart Departure) arrangement for visitors to Hong Kong entering via Hong Kong International Airport, the Immigration Department is extending the service to the following other control points with effect from 18th December 2017;

Lo Wu
Lok Ma Chau Spur Line
Hung Hom
Shenzhen Bay
Lok Ma Chau
Man Kam To
Sha Tau Kok
China Ferry Terminal
Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal
Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

Photos of visitors will be taken at arrival clearance counters to assist in authenticating their identity through face recognition technology. Smart Departure aims to provide greater travel convenience for visitors while enhancing the effectiveness of immigration control. The arrangement is not applicable to Hong Kong residents and, for visitors who have enrolled for the e-Channel service, immigration arrangements will remain unchanged.

Smart Departure employs face recognition technology for identity verification, which facilitates self-service departure for visitors. Visitors aged 11 or above who hold valid electronic travel documents compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization's requirements, and issued by designated countries or regions as announced by the ImmD, may perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels at control points without prior enrolment.

Under existing arrangements, all arriving visitors are issued with landing slips. On completion of arrival clearance at immigration counters, the landing slips of visitors eligible for using the Smart Departure service will additionally bear the Smart Departure logo.

 

Landing slip bearing Smart Departure logo

For further information see;

http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/echannel_visitors.html#sd

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SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS REVAMP 

With effect from 1st December 2017 the “A Symphony of Lights” nightly light and sound show is to be updated for the first time since its inception in 2004. The new version of the show, which features light and laser displays from buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour and synchronised music, is ten minutes duration, four minutes shorter than the existing show and the number of participating buildings is reduced from 43 to 40 with some new buildings including the government offices at Tamar being included and others dropping out. The show has a new soundtrack featuring the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and is claimed to be more energy-efficient than the existing show.

Scene from the updated Symphony of Lights

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FIRST GENERATION OCTOPUS CARDS TO BECOME INVALID

Octopus Cards Limited has announced that all First Generation On-Loan Octopus Cards will become invalid by 2019. A replacement programme for replacement of 2 million cards, first issued in 1997, was initiated on a voluntary basis in August 2015 but some 1.2 million cards had not been replaced by the time the final call for replacement was made. Replacement will be phased in batches and cards in each batch will receive a three beep sound when using the card as a prompt to replace the card. The prompt is in effect for three months, with the first batch of cards receiving prompts from 18th October 2017 and needing to be replaced by 20th January 2018. Replacement is free and cards can be replaced at self-service Octopus Service Points, MTR Customer Service Centres and designated Kowloon Motor Bus Customer Service Centres. To encourage card holders to use self-service Octopus Service Points a new design On-Loan Octopus Card featuring the new corporate logo is available exclusively from these service points.

 

New design adult On-loan Octopus Card available exclusively to First Generation card holders who replace them at self-service Octopus Service Points

First Generation On-Loan Octopus Cards were designed and manufactured before the establishment of Near Field Communication (NFC) standards and do not have the same functions such as compatibility with smartphone apps or level of security as later editions.

For further details see;

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/card-replacement/about/index.html

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HONG KONG OBSERVATION WHEEL TO REOPEN

The Hong Kong Observation Wheel (HKOW), which has been closed to the public since 30th August 2017 is to reopen under new operator The Entertainment Corporation Limited (TECL) on 20th December 2017.

The 60-metre diameter wheel at Central Harbourfront was opened in December 2014 and was previously operated by Swiss AEX Holding Limited. TECL have been awarded a three year tenancy for the site following a government tender earlier in 2017 but a dispute between the two companies over terms of handover of the wheel resulted in its closure. TECL has partnered with AIA Insurance Group in reopening the attraction which is developing the adjacent AIA Vitality Park which will host a number of wellness and health related events from 2018. Admission to the park will be free and admission for the wheel will be at a much reduced price of HK$20 with concessions for seniors and free rides for children under 3.

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HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SMART DEPARTURE

Self-service departure for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure) is to be launched at Hong Kong International Airport on 10th October 2017 and photos of visitors will be taken at arrival clearance counters to assist in authenticating their identities through face recognition technology. Smart Departure aims to provide greater travel convenience for visitors while enhancing the effectiveness of immigration control. The above arrangement is not applicable to Hong Kong residents.

Smart Departure employs face recognition technology for identity verification, which facilitates self-service departure for visitors. Visitors aged 11 or above who hold valid electronic travel documents compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization's requirements, and issued by designated countries or regions as announced by the Immigration Department will be able to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.

According to the existing arrangement, all arriving visitors will be issued with landing slips. Upon completion of arrival clearance at immigration counters, the landing slips of eligible visitors will additionally bear the Smart Departure logo;

http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201710/09/P2017100900597_269468_1_1507537532987.pdf 

For visitors who have enrolled for the e-Channel service, immigration arrangements will remain unchanged.

The Immigration Department is also install cameras at arrival clearance counters to take real-time photos of visitors, which will be compared with the photos in their travel documents through face recognition technology for the purpose of identity verification.

Smart Departure will later be extended in phases to other control points.

For full details see;

http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/echannel_visitors.html#sd

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MINIBUS SEATING CAPACITY INCREASE 

With effect from 15th August 2017 all newly-registered green minibuses will have 19 seats, an increase of 3 seats over the existing capacity. The new minibuses manufactured by existing supplier, Toyota, will also have an extra half-step at the door, stop buttons at passenger level and seat handrails.

The government had earlier relaxed regulations for existing minibuses to allow operators to use their own discretion both to increase the number of seats by up to 3 with a maximum capacity of 19 and to decide implementation date for any increase. The first 19-seat minibuses were introduced into service on 9th August 2017 when 3 retrofitted long-base model green minibuses began operating on routes 101M Tsueng Kwan O - Sai Kung, 20C Tai Po Market Station - Tei Mei Tuk and 4M Shek Pai Wan - Wong Chuk Hang Station.

The seating capacity for green minibuses when first introduced when the trade became regulated in 1972 was 14 but was increased to 16 in 1988.

Three low-floor wheelchair accessible minibuses are being built by British manufacturer Optare, costing HK$1.5m each and are expected to operate on a trial basis on selected hospital routes later in 2017.

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LANTAU LINK TWO-WAY TOLL COLLECTION

Two-way toll collection is to be implemented at the Lantau Link Main Toll Plaza and the Ma Wan Toll Plaza with effect from Sunday 20th August 2017.

The Lantau Link is currently the only vehicular road to Lantau. For the convenience of motorists and smoother traffic to the airport, a one-way toll collection arrangement has been in operation since 1997. Motorists are not required to pay the toll when driving through the Lantau Link towards the airport but they have to pay the toll for journeys to and fro at the Lantau Link Main Toll Plaza when returning to Kowloon. For Ma Wan, motorists have to pay the toll for journeys to and from at the Ma Wan Toll Plaza when entering Ma Wan but nothing when returning to Kowloon.

Upon the commissioning of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Lantau Link will no longer be the only vehicular road to Lantau, and changing the current one-way toll collection arrangement to a two-way system is necessary to prepare for the commissioning of the Bridge. Commencing from midnight on 20th August, two-way toll collection will be implemented at the Lantau Link (including entering and leaving Ma Wan) and motorists will have to pay the toll for every single trip.

For example, when leaving Lantau towards Kowloon via the Lantau Link, private car or taxi drivers currently have to pay a total of HK$30 at the Lantau Link Main Toll Plaza. Upon the implementation of the two-way toll collection arrangement on August 20, they will have to pay a toll of HK$15 for a single trip heading to the airport or Kowloon. However, there will not be any change to the amount of additional fare paid by taxi passengers whose journey involves the use of the Lantau Link.

Upon the implementation of the two-way toll collection arrangement on 20th August, two Autotoll lanes and four manual toll collection lanes will be operated at the Lantau Link Main Toll Plaza (airport bound). Five toll collection lanes, namely Nos. 13 to 17, will close until December to facilitate the installation of toll collection facilities and systems, and the related civil engineering works.

