Wikimania 2013 bids/Hong Kong
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- An Asian Experience
With the "youngest Wikimedian community" and the largest number of Wikimedian meetups in the world, Hong Kong is a place with multiple personalities, owing to both Cantonese Chinese roots and recent British influence. It is also an important hub in East Asia with global connections to many of the world's cities, which allows Wikimedians from the rest of the world to know about the region, especially the oriental culture and its fine cuisine, and Wikimedians in East Asia, who enjoyed the last Wikimania in nearby area 6 years ago, to know more about the world-wide movement, and greater chance to present themselves to the global community.
- City proposed: Hong Kong
- Proposed dates: 7 – 11 August 2013 (7–8 August: hacking days)
- Venue: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- a self-contained multi-venue facility on a single site, in the heart of downtown Kowloon Peninsula
- next to the major transportation hub, Hung Hom railway station & Cross Harbour Tunnel Terminus
- next to Tsim Sha Tsui East, a major hotel area with a famous harbour-view promenade
- close to Tsim Sha Tsui, a major downtown area, major local hangout with full of tourist attractions, shopping and eating choices
- Bidding team is securing the Jockey Club Auditorium, the main hall with up to 1084 seats, by placing an early booking in progress
- Support:
- Dynamic team experienced with organizing regional Wikimedia conferences, notable Chinese Wikimedia Conferences
- Full support from the local chapter, and local counterparts ISOC-HK & DotAsia with experiences on organizing int'l Conference
- Huge sponsor potentials via DotAsia's network from events previously organized
- Meetings and Exhibitions (MEHK) office of HK Tourism Board (HKTB) render their full support and assist the bid
- Solicitation of concession airfares for attendees via Cathay Pacific & Dragonair from over 140 cities around the world (see Cathay Pacific's statement of support below)
- Assist to facilitate visa application for attendees (although Wikimedians from 170 countries can visit HK without a Visa)
- Provision of Chinese cultural experiences during opening
- Provision of hospitality services in the airport
- Check out this wonderful video by MEHK, promoting HK
- Meetings and Exhibitions in Hong Kong
- Planned attendance: All Wikimedians welcome; estimated attendance 700-1,000
- Contact persons: Tango Chan (User:Tsugiko), Jeromy-Yu Chan (User:Yuyu)
Introduction: Our Asia's World City
edit- On Wikipedia: English, 中文, 粵語, 日本語, Français, 한국어, Deutsch, Tiếng Việt, Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, ไทย, Português, اردو, العربية
Hong Kong (Chinese character:香港), often referred as HK or HKG, is a de-facto city-state and one of the two special administrative regions (SARs) of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The city lies on the southern coast of China, marks the eastern end of the Pearl River Delta, and is embraced by the South China Sea to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the east. With a land mass covering an area of 1104 square kilometers, Hong Kong houses a population of seven million, which makes it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
During the colonial era, the territory espoused minimum government intervention from the British authorities and sheltered immigrants from different parts of the world. The resulting culture, often described as "East meets West", preserves many Chinese traditions; different religions and ethnic groups coexist in it peacefully. The British legal framework and the government's positive non-interventionism economic policy led Hong Kong to become one of the world's leading international financial centres, as well as a hub for regional transport and a famous tourist destination.
Where East meets West
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Originally a fishing village on the edge of the Chinese Empire, the territory was changed forever when it became a crown colony of the British Empire as a result of the First Opium War. The stability, security, and predictability of British law and government enabled Hong Kong to flourish as a centre for international trade. This attracted people from all over the world to come and stay in Hong Kong, and bring in their own culture, religion and cuisine.
About 95% of the people of Hong Kong are of Chinese descent, and the remaining 5% includes Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalese, and Vietnamese; there are Europeans, Americans, Canadians, Japanese, and Koreans who mostly work in the city's commercial and financial sector; an estimated 252,500 foreign domestic helpers from Indonesia and the Philippines working in Hong Kong as at 2008.
There is a high degree of religious tolerance in the territory. The main religions are Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity; Christians are nearly equally divided between Catholics and Protestants. Also Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Bahá'í communities coexist peacefully with each other other religions. Minimal government intervention from the British authorities to the Chinese communities allowed Chinese paganism and traditional Chinese customs to remain preserved among both indigenous residents of the New Territories and immigrants from different parts of China. Some of these traditions can be observed especially during traditional Chinese festivals such as Mid-Autumn Festival and Tuen Ng Festival, during which various celebrations and associated activities take place across the districts of the city.
Regional hub
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Logistics and trading have always been tightly bound to the history of Hong Kong since its foundation. Indeed, the original aim of establishing colonial Hong Kong was to build an entrepôt between the British Empire and the rest of oriental Asian countries, primarily the Mainland China during the 19th century. The birth of Hong Kong was a by-product of international trade, and the city's survival and growth remains inevitably bound with and influenced by its importance in international commerce.
Not long after the Second World War ended, Hong Kong prospered as a haven of political stability and legal certainty compared with its neighbours. The continued state of disagreement between mainland China and Taiwan made Hong Kong a necessary stepping stone for travel and trade between the two Chinese governments. Hong Kong's status as a trading port also drove its economical development to new heights, and the resulting prosperity was enjoyed not only by the city itself, but also the whole East Asian region.
The Rose Garden Project, announced in 1989, effected the construction of the new Hong Kong International Airport and its associated transport infrastructure. Regarded as an architectural magnificence of the 20th century and whose lasted for 8 years of construction, the new Hong Kong International Airport, known locally as 'Chek Lap Kok Airport', opened on 6 July 1998. In modern standard of construction laid a foundation stone for a new era of aviation in Hong Kong, with much higher developing potential and handling ability compared with the previous Kai Tak Airport, which was infamous for its spectacular urban landings.
Nowadays travelling from and to Hong Kong is a piece of cake, whether from neighbouring regions or the opposite side of the globe. Hong Kong's airport is a primary transportation hub in Asia, served by variety of airlines; flight connections with Asian destinations are many and extremely frequent. It is also a major transit hub on the Kangaroo Routes between Australia and Europe, particularly the United Kingdom. These make Hong Kong the origin of several of the world's busiest passenger air routes, such as between Hong Kong and Sydney, London, Taipei, Tokyo and Beijing. Its accessibility and capacity gives the airport strategic importance in both regional and intercontinental travel.
Sightseeing
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Hong Kong is much more than a harbour city. The traveller weary of its crowded streets may be tempted to describe it as "Hong Kongcrete". Downtown possesses many features where Chinese and Western culture, modern and ancient custom are blended together. From colonial style to ancient temple, old buildings are actually scattered among the skyscrapers which dominate the skyline. These buildings, together with the world famous Victoria Harbour, form the unique landscape of downtown Hong Kong.
Yet, this territory with its cloudy mountains and rocky islands is mostly a rural landscape. Much of the countryside, amounting to 40% of Hong Kong's land mass, is classified as Country Park. Although it is impossible to completely escape a population of 7 million, it is easy to find pockets of wilderness that will reward the more intrepid tourist, especially places scenic countryside viewpoints which offer a skyline panorama of downtown Hong Kong. For the trailwalker, there are the well-known MacLehose Trail and Wilson Trail. Also, you are never far from the sea in Hong Kong and going to a good beach is always only a bus-ride away.
Chinese culture is something worth exploring in Hong Kong. From the crowded street markets to the rural indigenous villages in the New Territories, Cantonese gourmet, Cantonese opera and Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all in the same temple, Hong Kong features the best preserved Chinese and Cantonese culture in the region, a result of the lack of political turbulence in the city's history.
Food
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Hong Kong is renowned as a world gourmet paradise. Owing to both British and Chinese influence, all kinds of cuisine are available in the city. Kowloon City, in particular, boasts a plethora of restaurants as a result of its proximity to the now-disused Kai Tak Airport. Although restaurants in general do not have the facility to serve food in conformity with religious standards such as halal and kosher, there are specialist halal and kosher restaurants in several parts of the city, especially in areas where South Asians and Islamic communities live and congregate.
As Hong Kong is a coastal city and with a long history of fishing activity, seafood is indeed a ubiquitous ingredient in most Cantonese restaurants in the city. From a simple and common local seafood restaurants, to the luxuries such as Jumbo Floating Restaurant or those seafood cuisine specialists in Sai Kung, its the ingredient that captivates chefs and diners alike. Besides traditional Cantonese food which is served in every corner of the city, it is also easy to find restaurants which serve other types of authentic, exotic cuisine, such as those other regions of the Mainland China and Taiwan, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and others, thanks to immigrants of various ethnicities over the past decades and the food-savviness of the Hong Kong people.
On the other hand, western and international cuisine is just as easily available if you prefer them. Steakhouses, bars, and classical cuisine from various parts of Europe come in various types and classes; modern fusion restaurants offer the best of both worlds; even the elegance of British afternoon tea is available within this broad spectrum of choices.
No matter what makes your meal during your stay, a visit to a "Cha Chaan Teng" is a must-try experience for those who want to understand the most iconic cuisine of Hong Kong, because it originated from the fusion and combination of traditional cuisines into a simple, cheap, one-stop everyday meal for every Hong Konger. Try an ice-cold milk tea or red bean ice, served together with some Hong Kong-specific bakery delicacies such as egg tarts and pineapple buns for a snack, or at lunch or tea time.
If you are really struggling to find out whether there's one to match your tastes, there is a popular local search engine and dining guide to help you find your poison.
Safety
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Hong Kong has been consistently reputed as one of the safest metropolitan areas around the world in the past few decades. This achievement owes not only to good natural factors such as the absence of threat from large-scale natural disasters such as earthquakes, but also more importantly to the effort and efficiency of the civil security services. Compared to many million-strong cities which are criticised for their safety record and where local travel presents many dangers to visitors, Hong Kong is a city where safety is a top priority guaranteed by its trustworthy civil security services. In case of emergency or threats thereof, police stations, or police officers on patrol, may be found easily and are always willing to provide assistance. Emergency responses are also quick and emergency services are dispatched to the scene within a few minutes.
The Hong Kong Police Force is the world's second, and Asia's first, police agency to operate a modern policing system. With a long history and efficient management, today it is one of the most efficient and clean policing forces around the world. Because of them, Hong Kong has one of the lowest common crime-rates among cities with comparable populations worldwide. Emergency aid and rescue service in Hong Kong are at a world-class standard, with a service agreement which promises that an ambulance will arrive on the scene within 8 minutes of an emergency call; the Fire Service is also praised for its efficient and quality performance in responding to accidents and disasters.
The climate of Hong Kong is a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cwa), just short of being a tropical wet-and-dry climate. As with other subtropical areas, Hong Kong has long summers and winters, and comparatively short springs and autumns.
In the winter, temperatures hover between 15 °C and 20 °C. However, northeast winter monsoons bring frequent cold fronts which can cause the temperature to dip below 10 °C, despite Hong Kong's tropical latitude and coastal location. Conversely, warm maritime airstreams also commonly raise the temperature well above 20 °C; temperatures as high as 29 °C have been recorded in February. Winter starts sunny in December and becomes cloudier towards February.
Spring brings warmer and more humid weather. There is a sharp increase in rainfall around April. Spring is the cloudiest season of the year, with March and April both averaging only around 100 hours of bright sunshine.
