The Wharton Global Forum Hong Kong will be headquartered at the Conrad Hong Kong: Pacific Place, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong.

Today’s world travelers agree: Stays at the Conrad Hong Kong offer amenities and memories that last a lifetime. Soaring a towering 61 stories above Pacific Place in the business district, the Conrad offers sleek guestrooms with marble bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, mini-bars, and Nespresso machines. Some rooms feature breathtaking mountain views, and admittance to exclusive clubs and other comforts. Dine at one of six award-winning restaurants, work out in the gym, or have a swim in the outdoor pool.

The Conrad Hong Kong is a luxury hotel and an epicenter of activity, just two kilometers from Happy Valley Racecourse, and eight kilometers from Victoria Peak and Ocean Park Hong Kong amusement park.

Towering above the vibrant business district, Conrad Hong Kong is close to any side trip you might want to take. The tram, bus, railway and ferry are nearby, or walk to Pacific Place’s designer shops, restaurants, businesses and entertainment.

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About Hong Kong

Positioned at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta on the coast of southern China, Hong Kong is the gateway between the east and west, and as a result, has become an attractive center for international trade. The heart of Asia’s “world city” is the bustling and beautiful Victoria Harbor. Hong Kong’s 1,104-square-kilometer area comprises Hong Kong Island, which lies south of the harbor, the Kowloon Peninsula, which forms its northern shores, the new territories north of Kowloon, which stretch all the way to mainland China, and more than 200 outlying islands, including Lantau, where Hong Kong International Airport is located.

Hong Kong can thank its colonial history and international harbor for a rich blend of cultures that give it its unique character. While the majority of the city’s population are Chinese speakers, simply walking the streets will expose you to a pastiche of Asian and European languages.

Cantonese, a minority dialect of mainland China, is spoken by 88 percent of the people in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, other Chinese dialects, such as Hakka, Taishanese and Teochiu are also spoken, as is Mandarin – China’s official dialect, which has become more widely spoken in Hong Kong since its reunification in 1997.

English: From Hong Kong’s establishment as a colonial port, through its period as a manufacturing hub, and up until its current role as an international financial center, the population has always looked outwards. As a result, English is widely spoken. Today, it is the language of preference in government, business, and tourism sectors. All official signs and public transport announcements, as well as most menus, are bilingual. As a visitor, you can expect to encounter minimal problems communicating in English, as most taxi drivers, salespeople, tourism industry employees, and police have reached competent levels of communication. In fact, many locals even pepper their Chinese with English words and phrases.

Multiculturalism: The comfort with which these languages and dialects coexist reflects the high level of cultural tolerance in Hong Kong, where multiple denominations of Christian churches share space with Chinese Joss Houses; Buddhist, Taoist and Sikh temples, mosques, and synagogues.

Moreover, the presence of the enduring and ancient culture in a society that has had to constantly adapt to change has created a unique contemporary culture that is a true mixture of tradition and innovation. In the city, you’ll see elderly men playing ancient Chinese board games on digital tablets, Christmas is celebrated with as much zeal as Chinese New Year, and state-of-the-art skyscrapers are designed in consultation with Feng Shui masters.

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with distinct seasons. The only predictable weather events that could have a significant impact on your travel plans are typhoons.

Typhoon season is from May to November. When a typhoon is approaching, warnings are broadcast on television and radio. There are various degrees of warning signals issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, but when the “Number Eight” signal is put into place, most businesses and shops close down, and flights may be cancelled. There is a separate warning system for heavy rain.

You can find detailed information about current and seasonal weather on the Hong Kong Observatory website. While you’re in Hong Kong, you can also dial 1878 200 and press ‘3’ for English to check the latest situation.

HONG KONG’S SEASONS:

Spring (March to May)
  • Temperature and humidity are rising. Evenings can be cool.
  • Average Temperature: 17°C – 26 °C (62-78°F)
Summer (June to August)
  • Hot, humid and sunny, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. The temperature can exceed 31°C but high humidity levels can make it feel even hotter.
  • Average Temperature: 26°C – 31 °C (78-88°F)
Autumn (September to November)
  • There are pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Many people regard these as the best months of the year to visit Hong Kong.
  • Average Temperature: 19°C – 28 °C (66-83°F)
Winter (December to February)
  • Cool, dry and cloudy, with occasional cold fronts. The temperature can drop below 10°C in urban areas.
  • Average Temperature: 12°C – 20 °C (52-68°F)

Getting around Hong Kong couldn’t be easier with the quick and efficient Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system. This covers all major districts in the territory, including stops at the boundary with mainland China (Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations).

The MTR consists of 10 rail lines, including Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, Tung Chung, West Rail, East Rail, Ma On Shan, Disneyland Resort, and the Airport Express. The MTR also operates a light rail system that runs between Yuen Long and Tuen Mun in the new territories, plus an inter-city train service to mainland China. Purchase a $65 Adult Tourist Day Pass to enjoy any one day of unlimited travel on the MTR to experience Hong Kong. The ticket is valid for one month from the date of issue.

The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotel bathrooms also have outlets for 100 volts, but if not, you will need a transformer for any appliance or electrical equipment. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your electrical equipment at most convenience stores.

Further information about Hong Kong can also be obtained from the official website of the Hong Kong Tourism Board