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ON-LOAN OCTOPUS CARD NEW TERMS 

Octopus Cards Limited has announced new terms in respect of On-Loan Octopus Cards issued on or after 1st October 2017;

CONVENIENCE LIMIT - The Convenience Limit (ie the provision for negative value for a single occasion) for all On-Loan Octopus Cards will be increased to HK$50 from the current limit of HK$35. The revised limit does not apply to cards issued before 1st October 2017.

INACTIVE OCTOPUS ADMINISTRATIVE FEE - In respect of all Standard On-Loan Adult Octopus and all Personalised Octopus for customers age 18-59 without entitlement to fare concessions issued on or after 1st October 2017 an Inactive Octopus Administrative Fee of HK$15 will be deducted from any card that has not had any add-value or payment transaction for three years or more after that date. The first fee deduction will take effect from October 2020 and the fee will be deducted annually thereafter if the card remains inactive. The Inactive Octopus Administrative Fee is not applicable to On-Loan Child and Elder Octopus, Personalised Octopus for Persons with Disabilties and Students, Personalises On-Loan Octopus for customers age below 18 or over 60, Sold Octopus Card and new Octopus Cards issued under the On-Loan Octopus Replacement Programme.

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NEW MACAU TAIPA FERRY TERMINAL OPENED

The new Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal opened on 1st June 2017 and from that date all ferries from Hong Kong operated by Cotai Water Jet and TurboJET which previously berthed at the adjacent Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal will berth at the new terminal.

The new terminal, which cost an estimated 3.8 billion patacas, has 16 berths to accommodate ferries with a capacity of up to 400 passengers, 3 multi-purpose berths for vessels with up 1,200 passengers and a helipad. There are 127 immigration counters including 41 e-channels, 42 ticket counters, 36 luggage check-in desks and 1,000 car park spaces. The maximum daily passenger capacity is 400,000. 8 berths will be in use initially until such time as the final phase of construction has been completed and the temporary ferry terminal demolished.

Construction of the new terminal began in 2005 and was originally planned to have cost 580 million patacas and opened in 2007. However, the project has continually been expanded with the site area increasing from 50,000 square metres to 200,000 square metres.

In addition to Hong Kong routes the terminal has services to Shenzhen.

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AIRPORT EXPRESS FARE INCREASE 

MTR has announced fare increases for Airport Express journeys to take effect from 18th June 2017.

Revised fares for Single Journey/Same Day Return tickets (*discounted fares for Octopus Card users);

Airport - Hong Kong Station HK$115 Adult HK$57.5 Child
Airport - Kowloon Station HK$105 Adult HK$52.5 Child
Airport - Tsing Yi HK$70 Adult HK$35 Child

*Octopus Single Journey/Same Day Return Fares;

Airport - Hong Kong Station HK$110 Adult HK$55 Child
Airport - Kowloon Station HK$100 Adult HK$50 Child
Airport - Tsing Yi HK$65 Adult HK$32.5 Child

Round Trip Ticket (valid 30 days);

Airport - Hong Kong Station HK$205 Adult
Airport - Kowloon Station HK$185 Adult
Airport - Tsing Yi HK$120 Adult


Fares for Airport Express Group Tickets are unchanged;

Airport - Hong Kong Station;

Group of 2, HK$170
Group of 3, HK$230
Group of 4, HK$280

Airport - Kowloon Station

Group of 2, HK$150
Group of 3, HK$210
Group of 4, HK$250

Airport - Tsing Yi;

Group of 2, HK$100
Group of 3, HK$140
Group of 4, HK$170


The fare increases are the first since the Airport Express began operating in 1998.

Under a special summer promotion, for the period 18th June to 31st August 2017 children age 3-11 holding a valid Child Octopus Card can travel free on the Airport Express between the airport and Hong Kong, Kowloon Station and Tsing Yi Station or vice-versa and passengers age 65 and over holding a valid Elder Octopus Card will obtain a 50% discount on the adult fare.

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TAXI FARE INCREASE

Taxi fares have been increased from Sunday 9th April 2017. For all taxis (Urban, New Territories and Lantau) the flagfall charge for the first 2km of any journey will increase by HK$2 and the first-tier and second-tier incremental charges in respect of each subsequent 200-metres travelled will increase by HK$0.1 and HK$0.2 respectively. Charges for waiting time after the initial flagfall will increase in line with the incremental first-tier and second-tier charges and the luggage charge per piece (except light luggage carried inside the passenger compartment) is increased by HK$1.

The revised fare structure is;

RED (URBAN) TAXIS;

HK$24 for the first 2kms then HK$1.7 each 200-metres until the fare reaches HK$83.5 (up to 9km), then HK$1.2 each 200-metres from HK$83.5 upwards (journeys over 9km).

Waiting time HK$1.7 per minute up to fare of HK$83.5 then HK$1.2 from HK$83.5 upwards

Luggage charge HK$6 per piece except light luggage carried inside the passenger compartment which is free


GREEN (NEW TERRITORIES) TAXIS

HK$20.5 for first 2kms then HK$1.5 each 200-metres until the fare reaches HK$65.5 (up to 8km), then HK$1.2 each 200-metres from HK$65.5 upwards.

Waiting time HK$1.5 per minute up to fare HK$65.5 then HK$1.2 from HK$65.5 upwards.

Luggage charge HK$6 per piece except light luggage carried inside the passenger compartment which is free.


BLUE (LANTAU) TAXIS

HK$19 for the first 2 kms then HK$1.5 each 200-metres until the fare reaches HK$154 (up to 20km), then HK$1.4 each 200-metres from HK$154 upwards (journeys over 20km).

Waiting time HK$1.5 per minute up to fare of HK$132 then HK$1.4 from HK$132 upwards.

The government has estimated that the average increase will be 9.98% for Urban taxis, 11.5% for New Territories taxis and 8.6% for Lantau taxis.

Until such time as individual taxi meters have been recalibrated the fare will be charged in accordance with a conversion table displayed in each taxi;

http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201704/05/P2017040500446_256471_1_1491367526318.pdf


Taxi fares last increased in December 2013 and the increases which take effect on 9th April 2017 are lower than the taxi trade had requested. In its application for increases in April 2016 the taxi industry requested increases in flagfall of up to HK$4, increases in both first and second tier incremental charges of HK$0.2 and a reduction in the waiting time increment from 60 seconds to 45 seconds.

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DISCOVERY BAY PLAZA BUS TERMINUS CLOSURE

Discovery Bay Bus Terminus, adjacent to Discovery Bay Ferry Pier and DB Plaza closed with effect from 25th February 2017. All bus stops and temporary bus terminus have been relocated along Discovery Bay Road. A new permanent bus terminus, which will accommodate 30% more bus bays and better cater for double-deck buses along with expanded shopping mall and roof garden, is expected to open in early 2019.

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FOOD TRUCK PILOT SCHEME

The first batch of 11 food trucks under the Food Truck Pilot Scheme were launched on 2nd February 2017 and will commence business successively in eight tourist locations with the intent of providing diversified, creative and high-quality dishes to tourists and locals.

The eight locations are Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Golden Bauhinia Square, Central Harbourfront Event Space, Wong Tai Sin Square, Art Square Tsim Sha Tsui, Salisbury Garden Tsim Sha Tsui and Energizing Kowloon East Venue 1 Kwun Tong.

The operators and their signature dishes are;

Chee Kei - Braised Pork Ribs Bento Box
Book Brothers - American-style BBQ meat in steamed bun
Ho Yuen Express - Super Grilled Squid
Princess Kitchen - Dragon Fruit Bowl
Table Seven X W. Burger - Sorrowful Burger
Hung Fook Tong's Food Truck - Soup with fish maw and dried scallops
Pineapple Canteen - Pineapple Bun with fresh cream and pineapple
Mein by Maureen - Maureen Lo Mein
Crunch Munch - BBQ Pork Crunch
Pat Chun Saucy Truck - Sakura Shrimp U mami Sauce Fried Rice
Ma Ma's Dumpling - House made dumplings

Trucks will operate in the locations on a biweekly rotation basis. Preparatory work of the second batch of food trucks is in progress and they are expected to commence business from February to early March.

