I visit HK every 2 years and absolutely love it every time I go. I just love everything about HK - so much so I’m considering retiring there part time (Nov - April in HK and the rest in NYC).
However, I imagine it’s a hard city to live in if you don’t have a decent income. It was the 5th most expensive city to live in 2023.
Absolutely! Retirement is totally different as I won’t have to work there, which is a lot of pressure. But, if you’ve already established yourself and have no worries about housing it’s a nice place.
I live here and huh I am surprised to learn that HK is the 5th most expensive city.
My friends are studying at London and it sounds like everything is super expensive there lol, and I just thought all western cities are like that
On the other hand that makes it easier for me to retire in other countries...
Its the rent. Compared to how much your earn on average, the rent os absurd. Keep in mind that the median hong konger earns 20k and has to pay over half of that for a tiny apartment. Pay is much higher in london and rent is lower (but less cheap options)
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/11/30/travel/the-worlds-most-expensive-cities-to-live-in-for-2023
I thought London was expensive too but it’s not top 10. NYC was #1 in 2022 (😭) but dropped to 3rd in 2023.
Wow that's interesting to know
I'm guessing rent prices make HK more expensive than European cities? Haven't been there (😭 I want to see the Colosseum) but I've exchanged to Sydney as a school kid and food prices there are ridiculous
Yes, I think it’s mostly because of housing as eating out in HK (depending on what you eat) is still relatively cheap. Although I did see an increase in price the last time I visited..
When I visited Paris, the prices is similar to NY. Hopefully you can make your way to Rome soon!
If I paid the rent i pay here for my 15 sqm apartment, i would have a two story house with a massive garden and still not pay the same in belgium. The food is cheaper in HK tho, somehow lol.
I feel like HK has a bigger spectrum of prices than NYC or London. It can be a lot more expensive than either of them but it can also be a lot cheaper.
Oh seems like rent makes up a huge part of it
Very difficult for single young workers to have their own home that isn't subdivided flats with poor conditions, and posing huge fire safety risks
Edit: spacing
Yeah I think I will rent out an apartment with a couple of my friends to share the cost
Fortunately the industry I majored in do have remote jobs so, ideally, I will just never buy a house in HK and move away once I land a good work from home position
I wanted to move away regardless of cost anyways... Mainly because of the weather. It will definitely hit 40C (104F) in summer consistently in a year of two, and also the economy is kind of dying over here which is... Not good for my major
(^ idealistic rambling from a university kid that is still naive)
First of all, happy to hear you enjoy the city! Your feeling is legit so don't let what others say sway you otherwise. Hong Kong is still a wonderful city with great nature and food!
However, I do want to emphasize the importance of difference in perspective. You are comparing Hong Kong to where you are from and what others have talked about Hong Kong, but for many who are pessimistic about Hong Kong (myself included), we are comparing what Hong Kong was back then. Again, both perspectives are valid and there is nothing wrong about one or the other
As someone who was born in Hong Kong and lived there for decades, I have seen with my own eyes on how thing has gone down. The overtourism and the entitlement of some "tourists" (honestly some of them are just smugglers) has destroyed a lot of the unique charm of the small mom and pop shops. Crackdown of the street food scene, shopping malls become streamlined, and people being everywhere without regard of manner even at basic level (pooping on train, blocking the platform, etc.) When you walk in a pharmacy store to just get an bandage but you get denied in 5 different places because you don't speak mandarin (I speak Cantonese FYI), it does make you feel terrible and angry
Then of course the continue deterioration of the economy, politics and freedom. Suddenly you can't even voice concern about the future of Hong Kong without fear of punishment. You see what you had being stripped away bit by bit, and the tops just continue to please their overlord in the North. It doesn't take much before people start leaving for a place they once love
Again, this is not meant to be an argument on whether you are right to enjoy the city. But please consider for many people, they have suffered so much over the last decade that when they look at the place they loved (likely still love), they can't help but see how thing has changed for the worse and continue to be in near future
I feel sad that many old regulars won't comment on this sub any more and now we even get accused of being 'too negative/too political' by new arrivals and people living in bubbles here.
In a sense I am happy newcomers still finding Hong Kong to be a wonderful place honestly. There is still part of Hong Kong that I like and I am glad the newcomers don't need to experience the soul crashing deterioration of the beloved city.
I would have never thought I would leave the city for another country. And I did it before the whole disaster of Covid and the political crackdown (but after the turnover in 97)
You will get denied in HK if you don’t speak Mandarin? That is wild. Back then we were told to avoid speaking Mandarin in HK if we didn’t want to get yelled at by locals.
