This exhibition tells the stories of Hong Kong through its people, landscape, economic and social changes. The document states that the ultimate aim is to have Hong Kongs leader elected by a popular vote, but it does not give a deadline for this to occur. Anyways, Mott 32 (the restaurant in Hong Kong) is located in the central district, and this restaurant is one of the finest in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong culture, the tradition of drinking tea is a ceremony in itself. Always arrive on time and, if you happen to be running late, it is customary to let your host/guest know. "What makes Hong Kong unique is a combination of . So why do they initially refuse to accept it? It is a city and exceptional bureaucratic region on the Pearl River waterways in southern China and Hong Kong is famous for many things around the world. On display are imperial porcelain, glassware and snuff bottles; export art; ancient jades; classical fine furniture; and contemporary arts. Unlike China, Hong Kong has numerous political parties. Many of you will surely recognize the different sounds from SCMPs video showing the citys very distinctive sounds. If you start learning Cantonese or Mandarin, ask your friends and colleagues to let your practice with them rather than speaking to you in English. This is a very prominent voice every time you take the MTR. William Russell Europe SRL is registered at Place Marcel Broodthaers 8, B-1060 Saint-Gilles, Brussels and is registered in Belgium with the Financial Services & Markets Authority (no. TikTok, an app owned by mainland-based company ByteDance, suspended operations in the city. The Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 dictated the terms under which Hong Kong was returned to China. Supporters of Beijing organize a rally outside Hong Kongs legislature in 2015. For the fledgling financial technology ("fintech") sector, however, it is Hong Kong's strong connectivity with its motherland that provides fertile ground for start-ups and established enterprises to Unrivalled "natural" and man-made beauty? Many of you will surely recognize the different sounds from SCMP's video showing the city's very distinctive sounds. Good or bad, Positive or negative, beautiful or ugly can also be unique elements of the city. I absolutely love Hong kong and cant wait to visit with my kids. Both of these junks offer evening cruises that co-incide with the Symphony of Lights show at 8pm. Hong Kong tour guide. Chinese medicine is an integral part of life for local residents in Hong Kong who value it for treating medical issues and maintaining health and well-being. Here are 40 reasons why fans of Hong Kong say it's the world's greatest city: 1. Hong Kong is still a global financial hub, but Beijings actions could jeopardize its standing. It will be impossible to miss them. The Aqua Luna also offers a weekend cruise across to Stanley. Cliff Buddle. Its economy contracted 4% . You can also stop off at a local restaurant for lunch here. If you make a purchase or booking using one of our affiliate links, we will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you. This diverse mix makes Hong Kong culture one of the most exciting places to live and one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Hong Kong's is truly a mixed culture. Web Site Acquisitions Inc., Suite no 10301, 94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, Cayman Islands. Exciting Gastronomic Adventures at Every Corner. In fact, in Hong Kong, more than a fifth of all medical consultations are made with practitioners of Chinese medicine. a survey by the European Chamber of Commerce. The official dialect is Yue (Cantonese) from Guangdong. By the mid-1990s, her body parts and cotton clothing were made in China, moulds and pigments were from the U.S., nylon hair from Japan, and the plastic for her body was from Taiwan. The Peak is Hong Kongs most popular tourist attraction with visitors flocking here to enjoy the best views over the city from its viewing platform at 428m above sea level. Watermelon ball (2015) Hong Kong Maritime Museum. The Hello! Weekly. Dining in Hong Kong can be a new and exciting experience for any expat. The population of Hong Kong is formed by Cantonese, Shanghainese, British, Indians and Jews mainly. Sign up to our newsletter and to access exclusive subscriber content and downloads. I would love to try all these when in Hong Kong but the Dragons back is my favorite. Just to give you a summary of what you will hear in the city, and check if you guessed well from the video, here are the most common sounds of Hong Kong. But the power of these groups and pro-democracy parties have weakened significantly as Beijing has cracked down on political opposition, including via the national security law. Beijing said it would give Hong Kong fifty years to keep its . Its customary for business cards to be written in both English and Cantonese, often in gold writing. Expats can expect a great atmosphere at these events which usually involve impressive firework displays. is to take the Peak Tram, a must do in Hong Kong. We take a look at public transport options in cities around the world, and crown the best. According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the "Hong Kong Goodies" drive would help visitors make the most of their stay and allow them to "explore the city's unique experiences". Chinese written script has been standardized for centuries, but the simplified script from mainland China is beginning to become popular in Hong Kong. The concept was intended to help integrate Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau with sovereign China