A mobile app, "HK Food Truck", has been launched to assist locals and tourists alike to trace the whereabouts of the food trucks and learn more about them. The app is available for free download in Google Play and the Apple App Store.

The idea to introduce food trucks in Hong Kong was announced in the 2015-2016 Budget Speech. A two-stage selection mechanism was conducted to select 16 suitable operators. The first stage was the assessment of the food truck proposals from applicants. Assessment criteria include the food concept and menu, business and financial proposal and design of the vehicle etc. Among the criteria applicants had to meet were the requirements that trucks contain a food preparation area of 6sq m, 120 litre water tank and 180 litre waste water container. The second stage was a cook-off challenge at which the applicants will demonstrate their proposed signature dish. The assessment was carried out by a selection panel established by the Government comprising representatives from the relevant government departments and food truck operation venues, food experts, members of tourist industry and financial experts.

A total of 192 applications were received, of which 51 were shortlisted to participate in a Cook-off Challenge, held in July 2016, to select the 16 successful applicants awarded licences.

Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Hotels Association and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong are to help promote food trucks to tourists. Visitor signage with the food truck logo has been erected along the way to the eight operating locations to help guide the public and tourists.

 

Food Truck at Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai

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FACIAL RECOGNITION E-CHANNELS TO BE LAUNCHED FOR AUTOMATED EXIT CLEARANCE FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS

New electronic channels are to be made available at Hong Kong's immigration control points for use by foreign visitors with electronic passports for automated exit clearance without the need to register to use the facility in advance. The system, which will be available to departing (but not arriving) passengers age 11 and over will use facial recognition to compare the image captured by the e-channel reader with the image stored in the chip of the e-passport.

The system is to be introduced first at Hong Kong International Airport, from April 2017 at the earliest, with the intention of roll-out to other border control points at later dates. It is estimated that about 30% of visitors will be able to use the new system at the airport and the average processing time for exit clearance per person will be reduced from 50 seconds to 20 seconds.

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"OCEAN PARK EXPRESS" BUS SERVICE FROM ADMIRALTY DISCONTINUED

The Citybus "Ocean Park Express" frequent direct bus service 629 which has been operating between Admiralty (West) Bus Terminus and Ocean Park for over 30 years has been discontinued with effect from 11th January 2017 following the opening of Ocean Park MTR Station at the end of December 2016 (see below).

However, bus service 629 from Central Piers to Ocean Park via Exchange Square Bus Terminus and Admiralty (West) Bus Terminus continues to operate with five daily departures from Central Piers at 09-30, 10-00, 10-30, 11-00 and 11-30. However, there is no return service of service 629 from Ocean Park.

 

From 11th January 2017 bus route 629 to Ocean Park is reduced to five daily departures from Central Piers

Several alternative bus routes serving the Aberdeen Tunnel Toll Plaza, a short walk from Ocean Park Main Entrance, are available for passengers wishing to travel by bus to and from Ocean Park including routes 70, 75, 75 & 97 from Exchange Square and Admiralty (East).

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MTR SOUTH ISLAND LINE OPENED 

The MTR South Island Line (East) opened for service on Wednesday 28th December 2016. Completion was originally expected in 2015 but difficulties encountered with excavation works in the vicinity of Admiralty Station delayed the opening.

The line has been built at an estimated cost of HK$16.9 billion with about half the cost being met by the government. The 7km line runs from Admiralty Station to Ap Lei Chau via a tunnel to Nam Fung Road in Aberdeen then along a 2km elevated viaduct from Aberdeen Tunnel Toll Plaza via Wong Chuk Hang and across the Aberdeen Channel to Lei Tung Estate on Ap Lei Chau.

The line is a "medium-capacity" system capable of carrying up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction and will serve both residents of the south side of Hong Kong Island and tourists travelling from existing and future attractions. It is also hoped that the new line will help relieve congestion at the Aberdeen Tunnel by encouraging passengers to transfer from road to rail. The line is fully automated and operates with driverless trains. MTR has purchased ten 3-carriage trains for the line at a cost of HK$540 million from Changchun Railway Vehicles Company, a subsidiary of China CNR Corporation.  Admiralty Station will be an interchange station with the Tsuen Wan Line for cross-harbour destinations and there will be four other stations on the line at Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung Estate (Ap Lei Chau) and South Horizons (Ap Lei Chau). Trains will operate at about 3-minute frequency and journey times will take 12 minutes from South Horizons to Admiralty, 6 minutes from Ocean Park to Admiralty and 14 minutes from Ocean Park to Tsim Sha Tsui (with interchange at Admiralty). The line is expected to carry about 170,000 passengers a day.

Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung and South Horizons stations do not have customer service centres and "Mobile Service Mode" has been adopted at these stations. A mobile service team will rove around the stations to provide timely and proactive information for passengers. There will also be self-service information points for ticketing issues, purchase of single-journey tickets, adding value to Octopus Cards and contacting staff through a video conferencing facility. Information counters in the unpaid areas of these stations provide information on station facilities and MTR routes via tablets integrated into the counters. 

To coincide with opening of the new line, New World First Bus route 78 (Wong Chuk Hang - Wah Kwai Estate) is extended to terminate at Wong Chuk Hang Station and Citybus route 48 (Sham Wan - Wah Fu North Circular) will include an additional stop at Wong Chuk Hang Station. New green minibus routes 4M (Shek Pai Wan Aberdeen Centre to Wong Chuk Hang Station), 5M (Grantham Hospital - Wong Chuk Hang Station) and 40M (Stanley Prison - Ocean Park) have been introduced and existing green minibus routes 69A (Cyberport - Wong Chuk Hang Circular), 59A (Shan Wan - Aberdeen Centre) and 29 (Ap Lei Chau Estate - Sham Wan) have additional stops at Wong Chuk Hang Station. A new red minibus service operating between Wah Fu Estate and Wong Chuk Hang Station has also been introduced. Citybus "Ocean Park Express" frequent bus service 629 operating between Admiralty (West) Bus Terminus and Ocean Park has been discontinued from 11th January 2017 although there are still five daily morning departures of route 629 from Central Piers via Exchange Square Bus Terminus and Admiralty (West) Bus Terminus to Ocean Park but no return service.

 

Ocean Park Station on the newly-opened South Island Line enables passengers to reach the popular theme park in six minutes from Admiralty Station and connects directly to the park's entry plaza

Under the Transport and Housing Development Bureau Rail Development Strategy 2014 recommendations have been made for a new line, South Island Line (West) which would link Wong Chuk Hang Station to the Island Line at Hong Kong University Station with new stations at Queen Mary Hospital, Cyberport, Wah Fu, Tin Wan and Aberdeen. If implemented it is anticipated the project would be completed by 2026.

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HONG KONG OBSERVATORY TOURIST WEATHER INFORMATION WEBSITE LAUNCHED 

Hong Kong Observatory has launched the "Hong Kong Weather Information for Tourists" website to provide detailed weather forecasts including hourly temperature forecasts, 3-hourly weather icons and the daily chance of rain for the coming nine days at major tourism sites in Hong Kong including theme parks, shopping areas, beaches, country parks, temples and outlying islands. The information is intended to help visitors better plan itineraries and enhance their travel experience in Hong Kong.

http://visithk.weather.gov.hk/index_e.htm

The website layout features a user-friendly design, allowing users to easily access weather information for various tourist attractions and provides links to Hong Kong Tourism Board's "Discover Hong Kong" website enabling users to obtain more detailed information on various tourist attractions. The website also adopts a responsive web design to provide a better browsing experience for mobile users.

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NEW IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIAN NATIONALS 

With effect from 23rd January 2017 new rules are being implemented by the Hong Kong Government's Immigration Department which require that Indian Nationals wishing to enter or transit via Hong Kong visa-free must complete online pre-arrival registration. Certain exemptions apply including those Indian Nationals who have successfully enrolled for e-Channel service for frequent visitors and Indian nationals in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area. The online service for pre-arrival registration opens on 19th December 2016 and registration is free.