Summer weather is hot, humid and unstable. Although usually sunny, thunderstorms and scattered showers are common. August has the highest average rainfall in the year. Temperatures usually exceed 30 °C during the day, which, coupled with a high humidity, can result in an extreme heat index. Extreme heat indices are also caused by continuous sunshine and low breeze, usually long-lasting around July and August, as a result of subtropical high pressure areas. This also occurs before typhoons hitting Hong Kong or nearby regions in the northeast, e.g. Taiwan or the Eastern Coast of China. Such outbound airstream brings even hotter weather, in addition to dirtier air. Nights are also warm with an average minimum temperature of 26 °C. Hong Kong is frequently hit by typhoons in the summer.
Autumn is generally considered the most pleasant season. Temperatures are still high (20–27 °C) but humidity and rainfall are considerably lower. Autumn is also the sunniest season in Hong Kong, with October and November both averaging close to 200 hours of bright sunshine.
| Climate data for Hong Kong (1981–2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | June | July | August | September |
| Avg high °C (°F) | 30.2 (86.4) | 31.4 (88.5) | 31.1 (88.0) | 30.1 (86.2) |
| Daily Mean °C (°F) | 27.9 (82.2) | 28.8 (83.8) | 28.6 (83.5) | 27.7 (81.9) |
| Avg Low °C (°F) | 26.2 (79.2) | 26.8 (80.2) | 26.6 (79.9) | 25.8 (78.4) |
| Rainfall mm (in) | 456.1 (17.951) | 376.5 (14.823) | 432.2 (17.016) | 327.6 (12.898) |
| % Humidity | 82 | 81 | 81 | 78 |
| Avg Rainy Days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 19.07 | 17.60 | 16.93 | 14.67 |
| Sunshine hours | 146.1 | 212.0 | 188.9 | 172.3 |
Our community
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Hong Kong has one of the strongest Wikimedian communities in the Asia-Pacific region. We organized the Chinese Wikimedia Conference 2006, the first ever regional Wikimedia conference. Wikimedia Hong Kong, the local chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation, was founded in 2007, and was among the earliest Wikimedia chapters to receive charity status.
The first Wikipedian meetup in Hong Kong was held in 2005. Since then, Wikimedians in Hong Kong have been meeting regularly. By the end of 2011, we have organized a total of 60 meet-ups, more than anywhere else in the world.
Among the Wikimedian community, Hong Kong is best known for its youthful Wikimedians. According to Jimmy Wales during his visit to Hong Kong in 2006, Hong Kong has the "youngest Wikimedian community" in the whole world in terms of participants' age.
Our team
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| Name | Areas of responsibility | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Tango Chan (User:Tsugiko) | Bid Coordinator, Finance, Sponsors | Treasurer of the Hong Kong Chapter (former Commissioner for Communication & Admin Assistant), Chinese Wikimedia Conference: Speaker 2009 |
| Jeromy-Yu Chan (User:Yuyu) | Media, Program & Strategy | Wikipedian since 2004, en, yue, zh, fr-2, de-1.5, Ex-President of Hong Kong Chapter Chinese Wikimedia Conference: Organizer 2006, Wikimania:Organizer 2007, Presenter 2009 & 2011, Attendee 2010 |
| Rover Wong (User:SusanLai) | Program, Local Community | President of Hong Kong Chapter |
| Vincent Tsui (User:Cehk) | Logistics | Wikipedian since 2006, Secretary of Hong Kong Chapter, Organizer Chinese Wikimedia Conference 2006 |
| Terence Chau (User:manzheonchau) | Logistics | Admin Assistant of Hong Kong Chapter |
| Alan Lai (User:28481k) | Media, Program & Strategy | Wikipedian since 2006, en, zh, yue, ja-1, fr-1 |
| Deryck Chan (User:Deryck Chan) | Program, Strategy & Int'l Coordination | Sysop on en.wp, yue.wp, en, yue, zh, de-2, ja-1, Admin Assistant of Hong Kong Chapter, Organizer Chinese Wikimedia Conference 2006, Attendee Wikimania 2010, Presenter Wikimania 2011 |
| Simon Shek (石) | Program & Strategy | Wikipedian since 2004, en, zh, yue |
| Samuel Chan (User:CX257) | Media | Admin Assistant of Hong Kong Chapter |
| Calvin Siu (User:W.F. Siu) | General Help | Chairperson of The Council in Hong Kong Chapter |
| Sherman Wong (User:sherman) | Media & Sponsor | Admin Assistant of Hong Kong Chapter |
If you are in the area and interested in helping, please e-mail us at wikimania
wikimedia.hk .
Show your support!
editIf you are not available to help in person, you are still welcome to show your support everywhere you like, on your user page, and more important is on social media!
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Available on both meta: {{User Wikimania HK 2013}}, English & Chinese Wikipedia |
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International support
editWe also welcome people from other parts of world to express support to our bid, and show their will to help if Hong Kong is chosen:
please sign your name by adding " # your Location: your words of support or/and area can help --~~~ " below
- I'm a Cantonese from Guangzhou. I hope the 2013bid can be held in Hong Kong. If so, I must take part in it. 谨代表广州全体维基人支持香港申办2013年会！ Aleksejevski (talk) 03:20, 7 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Beijing --DS-fax 03:40, 7 March 2012 (UTC)
- In solidarity with Hong Kong, from Macao.--Whhalbert (talk) 04:00, 7 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Guangzhou.Waynelamchiwai (talk)
- Reason needed?--铁铁的火大了 (talk) 05:00, 7 March 2012 (UTC)
- Aleksejevski你把我代表了= =Well I support it anyway.--Jsjsjs1111 (talk) 05:35, 8 March 2012 (UTC)
- fully support Hong Kong's bid--Kegns 16:54, 8 March 2012 (UTC)
- --AddisWang (talk) 22:10, 8 March 2012 (UTC)
- My fully support--Mountain (talk) 22:27, 8 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from ZhuHai.Volunteer.Guests (talk) 00:23, 9 March 2012 (UTC)
- Good Luck! From Shenyang--Zhxy 519 (talk) 04:22, 9 March 2012 (UTC)
- I would give my fully support for Hong Kong, from Taipei. ;) --Ted Chien (talk) 12:34, 9 March 2012 (UTC)
- I support--Cwek (talk) 14:56, 11 March 2012 (UTC)
- 支持～！！Support Zt610152145 (talk) 15:17, 11 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Shenyang--Shujenchang (talk) 10:26, 12 March 2012 (UTC)
- Mr a supporting Hong Kong for 2013 Wikimania, as the proud of Chinese Wikipedians! --Mraandthebigbrother (talk) 12:35, 12 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support -- Ktsquare (talk) 20:37, 12 March 2012 (UTC)
- support.乌拉跨氪 (talk) 00:07, 13 March 2012 (UTC)
- support from Taiwan.--Alexchris (talk) 03:28, 13 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support --Merphisto (talk) 11:45, 13 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Tientsin. Park Talk 11:12, 18 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Malaysia. Bejinhan talks 14:20, 18 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Taiwan.--theodoranian (talk) 15:12, 18 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Taiwan. --Ellery (talk) 15:58, 18 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Macau.--9old9 (talk) 03:24, 19 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Taiwan & Taichung community.--安可 ‧對話（中文維基百科用戶） 14:22, 19 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Macau. --CDIP No.150 repair meter 05:56, 21 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Zhongshan, the hometown of Dr Sun Yat-sen. --202.153.93.75 17:31, 22 March 2012 (UTC)--长夜无风 (talk) 17:35, 22 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from GuangZhou and Macau --Happy Kevin (talk) 08:37, 24 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Japan. --Aphaia (talk) 10:32, 29 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from China. --Cbcdqe (talk) 12:27, 14 April 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Thailand --Taweethaも (talk) 10:42, 23 April 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Shanghai --LoganXue (talk) 02:25, 26 April 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Macedonia. Will help with the Media and Communication stuff. :) --FlavrSavr (talk) 20:09, 30 April 2012 (UTC)
- Support from the UK. CT Cooper · talk 20:47, 30 April 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Canton, Kwangtung, China. --Gzdavidwong (talk) 16:58, 1 May 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Perth, Australia. Happy to help with review of English language materials and any training needs. Orderinchaos (talk) 13:38, 2 May 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Manila, Philippines --Exec8 (talk) 17:37, 2 May 2012 (UTC)
- Support from Yunnan --Z1148059382 (talk) 05:20, 20 June 2013 (UTC)
- I am fully supporting Hong Kong bid.T.sujatha (talk) 05:25, 7 October 2015 (UTC)
Other local support
editWe also welcome local community to express support to our bid, and show their will to help if Hong Kong is chosen:
please sign your name by adding " #' your words of support or/and area can help --~~~ " below
- As a Hongkonger, I fully support Hong Kong's bid of Wikimania 2013, and I would like to help Hong Kong to bid for it (although I don't know what I can help). I really hope that Wikimania 2013 can be held in Hong Kong and I can be able to participate the event. --Spring Roll Conan ( Teahouse | Contributions )11:25, 11 March 2012 (UTC)
- Support from HK. As mentioned above, it would be glory of Hong Kong and even China if so.--Naiveandsilly (talk) 15:47, 18 March 2012 (UTC)
Conference
editSchedule
edit| Date | Wed 7th | Thu 8th | Fri 9th | Sat 10th | Sun 11th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Pre-conference day 1 | Pre-conference day 2 | Main conference day 1 | Main conference day 2 | Main conference day 3 |
| Morning | Developer and board meetings | Chapters and board meetings | Opening ceremony |
Keynote Speech |
Jimbo's Keynote |
| Late morning | Parallel Chinese and English sessions | Parallel sessions | Parallel sessions | ||
| Lunch | Lunch break | Lunch break VIP party |
Lunch break | ||
| Afternoon | Developer and board meetings | Chapters and board meetings | Parallel sessions | Parallel sessions | Parallel sessions Closing ceremony |
| Evening | Welcome party | Beach party and barbecue | |||
Suggested agenda
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Wikimania has a tradition of good conference track choices, and of course we will retain those if Wikimania 2013 comes to Hong Kong. However, holding Wikimania in Hong Kong opens unique opportunities to several important areas which has seen little discussion in the last few years, and opening up discussion on these topics is on our plan for Wikimania 2013.
- Pre-conference: Wikipedia and Greater China
- There has been long-standing tension between the Hong Kong-Macau, Mainland China, and Taiwan communities on the Chinese Wikipedia over many areas of editorial and administrative dispute. The recent unblocking of Wikipedia by the "Great Firewall of China" has also invited countless Mainland Chinese editors to join Wikipedia. In addition, the editorial stance on China-related topics has been a nucleus of edit-wars on the English Wikipedia, and to a lesser extent other Wikipedia editions as well.
- It is our vision that a Wikimania in Hong Kong will let as many involved editors as possible to meet in person, build on the similarities and sort out the differences in this additional pre-conference track.
- Conference track: Forgotten Wikimedia
- Everyone knows the English Wikipedia. Veteran Wikimedians know that there are both Wikipedias in other languages, and sister projects such as Wiktionary and Wikibooks, but most have had little involvement in the minor projects.
- But even that's just the "bright side" of Wikimedia. How about the "dark side"? Editors forced into exile because their editorial stance is rejected by the community, thereby becoming "trolls" and "sockpuppeteers"? Residents of countries where Wikipedia is blocked from the internet, and therefore have their local project forks?