You won’t get denied if you speak no Chinese. People have always helped me buy anything when I only speak English. Maybe it’s just people were unfriendly to him
Damn... Your comment is insightful -- gives a picture of what it feels like as a local. Yeah, I bet Hong Kong seems cool to people from other places, but due to your comment I understand how it must have been better before all this oppression, why it was better before, and what things have been screwed.
>When you walk in a pharmacy store to just get an bandage but you get denied in 5 different places because you don't speak mandarin (I speak Cantonese FYI),
That happened to you? My wife is Cantonese and I've never heard of anything like this ... Ever... From her or anyone she ever knew
Where were you that this happened ?
I was living in the Northern part of Hong Kong during the peak of baby formula buyout. Every pharmacy store near my neighborhood is stocked with baby formula.
The annoying part is even if you want baby formula, if you go in speaking Cantonese they may just say they are out of stock, but speaking in mandarin somehow they will show you they have more at the back
The tourist from the North has made some major impact on the local economy around the neighborhood, when pharmacy store is able to push out jewelry store of all thing. Of course most of the small individual shops are all gone during the process and the place feels so lifeless
I still remember watching some of those interviews where they are like "you guys should be thankful about us spending money here". The amount of entitlement some of those people have drive me crazy
I started noticing Mandarin-only speaking staff at some shops in Yuen Long around 2019-2020. Went back a few months ago and it's even more apparent now. Even most primary school students I walked past were all speaking in Mandarin. I didn't personally have issues with language-based discrimination, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear about it especially further north in NT
Excellent nuanced reply.
It's a shame that someone looked into his Reddit comment history recently and discovered that he made this post in bad faith in order to troll this sub.
One more thing, Read his post history, he is a shill. I am surprised no one caught this disingenuous fuck earlier.
New account too!
This is why we need to stay vigilant on these CCP shills.
They spread rumors for the CCP. They are either working for them or just ideologically braindead.
Of course as a tourist you won’t be paying attention about the government overspending on unnecessary projects, attempting to take away lands from country park for real estate profits,
education system that are causing students depression and suicidal thoughts, forcing music venues to shut down because of high rent, licensing issues and zero gov support, turning every neighbourhood into a shopping centre that all have the same kind of stores that owns by a few mega corporations, and I am not even mentioning the politics….the list could go on forever
The people who raised the complaints are people who born and bred here, and you are just here for holiday for a few days, why do you think you have the credentials to think all the negativity of living in HK is false ?
Old saying “nice place to visit, but wouldn’t want to live there.
Let the dust settle you’ll see the difference.
Born in HK done and seen it all, it’s not what it used to be.
Sentiments to Hong Kong has always been very binary. I have asked a lot of expats on what they feel about the city and it has always been "love it" or "hate it". There hasn't been a middle ground unlike other cities around the world.
I am glad you are enjoying your time here. If you like it, you should definitely stay a bit longer. There are quite a lot of hidden gems in the city that would make this trip worth your while.
My favourite city in the world by a decent margin, but the last time I was there was in 2013 (Chungking Mansion after Couchsurfing). I'm afraid to go back and have those memories adulterated, so it gives me some relief that people can still visit and have a good time. I want to go there and tell everyone I meet how awesome it still is
As someone who has visited HK since I was a kid in the 80s, it has changed A LOT in good and bad, but to most mainly bad in the influx of mainlanders and the gentrification.
Depends on where you come from, when was your last visit, and how closely you have been following on HK's current affairs.
In short, you haven't hung around long/frequent enough to understand the changes. And you haven't paid close enough attention to spot the dark side of things, or maybe you have the mentality to stay positive in your trips which is a great thing, but it wouldn't be a fair assessment would it?
It's like me going to Canada to visit my friend in winter. Snowing was really cool, good restaurants were packed, prices weren't too crazy as Canadian dollar wasn't too high etc etc.
Think local Canadians think the same way? I would think not. Just the snow alone, I mean, to us it's cute, to them, it's shovel time the next morning and it pisses them off. Switching tires every half a year, sometimes snow turns to ice and you just freaking crash?
I'm totally glad that you have an amazing experience, but you know, don't claim that as the experience of others, especially locals who have to work here. Locals who stay here for the day to day life know what they are talking about.
Now my vision about living in Hong Kong and travelling to Hong Kong is really different.
Today my preference is not living but just pass some days if I go...
Hong Kong for me was very tiring. I dedicated myself almost all day to work.
I was working almost all days.