For full details see;

http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/pre-arrival_registration_for_indian_nationals.html

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DIVERSION OF NORTH POINT TO KWUN TONG FERRY SERVICE AND TERMINATION OF KWUN TONG TO KAI TAK RUNWAY PARK PIER FERRY SERVICE

With effect from 3rd December 2016 the following service adjustments to the licensed ferry service between North Point and Kwun Tong, operated by Fortune Ferry Co Ltd have been implemented;

(1) two additional sailings between North Point and Kwun Tong via Kai Tak Runway Park Pier are provided on Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays). The existing schedule of service, which operates every 30 minutes between North Point and Kwun Tong is unchanged;

(2) the existing schedule of service on Saturdays (except public holidays) before 9am, which operates every 30 minutes is unchanged, and an additional special sailing both from North Point or Kwun Tong calls at Kai Tak Runway Park Pier;

(3) all sailings between North Point and Kwun Tong after 9am call at Kai Tak Runway Park Pier on Saturdays (except public holidays) and on Sundays and public holidays, the frequency is adjusted to an hour. On Sundays and public holidays, the first sailing from Kwun Tong is extended to 7-30 am., the last sailing from North Point is advanced to 7pm., while the last sailing from Kwun Tong is advanced to 7-30 pm.

The revised timetable can be viewed at this link;

http://www.fortuneferry.com.hk/timetable.php 

The Kwun Tong to Kai Tak Runway Park Pier Saturday, Sunday and public holiday kaito service operated by Blue Sea Ferry Co Ltd has been terminated with effect from 3rd December 2016.

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NEW CROSS-BOUNDARY FERRY SERVICE TUEN MUN - ZHUHAI

TurboJET has introduced a new cross-boundary ferry route from Tuen Mun to Zhuhai Jiuzhou Harbour with effect from 16th September 2016. The service is operated in partnership with Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Ferry Co Ltd and, initially, there will be just one daily sailing from Tuen Mun at 11-30am. Journey time is about 1 hour, 45 minutes and the service will make a brief stop at Hong Kong International Airport before continuing to Zhuhai;

https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/routing-sailing-schedule/tuen-mun-zhuhai/sailing-schedule-fares.aspx

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FREE ADMISSION TO FEE-CHARGING MUSEUMS 

With effect from 1st August 2016, five fee-charging museums operated by the Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), namely Hong Kong Museum of Art*, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence and Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum will offer free admission to their permanent exhibitions.

From 1st August 2016 admission fees for the permanent exhibitions of Hong Kong Science Museum will be reduced by 20%. New standard admission fee will be HK$20 adult and HK$10 for seniors age 60 and over. Admission for full-time Hong Kong students will be free. **Full-time Hong Kong students will also be admitted free to the permanent exhibitions of Hong Kong Space Museum

Additionally, the price of annual museum passes will be reduced by 50% from 1st August 2016. The revised prices are HK$50 individual, HK$25 concessionary and HK$100 family.

The initiative is aimed at promoting the public's appreciation of art, culture, history and science and broadening the museum audience base.


* Hong Kong Museum of Art is currently closed for renovation and is expected to reopen in 2019

** The exhibition halls of Hong Kong Space Museum are currently closed for renovation until late 2016

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CLOSURE OF REPULSE BAY VISUAL ART MUSEUM

Repulse Bay Visual Art Museum will be permanently closed with effect from 31st July 2016;

http://www.vamuseum.com.hk/

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AUTOMATED IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE FOR AUSTRALIANS 

With effect from 20th June 2016, under a reciprocal arrangment with the Australian Government, Australian passport holders are able to enrol, free of charge, for automated e-Channel immigration clearance for entry to Hong Kong.

Enrolment offices are located in the secured arrivals area of Hong Kong International Airport behind the staffed immigration counters and at Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan or Immigration Headquarters in Wan Chai. The enrolment procedure includes submission of an enrolment form, collection of fingerprints and photo-taking.

Once enrolled, passport holders are able to use e-Channels for automated entry clearance at border control points at Hong Kong International Airport, Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Shau Tau Kok, Shenzhen Bay, Man Kam To, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Macau Ferry Terminal, China Ferry Terminal and Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal.

Similar arrangements already apply for passport holders of the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Germany.

For further information see;

http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/echannel_visitors.html

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HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION FEE

An airport construction fee (ACF) will be collected on air tickets issued on or after 1st August 2016 to fund Hong Kong International Airport's three-runway system expansion.

Airlines will collect the ACF from departing passengers, including origin-destination and transit/transfer, at Hong Kong International Airport when air tickets are issued. Tickets issued before 1 August 2016 will not incur the ACF.

For full details of the fee charging structure see;

http://threerunwaysystem.com/en/Overview/airport_construction_fee.aspx

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NEW TURBOJET TUEN MUN - MACAU FERRY ROUTE 

TurboJET has commenced operating high speed passenger ferry services between Tuen Mun and Macau from 28th January 2016.

TurboJET's parent, Hongkong Macao Hydrofoil Company Limited (HMHCL), signed a tenancy agreement with the Hong Kong Government for Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal in November 2015 for a period of seven years. Under the agreement, HMHCL will occupy and use the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal to provide cross-boundary passenger ferry services, operating a minimum of 14 round trips between Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal and Macau every week with the option to roll out further services to Mainland cities in the Pearl River Delta

Following the inaugural sailing on 28th January a schedule of four sailings each way daily operates from 29th January and, from 1st March, seven each way daily sailings will operate. Sailing time for the journey is about 40 minutes and for passengers travelling to Hong Kong International Airport TurboJET provides a land transfer service which takes 30 minutes and costs HK$75 for an initial promotional period before the regular price of HK$100 takes effect;

http://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/routing-sailing-schedule/tuen-mun-macau/sailing-schedule-fares.aspx

HMHCL has taken over management of Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and a terminal service charge of HK$28 is added to the cost of each ticket.

The Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal Control Point resumed operation on 28th January, with opening hours of 7am to 10pm. There will be four conventional immigration counters and three e-Channels in both the arrival and departure halls. An automated self-enrolment kiosk is also available to allow eligible Hong Kong residents to enrol for the Automated Passenger Clearance System (e-Channel) in Macau. Reciprocally, eligible Macau residents will also be able to enrol for the e-Channel service in Hong Kong in the enrolment office of the control point.

A new service between Tuen Mun and Shenzhen Airport, with three each-way sailings, two of which are via Skypier at Hong Kong International Airport, has also commenced. 

Ferry services between Tuen Mun and Macau were previously operated by Hong Kong North West Express (HKNWE) from April 2011 until July 2012 when the service was terminated following repossession of the terminal by the Government owing to unpaid rent.

TurboJET high-speed catamaran at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier awaiting departure for Macau

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FINAL STAGE OF REDUCTION OF FRONTIER CLOSED AREA IMPLEMENTED

The final stage of the reduction of the Frontier Closed Area (FCA) between Hong Kong and Shenzhen is to be implemented on Monday 4th January 2016.

This stage of FCA reduction covers the area near the boundary between River Indus (Ng Tung River) and Lin Ma Hang. More than 900 hectares of land is being released from the FCA. Local residents and other members of the public will no longer require a Closed Area Permit to enter the released area. Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Boundary Control Point , MTR Lo Wu Station, Lo Wu Control Point and Man Kam To Control Point will remain in the FCA after the reduction. Only boundary-crossing passengers using specified modes of transport or holders of Closed Area Permits are permitted to enter the relevant areas.

The remaining FCA will only cover the Police's boundary patrol road and the limited land to its north, the boundary control points, Sha Tau Kok Town, Starling Inlet and parts of Mai Po, covering only about 400 hectares, a substantive reduction compared with the original 2,800 hectares. The famous Chung Ying Street in Shau Tau Kok town, which has one side in Hong Kong and the other in Shenzhen, will remain closed for security reasons. From 4th January 2016, the closed road restriction for vehicles within the released area will also be lifted. Vehicles will be free to use the roads in the area, but will have to follow other traffic instructions and restrictions. The Police will monitor the traffic situation closely, increase patrols along the main roads in the area, and implement traffic contingency measures if necessary.