- Hosting Wikimania in Hong Kong brings up both areas of "forgotten Wikimedia" naturally for discussion. With a thriving local language (Cantonese) overshadowed by two of the world's most important languages (English and standard Chinese), the topic of minor-language projects comes naturally onto the table. With the topic areas of Hong Kong and China in perpetual inflamed edit-wars, a moving case for the "banned trolls" is just round the corner. With Mainland China only recently reallowing its residents to use Wikipedia, we need a strategy for overtaking or cooperating with local editable online encyclopedias that have rooted themselves in the internet culture just north of Hong Kong's border. Hong Kong will be the perfect place to discuss these topics of concern that have either been taboo or forgotten among Wikimedians for so long.
- Off-hours: Asian Wikimedian cooperation
- We have seen the success of the major European chapters; we have seen the fruitful cooperation between Wikimedians from various South American countries since Wikimania 2009 in Buenos Aires. Can we replicate the success for the Asia-Pacific region? What will WMF's India Program mean to India and their neighbours? As many Wikimedian communities are budding in various East Asian nations, we hope that talents from all over Asia will gather in Hong Kong at Wikimania 2013 to exchange our experience, strengthen collaboration and spur each other on to grow thriving Wikimedian communities in every major Asian city, and Wikimedia chapters in every Asian country.
And the usual good stuff! Depending on popular demand, the great programme tracks of the past few Wikimanias will be kept as appropriate. Many of them have special importance to the Wikimedian community in Hong Kong:
- GLAM! — Wikimedia Hong Kong has been trying to build working relationships with local cultural institutions, but has made little progress so far. The GLAM track in Wikimania 2013 Hong Kong is a much-needed boost!
- Wikis and the public sector — Among other things, how can we best address the challenges and opportunities presented by the unusual governmental structure of Hong Kong?
- Research, analysis and education — Wikimedia Hong Kong took an active part in the latest educational reform in Hong Kong to help students develop their liberal studies skills. Hong Kong has much to share, and much more to learn from others in this area.
- Technology and infrastructure — Okay we don't have a language that must be written RTL. Nevertheless, the multilingual situation of Hong Kong is still a great challenge that we can learn from.
- Wiki culture and community — Even with "forgotten Wikimedia" being a separate track, there is still a lot more to talk about everyone else.
There will be the option for submission authors to hold their session in either Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) or English. We plan to set up a separate Chinese-language track if there is enough demand for such sessions.
Conference venue
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After considering and approaching various possible venues, we've selected the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) as our proposed conference venue.
The university is located in the Hung Hom area of Kowloon Peninsula, neighbouring the Hung Hom transportation hub which comprises Hung Hom Station and Cross-Harbour Tunnel. PolyU was founded in 1937 as a technical college, formally established in 1972 as a higher education college with degree-course education, and granted university status in November 1994. Today, PolyU has about 28,000 students reading 130 postgraduate, undergraduate and sub-degree programmes in various disciplines, including design, engineering, fashion and textiles, medical laboratory science, physiotherapy and radiography.
In recent years, the university achieved great academic triumphs in the field of computer sciences and technology among the Asia-Pacific and Greater China regions, and strives to contribute more to the information technology industry of the region.
The details of the available facilities are still under negotiation. We have already secured the Jockey Club Auditorium inside the main campus as our main hall of the conference, which has 1,084 seats on its balcony and stall. We also intend to host the associated activities and sessions within the university. The university management have extensive experience in organizing similar activities and is a popular venue provider in the locality.
Main hall
editThe Jockey Club Auditorium is one of the main auditoria managed by the university. It is capable of hosting a variety of functions including public talks, ceremonies, conferences, seminars and even the performing arts. The auditorium is configured as a balcony-included theatre layout with 702 fixed seats on the main floor and 323 balcony seats, with additional temporary seats available on request. The auditorium also contains a main entrance foyer right above its main hall level, which is ideal for setting-up exhibition stands and providing an reception area for the conference.
Apart from the grand opening, we also intend to arrange sessions in the main auditorium catering for large number of guests expected at the conference.
Seminar rooms
editPolyU also provides many seminar classrooms of 30–100 seats each suitable for smaller seminars and interactive group sessions of Wikimania, and for local Wikimania administration. Lecture theatres of various capacities are also available, mostly 80–160 seats, with a few being larger than 160 seats where we will hold smaller focussed public talk sessions during the conference.
Other rooms
editApart from public sessions, we also expect that many attending organizations, in particular local chapters, firms and the media, will be active throughout the duration of the conference. We will therefore reserve extra seminar rooms and reconfigure them as on-site workspace adapted to the needs of the attending organizations, such as conducting interviews, press activity, administrative work, and other backstage needs.
Socializing areas
editThe auditorium has an open-air amphitheatre area outside its entrance foyer, and we intend to configure this area into a combination of open-space seating, public exhibition and related activities. The amphitheatre has an area of about 1,100m² and can accommodate 200 spectators, ideal for informal gatherings.
Other than the open-air amphitheatre, the University can also arrange covered areas on the podium nearby the Auditorium to be available for catering and other purposes.
Contacts with conference venue
editThe team is well-connected with the University. The team is currently working with M-lab under the School of Design of the University, consulting the relevant management personel about the availability of the Main Hall and other rooms, and we can place our booking through M-lab. The M-lab has expressed their intention to sponsor Wikimania 2013, and it is expected that we will be able to rent the auditorium and other facilities at discounted or even waived rent should our bid be successful. Our partner, DotAsia, also has established working relationships with the university.
Technical facilities
editThe main auditorium is equipped with a full-set of theatre-standard conference equipments, including built-in cinematic projection and audition system, standard modern stage fly system and lighting facilities. Seminar rooms are equipped with overhead and LED projectors with screens and audio system, making them ideal for presentations and discussions. Furthermore, the lecture theatres are equipped with VHS and DVD players, and slide projector, in addition to the standard classroom facilities. Wired and wireless microphones are also provided on-site within the theatres. We believe that the flexibility and variety of available room sizes will meet the various desires of the presenters and attendees of each session. Although firm booking of the rooms for our proposed dates of Wikimania 2013 will only be available from December 2012 onwards, once our bid is successful we will negotiate with the University management to make our bookings a top priority, and ensure that plenty of rooms will be available during the conference.
Wireless network implementation
editThe whole university campus is covered by a built-in WLAN Wi-Fi system which is operated by the university. We will seek for a sponsorship from local telecoms companies, to provide extra bandwidth and routers for parts the venue and accommodation where existing infrastructure is inadequate.
Location and transportation
editNearby the venue:
Map of Further locations on Google maps
The university is located right next to MTR Hung Hom Station and the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Bus interchange and the main entrance is accessed by several footbridges connecting the university campus with the station and the bus interchange.
MTR Hung Hom stations is served by the East Rail Line and West Rail Line, two mainstream suburban railway routes of the city. The bus interchange is served by virtually all bus using the Cross Harbour Tunnel (buses with a 1-prefix on their number, e.g 101,104,107,118). Any other bus routes which call at Hung Hom Station terminus are also accessible to the university from a walking distance. Additionally Citybus Cityflyer route A21 terminates at Hung Hom MTR station therefore the campus is virtually also accessible directly by airport buses.
The vehicular entrance to the university, and an alternative pedestrian entrance of the campus is located at the Austin Road junction with Cheong Wan Road right opposite with Hong Kong Museum of History. The venue is 10 to 15 minutes walking distance from Nathan Road or Tsim Sha Tsui.
Party opportunities
editWelcoming party
editWe are also looking for a venue in the most famous hang-out of the town, Lan Kwai Fong in Central, Hong Kong Island, to have a welcoming party, for those who will come to the pre-conference.
VIP party
editWe are currently planning to have a decent Cantonese-style lunch reception, which will be supported by MEHK, in a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui East, nearby the venue.
Closing party: beach barbecue
edit
- Date: last day of main conference (11 August 2013)
- Time: late afternoon to midnight
- Venue: Siu Lam Barbecue By The Beach
The proposed venue, Siu Lam Barbecue By The Beach, boasts long-standing experience of hosting large-scale social events for organizations, and has a capacity of 3000 attendees. Situated on the shore of Castle Peak Bay, otherwise known as the Hong Kong's "Gold Coast", the venue offers a sandy beach perfect for swimming and sun-bathing in the summer sunset, in addition to the obvious: a barbecue buffet dinner for all attendees.
The venue operates traditional Hong Kong-style barbecue (en, zh). Unlike Western barbecues where a chef cooks meat and vegetables for everyone on a grill, in a Hong Kong-style barbecue everyone sits around an open charcoal fire, and cook their food using long barbecue forks. The environment is described as being "more similar to a fondue or campfire than a barbecue", and provides an ideal opportunity for socializing, or even wiki-style collaboration on cooking! A buffet barbecue is provided, which means unlimited amounts of uncooked food is supplied centrally. From there everyone collects raw food as they desire, and cooks them on their own small-group campfire.
Coaches will be arranged to transport attendees between the conference venue and the party venue immediately after the end of the main conference. We aim to arrive at the beach with ample time to spare before sunset. After the party, coaches will take attendees from Siu Lam to the conference venue and accommodation.
Logistics
editGetting to Hong Kong
edit
Air travel: Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG) is a leading air passenger gateway and logistics hub in Asia. Located on the island of Chek Lap Kok, 34 km/21 miles from downtown, HKG airport has scheduled non-stop flights to more than 150 cities. Regarded as a focus city or major transfer hub by major airlines, 85 airlines operate from the two-terminal airport; it is the primary hub of Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Air Hong Kong, Hong Kong Airlines, and Hong Kong Express. Since 2001, the airport has been named the World’s Best Airport eight times in the annual passenger survey by Skytrax. 'Local' carriers, Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, were also rated by Skytrax the Best Airline of Year 2003, 2005 and 2009 and the Best Airline of Greater China region respectively. The airport itself operates in 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Hong Kong International Airport is connected to the city by the MTR Airport Express train service; it reaches both Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong Station is the terminus of the route and also of a number of local bus services. Both Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station provide several feeder bus services between the station and various hotels of the city exclusively for Airport Express passengers only. There is also an extensive Airport bus network served by both Citybus and Long Win Bus. These lines are represented as a A- or E-prefix in front of their bus routes, and the bus network may reach to most urban areas covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and most towns in New Territories.
Rail: Inter-city train services crossing the Hong Kong-China boundary are known as Intercity Through Trains. Currently, Hung Hom Station (Kowloon/Jiulong) is the only station in Hong Kong where passenger can catch these trains. Passengers have to go through immigration and custom inspections before boarding. There are currently three through train routes:
- Between Hong Kong and Beijing (Beijing West Railway Station )
- Between Hong Kong and Shanghai (Shanghai Railway Station )
- Between Hong Kong and Guangzhou (Guangzhou East Railway Station )
However, the East Rail Line, one of the metro lines inside the Hong Kong's Metro network (MTR) also connects to two of the boundary control points – Lok Ma Chau and Lo Wu. Both these stations provide accessibility towards Shenzhen, and an interchange with the Shenzhen Metro on the Chinese side of the border. A journey from the border towards Hung Hom Station takes approximately 40 minutes. Additionally Lo Wu Station is interchangeable with the Shenzhen Station of CRH intercity train network of the Mainland China across the border, which runs a more frequent services between Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Sea: Two main ferry terminals serve the Hong Kong-China boundary crossing ferries services:
- Macau Ferry Terminal – Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
- China Ferry Terminal – Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
and these two ferry terminals are accessible with MTR and local buses services.