while preserving their unique political and economic systems. February 1, 2023 Your Hong Kong trip will never be complete if you have not heard these sounds whenever you are just simply walking around the city, or on your tour with your Hello! The uniqueness just can't be found anywhere else the world. Several countries have condemned Beijings moves and taken retaliatory measures. The major feature of the gallery is an introductory film and multimedia experience about major events that have shaped Hong Kongs landscapes through the lens of its four cardinal directions. You can unsubscribe anytime. Beijing and the Hong Kong government have also curbed media freedoms, with pro-democracy publications such as the Apple Daily newspaper closing after journalists were harassed and jailed. In Hong Kong, a fairytale flower tunnel is hidden within the gardens of a public. This is not just an ordinary escalator, but rather a microcosm of Hong Kong daily life. Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years, dimming hopes that the financial center will ever become a full democracy. by Scott A. Snyder Get in touch at bookings@hellohongkong.com.hk. The SoHo district in Hong Kong is the night-life zone located next to Sheung Wan, within Central. Our site uses cookies to improve your experience and help us make the site easier to use. Uniquely Hong Kong is a series focusing on the things that set the city apart from the rest of the world. Not only is it used by commuters throughout the day, it is also one of the most popular Hong Kong attractions for tourists. Hong Kong's strict COVID measures and sealed borders over the past two years has endangered Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub and international financial center. Also Hong Kongs balance of a modernized way of life is preserved with traditional Chinese practices. And guess what, they named the restaurant after that street! We walk you through how to get health insurance in Laos as an expat and what to expect. A new story for Hong Kong is actually another "challenge and response" opportunity for the Hong Kong SAR in the post-1997 era. What makes Hong Kong unique - as the world's financial hub? Real people, either locals or travelers will give you the inside tips on what to do so you step off the plane, train or bus and get straight to the heart of your destination. This 2-hour hike forms part of the Hong Kong Trail a 50km trail that traverses Hong Kong island through five country parks. Chipman became the CEO of Asian Tigers Mobility in 2001 and served as chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong in 2011 and 2012. Your best bet is tobuy tickets onlinefor the cable car to avoid ticket queues. Do I Need Income Protection in the Cost Of Living Crisis? The Dragons Back is a relatively easy hike (children aged 5 and up should be able to manage it), offering spectacular views of Hong Kongs southside and ends on Big Wave Bay beach, where you can rehydrate to the sound of the crashing waves. Hong Kong culture is versatile and attractive. Boat hire ranges from the very basic to the drool-worthy billionaire fantasy models, where uniformed staff ensure your champagne glass is never empty. BBQ Pork Rice: at last, the infamous roasted meat of Hong Kong plays a key role in this dish. Leung and another newly elected lawmaker, who lean toward Hong Kongs independence, are later disqualified from taking office. Can you recommend a cheap way to visit the Islands of Sai kung? Even after Lam withdraws the bill, clashes escalate between police and activists, who demand electoral reforms and an independent investigation into police violence, in late 2019. The Hong Kong governments efforts to transform the public education system by introducing so-called patriotic programs have also troubled many parents and students. by Stephen Sestanovich The podcast Hong Kong Silenced tells the story of how life in Hong Kong was turned upside down in the year after the national security law was imposed. World's most expensive real estate per square foot. It's a question that has been exercising minds at the Heritage . Definitely a unique Hong Kong experience. This dramatic transformation will not be the end of Hong Kong as a global financial hub, as it has already begun to boost economic integration with mainland China. Mounting frictions between the two sides appear to be part of Chinas efforts to disrupt the ties between South Korea and the United States but could end up drawing the two allies even closer. Chinese New Year is the most popular festival in Hong Kong. Read more about Visiting the Big Buddha here. SoHo: Just like in London and New York, Hong Kong has its own chic SoHo district. Chopping sounds at the wet market - You will surely hear this in the wet market where butchers are busy chopping meats for their local customers. However, executives of some companies with large footprints in Hong Kong have voiced concerns about the national security law, criticizing the broad powers given to mainland authorities. Click here to check out our pick of the best family hotels in Hong Kong. ", Nonsense. The journey aboard the worlds steepest funicular railway is less than five minutes long, covering just 1.4 kilometres but climbing almost 400 metres in this time. If you dont know the names of the dim sum dishes in Chinese, just point and smile and hope for the best. Published: 12:49am, 2 Jul, 2023. Relatively low taxes, a highly developed financial system, light regulation, and other capitalist features have made Hong Kong one of the worlds most attractive markets and set it apart from mainland financial hubs such as Shanghai and Shenzhen. Police arrest dozens of pro-democracy activists, including activist and politician Lester Shum, in the months following the national security laws implementation. I cant find any only expensive 100$ plus per person. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Hong Kong at nighttime and sees raucous partygoers spilling into the streets, downing jello shots and singing along to 1990s soft rock. Mixture of Different Culture Western + Eastern Culture History Geographical factor Generation Gap Hong Kong people VS Chinese Tradition VS convention Religion (Buddhism, Christian, etc..) Hong Kong people CANNOT be generalized Different factors result in different characteristics Moreover, groups that organized protests disbanded. Who would not recognize the beep sound of the Octopus card? Multinational firms and banksmany of which maintain regional headquarters in Hong Konghave historically used the city as a gateway to do business in the mainland, owing in part to its proximity to the worlds second-largest economy and its legal system based on British common law. with Heidi Campbell and Paul Brandeis Raushenbush For the LegCo, prior to 2021, half of the bodys seventy members were elected by direct voting, while the rest were chosen by groups representing different industries and professions. Eating is a very social event and food is often served in a communal style with many different dishes placed in the middle of table. Central-Mid-Levels Escalators. Click here to book tickets for the Aqua Luna cruise. Carrie Lam becomes the first woman elected as chief executive in 2017. Be sure to enjoy the trip during both the day and night and for just $2.70 HKD ($3.70 at weekends) per ride, you can afford to. Its easy to do the Dragons Back on your own, but if you prefer to hike with a guide, you can book a guided hike here. Brave the outdoor terrace for vertigo-inducing views of Hong Kong Island and order yourself the aptly named Hong Kong Rooftop a blend of salted caramel, vodka, kumquat, grapefruit juice, strawberry and lemon juice. However, the opposition has not been unanimous. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the Peoples Republic of China that has, until recently, largely been free to manage its own affairs based on one country, two systems, a national unification policy developed by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s. Expats may choose to get involved in some of the customs around Chinese New Year such as giving red envelopes of cash to your younger relatives. Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020 that gave it broad new powers to punish critics and silence dissenters, It seems that you really cannot maintain Hong Kongs international financial standing while stifling its freedom.. The short-lived Wagner Group revolt highlighted for Europeans the fragility of Vladimir Putins regime and their own vulnerability to an unstable Russia. Asia's world city Hong Kong has positioned itself to become the world city of Asia. Students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong boycott classes over the governments proposed plans to mandate a Chinese school curriculum in 2012. The perfect place to bar-hop with friends on a night out. Love interesting facts? Other popular island destinations to enjoy this unique Hong Kong experience and enjoy a seafood lunch include Cheung Chau and Po Toi Island. By entering your email and clicking subscribe, you're agreeing to receive announcements from CFR about our products and services, as well as invitations to CFR events. Dont worry, this is all part of the ritual. After protests stall in early 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, Beijing imposes a new national security law in June. When you become an expat in Hong Kong you will soon become aware of two important cultural traditions: Fengu Shui and Chinese medicine. What type of government does Hong Kong have? William Russell Europe SRL is a mandated underwriter for AWP Health & Life SA. They have traditionally split between two factions: pan-democrats, who call for incremental democratic reforms, and pro-establishment groups, who are by and large pro-business supporters of Beijing. Find more suggestions for the Best Restaurants in Hong Kong for Dim Sum here. Hong Kong designers do not have the burden of history or heritage. Hong Kong cultural festivals include Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas and the Western New Year. You can take the MTR to Hang Hau and get a minibus from there. Recent wildfires in Canada and California offer a preview of a world made far more dangerous by climate change, one in which smoke and fire exact an ever-increasing toll on public health and the economy. The best way to reach the Peak (at least the first time you visit after that you will probably choose to avoid the queues and take a taxi!) Lastly at 'Cherished Possessions', it showcases Chinese artefacts of high quality and authenticity, showing Hong Kong as a centre of art collecting. It was the entrepreneurial spirit shared by its citizens which broke through geographical and economic barriers. And so today, we can see how Hong Kong reflects the mix of Chinese territory with the culture brought to it during its time as a western colony:From the traditional to modern architecture, to beautiful natural scenery integrated with sky-rise buildings. Its population of nearly 7.5 million is also ultra-connected, with a 235.5 percent mobile penetration rate (more than two devices per person). By inserting the plastic raw materials into a specialised machine by hands, it produces unqiue pattern for each ball. Hi thank you so much for those great tips! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I think we will definitely be doing some of those on our upcoming trip to HK . 'People's Wall' showcases a mosaic of people who have called Hong Kong their home. Religion and Foreign Policy Webinars. Protesters organized massive rallies, known as the Umbrella Movement, to call for true democracy. Beijing said it would give Hong Kong fifty years to keep its capitalist system and enjoy many freedoms not found in mainland Chinese cities. This article is part of our series of guides to expat life. Then be on the erred, uninformed and biased side then. Ride the Peak Tram Tea drinking is a relaxed affair and you tend not to see people rushing around with take away cups of tea in Hong Kong. Global Transport Index: Where In The World Has The Best Public Transport? Ozone is the bar to claim this title, and is located on the 118th floor of the Ritz Carlton hotel in Kowloon. Dont worry if you really struggle to use chopsticks most restaurants will give you a knife and fork if you ask. With such a rich mix of cultures living in Hong Kong, many festivals and holidays are celebrated and observed throughout the year, including Buddhist and Taoist events. As a New Yorker, the term Mott 32 sounds very familiar, because its the nameof a street very close to where I live on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Other experts believe that Hong Kong can maintain its commercial status despite its democratic decline. If you are wondering what to do in Hong Kong to make the most of your visit, here are ten unique Hong Kong activities to try - from riding the world's steepest furnicular railway, to enjoying a dim sum blowout, or sipping cocktails in the world's highest bar. It has become such a famous Hong Kong travel experience because it is one of the best ways to do some Hong Kong sightseeing, offering great views of the skyline. Renewing America. When you hand out or receive a business card, it should be with both hands. Check out our Fun Hong Kong Facts article here. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation goes inside the massive protests in 2019. It is obvious that the "butterfly lover" has not lived abroad. I dont want a guide just the visit. The area has a lot of up-hill and narrow streets made up of bars and culturally diverse restaurants. You are also agreeing to our, For media inquiries on this topic, please reach out to, Hong Kong Under Chinas National Security Law, With Victoria Tin-bor Hui. + FOLLOW. People talking over lunch and the clinking of plates and glasses will remind you that HEY! Hi Varda, Sai Kung isnt on the islands its in the New Territories. Just like in London and New York, Hong Kong has its own chic SoHo district. Its basic chopstick etiquette to avoid fiddling with your chopsticks or using them to gesture. Why you . Feng Shui literally means wind and water and many local residents in Hong Kong believe that good Feng Shui can ward off bad luck and attract prosperity. Pedestrian Tick - Most of you will agree that this sound is one of the most distinctive sounds of Hong Kong. Many protesters believed Beijing had eroded Hong Kongs freedoms to such an extent that they thought, either we stop it now, or its just basically going to be hell, says Victoria Tin-bor Hui, a political science professor at the University of Notre Dame. The PA voice from MTR - Hong Kong is known for its most advanced transportation services. Many firms and investors are betting that this increased connectivity will boost the amount of wealth flowing from the mainland into Hong Kong. Come join the discussion about structures, styles, reviews, scale, transportation, skylines, architecture, and more! What makes the culture and customs of Hong Kong unique? In this article, well look at the culture, customs, food and traditions of Hong Kong to help you and your family adjust to life in your new home country. And then in July of 1997 Hong Kong was handed back to the Chinese authorities after more than 150 years of British control. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Eleanor Albert contributed to this Backgrounder. Im a producer/journalist/storyteller that loves all things TV and film. Beijing also maintains the authority to interpret Hong Kongs Basic Law, a power that it had rarely used until recently. The younger generation tend to understand English fairly well, and all government officials are required to speak English as part of their role. To ride the whole thing would take around twenty minutes, but you can hop on and off at each road that it bisects along the way. This concept of saving face represents a persons dignity and reputation and therefore you need to be mindful when complimenting or giving feedback to someone so that you dont cause them to lose face. Also plan to get here early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive. Pro-democracy candidates win more seats than ever before. Hong Kong is popular all around the world as a captivating city. It is a multipurpose performance facility with a concert hall, a theatre, a gallery, exhibition areas and a piazza, where you can learn about arts, culture and customs in Hong Kong. Baggio Leung modifies his oath during his swearing in to the Legislative Council in 2016. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Its chaotic streets, glimmering skyscrapers, flashing neon signs and cultural fusion all combine to create a city that attracts some 40 million visitors a year. How Will We Support You? The latter have typically been more dominant in Hong Kong politics. These cookies do not store any personal information. What makes Hong Kong unique??? This five-hour trek takes you past temples and small villages, lush forest trails and cascading falls. Our Hong Kong office provides legal services to international and pan-Asian clients with interests in China and greater Asia, while offering direct access to counsel in more than 85 practices linked worldwide. During the 1960-70s, 'Watermelon ball' was the famous past time game for children.196070, An ivory puzzle with stick and rings (1890)Hong Kong Maritime Museum, An ivory puzzle with stick and rings, known as Baguenaudier or Chinese Rings, late 19th centuryHKMM2012.0008.0011, Barbie dolls (1959-1986 model types) (2007/2009)Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Barbie was born in 1959, and she is a good example of manufacturing through a global supply chain. During the 1960-70s, 'Watermelon ball' was the famous past time game for children. Also to blame for the exodus are Hong Kongs COVID-19 restrictions, including a lengthy quarantine requirement and other strict measures imposed in an attempt to align with Beijings zero-COVID policy. Meetings start with lots of small talk, so dont be surprised if you dont get down to business for at least half an hour. A record number of people vote in district council elections in November 2019. Made in Hong Kong exhibition Objects in the drawers (2015)Hong Kong Maritime Museum. by Liana Fix What makes us unique? Some of the cookies are essential. Western Market in Sheung Wan, with British influence. You should also take the time to study the card carefully before putting it away safely. Patients sleep outside as Hong Kongs hospitals are overwhelmed during a COVID-19 outbreak in early 2022. How Should NATO Think About Ukrainian Membership After Russias Coup Attempt? Love it or hate it, hitting the Fong on a night out is a quintessential part of Hong Kong life and a Hong Kong experience not to be missed. A military aide salutes Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, at a departure ceremony on June 30, 1997. Do You Need To Offer Employee Benefits To Your Expat Staff? The United Kingdom (UK), which also ended its extradition agreement with the region, said it would allow three million Hong Kong residents to settle in the country and apply for citizenship. China pledged to preserve much of what makes Hong Kong unique when the former British colony was handed over more than two decades ago. by Olivia Angelino, Thomas J. Bollyky, Elle Ruggiero and Isabella Turilli What makes Hong Kong unique and how are we responding to external stresses? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. One of the favourite things to do in HK amongst the local populationis to jump on a boat and head out to sea. If you are wondering what to do in Hong Kong to make the most of your visit, here are ten unique Hong Kong activities to try from riding the worlds steepest furnicular railway, to enjoying a dim sum blowout, or sipping cocktails in the worlds highest bar. Hong Kong is allowed to forge external relations in certain areasincluding trade, communications, tourism, and culturebut Beijing maintains control over the regions diplomacy and defense. Whats Causing the Rise in China-South Korea Tensions? Saw this on CNN today, may as well share with everyone here. You can opt out of some, or all, of these categories. Smart Financial Decisions Made Simple: Money Advice, News And Product Reviews From A Name You Trust. If you dont want to spend the whole day on the junk, there are companies running regular tours where you can spend just a couple of hours taking in the city skyline. Hong Kong culture is a mixture of traditional Han Cantonese ethnic culture of southeastern China and British and Western culture in general. its lunchtime! Only one candidate was allowed to run in the 2022 chief executive election:John Lee, a hard-line former deputy chief of the citys police force. And in a city with strong international influence, Hong Kong offers a delightful medley of eastern and western . No city represents a fusion of two worlds better than Hong Kong: known as the city where East meets West, the principles of coexistence are embedded in every aspect of this city. In recent years, Beijing has cracked down on Hong Kongs freedoms, stoking mass protests in the city and drawing international criticism. The angle of the tram is so steep 27 degrees at its most extreme that you get the impression that the buildings are leaning into the mountain. For example, the concept of Feng Shui is implemented as a serious spiritual practice, to the extent to which buildings are positioned with specific layouts to turn away evil spirits. Its customary to refill your cup immediately when it becomes empty, and make sure you refill other peoples cups at the same time. President Joe Biden has maintained the sanctions, voiced concerns about Beijings crackdown in conversations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and warned U.S. companies of the growing risks [PDF] of doing business in Hong Kong. As a city, Hong Kong also enjoys many other cultural events ranging from traditional Cantonese to other Chinese regional operas, theatre productions, ballet performances and music shows. We cover everything you need to know about securing health insurance in Ethiopia for locals and expats. Life in Hong Kong can be a lively and multi-sensory experience. by Lindsay Maizland The perfect blend of fat and lean meat, and sweet spicy sauce; on top of a bed of . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In August 2021, the Biden administration deferred deportations of the several thousand Hong Kong residents in the United States.

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