Following a wide consultation exercise, the Government announced in 2008 the plan to reduce the coverage of the FCA in three stages. The first stages of the FCA reduction was implemented in February 2012 when two sections of the closed border frontier area covering over 740 hectares, including the Mai Po wetlands and six villages around Shau Tau Kok were opened up to the public. In June 2013 an area of 710 hectares of land including six villages between the Lok Ma Chau border crossing and Ng Tung River were opened under the second stage. The villages are Liu Pok, Lutheran New Village, Lok Ma Chau, Tak Yuet Lau, Ha Wan and Ma Tso Lung.



A wall of modern buildings in the Luohu district of Shenzhen provide the backdrop to the agricultural landscape and fish ponds of the opened up border area near Lutheran New Village

The restricted zone was established by the British colonial government in 1951 as a barrier to people fleeing mainland China following the Communist Party gaining power, and entry to the closed zone has been restricted to permit holders. The government green plan for the area, announced in May 2008, envisages cycling routes between Lok Ma Chau and Lo Wu to enable people to enjoy the natural and rural landscape, fishponds and wetlands. A country park is to be built in Robin's Nest between Pat Sin Leng Country Park in Hong Kong and Wutongshan National Forest Park in Shenzhen. Hiking trails have also been proposed between Cheung Shan Monastery and Lin Ma Hang and between Lok Ma Chau to Hoo Hok Wai. There are some 300 heritage sites in the area and the government is proposing to create trails to link some of these sites. Only one small plot of land at Kong Nga Po near Man Kam To is being reserved for for residential development and this and this will be a small community with green architecture built with energy saving materials.

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OCTOPUS CARD TOP UP WITH CHANGE SERVICE 

With effect from 7th December 2015 a Top Up with Change service has been introduced at all 759 Store retail outlets in Hong Kong. Customers paying for purchases with cash can top up their Octopus Card with the change by placing the card over the Octopus reader and requesting the top up with change. 759 Store had 270 retail outlets in Hong Kong at commencement of the service.

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THREE HISTORIC BUILDINGS DECLARED MONUMENTS

Three historic buildings, the Signal Tower at Blackhead Point, Tsim Sha Tsui; the Race Course Fire Memorial at So Kon Po; and the façade of the Old Mental Hospital at Sai Ying Pun have been declared monuments by the Hong Kong Governmemt's Antiquities Authority on 23rd October 2015. For more information see WHAT'S NEW

 

The facade of the Old Mental Hospital facing High Street at Sai Ying Pun

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COURT OF FINAL APPEAL RELOCATION TO OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING 

Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal was relocated from its existing premises in the Former French Mission Building on Battery Path to the historic Old Supreme Court Building at 8 Jackson Road on 7th September 2015. The Old Supreme Court Building, which is a declared monument, was vacated by the Legislative Council in 2011 and has since undergone extensive internal renovation. The building houses two courtrooms, a Registry, a lawyer's common room and robing rooms, four consultation rooms and a press room. There are also chambers for CFA judges and office facilities for support staff. The three-storey granite building, constructed between 1900 and 1912, is neo-classical in style supported by tall Ionic columns. The most prominent feature of the building is the pediment in the centre portion which is surmounted by a blind-folded statue of Justice, represented by the Greek goddess Themis. An exhibition gallery is expected to open in the near future and guided tours of the building will be offered.

 

The Old Supreme Court Building, vacated by the Legislative Council in 2011, is the new home of the Court of Final Appeal

The old Court of Final Appeal Building (the Former French Mission Building) on Battery Path is to become a legal hub with space being rented out to law-related organisations.

For more information see WHAT'S NEW

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NEW ABERDEEN - CHEUNG CHAU FERRY SERVICE TO BEGIN OPERATING 

With effect from Saturday 8th August 2015 a new daily ferry service will begin operating between Aberdeen Pier at Aberdeen Promenade and Cheung Chau Public Pier. The service, operated by Maris Ferry Service Limited, will have seven each way sailings on weekdays and twelve each way sailings on weekends and public holidays. Fare is HK$30 on weekdays and HK$32 on weekends and public holidays (child under 3 free). The journey time is 55/65 minutes;

With effect from 24th December 2016 a revised timetable is in operation which includes an additional daily sailing on weekdays from both Aberdeen and Cheung Chau;

http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/ferries/service_details/index.html#o19

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HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART TO CLOSE FOR MAJOR RENOVATION 

Hong Kong Museum of Art is close from 3rd August 2015 until 2019 to allow for major renovation work to increase exhibition space and upgrade facilities. The work will cost about HK$930 million and includes raising the height of the gallery ceilings to allow for taller exhibits. Exhibition space is being increased from 7,000 square metres to about 10,000 square metres and the exterior of the building will be given a more distinctive appearance.

The museum, which first opened in 1991 is holding a commemorative event "See U MA" Photo Campaign from 30th June until 2nd August 2015 to encourage visitors to take photos of people, activities and exhibits in the Museum of Art or in the Art Square at Salisbury Garden and upload them onto Instagram. In addition, admission ticket holders and museum pass holders visiting the museum from 27th June until 2nd August will each receive a souvenir while stocks last. Visitors purchasing museum publications in the museum book shop will receive a 15% discount and, on selected items, receive a discount of up to 70%.

For further information see;

http://hk.art.museum/en_US/web/ma/whatsnew02.html

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MTR FARES TO RISE ON 21st JUNE 2015 

MTR Corporation has announced that in accordance with the Fare Adjustment Mechanism agreed with the government, which combines the consumer price index and transport wage rises, an overall fare adjustment of +4.3% will be applied from 21st June 2015. Fares for 41% of all passenger journeys will rise by 10 or 20 cents, for 25.4% of all passenger journeys the increase will be 30 or 40 cents, 11.9% of journeys will increase by 50 cents and 19.2 % by over 50 cents. 2.5% of fares will remain unchanged.

MTR fares increased by an average of 3.6% in 2014, 2.7% in 2013 and 5.4% in 2012.

MTR will offer a package of promotions during 2015/16 including a "10% Same-Day Second-Trip Octopus Discount" which will run from 21st June to 30th November 2015 and "MTR Festive Discount" which will operate on six designated days during Christmas 2015, Lunar New Year 2016 and Easter 2016 when Adult Octopus Card holders will be able to travel at Child Octopus concessionary fares. Other concessionary Octopus Card holders will pay a flat fare of HK$1 per journey on these days but the promotion excludes Airport Express, journeys commencing or terminating at Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Station, first-class travel on East Rail Line and MTR Feeder Bus journeys.

Other promotions include a one year extension of the "MTR City Saver" which was introduced in June 2014 and is aimed at frequent travellers taking medium and long distance cross-harbour journeys and a one year extension of the "Early Bird Discount Promotion" introduced in September 2014 which encourages passengers to use the MTR outside the morning peak period by offering a 25% discount to Adult Octopus Card holders when exiting from 29 core urban stations between 7-15am and 8-15am on Monday to Friday (except during holidays).

Fares for cross-border InterCity Through Train services to Guangdong will increase by between HK$10 and HK$20 with effect from 15th July 2015.

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PLASTIC SHOPPING BAG CHARGE TO BE EXTENDED FROM 1st APRIL 2015

From 1st April 2015 all retailers in Hong Kong, irrespective of scale of operation and business nature, will have to charge customers not less than 50 cents for each Plastic Shopping Bag (PSB) provided in retail sales of goods, except for situations where there is exemption. The PSB charge will be retained by the shops.

Under the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Ordinance 2014 (Amendment Ordinance), PSBs used for food hygiene reasons, such as containing a food item which is unpackaged or contained in non-airtight packaging or in frozen/chilled state, can be exempted from the PSB charge. PSBs used for the pre-packaging of goods will also be exempted, while bags provided with services fall outside the scope of regulation.