Notwithstanding their names, both of terminals provide extensive network of ferry services towards Macau and various cities within Guangdong Province. However services from China Ferry Terminal are more frequent and network towards China extensive than its counterpart, while only Macau Ferry Terminal provides a 24 hours ferry services towards Macau. Some ferry routes, from/to either Macau or Shenzhen, terminate at Hong Kong International Airport. These are only available at the Skypier, accessible from the departure hall of the airport (as for flight transfers.
Cruise ships also serve Hong Kong. The cruise terminal of Hong Kong – Ocean Terminal – is located at Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon Peninsula.
Land: Hong Kong has convenient cross-border bus services to many cities in Guangdong province including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan. Tickets are purchasable either in mainland China or Hong Kong, services and operators vary depending on the exact location and destination of travel. Road connections across boundary check-points are possible and vehicles with specialised licenses are allowed across the border. Several check-points connect with the expressway network of Hong Kong including Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang and Shenzhen Bay Port. Additionally most cross-border buses use these two particular ports on their journey.
Air-travel costs (estimated)
editHong Kong is one of the dominant regional hubs in the Asia-Pacific with numerous carriers providing scheduled flight services to and from the city. The following table shows a selection of destinations and carriers with their associated fares. The fare is referenced with a departure date in 7 August 2012 from the origin airport, with a return trip leaving Hong Kong on the 12 August 2012.
| Asia-Pacific | |||||
| From | Airline | Price (USD) | Flight Time | Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tokyo (Narita) |
Delta (DL) China Eastern (MU) |
$936 $665 |
4.8hr 7.4hr |
0 1 |
via Shanghai (PVG) |
| Tokyo (Haneda) |
All Nippon (NH) Korean (KE) |
$1,534 $1,069 |
4.5hr 7.4hr |
0 1 |
via Incheon |
 Dubai |
Emirates (EK) Qatar (QR) |
$1,143 $664 |
8hr 10.5hr |
0 1 |
|
 Singapore |
Jetstar Asia (3K) Singapore (SQ) |
$267 $496 |
3.8hr | 0 | |
 Seoul (Incheon) |
Asiana (OZ) China Eastern (MU) |
$594 $439 |
3.8hr 6.2hr |
0 1 |
via Shanghai (PVG) |
 Beijing |
China Southern (CZ) Air China (CA) |
$408 $440 |
3.6hr | 0 | |
| Shanghai (Pudong) |
China Eastern (MU) | $298 | 2.5hr | 0 | |
 Taipei |
EVA (BR) Cathay Pacific(CX) |
$502 $506 |
1.8hr | 0 | |
 Kuala Lumpur |
Malaysia (MH) | $390 | 3.9hr | 0 | |
 Manila |
Philippine (PR) | $322 | 2.2hr | 0 | |
 Jakarta |
Garuda Indonesian (GA) | $747 | 3.4hr | 0 | |
 Mumbai (Bombay) |
Jet Airways (9W) | $539 | 5.9hr | 0 | |
| Delhi |
Jet Airways (9W) Kingfisher (IT) |
$542 $601 |
3.4hr | 0 | |
 Bangkok |
Emirates (EK) | $274 | 3.0hr | 0 | |
 Bandar Seri Begawan |
Royal Brunei (BI) | $539 | 3.1hr | 0 | |
 Doha |
Qatar (QR) | $1,052 | 8.4hr | 0 | |
 Tel Aviv |
El Al (LY) Swiss (LX) Turkish (TK) |
$1,321 $1,299 $1282 |
10.8hr 19.9hr 18.5hr |
0 1 1 |
via Zurich via Istanbul |
 Istanbul |
Turkish (TK) Qatar (QR) |
$1,753 $1,412 |
10.5hr 20.0hr |
0 1 |
via Doha |
 Riyadh |
Cathay Pacific (CX) Emirates (EK) |
$2,408 $863 |
9.8hr 12.5hr |
0 1 |
via Dubai |
 Amman |
Royal Jordanian (RJ) | $903 | 12.8hr | 1 | stopover at Bangkok at same flight |
 Auckland |
Air New Zealand (NZ) | $1,303 | 11.5hr | 0 | |
 Sydney |
Virgin (VS) | $990 | 9.5hr | 0 | |
| Melbourne |
Qantas (QF) | $1,069 | 9.5hr | 0 | |
| Perth |
Cathay Pacific (CX) Singapore (SQ) |
$2,148 $852 |
7.8hr 11.0hr |
0 1 |
via Singapore |
 Fiji |
Air Pacific (FJ) | $1,157 | 10.5hr | 0 | Twice per week |
 Vladivostok |
S7 (S7) Korean (KE) |
$484 $937 |
5.2hr 9.7hr |
0 1 |
via Incheon |
| Africa | |||||
| From | Airline | Price (USD) | Flight Time | Stops | Notes |
 Cairo |
Qatar (QR) | $975 | 14.5hr | 1 | via Doha |
 Johannesburg |
South African (SA) | $1,207 | 13.3hr | 0 | |
 Addis Ababa |
Ethiopian (ET) | $1,008 | 13.5hr | 1 | stopover at Bangkok at same flight |
 Lagos |
Qatar (QR) | $1,301 | 17.5hr | 1 | via Doha |
 Algiers |
Qatar (QR) | $936 | 18.0hr | 1 | via Doha |
 Nairobi |
Kenya Airways (KQ) Qatar (QR) |
$1,072 $1,131 |
13.8hr 16.3hr |
1 1 |
Stopover at Bangkok at same flight (3 Times per week) via Doha |
 Mauritius |
Air Mauritius (MK) Emirates (EK) |
$1,218 $1,230 |
9.8hr 16.8hr |
0 1 |
Twice per week via Dubai |
| Europe | |||||
| From | Airline | Price (USD) | Flight Time | Stops | Notes |
 London (Heathrow) |
Air New Zealand (NZ) Qatar (QR) |
$1,505 $861 |
12.1hr 16.6hr |
0 1 |
via Doha |
| London (Gatwick) |
Emirates (EK) | $1,030 | 18.5hr | 1 | via Dubai |
 Paris (CDG) |
Air France (AF) Emirates (EK) |
$1,347 $1,107 |
11.5hr 15hr |
0 1 |
via Dubai |
 Amsterdam |
KLM (KL) Aeroflot (SU) |
$1,978 $995 |
11.1hr 16.0hr |
0 1 |
via Moscow (SVO) |
 Madrid |
Qatar (QR) | $968 | 17.5hr | 1 | via Doha |
| Barcelona |
Emirates (EK) | $862 | 16.5hr | 1 | via Dubai |
 Lisbon |
Emirates (EK) | $927 | 20.9hr | 1 | via Dubai |
 Berlin |
Qatar (QR) | $918 | 15.8hr | 1 | via Doha |
| Frankfurt |
Cathay Pacific (CX) China Eastern (MU) |
$1,631 $872 |
12.0hr 16.5hr |
0 1 |
via Shanghai (PVG) |
 Brussels |
British (BA) | $965 | 15.6hr | 1 | via London (LHR) |
 Rome |
Cathay Pacific (CX) Qatar (QR) |
$1,955 $809 |
12.3hr 20.5hr |
0 1 |
via Doha |
 Helsinki |
Finnair (AY) | $1,753 | 10.0hr | 0 | |
 Stockholm |
Turkish (TK) Qatar (QR) |
$873 $882 |
16.5hr 16.5hr |
1 1 |
via Istanbul via Doha |
 Copenhagen |
Qatar (QR) | $1,017 | 16.5hr | 1 | via Doha |
 Oslo |
Aeroflot (SU) Qatar (QR) |
$960 $1,242 |
15.3hr 17.4hr |
1 | via Moscow (SVO) via Doha |
 Zurich |
Swiss (LX) Aeroflot (SU) |
$1,495 $1,087 |
12.1hr 14.1hr |
0 1 |
via Moscow (SVO) |
| Geneva |
Swiss (LX) Aeroflot (SU) |
$1,643 $1,065 |
14.8hr 15.1hr |
1 1 |
via Zurich via Moscow (SVO) |
| Moscow (SVO) |
Aeroflot (SU) | $744 | 9.5hr | 0 | |
| Moscow (DME) |
Cathay Pacific (CX) | $2,741 | 9.5hr | 0 | |
 Vienna |
Turkish (TK) | $948 | 18.5hr | 1 | via Istanbul |
 Prague |
Finnair (AY) | $839 | 12.9hr | 1 | via Helsinki |
 Warsaw |
Aeroflot (SU) | $873 | 16.7hr | 1 | via Moscow (SVO) |
 Budapest |
Qatar (QR) | $778 | 17.5hr | 1 | via Doha |
 Belgrade |
Aeroflot (SU) | $983 | 14.6hr | 1 | via Moscow (SVO) |
 Athens |
Turkish (TK) Emirates (EK) |
$1,100 $1,104 |
15.0hr 18.0hr |
1 1 |
via Istanbul via Dubai |
| Americas | |||||
| From | Airline | Price (USD) | Flight Time | Stops | Notes |
 New York (JFK) |
Cathay Pacific (CX) | $1,640 | 15.9hr | 0 | |
| New York (Newark) |
Continental (CO) | $2,987 | 15.9hr | 0 | |
| Los Angeles |
Cathay Pacific (CX) | $1,478 | 14.7hr | 0 | |
| San Francisco |
Singapore (SQ) | $1,053 | 14.3hr | 0 | |
| Chicago |
Cathay Pacific (CX) | $1,658 | 15.7hr | 0 | |
 Toronto |
Air Canada (AC) | $1,643 | 15.3hr | 0 | |
| Vancouver |
Air Canda (AC) China Eastern (MU) |
$1,379 $1,235 |
13.1hr 17.5hr |
0 1 |
via Shanghai (PVG) |
| Montreal |
American (AA) Air Canada (AC) |
$1,607 $1,634 |
21.3 hr 18.3hr |
1 | via Chicago via Toronto |
 Mexico City |
Aeromexico/Cathay Pacific (AM/CX) | $1,725 | 22.5hr | 1 | via Los Angeles |
 Bogota |
Air Canada (AC) | $2,303 | 33.5hr | 1 | via Toronto |
 Caracas |
American/Cathay Pacific (AA/CX) | $2,918 | 30.5hr | 1 | via New York (JFK) |
 São Paulo |
South African (SA) Qatar (QR) |
$1,993 $2,449 |
31.3hr 24.5hr |
1 | via Johannesburg via Doha |
| Rio de Janeiro |
Emirates (EK) | $2,369 | 32.5hr | 1 | via Dubai |
 Santiago |
Air Canada (AC) | $2,355 | 30.8hr | 1 | via Toronto |
 Buenos Aires |
British (BA) United/Continental (UA/CO) |
$2,422 $2,792 |
36.0hr 36.5hr |
1 1 |
via London (LHR) via Newark |
 Lima |
LAN/Cathay Pacific (LA/CX) United/Continental (UA/CO) |
$2,880 $2,626 |
29.8hr 31.8hr |
1 1 |
via New York (JFK) via Newark |
 Montevideo |
Iberia/British (IB/BA) | $2,555 | 36.3hr | 2 | via Madrid, London (LHR) |
Flight taxes and fees are included, however, additional airline fees for baggage or fuel may apply.
Latest update on 23FEB2012.
