I lived in Hong Kong for over 7 years in the ’80’s but for various reasons left without ever saying goodbye.

So I’m back for the first time since then, and also post the handover. There have been many changes. The city has spread, with much of Lantau Island fully developed and now connected to the mainland via two massive span bridges.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China now. Mainland Chinese need a visa to enter and the board of directors style government is still largely in place although obviously represented by Beijing. Discrimination and tension between the “Mainlanders” and local Hong Kong Chinese is at a serious level. I think they regard them as the poor dumb country cousins who have come to steal their jobs. Many people don’t realise that Hong Kong Chinese speak a completely different language, Cantonese, to mainland Chinese, which can’t help the situation.

At the same time, there is also a feeling of nationalism and being part of the China. Hong Kong is a contradiction, but then it always has been.

Here is my what’s hot and what’s not list for Hong Kong:

HOT
- Hong Kong Disneyland
Many people complain that it is not as big as the US ones but I think that is a plus. We had a great time.

- Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.

- Lane Crawford
Great department store for mens clothes despite the uber-cool stuck up shop assistants.

- Peak Tram
I used to catch this everyday to go to school but now it is largely a tourist attraction. The views are still spectacular from the top.

- Hong Kong International Airport
Amazing building, shops, and the Cathay Pacific lounge is awesome, complete with noodle bar and Playstation room.

- Taxis
Relatively cheap and plentiful. Bring a map with Cantonese place names though as few speak English.

- Cantonese Food
Dim sum, pigeon (yep) and seafood….mmmmm

NOT
- Smog
It is very bad.

- Pushy vain Hong Kong Chinese
Best example is they will stand in a lift preening themselves in front of the mirror and then push past you as soon as the doors open.

- Wan Chai
Red light district, expat pubs and conference hotels. Central, and LKF Hotel in particular look much more my style in retrospect.

Off to Shanghai now.

Technorati Tags: hong kong