Plastic Shopping Bag charging was first implemented in July 2009 but the scope was limited to about 3,500 chain or large outlets, mostly supermarkets, convenience stores, personal health and beauty stores, and drug stores.

Publicity materials at the airport and other boundary control points aims to keep visitors informed of the new measure.

For full details of the scheme see;

http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/psb_charging/en/index.html

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HONG KONG LICENSED HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES APP LAUNCHED 

To assist tourists search for the latest details and locations of licensed hotels, guesthouses, holiday flats and holiday camps anytime and anywhere for a safe stay in Hong Kong, the Home Affairs Department of the Hong Kong Government launched a mobile application "Hong Kong Licensed Hotels and Guesthouses" on 10th February 2015. Users can search for all hotels and guesthouses or by district or by name.

Tourists and members of the public can also report suspected unlicensed guesthouses to the Office of Licensing Authority through the mobile application. "Hong Kong Licensed Hotels and Guesthouses" app can be found by searching the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

 

The "Hong Kong Licensed Hotels and Guesthouses" app details every licensed hotel and guesthouse in Hong Kong 

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FOUR LOCAL HERITAGE ITEMS ADDED TO NATIONAL LIST OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Four intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items from Hong Kong have been successfully inscribed onto the fourth national list of ICH. They are the Hang Hau Hakka Unicorn Dance, Wong Tai Sin Belief and Customs, Quanzhen Temples Taoist Ritual Music and the Arts of the Guqin. The list was announced by the State Council earlier.

At the invitation of the Ministry of Culture in September 2013 on application for inscription onto the national list of ICH, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government submitted the application prior to the deadline in November last year after consulting the views of the experts of the ICH Advisory Committee.

The four successfully inscribed items are in the categories of "performing arts", "social practices, rituals and festive events" and "traditional craftsmanship" defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage promulgated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. With outstanding historical and cultural value, these four items are representative of their kind.

Details of the four items are as follows:

(1) Hang Hau Hakka Unicorn Dance 

The activity has been practised for more than 200 years. The Hakka people believe the Chinese unicorn, the qilin, is an auspicious animal that can ward off evil and bring good luck. So, on all celebratory occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings, birthday parties, the inauguration of an ancestral hall, moving into a new home, welcoming guests, the Jiao festival and birthdays of deities, there would invariably be a unicorn dance. Since the Hakka people brought the unicorn dance, fusing local traditional music and martial arts, with them to Hong Kong, the unicorn dance has developed its own styles and sequence of movements.

(2) Wong Tai Sin Belief and Customs 

The folk religion of Wong Tai Sin originated in the Jinhua area of Zhejiang Province and was introduced into the Lingnan region at the turn of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Local Wong Tai Sin belief and customs originated in 1915. In 1921, Sik Sik Yuen was established to manage the Wong Tai Sin Temple. After a century of inheritance, nowadays the folk religion of Wong Tai Sin has developed in conjunction with charitable features and has been widely circulated in Hong Kong and overseas Chinese communities. Sik Sik Yuen has founded various social services for the local community, achieving Wong Tai Sin's "grant every wish" spirit.

(3) Quanzhen Temples Taoist Ritual Music 

Taoist ritual music consists of Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity School) and Quanzhen (Complete Perfection School) traditions. The Quanzhen Temples Taoist Ritual Music has been developed in Hong Kong for many years. The Taoist music inherited by Fung Ying Seen Koon is considered one of the most typical representatives of the Quanzhen temples tradition in Hong Kong. After decades of inheritance in Hong Kong, the liturgical music of Fung Ying Seen Koon has evolved into a kind of Taoist music with local characteristics under the influence of Cantonese opera and its singing style, Cantonese tunes, and other religious music genres such as Confucian and Buddhist music.

(4) The Arts of the Guqin 

The Arts of the Guqin include the techniques for making the qin (a seven-stringed plucked instrument). Qin making is a craft that starts with chopping and trimming a piece of wood, and involves nine steps, namely seeking, chopping, hollowing, fitting, assembling, cement priming, sanding, lacquering and stringing, until it reaches the final stage of becoming an instrument. Local craftsmanship of qin making can be traced back to Xu Wenjing, a master qin player of the Zhejiang school (pai). He taught the craft to Choi Chang-sau, whose family operated the Choi Fook Kee musical instrument shop, in the 1950s. Choi Chang-sau started the Qin Making Class, teaching the craft publicly to local qin players so that it can be perpetuated in Hong Kong.

The State Council announced three batches totalling 1,219 items inscribed onto the national list of ICH in 2006, 2008 and 2011. The governments of Guangdong, the HKSAR and the Macau Special Administrative Region jointly applied and succeeded in inscribing Cantonese opera and traditional herbal teas onto the national list of ICH. In 2011, four local ICH items, the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, the Tai O dragon boat water parade, the Tai Hang fire dragon dance and the Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow community, were successfully inscribed onto the third national list of ICH.

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DISCOVERY BAY TAXI RESTRICTIONS EASED

Restrictions on taxi access to part of Discovery Bay have been relaxed with effect from 26th October 2014 after the Transport Department gave consent to allow urban (red) and Lantau (blue) taxis to serve Discovery Bay North in the vicinity of Auberge Hotel, DB North Plaza and Yi Pak. Discovery Bay developer HKRI will waive tunnel fees for taxis. Taxis will not, however, be allowed access to other areas of Discovery Bay. The Transport Department has also agreed to allow tourist coaches access the same areas of Discovery Bay.

Discovery Bay was served exclusively by ferry until 2000 when a tunnel connecting the development with the North Lantau Highway was opened. Since then, HKRI has also operated external bus services to Tung Chung, Hong Kong International Airport and Sunny Bay Station.

Taxi rank opposite Auberge hotel at Discovery Bay North

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 THREE HISTORIC TEMPLES DECLARED MONUMENTS 

Three historic temples have been declared as monuments in October 2014 under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Lin Fa Temple in Tai Hang, Hung Shing Temple in Ap Lei Chau and Hau Wong Temple in Kowloon City are all currently managed by the Chinese Temples Committee.

LIN FA TEMPLE was believed to have been constructed in 1863. It is not only the oldest Kwun Yam Temple on Hong Kong Island, but is also an important historic landmark in the Tai Hang area and has a strong association with the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. On the 14th day of the eighth lunar month every year, the "fire dragon" (made of joss sticks arranged in a dragon-shaped form) is first blessed by Kwun Yam (the Goddess of Mercy) of Lin Fa Temple before the fire dragon is paraded throughout the Tai Hang area. This traditional event, which has a history of over one hundred years, was inscribed onto China's Third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. The architecture of Lin Fa Temple is unique. The front hall is in half-octagonal shape with a double-eaves-tended roof. Different from other two-hall Chinese temples which have a courtyard in between, the front hall of Lin Fa Temple is connected to its main (rear) hall without an internal courtyard in between. Access to the temple is through two staircases on the left and right ends of the front hall, unlike the design of other conventional Chinese temples which have a main entrance in the middle of the facade. There are still many relics kept in the temple, such as Shiwan ceramic figurines (1863) on the main ridge, a granite crafted offering table (1864), a temple bell (1865) and a wooden caimen (1909).

 

Lin Fa Temple at Tai Hang

HUNG SHING TEMPLE in Ap Lei Chau was probably built by the local community in 1773 for the worship of Hung Shing, a popular deity protecting fishermen and marine traders. It is one of the very few traditional temples with exquisite craftsmanship that still keeps its original sea-orientated fung shui setting and close association with the local community. It has been the main temple in Ap Lei Chau since its establishment. The Hung Shing Festival, which takes place on the 13th day of the second lunar month every year, is still widely celebrated every year by both the land-based and boat-based populations in the area with offerings, procession of the statues of Hung Shing and other deities, lion and dragon dances, traditional Chaozhou music and Cantonese opera performances and other ritual activities. The temple is a typical Qing vernacular two-hall-three-bay building, with a courtyard covered with a pavilion in-between the two halls and two side chambers on its left and right. The temple is widely decorated with exquisite historic Shiwan ceramic figurines and fine wood carvings, particular those on the wooden brackets of the covered courtyard and the parapet walls of the chambers on both sides of the internal courtyard. The vivid ceramic figurines of the God of the Sun and Goddess of the Moon at the end of the gable ridges of the entrance hall are also very impressive. In front of the temple, there are two timber poles painted with a dragon pattern which are rare in Hong Kong. Locals call them "dragon poles", and it is believed that they were erected for protecting the fung shui of the area.