Visa
editHong Kong is an extremely friendly territory in the world in terms of visa policy. Nationals of about 170 countries and territories, including most European & American States as well as British Commonwealth nations, may visit Hong Kong visa-free for a period ranging from 7 days to 180 days.[1]
Visa-free
editCitizens of the following countries do not need a visa in order to enter Hong Kong SAR:
180 days
United Kingdom
- British Citizens
Macau
- Permanent Macau Identity Card Holders
90 days
EU and EFTA Nations (except UK citizens)
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
the Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Dominica
Ecuador
Egypt
Faroe Islands
Fiji
The Gambia
Greenland
Guyana
Israel
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Kiribati
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Namibia
Nauru
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
San Marino
Seychelles
Singapore
South Korea
Swaziland
Tanzania
Tonga
- Except Tongan National passports, Tongan Protected Persons passports
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Tuvalu
- Except those with national status stated as 'I-TUVALU'
Uruguay
- Except Uruguay passports issued under Decree 289/90
- United Kingdom
- British Overseas Territories Citizens
- British Overseas Citizens
- British Subjects
- British Protected Persons
United States
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe
30 days
Bahrain
Bolivia
Cape Verde
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
El Savaldor
Guatemala
Honduras
Indonesia
Jordan
Kuwait- Macau
- Non-permanent identity card holders
Morocco
Oman
Paraguay
Peru
Qatar
Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Stamp-free access for Taiwan Compatriot Entry Permit Holders
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Thailand
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
Uganda
Yemen
14 days
Albania
- Biometric passports holders only
Algeria
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Burkina Faso
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Croatia
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Holy See
- excluding service passports
India
Lesotho
Macedonia
Madagascar
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Montenegro [1]
Federated States of Micronesia
Mongolia
Mozambique
Niger
Palau
The Philippines
Russia
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Serbia
- Biometric passports only, except those issued by the Co-ordination Directorate in Belgrade
Suriname
Ukraine
People's Republic of China
editChinese nationals with a hukou (or family registration) in Mainland China are required to obtain an exit permit from the Public Security Bureau for any type of visit to Hong Kong (short visits and long visits alike, including settlement). However, under the Individual Visit Scheme, around 270 million Mainland residents in the below 49 cities with permanent household registration are eligible to apply for the relevant exit endorsement from the relevant Mainland authorities.The endorsement is valid for three months or one year and good for one or two visits to Hong Kong. The endorsement holder can stay in Hong Kong for not more than 7 days on each visit. [2]
- All 21 cities of Guangdong province (the whole Province)
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Tianjin
- Chongqing
- Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi (Jiangsu)
- Hangzhou, Ningbo, Taizhou (Zhejiang)
- Fuzhou (municipal district), Xiamen, Quanzhou (Fujian)
- Chengdu (Sichuan)
- Jinan (Shandong)
- Dalian, Shenyang (Liaoning)
- Nanchang (Jiangxi)
- Changsha (Hunan)
- Nanning (Guangxi)
- Haikou (Hainan)
- Guiyang (Guizhou)
- Kunming (Yunnan)
- Shijiazhuang (Hebei)
- Zhengzhou (Henan)
- Changchun (Jilin)
- Hefei (Anhui) and
- Wuhan (Hubei)
Another exemption is made for Mainland Chinese passport holders who are transiting through Hong Kong to a third country. In this case, a visa waiver is available for those whose stay in Hong Kong lasts a maximum of 7 days and who can prove their onward journey.
Non-Chinese nationals living in other parts of the PRC are treated on the basis of their nationality, whilst Chinese nationals living in other parts of China who do not possess the right of abode in Hong Kong are treated based on the region in which they have a right of abode or household registration. If the Chinese nationals who already become a permanent of a third country, or already reside there for more than a year, they can apply a special visa via the PRC embassy or diplomatic mission in such third country. With such visa, the visitor can visit Hong Kong multiply times within 2 years, however no longer than 14 days each visit.
Accommodation
edit
The venue, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is located in Hung Hom. In nearby Tsim Sha Tsui East, accommodation catering to every budget is available, such as a variety of hotels and hostels that only take you less than 10 minuted walking.
In Tsim Sha Tsui East, next to the venue, are most of high-end hotels. There are a few more 5 star hotels closer to the Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier, in Ocean Terminal and Harbour City. Here are some more high-end hotels which marked at more than 125 USD (~1,000 HKD) per night. The prices in this list had already include an "early-bird" discount for booking, although we will try to get better price if our bid is successful.
| Hotel | Location | Budget (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kimberley Hotel | 28 Kimberley Road | 65.72 |
| Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees | 199 Kowloon City Road | 74.10 |
| Regal Kowloon Hotel | 71 Mody Road | 76.68 |
| Metropark Hotel Kowloon | 75 Waterloo Road | 83.76 |
| Harbour Grand Kowloon | 20 Tak Fung Street | 98.58 |
| The Luxe Manor | 39 Kimberley Road | 103.09 |
| Regal Oriental Hotel | 30–38 Sa Po Road | 115.98 |
| Hotel ICON | 17 Science Museum Road | 123.71 |
| The Mira Hotel | 118 Nathan Road | 148.20 |
| InterContinental Hong Kong | 18 Salisbury Road | 174.74 |
| The Marco Polo (Gateway) |
13 Canton Road | 180.41 |
| The Marco Polo (Hong Kong Hotel) |
3 Canton Road | 215.85 |
There also diffent hostels and budget hotels, locally referred as "Guesthouses", scattered all over the Kowloon peninsula, and most of them are located in nearby Tsim Shui Tsui & Jordan, and a few in Hong Hum.
Here is short list that included some hotels which priced around 40 USD for one night.
| Hotel | Location | Budget (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bridal Tea House Hotel (Winslow Street Branch) |
57–61 Winslow Street | 34.15 |
| Bridal Tea House Hotel (North Wing, Wuhu Street Branch) |
84–86 Wuhu Street | 35.44 |
| Bridal Tea House Hotel (South Wing,Wuhu Street Branch) |
69 Gillies Avenue South | 37.37 |
| Acesite Hotel | 106–108 Soy Street | 38.66 |
| Hotel 36 | 36 Boundary Street | 40.59 |
| Caritas Lodge | 134 Boundary Street | 42.53 |
This is an average cost for a twin-room with two separate beds for one night to each person.
Besides that, most of the hotels and hostels located in Kowloon Peninsula would only take you within 30 minutes to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University by public transport.
We are also seeking a summer booking of the Student Halls of Residence (SHR) of the PolyU itself, which can accommodate 3000 guests in full capacity, and other possible hostel option in downtown Kowloon.
The SHR provides accommodation for guests with rooms are designed for double occupancy. Every two adjoining rooms form a self-contained unit, sharing a toilet and shower room.
For further information regards with facilities provide, please refer to the website of the Student Halls of Residence of PolyU.
Location of the accommodations can be found on this google map.
Local transport
edit
Hong Kong has a highly developed and sophisticated transport network, encompassing both public and private transport. Over 90% of the daily journeys are on public transport, making it the highest rate in the world. Hong Kong also possesses one of the safest, also cheapest, transportation networks amongst most of the major cities in the world. Therefore unlike many large cities where security and crime on public transportation is always criticized and projects a negative reputation towards visitors, Hong Kong has a high positive reputation of a safe, clean and accessible system, where travellers can always be confident of safety and economical journeys.
Hong Kong also was one of the first cities to apply, and is currently the city with the most advanced use of smartcards as electronic payment, especially on public transport. Once in Hong Kong, the most convenient way to pay the fares while travelling around is by Octopus Card, available from any MTR station or one of the thousands of convenient stores and shops around the city. "Added value" (top-up) services are also available at any of these locations. Incidentally, the Octopus Card is also widely accepted means of payment for everyday goods in convenience stores and food outlets.
Due to the extensiveness and complexity of the transport infrastructure, often a same journey may be served by different modes of transportation and at different cost; similar while different routes may also be seen from the network. Customer service centres at MTR stations and major termini provide assistance or advice.
- MTR: As can be gleaned from its full name – Mass Transit Railway is currently the metro-train services operator of Hong Kong. It provides a convenient, network-extensive, and primarily the most efficient mode of transportation for travelling across different districts of Hong Kong. Fares vary according to the travelling distance and districts, and may ranges from approximately HK$3.50 (one stop); HK$10 (cross harbour); HK$35 (cross-border). All metro stations are accessible with franchised bus services, and some, although Airport express is provided by MTR system (but in a relatively higher fare than buses), are accessible with Airport buses. If you're travelling Airport Express with associating a connection with another MTR routes a discounted fare is included on that particular connection journey.
Hong Kong Station, as the terminus of Airport Express, located in the heart and the business financial centre of the city – Central. Kowloon Station is also reachable by local buses and walking distance from Jordan area. In-town check-in services and feeder buses between major hotels within urban areas and Hong Kong/Kowloon Station is provided and they're complimentary for passengers who're travelling with Airport Express from/towards these two stations. A journey between Airport and Hong Kong Station takes about 24 minutes. All MTR stations (as shown on the map above); convenience stores and ATM are available at most stations.
MTR also operates a series of local feeder bus routes (mostly beginning as K -prefix) in the suburbs of the New Territories including Tuen Mun – Yuen Long region and Tai Po aimed to connect local areas to its railway network; fare discounts may be provided on travelling them with associating a light rail or mainline rail connection.
- Buses: Buses in Hong Kong are franchised, and there are currently five franchised bus companies in Hong Kong. Harbour-crossing routes are jointly-operated by two bus franchises. Route numbering is based on the types of route and the districts where they serve.
- Bus routes in Kowloon Peninsula and New Territories share one numbering system. While the whole Hong Kong Island has another numbering system. Corresponding routes of same number are completely independent of each other.
- Harbour Crossing and Airport routes however, are using a same numbering system throughout Hong Kong. Routes with a 100, 600 or 900 prefix are harbour-crossing.
- The franchised bus companies are:
- Kowloon Motor Bus, branded as KMB, one of the largest privately-owned bus companies in the world, also the dominant operator in routes of Kowloon Peninsula and New Territories. It has a second highest market share among all transportation in Hong Kong, behind MTR. Unique design on red-coloured circular-shape routes indication over their bus stops is a symbolic characteristic of KMB. Common type of transportation if you're moving around Kowloon and New Territories.
- Long Win Bus, one of the airport bus operators. Unlike Citybus it has a independent franchise on its airport buses service while it has a heavy correspondence with KMB – its mother company. Routes mainly serves between New Territories and Airports, as well as Tung Chung – the supporting town of the Airport.
- Company and route details of both Long Win Bus and Kowloon Motor Bus may be found in a same website as KMB.com.
- Citybus and New World First Bus are the two main bus companies in the Hong Kong Island, and share common control. They operate several crucial bus routes which link some city centre regions of Hong Kong Islands with various destination in Kowloon and the New Territories. Citybus has a relatively denser network on some trunk routes, while NWFB concentrates on local networks on Hong Kong Islands.
- New Lantao Bus is the primary operator of local bus service within the Lantau Island. its service especially focused on the routes covering the southern region of Lantau since the road network of the area are restricted for access. During holiday vacations and weekend leisure activity they're widely used by either local citizen or tourists on accessing some of the major tourist spot and leisure countryside area on the island, such as Tai O and Mui Wo. Services also available in weekdays however trip fares are generally higher during weekends.