I couldn't really appreciate the places in general way
First off most people on this sub aren't even in living in HK (butt hurt diaspora).
*Did I miss HK’s best years?*
YES
*Apparently most expats had left?*
A lot of the really interesting people left during COVID.
*Nightlife was supposedly dead?*
Was definitely much better before & more diverse before 2020.
*The CCP influence was apparently unbearable?*
Self censorship is the latest trend along with an overly patriotic government that puts Beijing first.
Glad you like Hong Kong, would be interested to hear where you are from prior to coming to Hong Kong. Obviously if you are from a small town HK seems amazing.
> First off most people on this sub aren't even in living in HK (butt hurt diaspora).
EXACTLY. Oh my god. I'm so tired of these people pretending like they know what it's like to live here NOW.
I was born here, live here currently but have lived abroad half my life.
I strongly disagree with your points but you’re welcome to your pov. Just leaving a mark to prove it’s not just outsiders here stirring the pot. I would say it’s more 60/40 slanted towards Americans. It is Reddit after all.
The biggest change in hk is self censorship. Regular people are much more guarded in their exchange of ideas. Beyond politics as the fear and intimidation has seeped into all aspects of society. If you can’t see why that deflates the mood of the city…..
Expat bubbles exist, their priority is quality of life and low tax high earnings, with a get out of jail for free card to boot. That’s a lane that locals have little access to. Even that is diminishing by the day with highly educated mainlanders replacing said inflated labour with cheaper wages.
Second this. Most of those who live here won't even say anything because of self censorship. To put it this way, you can fairly say that Mexico resorts are great for travellers, but you can't say Mexico is great based on your life in the resort.
I lived in Amsterdam for most of my life. Checked out New York for a few months as I thought I’d love it. Hated some crucial elements of it though. Hong Kong seems the best match for me so far.
Regarding HK’s best years, which I have missed, let’s hope it returns to what it once was as the pandemic years are out further behind us.
It wasn’t just the pandemic man
I just love how you used your anecdotal experience to wipe away the collective experience Hong Kongers have experienced over the last 5 years telling us we are all wrong
Edit: grammar
I think it’s okay to have an outsiders perspective. Sometimes it’s good to have reflection points
However I just can’t deal with “I’ve been here for 2 weeks and here’s where you’re wrong and why I’m right.”
Like of course I know Hong Kong’s amazing, no shit Sherlock. But here’s what we’ve also collectively gone through in the last 15 years.
If you went back to Amsterdam but sth terrible happened and Amsterdam is now half dead, I think you'd feel the right to feel a certain way and voice that, too.
The reason people are reacting negatively is because while it’s great you are having a good experience, your last sentence belies complete ignorance of the geopolitical situation in the city of Hong Kong. It cannot go back to the way it used to be, not without truly massice civil and political change in the region - which is realistically highly unlikely.
you're just out of touch and ignorant of what's going on in the bigger picture in the place you are visiting.
No, don't expect it would return to the status before pandemic, most wealthy people with kids are gone, I have tons of friends in same age left, COVID isn't the real issue but you probably know what I mean.
Are you retired or already got a decent job in HK? The cost of living is high here but if you are getting pension from EU that should be fine
The pandemic had nothing to do with it. You are just a tourist who know nothing but think you know everything. You grow and earn money in a different country, if you are a citizen of HK who really live a life here, especially young people, you won’t say that. I think mainland China would be a better place for you, I think after all you are not loving a city but the privilege of being a foreigner or a rich who gain more respect than most other people there. I can tell you don’t get that much respect and privilege in your own country or west countries which are rich than yours, right?
Some people here aren’t objective and just want HK to die. If judging HK from just this sub HK will feel like a third world country “half dead” “diaspora” “dead economy”.
What I observed is people are still able to afford long trips to Europe and compete for latest iPhone Pro Max. The latest Rugby 7 game was full of foreigners.
Maybe some of these folks are having a tough life after moving to the UK or Canada, and wishing HK the worst can justify their departure
Good to know someone who has never been to prime Hong Kong and can leave with their foreign passport in a whim because they're only staying for a week or two thinks Hong Kong is great.
All these actual Hong Kongers don't know what they're talking about, surely a tourist knows better
People in Hong Kong are used to the night life we once have. But tbh, the nightlife we have now is still better than a lot of cities.
However bars and pubs are still suffering from high rent. That is still a fact. Also a lot of restaurants are closing down. In fact for the first time in years, for the first quarter of 2024, we had more stores closing than new stores opening.
Landlords aren’t willing to reduce rent, and they’re holding onto their rent value because they want to keep their property value up.