 

Hung Shing Temple at Ap Lei Chau

HAU WONG TEMPLE in Kowloon City is not only the main temple in the area, but also one of very few temples in Hong Kong still keeping a rich collection of historic relics related to the Kowloon Walled City. The exact year of construction of Hau Wong Temple is not known. With reference to the temple bell which was cast in the 8th year of Yongzheng's reign (1730) of the Qing dynasty, the temple was probably built in or before 1730. Hau Wong Temple was patronised by Qing officials and soldiers when the Kowloon Walled City was still in existence and guarding the territories between 1847 and 1899. A stone tablet engraved in the 9th year of Xianfeng's reign (1859) in the temple indicates a donation by officials from the offices of the Assistant Magistrate of Kowloon and Dapeng Brigade for the renovation of the temple. Other relics like the incense burner donated by Xu Wenshen, the first Assistant Magistrate of Kowloon, in 1847, and a number of timber plaques donated by the military officials of the Kowloon Walled City are still kept in the temple. The most famous relic is the stone inscription of the Chinese character for crane dated 1888 at the back of the temple. The Hau Wong Temple compound consists of the main temple building with later added side chambers, pavilions and stone inscriptions, all standing on a terrace with granite steps leading to the ground level. There is a detached pavilion with hip-and-gable roof supported by granite columns and wooden brackets awkwardly standing in front of the temple. The temple is a two-hall-one-courtyard Chinese vernacular building with later added side chambers at its right. The internal courtyard of the side chambers is decorated with exquisite Shiwan ceramic figurines. The stepped gables of the rear hall in the style of "five peaks paying tribute to heaven" is a very rare design and seldom found in Hong Kong.

 

Main entrance of Hau Wong Temple, Kowloon City
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Wi-Fi.HK 

A common Hong Kong Wi-Fi brand, Wi-Fi.HK, was launched on 5th August 2014 which enables the public and visitors to easily identify free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the territory.

Locals and visitors can connect to free Wi-Fi if they can access Wi-Fi hotspots under the brand Wi-Fi.HK with smartphones or mobile devices, or at places with the Wi-Fi.HK signage. The Wi-Fi service provided is either completely free or free for at least 30 minutes. No registration is required.

The Wi-Fi.HK website provides details of free public Wi-Fi hotspots under Wi-Fi.HK and an app for mobile devices is also available with search function to locate hotspots by nearest vicinity, district, venue, type or keyword;

http://www.wi-fi.hk/en

To date, participating organisations of the Wi-Fi.HK brand include Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited, Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited, Hutchison Global Communications Limited, Y5ZONE Limited, Airport Authority Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited.

More than 5,000 hotspots are now available under the Wi-Fi.HK brand, including Wi-Fi hotspots under the Government Wi-Fi Programme (GovWiFi). Wi-Fi.HK provides free Wi-Fi service across the city covering Hong Kong International Airport, tourist attractions, public telephone booths, shopping centres, cafés, restaurants, convenience stores, Cyberport, the Science Park and GovWiFi premises. 
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NEW MAPPING APP LAUNCHED

The Government Lands Department has launched a free mobile map application, "MyMapHK", in June to assist smartphone users searching for geographical locations or information about more than 120 public facilities. Through the three functional features of "MyMapHK", namely, "Map of Hong Kong", "Hiking" and "Old Hong Kong", users can browse maps and search for information about facilities including car parks, petrol stations, libraries, WiFi hotspots, sports venues and more, according to their needs.

The application, available in both Chinese and English versions, offers a speech-to-text search function. It operates on Android 4.0.3 and iOS 6.0 or higher operating systems. Users may search for "MyMapHK" in the iPhone App Store or Google Play Store for direct download.

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HKTB CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE PROGRAMME DISCONTINUED

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has ended its "Hong Kong Cultural Kaleidoscope" programme with effect from 1st April 2014. The programme offered bona-fide visitors an opportunity to experience various local cultural activities including Duk Ling Junk Ride, Tai Chi Class, Feng Shui Class, Chinese Tea Appreciation Class, Cantonese Opera Appreciation Class Chinese Cake-making Class, Chinese Medicine Class and Architecture Walk.

HKTB is aiming to reorganise its resources to provide visitors a greater variety of opportunities to experience Hong Kong’s unique living culture and traditions in future.

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TWO HISTORIC BUILDINGS DECLARED MONUMENTS

Two historical buildings on Hong Kong Island, the Cenotaph in Central and Béthanie at 139 Pok Fu Lam Road, have been declared as monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.

The Cenotaph was unveiled on May 25, 1923, by the then Governor, Sir Edward Stubbs. It is the earliest memorial formally constructed to commemorate the dead of the First World War in Hong Kong. Initially, the Cenotaph was simply inscribed with the words "The Glorious Dead" and the years of the First World War, i.e. "1914-1918". The years "1939-1945" were subsequently added to honour victims of the Second World War. In the 1980s, eight Chinese characters meaning "May their martyred souls be immortal, and their noble spirits endure" were carved on one side of the Cenotaph corresponding to the inscription "The Glorious Dead" to make it clear that the Cenotaph commemorates all who fell, especially those who fell in the defence of Hong Kong. Commemorative activities are still held by the Government and other relevant associations at the Cenotaph every year. The Cenotaph is built of dressed ashlar blocks, designed with a stepped plinth and the upper part diminishing by offsets to culminate at the top in a rectangular sarcophagus upon which rests a stone wreath. The architectural style of the Cenotaph is Classic Revival, based on formal symmetry and principles of pure Roman and Greek forms, founded on archaeological studies and scholarship. The apparent simplicity of the Cenotaph is based on exquisite refinement of classical principles.

Béthanie was completed in 1875 by the Society of Foreign Missions (Société des Missions Étrangéres) as their first sanatorium in East Asia for sick missionaries. The premises was closed in 1974 and was sold to Hongkong Land. The premises was subsequently taken over by the Government. It was then leased to the University of Hong Kong from 1978 to 1997. In 2002, the Government decided to restore and lease Béthanie together with the adjacent Old Dairy Farm Cowshed Building (a Grade 2 historic building) to the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) for conversion into their second campus. The conversion was completed in 2006 and Béthanie has served as the School of Film and Television of the HKAPA since then. Béthanie consists of three parts: the chapel, the sanatorium and the service wing. Its architecture is of Neo-Gothic style and the plan is in symmetrical form with verandahs on all four sides. Rubble and ashlar plinth wall at the basement level, ornamental balustrades and arched colonnades at the verandahs form the elevations of the building. The most impressive part of the building is its beautiful chapel.

Information on the two monuments is available on the heritage conservation website of the Development Bureau
( www.heritage.gov.hk ).

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MTR EAST RAIL LINE LUGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT RESTRICTION TIGHTENED

With effect from 4th February 2013, the weight limit for passenger luggage on MTR East Rail Line is to be lowered from 32kg to 23kg for a trial period of three months. Mandatory weighing of large luggage will be extended to Tai Po Market and Fo Tan stations, in addition to Sheung Shui, Lok Ma Chau and Lo Wu Stations where mandatory weighing of luggage is already in force with scales being set up at designated entrances to these stations. Luggage must also comply with existing size limits which stipulate that passengers may carry one piece of total dimension (length, width, height) of 170cm and the length of any one side not exceeding 130cm.