- Trams: Established in 1904, it is one of the oldest tramways in the world which remains operation today, especially majority of its track is still following as a same alignment since it was built. Also along with the Blackpool Tram in Britain, it is the only place in the world with double-decker trams in operation. Therefore the tramway itself, not act as only a mode of everyday transportation but also possesses a tourism value while travelling them. The main tramway roughly follows the coastline of Hong Kong Island of a century ago. Its route stretches from the western Praya once known as 'Victoria City', whereas both Europeans and Chinese concentrated respectively in the past, traverses the central business district and terminates in Shau Kei Wan to the east. Fares are very cheap, a single journey flat fare is charged regardless of the distance traveled: HK$2.30 for adult, HK$1.20 for children and HK$1 elderly. Although travel by tram is generally slower, the tram is very cheap compared with most cities, and compared with parallel routes which may be reached by using buses or MTR.
- Ferry: These may mainly be divided into the following three types of services according to their characteristics. Harbour-Crossing routes are the ferries services which travel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon by crossing the Victoria Harbour. One of the services regarded as such is the distinctive and well-known Star Ferry which serves between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central or Wan Chai of Hong Kong Island and is often advertised as one of the 50th must-see sightseeing spots over the globe by the National Geographic, as well as numerous of travelling publications.
Hong Kong has a significant numbers of small outlying islands in its territory and ferry services often becomes a dominant, if not the only, transportation mode for these islands, as well as travelling to South Lantau in a more direct routing from the urban. Some islands are especially populated or popular for tourism are well served by frequent ferry services, for example Cheung Chau and Lamma Island as famous local countryside spot and resorts. Most of the services in such type departs from the Central Piers – The transportation hub of domestic ferry services in Hong Kong.
Some relatively smaller ferry services serve remote islands, or countryside area which may not accessible by road. These are however operated by local operators and service detail and schedule may vary.
- Taxis: The service area of taxicabs in Hong Kong are divided into three parts by the Government, which is regarded as Urban Taxi, New Territories Taxi and Lantau Taxi, the scheme is designed to avoid clustering of taxis into the most populated or profitable areas in the territory.
- Urban Taxi: Visitors to Hong Kong are most likely to come into contact only with urban taxis, which are licensed to serve all the territory, mostly Kowloon & Hong Kong Island; pick-up on Terminal 1 &2, Ground Transportation Centre of the Airport, Tung Chung, Disney Resort and New Territories if passengers on-board are returning to Kowloon or HK Island, vice versa if passengers are going to the destinations above departed from Kowloon or HK Island. A tip for crossing the Harbour: try to hire a taxi at a harbour-crossing taxi stand where passenger only pays the one-way tunnel toll, instead of twice from ordinary street taxis and 'normal' stands.
- New Territories Taxi (green) and Lantau Taxi (blue): As their names imply, these taxis serve most of the New Territories and Lantau respectively. Their fares are lower but are not allowed to serve within designated urban areas, even if the journeys originate within their catchment areas.
Further information on fares, additional charges and by-laws (e.g luggages, tolls) is available on the websites of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the Transport Department.
Local social opportunities
editThe venue is adjacent to Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀), where is the most popular hang out of the locals, with many shopping malls, gourmet, bars, cafés and cultural experiences. Also close by in Jordan (佐敦), the neighborhood just north to Tsim Shui Tsui, you can also find a lot of rather local gourmet fare.
- Kowloon Waterfront, offers splendid views of the Hong Kong island shore and skyline. This is the best place to experience the classic view of Hong Kong, and nobody on their first trip here should miss out on promenading along the waterfront. The best views are to be had at night when the lights of global capitalism provide a powerful spectacle. Every night at 8 pm there is a colourful light show, called "A Symphony Of Lights", that is staged atop the key buildings on both sides of the harbour.
- Nathan Rd is the main artery of Kowloon peninsula, where shows you a typical Hong Kong urban landscape, a chaotic mix of skyscrapers and Cantonese style old buildings, of merchandising stores and residential buildings, where you can even see an Anglican Church within such mix. Once referred "Golden mile" of Hong Kong, streets lined with a chaotic array of neon signs hanging from the building are world famous. It is also a major shopping strip for both locals and visitors, with all kinds of small stores to huge department store for everyday needs.
- Tsim Sha Tsui also is a major shopping area for locals & visitors with a number of major Shopping Malls in the area. You can find most of the world-famous luxury brands in these mall, although they are most frequented by tourists from Mainland China.
- Knutsford Terrace, near the Miramar hotel is perhaps best described as the 'Lang Kwai Fong' of Kowloon, and has a large number of bars and restaurants of variable quality that cater for mid-range budgets. A little smaller and less frenetic than Lan Kwai Fong, but this narrow street is also a popular meeting place on a Saturday evening.
- Ashley Road, between Nathan Road and the Ocean Terminal shopping mall, features many Western restaurants and bars.
- You can find a variety of gourmets in Carnarvon Road & Lock Rd, where locals go there to feed themselves, from Cantonese Cha chaan teng to French cuisine, Teochow rice noodle to Indian curries even Turkish kebab.
- Take a walk in Kowloon Park where you will find not only pleasant gardens but aviaries, museums, and sporting facilities including Hong Kong's best swimming pool complex which offers both indoor and outdoor pools. The main pool with lane swimming in the lush-green setting is complemented by a wide-range of swimming, diving and children's play-pools appealing to adults and children alike.
- Temple Street south of Mong Kok is a great place to eat Chinese street food. Temple Street, famously featured in Chinese cinema, is one of the few pedestrianised streets in Kowloon where you can sit, relax and watch the world pass by. Seafood is a popular choice, but most restaurants will provide you with an extensive English/Chinese menu that caters for most tastes. Frog is a tasty option, or try the oyster omelettes.
- Parkes St is another area you can find variety of gourmets, including Cantonese, Shanghainese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Thai cuisines. A small shop named Australia Dairy Company is total reflection of Hong Kong efficiency, as each guest has only 10 minutes to enjoy their dairy desserts.
- The immediate area northwest of Jordan Rd and Nathan Rd in Jordan contains a kaleidoscope of cultures and people from India, Laos, Cambodia and other Southeast Asian nations. Many of them have opened restaurants with authentic cuisine of an international flavour. There are also street restaurants offering Chinese-style seafood, where you can closely view fish, shrimp or crab before being slaughtered for your order. Although the neighbourhood looks run down, it is safe and filled with pedestrian and vehicular traffic almost around-the-clock. At night, you'll likely get solicited for patronage by restaurant employees.
If you would like to go further, you can either take East Rail Line to Mong Kok East from Hung Hum Station, or take buses to different hang-outs on the Hong Kong Island, from the Cross Harbour Tunnel Bus Terminus. Both the train station and the bus terminus are next to our venue, PolyU.
- Mong Kok (旺角) has a huge choice of shops and markets in an area of less than a square kilometre. You can also find many Cafés, and gourmets from local street food, to high end Western dishes. It is also a rather local hangout, where you can find clothes, sports shoes, electronic gadget and karaoke. Visitors may find Tong Choi St & Fa Yuen St interesting, as they are the few remaining street market in the territories.
- Wan Chai (灣仔) is much more than a couple of blocks of girlie-bars populated by drunken American sailors; after all, the World of Suzie Wong was just a work of fiction set in Wan Chai during a bygone age. Located between Causeway Bay and Admiralty, Wanchai has an inner-city feel that makes it an interesting but safe area to walk around at any time. Wan Chai has traditional street markets that, unlike many other neighbourhoods, are still outdoors. In the so-called wet-markets, butchers hang animal carcasses on large hooks that overshadow pavements and fishmongers have stalls with live fish that do their best to escape. Between Johnston Road and Queen's Road East are numerous alleys that are worth exploring if you are looking for traditional family-run shops selling anything from tropical fish to cheap clothing.
- Central (中環), previously known as Victoria, this is 'downtown' Hong Kong and maybe defined as the area within walking distance of Central MTR station. Head north towards the harbour and you will find modern buildings such as the IFC shopping mall. Alternatively, make your way uphill towards the mountain and you will encounter some of the oldest parts of Hong Kong.
- Lan Kwai Fong (蘭桂坊) , a small area just southwest of Central Station focussed on the L-shaped street of Lan Kwai Fong and also including parts of D'Aguilar Street, Wellington Street and Wyndham Street forming a square around Lan Kwai Fong. The area is packed with restaurants, bars and clubs. Popular with expatriates and local customers.
- Soho (蘇豪美食區), an entertainment zone between Hollywood Road and Bonham Road–Caine Road, besides restaurants, bars and clubs, the area also features galleries and shops. Take the elevated walkway from the IFC mall to catch the escalator up.
- Victoria Peak (山頂) a high class neighbourhood and popular tourist destination that looks down on Central and Victoria Harbour.
- Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣), shopping district that is home to large department stores, such as Sogo. Causeway Bay is one of the most densely populated areas of Hong Kong, crowded most of the time, but here you can eat and shop until very late. Some major supermarkets and eateries stay open 24 hours. Times Square in Causeway Bay is a major focal point, especially at the 'calendar' New Year when you will be wise to stay away if you hate crowds. The area is also popular among Hong Kong's youth and is a good place to observe the latest fashion trends.
Location of above places can be found on this google map.
Museum & cultural facilities
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The proposed conference venue is next to East Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong's museum district with four major museums and other cultural venues along the promenade. We hope that this geographical proximity may boost our efforts in WP:GLAM outreach! A one-week museum pass for all exhibitions in these museums are available for HK$30 (US$4, €3, £3).
- Hong Kong Science Museum. Large museum with many interactive exhibits including a energy machine and an airplane. A museum which decided to make an architectural statement about its purpose, yet somehow got it horribly wrong. Although primarily aimed at children, museum-savvy adults will also certainly find an amazing time playing with the exhibits, and the maths puzzles and optical illusions are challenging to adults and children alike. The museum hosts the world's biggest energy machine which spans the entire museum and runs for a few minutes every two hours.
- Hong Kong Museum of History. A history museum in its conventional sense, but better. Experience the Hong Kong Story and forget the idea that all of Hong Kong museums are frumpy and boring. The Hong Kong Story is a real must go and do, ideal for those who want to make sense of Hong Kong's vibrant past in a way that is engaging and interactive. Allow at least two hours for your visit. Special exhibitions are also available, usually covering a specific era in the history of Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong Museum of Art. The national gallery of Hong Kong, the Museum of Art hosts permanent and temporal exhibitions of paintings, calligraphy, pottery and other artistic artifacts from both local artists, China, and the West.
- Hong Kong Space Museum. Affectionately known as "the egg" by locals, the museum has the oldest planetarium cinema (hence "the egg") in Hong Kong, long before the days of IMAX. It also houses a permanent exhibition on astronomy.
- Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The Cultural Centre is the prime theatre and concert location in Hong Kong, and is the home concert hall of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Despite its peculiar exterior shape, the architecture has created a superb indoor space that is ideal for the sights and sounds of each performance. Its comfortable atmosphere and clean, free lavatories made it a hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
- Location of the museums can be found on this google map.
Consulates
editHong Kong has consulates general for more than 50 nations, some even are the ones of the largest diplomatic mission in the region.
Only consulates-general are listed here (in case of the Portugese Republic, whose CG is located in Macau), there are some nations are represented by Honourary Consuls, please refer to the information on Website of HK Government's Protocol Division.
Full list of Consulates general in Hong Kong
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Tourism opportunities
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- Macau, the former Portuguese colony and present largest gambling haven in the world, is just an hour away by TurboJet ferry. It was the first European enclave in East Asia, and a major trading port from its founding in the 1500s. Today its main attractions are casinos, European food and wine, and old colonial buildings. Ticket prices start at $18 for the one-hour ride to Macau. The ferry building is near the Sheung Wan MTR station on Hong Kong Island. Less frequent ferries are also available from New World First Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon and the Hong Kong International Airport.