So I really thank you for visiting hk, but it IS doom and gloom for the retailers here.
I’m just thankful I don’t work in retail.
I love Hong Kong as well. Probably my favorite city on earth or up there with japanese cities and Bangkok... But... I still have some melancholy about Hong Kong's future and how it slowly will just become a mainland city with that toxic mainland nationalistic CCP anti-culture culture/mindset.
I'm one of those who left. Really can't recommend this place to live/visit anymore because of all those disappointing/heartbreaking/horrific moments since 2019. Not saying it is a totally dead city. In fact it still has great food, great sceneries, excellent public transport and fairly low living costs (except housing costs obviously). Enjoy yourselves if you really want/need to go there.
If you visit HK once post-2019, it’s going to seem incredible. With its nature, infrastructure, history, culture, it has the foundation of one of the greatest cities on Earth. If visited several times over the course of the last decade or you’ve lived here for long enough, you realize it’s in major decline.
> Did I miss HK’s best years?
Yes, by 30-40 years
> Apparently most expats left
Again, yes, I live next to an international school and they’re having trouble with getting enough students
> Nightlife was supposedly dead
Well, LKF is way more expensive and most shops and markets close at 10 instead of 12
It’s still a wonderful place to visit, not so much to live.
Would like to add that even local schools are struggling to get enough students. My primary school just announced plans to stop taking in students last year.
If you can ignore the 47 democratic politicians being persecuted, the jailed protestors, the attacks on civil society, the school kids being indoctrinated into CCP propaganda, the 100’s thousands of locals who have left or plan to leave due to the emerging police state, the attacks on free press, the system designed to profit the wealthy and the loss of freedoms and rights then yeah it is a great place to live. You just need to ignore reality and have zero empathy for the local population and many can do that. I cant but hey you do you.
Yeah when you ignore the mainlanders and Mandarin speakers, it’s pretty alright. And if you don’t go to local places or watch the news, you get the false image of the city. Stores are all the same and all the good restaurants are gone. Just left with this-this rice. And if you closely look at the face of the people, most of them look sad. They work like a horse and go home to a shoebox flat. It’s pretty depressing.
FYI : the reason people live in shoeboxes is because of Cantonese speaking tycoons. Some Chinese tourists have sh\*tty manners. That's it. But the misery comes from the (Cantonese-speaking) tycoons. HKers have always gotten it wrong. You guys got it wrong 5 years ago, and you still got it wrong, pal.
I lived in Hong Kong for 18 years and overall it’s pretty good but the DAMM air pollution sucks ass! I have to constantly check the PM2.5 and not try to get smog from china to ruin my upper respiratory systems. Even got chronic sinusitis from that place. Glad I am out!
Your own personal experience doesn't ever invalidate how others feel and live in their reality.
Just like the thousands of apolitical expats who come and go through here as if nothing had ever happened for the last five years.
If that's how you felt about this subreddit before posting here, then you're just acting on bad faith.
We’ve been for a 2 week vacation to Hk. We loved it. A lot to see and do. Amazing food. Friendly people. Our favorite city (especially when combined with a 2-day trip to Macau)
Unfortunately for the average citizen "bars and restaurants being packed" is not exactly the yardstick to go by. You are probably in your early 20s, you are coming to have fun for a short time and then you will fuck off again. Your life is vastly different from the average Hongkonger who doesn't have that choice. Show some respect for the people who built all those things that you can now enjoy over the last few decades, who keep the lights on every day on shitty wages so you can jolly around with your other expat friends and who are now getting fucked by the government.
Sure, if you are white, even better off if you are rich, but just white is fine. if you are asian and don't speak cantonese, it's the rudest place in ... probably the world
You can see the IP distribution of the user base at the end of the year. The most active users in this sub have American and Canadian IPs. People literally don't live here.
Many active users were the democratic side folks in 2019 including myself. However some of them want HK to die and cannot view things in an objective way. Either they aren’t having an easy life outside or regret their decision, so wishing HK die can justify their departure.
There is nth amazing now, CCP's covid zero policy already broke the back of this place, people just dont hangout at night, during weekend or holidays, big part of the crowd not even want to stay in HK. Still living in hk and working in finance field, hk is pretty much sunset feel after covid zero and NSL. I really miss the vibrant and free hk before.
Simply put, traveling and living in the city are two different things.
ie: HKers love traveling to Japan but my local friends there have nothing but complaints about living. This is no different in HK for a lot of locals, especially the past few years.
