With a British colonial past and a Chinese identity, the
way of life in Hong Kong is full of interesting contrasts. As the locals
would admit, it does unfortunately revolve around one commodity more
than others – cold hard cash. Whether among the grassroots or the
tycoons, money is constantly on the tip of the tongues of the
Hongkongers, who watch the economy, local and global, very closely. The
culture is very competitive, from kindergartens where children are urged
by their parents to get a head start on their PhDs, to workplaces where
everyone looks out for opportunities and career development. It is not
difficult to understand why the Hong Kongnese are so competitive. With
over seven million people living in a tiny city that has few natural
resources, the city’s inhabitants strive to stand out from the crowd in
every possible way.
While this might sound excessive, the Hongkongers also know
how to let their down. They are some of the most enthusiastic
travellers you will ever meet. They love cuisine, fashion and have their
finger on the pulse of anything they are interested in. Most visitors
will find Hong Kong extremely efficient and its people knowledgeable
about foreign cultures. Their logical and organised way of working also
make them wonderful business partners and colleagues.
1. Food
Physically, the Hongkonger's compact build belies their
passion for food. They eat and drink with great gusto, and the cuisine
offered in Hong Kong is as Chinese as it is international.
Read more: Hong Kong's top eats
2. Go shopping
In addition to its myriad of high-class shopping malls,
Hong Kong is home to some of the most intimate and interesting shopping
experiences. Many small independent boutiques who offer a high level of
personal service and elusive quality.
3. Take to the sea
With over 260 islands, Hong Kong has many marinas and they
are all privately run, catering to the city's passion for boat charter,
sailing and yachting. In addition to using boats as means for
transportation, boating can also act as a form of entertainment. Aqua
Luna is one of the city's last remaining red sail junk boats. In
Cantonese, it is named after the infamous pirate Cheung Po Tsai who used
to terrorise Hong Kong during its earliest colonial days.
Read more: Set sail on Hong Kong's luxury Chines junk boats
4. Pragmaticism
Hong Kong is defined by its efficiency and practicality.
Accommodating for both locals and visitors, in this metropolis one would
not be surprised to stumble across raincoats and umbrellas available at
McDonalds during a torrential downpour, shawls and blankets in chilly
movie theatres, automatic taxi doors, and air conditioning just about
everywhere.
5. Get out of the city
To escape the stress of Hong Kong’s intimidating
metropolitan vibe, venture outside the city for a day trip to enjoy
gorgeous views of its skyline. Unlike many urban travel destination,
Hong Kong's concrete jungle is surrounded by coastlines and natural
beauty. The small peninsula of Stanley specifically stands out as a day
trip among the rest.
6. Don’t go for a stroll
Nine months of the year, visitors often find it difficult
to find their way around the labyrinthine streets while coping with the
warm and extremely humid climate. If all else fails, remember where the
Victoria Harbour is, which immediately gives you an idea where you are
on the island's northern shore on the island, or the tip of the
peninsula.
Unfortunately, most Hongkongers will not stop to help
visitors with directions, but you can always ask doormen, security
guards or look for an information desk if you are inside a skyscraper.
Alternatively, flag down a taxi and let the driver take you where you
need to go.
7. Dim Sum
‘Yum Cha’ meaning ‘tea tasting’ is an old tradition that
started in rural teahouses along the roadside in China. It became a way
to socialise and relax for farmers as well as travellers. Eventually
they added light snacks to the menu, which were shared amongst
diners.The ritual of dim sum became the popular custom that it is today
in Guangdong, a southern province in China. What began as a simple
Chinese snack has since then evolved over thousands of years throughout
the world. Most common and diverse in Hong Kong, it is usually served
from 5 a.m. until mid-afternoon, and is popular as a take-out option but
more so as a social dining experience to be shared with friends and
family.
Literally meaning ‘to touch the heart,’ dim sum carries
this virtue throughout the entire process. From preparation, where chefs
take great care due to the intricacy of each dish, to the part where
everyone eats! No matter where you are in Hong Kong you will see how
much both locals and tourists truly enjoy this cultural practice.
Despite its stressful and pulsing energy, Hong Kong is home
to some of the most luxurious and relaxing spas worldwide. Spas catered
to both men and women offer some of the most unique treatments and
massages from around the globe. There is no better time to enjoy some
serious tender loving care than after a long day of shopping and
shuffling through Hong Kong’s busy streets.
9. Drink
From tea to a night-cap, Hong Kong’s drinking culture is
all about socialising. Whether its traditional morning tea time with
family or a romantic evening at one of Hong Kong’s sophisticated
cocktail bars paired with artisan tapas you won’t be short of drinking
options in this 24 hour city.
10. Look up
From skyscrapers to historic landmarks, two extremes of
architectural styles exist side by side in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s
modern, shiny and towering high rises juxtapose the city’s historic
Chinese buildings. Ten of Hong Kong's oldest landmarks, which all happen
to be located in the Central Western district, exude a distinctive
style from another era.
Read more: See centennial architecture in Hong Kong