- Shenzhen, mainland China's boomtown just across the border can be reached by MTR train services in about 40 minutes. The train is convenient if you are keen on shopping as it terminates in the Lo Wu commercial centre. Another alternative, especially if you are starting from the island is the ferry to Shekou which takes around 50 minutes and costs around $13. Note that if you are not a Hong Kong resident, Japanese nor Singaporean citizen, you will need to pre-arrange a general PRC visa to enter Shenzhen prior to arriving in Hong Kong, or through China Travel Service once in town.
- Guangzhou, capital of mainland China's Guangdong Province, which was known as Canton in the tea-clipper era. Guangzhou is thousands of years old and has always been the most important city of Southern China. It is also considered the root of the Cantonese culture in Hong Kong, Macau and all over the world. Guangzhou can be reached by train within 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on Guangdong Line. If you are on a budget, many cross border buses are available throughout Hong Kong. The trip will take more than 3 hours, including going through customs at the border and changing buses. Check bus schedules and fares online.
Also, there are several nearby areas in South China that are well worth visiting:
- Guilin and Yangshuo for famous mountain and river scenery, possibly returning via Southern China's greatest city, Guangzhou.
- Hainan for tropical beaches.
- Wu Yi Mountain for history and scenery, returning via the lively modern city Xiamen.
- Yunnan a very popular tourist destination, home to many of China's minority ethnic groups and the self-proclaimed Shangri-La County.
Financial
editBudget
editAmounts are in USD and HKD. On the description, otherwise noted, amounts are in USD.
| Revenue | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item | USD($) | HKD($) | Description |
| Regular Registrations | $13,650.00 | $105,924.00 | 300 people, $33.00 early, $58.00 late |
| Student & Wikimedian Registrations | $14,750.00 | $114,460.00 | 500 people, $20.00 early, $39.00 late |
| Diamond Sponsorship | $41,237.11 | $320,000.00 | 1 sponsor. Naming rights to a lounge space, 5 VIP tickets, full-page ad in the program, exhibit table, name & logo prominent on conference website, promotional items in attendee bag, logo prominent on slideshow prior to start of plenary sessions |
| Platinum Sponsorship | $30,927.84 | $240,000.00 | 1 sponsor. Naming rights to attendee party, 4 VIP tickets, full-page ad in the program, exhibit table, name & logo prominent on conference website, promotional items in attendee bag, logo prominent on slideshow prior to start of plenary sessions |
| Gold Sponsorships | $57,989.69 | $450,000.00 | 3 sponsors @ $19,329.90. Naming rights to a lunch break, 3 VIP tickets, half-page ad in the program, exhibit table, name & logo prominent on conference website, promotional items in attendee bag, logo prominent on slideshow prior to start of plenary sessions |
| Silver Sponsorships | $72,164.95 | $560,000.00 | 7 sponsors @ $10,309.28. Two VIP tickets, naming rights to a coffee break or breakfast, quarter-page ad in the program, exhibit table, name & logo on conference website, promotional items in attendee bag, logo on slideshow prior to start of plenary sessions |
| Bronze Sponsorships | $74,097.94 | $575,000.00 | 10 sponsors @ $7409.79. Two VIP tickets, acknowledgement in the program, name & logo on conference website, name on slideshow prior to start of plenary sessions |
| Total Revenue | $304,814.53 | $2,365,384.00 | |
| Expenditures | |||
| Meals | $94,458.76 | $733,000.00 | Includes a light breakfast and lunch, as well as coffee breaks.
Here is a breakdown of the budgeted total: Budgeted total
|
| Meeting space | $45,876.29 | $356,000.00 | |
| Accommodations for VIPs | $5,154.64 | $40,000.00 | For out-of-town VIPs. |
| Travel for VIPs | $7,087.63 | $55,000.00 | VIPs accounted for in this line item are primarily keynote speakers and community leaders |
| Insurance | $12,886.60 | $100,000.00 | |
| Scholarships | $51,546.39 | $400,000.00 | A "full ride" to Wikimania for someone outside the continent. |
| Technical | $6,443.30 | $50,000.00 | |
| Promotional materials & supplies | $12,242.27 | $95,000.00 | Includes t-shirts. |
| Participant gift bags | $4,123.71 | $32,000.00 | 1000 bags – we will use in-kind donations for the items |
| Attendee party | $11,597.94 | $90,000.00 | |
| VIP reception | $19,329.90 | $150,000.00 | |
| Volunteer appreciation | $1,159.79 | $9,000.00 | Comped registration and goodies for volunteers |
| Conference consultant | $2,061.86 | $16,000.00 | |
| Contingency | $30,845.45 | $239,384.00 | |
| Total Expenditures | $304,814.53 | $2,365,384.00 | |
Local sponsorship
editDotAsia, the sponsoring organization and registry operator of the .asia top-level domain, has agreed to be a co-organizer and sponsor of Wikimania 2013 in Hong Kong. DotAsia was a sponsor of Wikimania 2007 in Taipei, and has a long-standing working partnership with Wikimedia Hong Kong in conference organization, in particular the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technologies (APRICOT) and the Regional Internet Governance Forum (RIGF).
We also expect in-kind sponsorship for much of the costs of the conference. PolyU, the proposed venue of the conference, has expressed their intention to sponsor the costs of the facilities (see #Conference venue). Meeting and Exhibition Hong Kong will also provide various forms of conference services (see #Government support).
Potential sponsors
editThrough DotAsia, Wikimedia Hong Kong will approach past sponsors of APRICOT and RIGF for further sponsorship opportunities, including:
Potential sponsors through APRICOT and RIGF
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Government support
editThe Chapter is also in touch with relevant government department to ask for support. So far the responses have been positive. The Chapter and bidding team also had meetings with a number of them, who are keen to support the event, and we are drawing up detailed terms of support. Mr Greg So, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR government, had already signed and sent us a letter of support to Hong Kong's Bid.
MEHK
editThe Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) office of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is established to provide a host of services designed to make organizing conventions even simpler, smoother and more satisfying. Together with the territory’s many highly qualified professionals and a world famous ‘can do’ attitude, the MEHK team is dedicated to helping before, during and after to ensure every event is a success.
MEHK is ready to render our full support and assist Wikipedia Hong Kong in staging the Wikimania 2013 in our city. Below is a brief outline on areas where the MEHK can facilitate:
- After Hong Kong is confirmed as bid winner
- Participate in the local organizing committee and offer advice on social programmes, tour options, as well as selection of service suppliers;
- Publicity in MEHK website http://www.mehongkong.com
- Complimentary supply of promotional materials, including printed and audio/visual aids, and giveaway items will be provided to help generate attendance to Wikimania 2013 at Wikimania 2012 in Washington DC;
- Solicitation of concession airfares for attendees from Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair, which provide flights between Hong Kong and over 140 destinations gobally – and over 900 destinations with the oneworld alliance
- Attendees with a valid Cathay Pacific or Dragonair boarding pass (within 7 days from date of arrival) also entitled to enjoy "Yum Sing" offers from 70 different shops and restaurants [3]
- Assist to facilitate visa application for attendees
- When Wikimania 2013 is in town
- Supply of complimentary visitor information literature, privilege coupons and souvenir for overseas attendees
- Provision of value added hospitality services, such as welcome message at designated areas in the Hong Kong International Airport terminal, meet & greet services for VIPs, complimentary cultural entertainment at the conference opening ceremony and free WI-FI access
- Provision of Chinese cultural experiences during opening;
- Support of a VIP lunch with 100 participants during the conference.
Media and public relations
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As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong is home to many of Asia's biggest media players. The loose regulation over the establishment of a newspaper makes Hong Kong home to many international media such as Asian Wall Street Journal and FEER, and a number of prominent international broadcasters with studios & offices in Hong Kong, including CNN & Bloomberg, or at least correspondents in Hong Kong covers local affairs and events in the nearby region. With one of the world's largest press industries Hong Kong is also a major centre for print journalism.
By 2009, 4.3 million Hong Kong residents were online, a penetration rate of nearly 70% (official statistics), and new media & social media is popular and vibrant in the town. Social media & Internet related events are celebrated all around the year in the City, including Web-Wednesdays and Barcamp.
Local media outlets
editFull list of media outlets in Hong Kong
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From the experience of previous Chinese Wikimedia Conference the local commercial print media, that would be interested in covering various aspects of this event. A new trend that is different from the situation in 2006, for Hong Kong print media is free newspapers, and most of which belongs to a group with a paid newspaper, are more and more popular.
2 broadcast television networks, ATV and TVB, and several subscription networks are available for the public in Hong Kong, and most of them are produced and broadcasted in a digital television format. All the networks have extensive local news broadcasts, and some with a 24/7 channel dedicated on real-time news programs. Some of them are particularly broadcasts in public transports and open spaces such as shopping arcade. The public broadcaster RTHK also produced current affairs program, though without her own channels, the program had to broadcast via the networks.
Hong Kong is home to a variety of radio stations that offer programming in Cantonese & English, and a few in languages of different ethnic groups in the territories. Aside from local AM, FM, and newly-developed digital radio channels, online radio is also booming.
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Media interest
editThe Wikimania conference has been covered nearly every year by the New York Times, and we anticipate that coverage by these major media from all around the world would increase were the 2013 conference to be held in Hong Kong, because of most of these media have their own correspondent in Hong Kong all the time. Experience from previous Chinese Wikimedia Conference also tell us, such international event will bring local media coverage as well, and a number of them are constantly in touch with the Communication Commission of the Hong Kong Chapter. Keynote speakers of high caliber will also help to bring in additional media interest, and the bid team is prepared to coordinate media engagement throughout the event, as a number of volunteers are actually working within the media sector or under professional journalism training.
Miscellaneous
editCurrency & money matters
editThe Hong Kong dollar (港幣 or HKD) is the territory's official currency. In Chinese, one dollar is known formally as the yuen (元) and colloquially as the men (蚊) in Cantonese. You can safely assume that the '$' sign used in the territory refers to HKD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ to stand for US Dollar). The HKD is also widely accepted in Macau in lieu of their home currency at a 1:1 rate.
Currency exchange desks are available at airport, as well as at most banks. Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Renminbi, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, Macau Pataca, Malaysian Ringgit, New Zealand Dollar, Singaporean Dollar, South African Rand, South Korean Won, Swiss Franc, Taiwanese Dollar, Thai Baht, Pound Sterling & US Dollar are all widely exchanged.
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Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are common in urban areas. They usually accept VISA, MasterCard, and to certain degree UnionPay. Maestro and Cirrus cards are widely accepted also. They dispense $100, $500 or rarely $1000 notes depending on the request. Credit card use is common in most shops for major purchases. Most retailers accept VISA and MasterCard, and some accept American Express as well. Maestro debit cards however are not widely accepted by retailers. Signs with the logo of different credit cards are usually displayed at the door to indicate which cards are accepted.
Octopus card
editThe Octopus card (八達通, "bat dat tung" in Cantonese) provides instant electronic access to Hong Kong's public transport system. As the world's first contactless smart debit card, it can be tapped onto a reader to transfer fare from the passenger to the carrier. It is similar to Singapore's eZ-Link card, London Underground's Oyster card and Japan Railway's IC card. In addition to being used for all forms of public transport (except most of the red-top minibuses and taxis), Octopus is accepted for payment in almost all convenience stores, restaurant chains like McDonald's and Cafe de Coral, many vending machines, all roadside parking and some car parks.