The 32kg weight limit trial was implemented on 9th October 2012, initially for a period of three months, but was extended in January. The weight restrictions, which apply only to East Rail Line, have been imposed as a specific response to complaints and demonstrations from the general public in relation to the activities of cross-border parallel traders who regularly use the MTR to transport large quantities of boxes of goods weighing up to 80kg on trolleys, causing congestion within trains and outside stations and on station platforms at stations near the border. The restrictions have been tightened at the request of the government. MTR has a dedicated By-laws Inspection Unit (BIU) of 39 members to enforce MTR By-laws at East Rail Line stations. They are supported by a team of more than 90 private security personnel and the BIU is being strengthened by another 20 members, bringing the total number of inspectors to 59.

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DISNEYLAND BUS ROUTES R11 & R22 DISCONTINUED

Citybus bus services R11 and R22, which operate direct routes from Hong Kong Disneyland to urban areas daily, following conclusion of the Disney fireworks display, will cease to operate after 13th January 2013. As an alternative, passengers wishing to travel to urban areas by bus from Hong Kong Disneyland can take bus R8 from Hong Kong Disneyland Public Transport Interchange to the Lantau Link Toll Plaza and connect with Cityflyer services A11, A21, A22 or A29. A bus-bus interchange discount is available for passengers using Octopus Card and using service R8 to interchange at the Lantau Link Toll Plaza.

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PARK ISLAND - TSEUN WAN FERRY SERVICE REDUCTION / TAXI RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

The Park Island Transport Company ferry service operating between the Park Island complex at Ma Wan and Tsuen Wan ceased operating from 14th December 2012. However, a limited ferry service between Park Island Pier and Tsuen Wan Pier resumed on 8th June 2013 with three daily sailings each way at 11-15, 13-15 and 15-15 from Park Island and 11-45, 13-45 and 15-45 from Tsuen Wan. The service has been in operation since 2002 but has been making heavy losses. Park Island bus service NR331, offers alternative transport between Park Island and Tsuen Wan Railway Station at 20/30 minute frequency between 6am and midnight.

The Park Island ferry service operating between Park Island and Central Pier 2 continues to operate normal service.

Restrictions on taxi access to Ma Wan have been lifted with effect from 14th December 2012 and urban taxis can now serve Ma Wan 24 hours a day.

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SUNBEAM THEATRE REPRIEVED

Hong Kong's main venue and "home" of Cantonese Opera performances for the last 40 years since its founding in 1972, the 1033-seat Sunbeam Theatre on King's Road at North Point, which was due to stage its final performance on 19th February 2012, has been saved from closure. The theatre, which has been privately run by Hong Kong Arts Entertainment Company Limited had been due to close to make way for a new shopping mall, having already been reprieved for three years after having been threatened with closure when the previous lease expired in February 2009. The current owner, a property developer, purchased the property for HK$162 million in 2003 with the intention of demolishing the theatre and building on the site but a three-year extension to the lease was agreed with the Hong Kong Government on the understanding that the owner would be allowed to redevelop the site when the extension to the lease expires. The monthly rental tripled to HK$698,000 and funding for the lease extension has amounted to around HK$6.6 million with HK$3 million being provided by private donations and the government funding the balance. In a last minute deal the owner has agreed a further four year lease with Cantonese opera playwright Li Kui-ming for a sum of HK$1 million a month but no further government funding will be provided. The theatre will be managed by Li's Prime Splendor Theatrical Troupe and staff who previously ran the theatre are being re-hired.

There have been about 150 shows annually at the theatre performed by professional troupes, with each show being supported by a HK$15,000 government subsidy through the Arts Development Council. The theatre, on the ground level of Kiu Fai Mansion, was originally built as a 1600-seat theatre in 1972 but was divided in the early 1980's with the main theatre, the Grand Theatre on the ground floor, used mostly for operatic performances containing 1033 seats and a small theatre upstairs containing 340 seats.
The theatre has been closed since February and is undergoing a HK$10 million renovation which includes fitting of new carpets and seats, and will reopen on 21st May. The small theatre will become a centre for performing-arts education.

 

Hong Kong's repreived "Home of Cantonese Opera", the Sunbeam Theatre, on King's Road at North Point, reopens on 21st May 2012 after renovation

Since taking over the lease, Li has expressed his intention to turn the theatre into a cultural centre promoting the art of Cantonese Opera and a much wider range of performing arts such as other forms of Chinese opera, drama, magic and acrobatic shows. There are also plans for the Sunbeam to become the largest cinema in Hong Kong by installing a digital film projector capable of being upgraded to show 3-D movies.

A large 1100-seat theatre is being built as a permanent venue for Cantonese Opera in the Xiqu Centre the West Kowloon Cultural District which is scheduled for completion in 2015/16. In the meantime an 600-seat annexe to the 1031-seat Ko Shan Theatre in Hung Hom is due to be completed in 2013 to enable more Cantonese Opera rehearsals and performances at that venue which currently has about 140 Cantonese Opera performances annually and Yau Ma Tei Theatre has been redeveloped to provide a venue for small-scale performances and operatic singing activities. Chan Shun Kui Community Hall in North Point has also been considered as a future venue in order that a Cantonese Opera Theatre venue can be maintained on Hong Kong Island.



Foyer of the Sunbeam Theatre seen shortly before its reopening on 21st May 2012

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FOUR HONG KONG FESTIVALS INCLUDED IN CHINA'S NATIONAL HERITAGE LIST

Four traditional Hong Kong Festivals have been included in China's national list of intangible cultural heritage from June 2011;

TAI HANG FIRE DRAGON DANCE

The event has been held for more than 100 years. Tai Hang was originally a Hakka village. Legend has it that a plague broke out there in 1880, and to ward off the disease the villagers planted joss sticks in a dragon-shaped form. On the evening of the 14th, 15th and 16th of the eighth lunar month, the villagers paraded the fire dragon through the village and let off firecrackers. The plague ended after the event. From then on, the villagers have performed a three-day fire dragon dance every year to bless themselves.


CHEUNG CHAU JIAO FESTIVAL (BUN FESTIVAL)

The activity has been practised for more than 100 years. Cheung Chau was devastated by a plague in the late Qing dynasty. Local residents set up a sacrificial altar in front of Pak Tai Temple to pray to the god Pak Tai to drive off evil spirits. The residents even paraded deity statues through the village lanes. The plague ceased after performance of the ritual. Since then, residents on Cheung Chau have organised a Jiao Festival every year to express thanks to the god for blessing and protecting them. With residents' participation every year, the ritual has been passed down through the generations.


YU LAN GHOST FESTIVAL OF THE HONG KONG CHIU CHOW COMMUNITY

There are about 1.2 million people originating from Chiu Chow in Hong Kong who actively carry on their traditions. During the ghost festival, which lasts for a month every year, the Chiu Chow people in Hong Kong organise the Yu Lan Festival that starts from the first day of the seventh lunar month and continues until the end of that month. Having been held for more than 100 years, the festival is to offer sacrifices to ancestors and the wandering ghosts in the netherworld. The main activities include burning incense and joss papers, performing live Chinese operas and dramas for ghosts, distributing auspicious rice and auctioning auspicious objects.


TAI O DRAGON BOAT WATER PARADE

During the annual Dragon Boat Festival, three fishermen's associations, Pa Teng, Sin Yu Heung and Hap Sim Tong, organise a religious activity known as the dragon boat water parade. On the morning before the festival, members of the associations row their dragon boats to visit four temples in Tai O, where they receive statues of Yeung Hou, Tin Hau, Kwan Tei and Hung Shing. They carry the deity statues back to their associations' hall for worship. On the day of the festival, the deity statues are put on sacred sampans towed by the associations' dragon boats to parade through Tai O's waters. The deity statues are returned to the respective temples after the ritual. This unique religious activity has been preserved for more than a century.

The HKSAR Government submitted an application for these four items to be inscribed onto the third national list of intangible cultural heritage in September 2009, having been selected from a shortlist of 349 cultural items. The four items fall within the category of "social practices, rituals and festive events" set out in the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage.

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