Hong Kong, Hong Kong

What to expect in... Hong Kong

14. Umbrellas

Umbrellas are also conveniently the symbol of protest against Mainland China. They can protest all day and avoid getting tan (being white is desirable.)

13. Gambling in Macau
The Portuguese used to own Macau (and even Taiwan, which was formerly named Formosa.) Few Americans have even heard of this city, but its casinos rake in as much cash as Las Vegas.



12. Mainland (Chinese) tourists
They're the pushy ones in the crowd.

11. Shopping
It's a shopping bonanza! There's no sales tax except on tobacco and alcohol. This country has among the lowest taxes and most open trade in the world and they're RICH! And they said it couldn't be done.

10. Safety

In 2011, Hong Kong boasted the lowest murder rate in the world. You won't feel threatened here.



9. Few kids
Hong Kong ranks in the bottom three for birth rates.

8. Dim sum
Dim Sum is Hong Kong's must-have dish (basket.)

7. Cleanliness
After traveling through Mainland China, you'll think Hong Kong is heaven.
Hong Kong is serious about sanitizing things in public places (like handles and rails.)

6. Cosmopolitan atmosphere
Hong Kong was an old port city (formerly under the control of the British) and has had lots of contact with foreign countries. Hong Kong hosts people from all over the world.



5. Cantonese Chinese and British English
Here they speak the minority Chinese language (second to Mandarin) and the minority English dialect (second to American English.)
It's the worst of both worlds (jk.)

4. Neon signs
Businesses fight for your attention with big, bright, colorful signs. Neon is never tacky.

3. Political frustration
In 1997, the UK gave control of Hong Kong back to China. Hong Kong is still struggling to adjust. This year's massive protests are known as the Umbrella Revolution.
Maybe they'd get more done if they had more intimidating names (however it's still better than the recent "Sunflower Movement" in Taiwan.)

2. Banking, finance, and trade

Hong Kong is one of the world's financial hubs. You'll see lots of nice suits and ties here—most likley people working for large, international corporations.

1. Tight space
There's 7 million people packed into 7,000 skyscrapers in this small corner of China. As a result, real estate is very expensive.

----- The End. Click on the archive at the top right to view more cities.