17 Random Things about Hong Kong

I have been in Hong Kong for a little bit over a week and I have noticed various interesting things as I have walked and explored its glittering buildings, its mighty harbors, its busy markets and its quiet residential neighborhood. Here are those random things listed out to make an interesting read for you.

1) Hong Kong has possibly got one of the best public transport system in the world with its fast MTR, its heritage trams, its double decker buses, its many ferries, its multi colored taxis and umpteen escalators, elevators and public walkways.

2) People in Hong Kong are extremely fashionable. The dress, the colors, the footwear, the accessories and all are eye-catching. least se

3) People say the East meets West in Hong Kong. Well, it is true in most cases, but when it comes to the languages, only a few speak English. Those few are either young people or those who work in a multi national company. Otherwise, it is just Cantonese or Chinese, which makes conversations difficult. Thankfully, Hong Kong’s communication system is idiot-proof.

4) Hong Kong has hardly any concept of vegetarian food. Everything has to have meat in it, if not meat, at least seafood. Even the so called vegetarian dishes are notorious for their chicken paste that is added to enhance flavor.

5) If a person is not talking or sleeping, then they are on their phone or tablet in Hong Kong. Everyone has an expensive touch phone or tablet and are immersed in it most of the times.

6) It is said that there is no duty in Hong Kong, but I am not sure why everything is a bit expensive here than in the United States of America.

7) People literally run here in Hong Kong. Such is the fast pace of life here.

8) The buildings are large and tall, the population density is really high, the vehicular population is also very high, but in spite of all these, Hong Kong remains very clean, has very low levels of noise pollution and bearable amounts of air pollution.

9) Gucci, Versace, Louis Vitton, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Rolex and other designer brands are like normal brands in Hong Kong. One can see them everywhere.

10) Apple has their biggest store not in the United States, but in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay.

11) People of Hong Kong are much quieter than those from mainland China.

12) Use one Octopus card and use it for travel in MTR, ferries, buses, trams, some cars, departmental stores and more.

13) Hong Kong has its fair share of Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce and other premium cars. But, you will see them or more so hear them mainly in the nights and the weekends when the owners take them out to revv up the senses.

14) Even top officials in Hong Kong commute in the MTR and trams.

15) Even in a big and established city like Hong Kong, bargaining is quite the norm, though it is more common in the smaller shops and outlets.

15) Water costs as much as 3 times more in supermarkets when compared to the lady selling it outside the MTR station.

16) Locals of Hong Kong are not familiar with shopping bags as they use shopping suitcases and generally they are mega size. So, next time you are in Hong Kong, don’t be surprised when you see suitcase trollies moving out of shopping malls quite regularly.

17) The standard 2 bedroom house in Hong Kong is about 600 square feet. However, it has all the modern amenities and luxury, like high class security system, lifts, swimming pool, clubs, personal parking space, etc.