ENG-1949 — Page 174

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so on and the full range of American and European export goods from nylons to de luxe automobiles. There are many large air-conditioned cinemas which show European, American and Chinese films, and several Chinese theatres.

Most of the sports clubs have facilities for the introduc- tion of visitors and by this means tennis, golf, squash etc. may be enjoyed, while the beaches of both the island and mainland provide for swimming and picnics. Horse-racing takes place fortnightly for most of the year.

Even for those whose stay is very brief, much of the Colony can be seen. There are magnificent and constantly changing views from the high roads which encircle the island, both of the great harbour and, on the south side, of the South China Sea and the innumerable islands which stud it. On the mainland a circular road of about 50 miles runs round the New Territories, passing through the hills behind Kowloon to the cultivated area of paddy fields and little villages and hamlets which are scattered wherever cultivation is possible, and where the life of the Chinese farmer is much as it was two thousand years ago. For those who have time to spend and wish to leave the towns and the main roads, climbs and walks in the hills are easily reached, though an occasional armed robbery makes solitary excursions in very lonely spots inadvisable.

Transport throughout the Colony is by bus or taxi, with tramways or rickshaws for shorter distances in town, and there are passenger and vehicular ferries for cross-harbour traffic. While these facilities are normally adequate, the present crowded state of Hong Kong has taxed them heavily. Similarly, hotels are crowded and intending visitors should make their reservations for accommodation early.

Restrictions and regulations for visitors are very few; a passport and visa are required, but all goods entering or leaving the Colony (with the exception of liquor and tobacco) are duty free. At present a six months' quarantine for dogs is in operation.

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