Hong Kong and China certainly have unique internet landscape when compared to the rest of the world. Though China is well known for its internet censorship, Hong Kong has it a bit better due to their own set of rules. If you're from Hong Kong and have just realized that you're unable to access some of your favorite websites while outside this area, a Hong Kong IP address can make your internet session exactly the same as if you were back home. Even if you're not from Hong Kong, an IP from this area of the world can provide you with a reasonably amount of privacy online.

Virtual private networks use data encryption and 'tunneling' to virtually transport your computer or phone to another part of the world. All of the info you place on the internet, or use to communicate with web servers and users online is encrypted in such a way that only you and the private network can decoded it. You data is then passed through a private tunnel to the VPN server in a country or area of your choice. In this case, Hong Kong. You are then assigned an IP address from the Hong Kong VPN server, and this because your "face" to the internet. You're now surfing the net "in" Hong Kong.

With your IP from Hong Kong, websites will think you're in HK. Some pages will automatically translate into traditional Chinese characters. Websites that require a HK IP will be unblocked, and if some websites are censored in HK, you'll find that they are now unavailable too. You may also find that some sites with web servers in Asia will connect faster because of their close proximity to Hong Kong. It's exactly like being in Hong Kong - almost.

The advantage here is that you'll be able to switch and filter your internet session based on your needs. You can alter your VPN connection to allow some sites to use the VPN IP, and other sites to use your local IP. Even software on your computer can use 'port forwarding' to use a local IP while your browsing uses the Hong Kong IP address, or vice versa. You can even change countries - one moment surfing in Hong Kong, and another moment streaming video from Japan or downloading from The USA. It's all in your VPN's interface and done with a click or two.

If you're thinking that this is a proxy - you're right and wrong. Though there are definitely some proxy services or proxy servers operating in Hong Kong, a VPN is far superior. Proxies only change the IP of your web browsing, meaning that all software and apps will use your local IP. Also, there are many types of security risks involved with proxies. They're much more easily hacked, and may not even hide your real IP (transparent proxies). You can see why I like VPNs!

Hong Kong is also a decent place to get some privacy from Western country's invasive governments. Though China isn't known for it's freedom of internet policies, The US and UK governments certainly don't have much jurisdiction in this part of the world. If UK policies like requiring internet companies to install GCHQ to monitor UK internet use, or US acts like the Patriot Act which allows the government to track and seize computer servers at will remind you of Big Brother, then an IP in Hong Kong could provide you with a bit of respite. When residence in The US, and an IP in Hong Kong, no one is going to track you online.

The only caveat I have about Hong Kong IPs is that not all VPN services offer this option! Be sure to check that the VPN service you plan on signing up for has servers in Hong Kong - this part is essential! Other than that, there's really no specific rules to how you surf. You can use PPTP VPN on Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows, and Linux computers for fast streaming and browsing, or use L2TP & OpenVPN on your smartphones and computers (respectively) for pimped up encryption and IP privacy. Most VPN services offer these three protocols as basic options. Some may also have SSTP which is a Microsoft VPN protocol for Vista and Win 7.