Why We Love Hong Kong

By: Jasmine Chen & Ethan Wang

Hello readers! We have both visited Hong Kong at least once in our lives and found it to be one of our favorite places we’ve ever been to. We find that Hong Kong has an enriching culture, history, and lifestyle. Below are our top three reasons why we love Hong Kong: 

1. Cantonese Cuisine

Hong Kong’s cuisine takes inspiration from many different cultures. Due to Hong Kong’s historical presence as a major Port, its cuisine mixes Cantonese food with elements of foreign culture like British, Japanese, and other Asian cuisines. Arguably one of the most popular dishes from Hong Kong, Dim Sum is a must have for anyone visiting Hong Kong. Dim sum is composed of many smaller bite-sized dishes, and it can be directly translated into “touching the heart.” Another iconic dish in Hong Kong is char siu. Char siu, also known as Chinese barbeque pork, is usually served with rice, noodles, or in a bun. Along with other roast meats, char siu can be found throughout Hong Kong, and it is incredibly popular. Though Hong Kong has a marvelous cuisine on its own, you can also find Western-styled cuisines in every area.

Hong Kong is famed for its abundance of street food that is sold at wonderfully low prices. One of the most popular street foods there is curry fish balls and can be found at every turn. It is well-liked for its strong, savory flavor and convenience to eat. Another popular treat that can be found on the streets is eggettes, or gai daan zai in Cantonese. Made from egg batter on a pan, it is crispy on the outside and beautifully fluffy on the inside.

2. Hong Kong MTR

Founded in 1975, Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is used by hundreds of thousands of people daily. Many would say Hong Kong’s MTR is the best in the world. It’s known for its incomparable cleanliness, thorough safety, and high technology. Tourists and citizens alike use the railway to travel from station to station, moving throughout Hong Kong underground. 

The MTR consists of eleven heavy rail lines and ninety-eight stations. What’s unique about Hong Kong’s railways is that there are automatic platform screen doors that prevent travellers from falling onto the tracks. This aspect makes it safer than the London Underground and New York City Subway. Prices vary from five HKD to fifty-five HKD, depending on your travel distance. However, some opt for an Octopus card that offers an eight percent discount. Some stations offer free wi-fi, free mobile charging devices, ATMs, and breastfeeding areas. The MTR is an efficient, speedy way to get from one place to another.

3. The Rich History

Hong Kong’s history has had a lot of different rulers. The city changed hands as dynasties rose and fell. In a stark contrast to the sprawling metropolis it currently is, before the British arrived, Hong Kong was a small city mainly focused on fishing and salt production. Early British explorers described Hong Kong as a prehistoric town. But after the British arrived, the population began to boom. Due to many different causes, Chinese immigrants began to move to Hong Kong increasing its population, and after the Treaty of Nanking, the city was ceded to the British. From the British control over the city, the population began to grow with european missionaries and other travelers. Soon after, the British also gained control of the surrounding area of Kowloon. 

During the Second World War, the Japanese managed to invade and take control of Hong Kong. The treatment of Hong Kong during the war was horrible, starvation became rampant and many were killed. At the end of the war, the British and Chinese managed to take control of the City but not before major damage was done. The population of Hong Kong was less than half it was before the war. However, the population soon began to grow, with the revolution in Mainland China. Many refugees fled to Hong Kong, this led to massive spikes in population, and Hong Kong’s economy. Manufacturing began to increase, and by the 1980s, Hong Kong was one of the wealthiest cities in the East. In the 1990s, the city was handed over to China under certain regulations. 

Many other snapshots of Hong Kong’s rich history can be found at sites such as the Tai Kwun, a Center for Hong Kong’s heritage, or the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, one of Hong Kong’s most famous temples. 

These are all just a small part of why Hong Kong is such a beautiful place to visit. Whether you are in Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, you are bound to see and absorb the rich culture. If you ever visit, just think about the rich history, exquisite cuisine, and iconic public transportation. 

Sources:

• https://www.chinahighlights.com/hong-kong/hong-kong-subway.htm 
• https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hongkong/transportation/subway.htm 
• https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/restaurants/hong-kong-street-food-essentials 
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Hong-Kong
• https://www.history.com/news/hong-kong-china-great-britain
• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-16526765
• Images
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hong_Kong#/media/File:Hk1950.jpg
• https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3196520