Cost of living
editThere is variety of dining from the budget to the gastronomic, from McDonalds to Joel Robuchon, from Mak's Noodle to the reknowned Yung Kee. As with local-style Tea restaurant, "Yum cha" could be a valuable and exotic dining experience.
| Food | HKD | USD | € | £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BigMac Meal | 20 | 2.58 | 1.98 | 1.66 |
| 3 course meal w/ wine (at high-end restaurant) | 1300 | 167.53 | 128.46 | 107.71 |
| 3 course meal w/o wine (at high-end restaurant) | 1000 | 128.87 | 98.81 | 82.85 |
| Vegetable Salad | 19 | 2.45 | 1.88 | 1.57 |
| "Pizza Hut" Regular-sized pizza w/ 3 toppings | 112 | 14.43 | 11.07 | 9.28 |
| "Pizza Hut" Large pizza w/ 3 toppings | 156 | 20.10 | 15.42 | 12.92 |
| Sandwich (1 piece) | 19 | 2.45 | 1.88 | 1.57 |
| Sandwich (whole) | 36 | 4.64 | 3.56 | 2.98 |
| KFC basket meal for 3 persons | 105 | 13.53 | 10.38 | 8.70 |
| KFC basket meal for 4 persons | 155 | 19.97 | 15.32 | 12.84 |
| Yum Cha for lunch (per person) | 70 | 9.02 | 6.92 | 5.80 |
| Yum Cha as afternoon tea (each person) | 50 | 6.44 | 4.94 | 4.14 |
| A set meal in tea restaurant | 35 | 4.51 | 3.46 | 2.90 |
| Breakfast (an egg, bread, noodle, hotand cold drinks) | 25 | 3.22 | 2.47 | 2.07 |
| club sandwich w/ drink | 40 | 5.15 | 3.95 | 3.31 |
| caesar salad, chicken thigh, w/ drink | 30 | 3.87 | 2.96 | 2.49 |
There are many coffee shop and Cafe in Hong Kong, therefore you can enjoy a cup of brew at anywhere. Beside that, there are many take-away beverage store selling Taiwanese flavored tea. No matter where you are, having a drink could never be a problem.
| Beverage | HKD | USD | € | £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Water | 7 | 0.90 | 0.69 | 0.58 |
| Sparkling Water | 18 | 2.32 | 1.78 | 1.49 |
| Coca Cola | 7 | 0.90 | 0.69 | 0.58 |
| Espresso | 15 | 1.93 | 1.48 | 1.24 |
| Double Espresso | 18 | 2.32 | 1.78 | 1.49 |
| Latte | 30 | 3.87 | 2.96 | 2.49 |
| Cappuccino | 30 | 3.87 | 2.96 | 2.49 |
| Mocha | 33 | 4.25 | 3.26 | 2.73 |
| Chocolate | 30 | 3.87 | 2.96 | 2.49 |
| Beer | 11 | 1.42 | 1.09 | 0.91 |
Mobile network & Wifi
editFor an access to commercial Wifi hot-spots mainly provided by PCCW and Y5ZONE, with whom one week of unlimited usage costs $9 (Nov 2011). Those companies also have daily, weekly and monthly plan ($20 and $13 per month for PCCW and Y5ZONE, respectively). Some restaurants such as McDonald's and café as Starbucks provide 20 minutes of free WIFI access provided by Y5ZONE.
Most hotels these days, even down market ones, provide Wi-Fi access in their lobbies to their guests. Free wifi may also be available in some shopping malls and the airport. There are also some fixed internet terminals at the airport and in a number of MTR stations. Citybus and NWFB also provide free wifi service on some of their buses, notably the Cityflyer, the service run by Citybus which connects the downtown Hong Kong Island & Kowloon with the Airport. The government also offers a big network of free WIFI [4] hot spots in most government premises and public libraries.
3G-enabled phone users can choose a temporary 3G plan from different operators. Some operators, offer an unlimited 3G access for a week at a reasonable price. Any of the city's [five] mobile operators has branded shops where such SIM cards are sold without requirement for registration.
| Network / ISP | minimum pre-stored value HKD |
budget for 7 days | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HKD | USD | € | £ | ||
| Three (3HK) | 98 | 198 | 25.26 | 19.37 | 16.24 |
| SmarTone | 48 | 168 | 21.65 | 16.60 | 13.92 |
| one2free | 48 | 78 | 10.05 | 7.71 | 6.46 |
| PCCW | 68 | depends on data usage | |||
| CMHK | 88 | 38 | 4.90 | 3.75 | 3.15 |
Gallery: places of interest
edit-
The Peak Tower -
Dim Sum -
Happy Valley Racecourse at night -
Tai O Market -
Repulse Bay -
A sightseeing Sampan of Aberdeen -
Cantonese Opera -
Jumbo Kingdom at night -
The market in Apliu Street -
Wong Tai Sin Temple -
Cross Harbour Tunnel -
Chi Lin Nunnery -
Symphony of Lights -
Big Buddha -
SoHo, a lively dining district -
Hong Kong Wetland Park -
Lan Kwai Fong -
Graffiti of Tsang Tsou Choi aka Emperor of Kowloon -
Bank of China Tower -
Mong Kok -
Statue Square abuts Connaught Road -
Nathan Road, Jordan section -
People rush to another line in MTR Admiralty Station -
Siu Mei/ Cantonese Barbecued food -
The Peak Tram of Hong Kong -
-
Buses at the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier Terminus -
Seafood Cuisine store -
Temple Street -
Teahouse -
Tram -
Egg Tart -
Star Ferry -
Pineapple Bun -
Ngong Ping 360 -
Rice Roll
.JPG)
Self-evaluation
edit- Weaknesses of the proposed location ...and how to overcome those weaknesses
- Weather conditions in August
- The weather in Hong Kong is hot and humid in August. However, the venue is well air-conditioned for participants' comfort. Also, our party is held on the beach so anyone who wanted to cool down oneself can have a dip into the sea.
- For the same reason, the event is held at a unified venue where most of the walkways and passages are indoors, and accommodation is nearby. This will minimize discomfort due to the sub-tropical weather.
- Although typhoons affect Hong Kong, actual damages are usually minor. In the case of adverse weather conditions, special arrangements will be made to maintain the programme of the event within the venue.
- Cost may be high
- The cost of this event can be high. However, we are a charity and we can utilize such status to gain waivers and better prices. Also, many sponsors are willing to provide in-kind sponsorship which would help us lower the cost.
- Accommodation fee is rather high in the area surrounding the venue. Therefore, once our bid is successful we will reserve a block of rooms in the hotels and hostels which would lower the accommodation cost.
- Far from Europe and Americas
- Hong Kong is geographically far from Europe and the Americas, where many past Wikimania participants come from, and travel costs may therefore be expensive. Fortunately, Hong Kong is also very well-connected to most parts of the world by air travel (see #Getting to Hong Kong), and we are trying to obtain air-fare discounts for Wikimania participants.
- We believe that rotation of location is important to Wikimania, which has not been held in the Asia-Pacific region since 2007. By hosting Wikimania 2013 in Hong Kong, we hope to bring in Wikimedians from East and Southeast Asia, and encourage the growth of Wikimedian communities in the region.
- Air pollution concerns
- Air pollution has been getting notorious year by year in Hong Kong due to economic development in both Hong Kong and mainland China and local vehicular traffic growth. It gets rather bad during winter when northerly winds worsen the air quality in Hong Kong in winter, making the air quality rather hazardous.
- However, Wikimania 2013 is planned to be held in summer, which the prevailing wind is easterly and southerly winds from the South China Sea. Also, most of the conference is held indoors which would be climate controlled so any adverse effects of outdoor air quality will be lessen. Our main party would be held in the countryside by the sea which would also have cleaner air.
- Strengths of the proposed location
- Easy to access
- Hong Kong International Airport can be accessed by direct flights from most major cities. The airport is connected to the downtown, as well as the venue, by reliable public transport including buses and the MTR. Also, visitors from most countries can come to Hong Kong visa-free.
- The venue, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is located near the Tsim Sha Tsui area, which is the transportation hub in Kowloon downtown, and has many sightseeing spots.
- We also hope to attract Wikipedians in China. Although it is difficult for mainland Chinese to get the visas for foreign countries, an entry permit to Hong Kong is more easily obtained. Therefore, having Wikimania in Hong Kong makes a good opportunity for Chinese Wikipedians to attend.
- Safety
- Hong Kong is believed to be one of the safest cities in the world. According to the figures from the Hong Kong Police, the crime rate is much less than other major cities. The chance for Hong Kong being threatened by terrorism is low compared to many other world cities.
- Freedom of press and no Internet censorship
- The freedom of press in Hong Kong is one of the highest in Asia. As there is no internet censorship, information can be accessed and published freely in Hong Kong.
- Mobile Internet
- Apart from wifi available in the Wikimania venue, and free unlimited wifi services are available in many other places in Hong Kong. Other wifi services are also provided with a very low cost as illustrated above, and some hotspots are actually located in the phone booth on the street. Internet can be easily accessed anywhere with blanket 3G coverage, which also not so expesive.
- Cost
- Compared to other countries with similar economic standards, cost of items such as transport and food is relatively affordable. Hong Kong is good for shopping as most of items are tax-free, even wine and cosmetics.
- Huge Sponsorship Opportunities & Publicity potential
- Asia-Pacific headquarters of many multinational companies are located in Hong Kong. Many local companies have developed from Hong Kong to Asia-Pacific and even the whole world. Having Wikimania in Hong Kong will develop links between the Wikimedia movement and these companies, and providing more opportunities for cooperation, bringing sponsorship to the Wikimania itself.
- Not only a regional hub, Hong Kong is also a world city receive global attention, as one of the global financial centres and media centre. Having Wikimania in Hong Kong, will bring Wikimedia to a bigger publicity, but with far less cost than having such effect in cities in similar status. Also the proximity to rest of Asia-Pacific, where we projected our future growth from, will also amplify the effect our publicity.
- Basic need available 24/7
- The majority of the accommodation will be arranged in the area of Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Hung Hom, where there are plenty of 24-hour restaurants and convenience stores. Buses and mini-buses provide overnight services so visitors can always regain their hotels at all hours.
- Variety of travel opportunity
- As a regional transportation hub in China, as well as in Asia, visitors can easily transfer to nearby destinations such as Macau, mainland China, Taiwan and the rest of South East Asia – a short ride on land, by ferry or a short flight.
- Energetic local community
- Hong Kong has a long-standing and energetic Wikipedian community which meets every month. Our experience in organizing the Chinese Wikimedia Conference 2006 in Hong Kong and in 2009 in Macau, and assisting in international conference by local counterparts will be a key success factor of the conference if held in this city.
- Government Support
- Government has given vocal support (as proved from the letter of support above) and we are discussing with several departments for further collaboration.
Notes
editParts of the page was adapted from relevant pages from Wikitravel, which are based on work by Claus Hansen, Martin Cox, Samuel Chan, Edison Chua and Bill Ellett, Wikitravel user(s) Globe-trotter, Timeo and Sumone10154, and anonymous editors, released under cc-by-sa 3.0 licence.
- ↑ Immigration Department Press release: Visa-free access to the Republic of Montenegro for HKSAR passport holders