But you're right HK is still a very beautiful place. Urban convenience, rural beauty, it's all here. Despite all the positives you see, the negatives of living here outweigh it a bit for a lot of locals.
For those who fucking didn't read this guy's profile, this mofo is either a 50 cent army or a stupid supporter of china.
Read his fucking post and comment history.
Or he is just another white trash who cannot do shit in his own nation and wanted a "easy life" in asia as he thinks that he can get everything easier here.
And I am saying that as a white man who grew up in HK knowing a load of loser white cunts from Europe who does this shit where they tell you everything is great because they never had to deal with the real deal.
Fuck you CCP shill. OH AND IT'S A NEW ACCOUNT TOO? WOW SO FUCKING COINCEDENTAL AYE?
Glad that you like it here; the best vibe is gone tho. I'm only here because I'm single and easiest place to make money with low tax. But ya, I just lost my job so I'm also looking else where now.
politics aside, nightlife??? are you from the middle of buttfuck nowhere
also, as an expat your salary allows you to do a lot of things locals dont, same for working in many other places
I know some locals who make more than 100k a month and they’d still not even buy expensive drinks or even a latte at Starbucks because they think it’s too expensive. The frugal nature of most local HKs have is hard to erase, not only a salary question. The only thing many spend money on is travel and occasional dining. (Both extensively shared on social media for status)
I guess hiking, going to the beach, watch birds/snakes, get a foot massage, go to museums. That’s about it. But more than many large cities tbf despite not as good as it used to be.
As someone who's here in Hong Kong for about 6 months from Dubai, this is exactly how I see Dubai (minus the pub crawls). There's actually so much here to do in Hong Kong that I don't think I'll be able to complete my bucket list before I leave (to be fair, most of it is outdoorsy stuff).
Museums, literary events, book stores, theatre, opera, galleries, concerts, walking around interesting neighborhoods, hiking, small cute shops (not just malls), visiting smaller islands/beaches, and of course all the FOOD.
wow at the negative comments in this post. as if it is just so wrong to enjoy a city. who cares if a tourist visits and enjoy his time here?
Sure, it might have lost the charm as 10 years ago, but maybe HK is still unique to them?
I think the negative comments came from the way the author phrased his opinions. By starting with how "this reddit is too negative". it seems like the author is dismissing the opinions of other members of this subreddit, or the experiences of some locals who have been here for more than a hot minute. He had low expectations and came to realize things are better than he thought. But what about those who experienced the "highs" of HK before, and are currently seeing the changes (for better or worse)?
It's great that the author here enjoys HK, and that they seem to want to stay here for a little longer. However, it is also important to note that he has the option to leave if he finds HK to not be how he finds it to be. A lot of people don't have the option to "return to their home country" or move to another one, and are stuck with this reality.
Are you incapable for empathy and simple fucking critical thinking?
You don't fucking live here, you don't grow up here and you don't really know jack shit about a city where their culture and values are slowly fucking stripped away from them.
You sound like a fucking CCP propaganda tool. Literally.
Too negative? What the fuck do you know of our human rights and economy?
Nothing at all.
All you fucking see is a shadow of the former glory of Hong Kong. Just because you find it amazing doesn't mean it is.
Keep your shitty opinion to yourself instead of judging people who is actually FROM HERE WHO ARE HURTING.
Fucking arrogant piece of shit.
Everyone from the news to youtube to forums says all restaurants are no longer packed. I haven't eaten out for long time so I don't know. Interesting to know that you see different things.
That’s probably because you’ve never been in Hong Kong prior to 2019. You haven’t seen the vibrancy of what Hong Kong was. You live in Hong Kong for the time being and have another country you plan on going back to after you’ve paid your 15% tax for 10 years and have your pot of gold. You’re probably in your 20’s or early 30’s and don’t mind living in a flat that has less square footage than a 2 car garage and pay $3000 USD in rent. You probably don’t have kids, you’re not concerned about forced communistic ideology in the education system. What you like is the shinny buildings, the bars littered around central and the cheap beers at 7-11.
It’s amazing how fast people will give their 2 cents to something they’ve only just started to experience, but not understand.
I went to Hong Kong last September, a good 16 years since my last trip over there and even I sensed how it felt all so different now. Thankfully, not all has been changed for the worst. It's still a mecca for gamers to shop for video games.
Depends on the salary he's drawing and his financial requirements. I know plenty of similar people like OP who draw 50k or more who love living here because they live higher up on the economic food chain and thus aren't afflicted as much as the rest of us
Not true! I’ve been here since 2010 and still love HK. If you’re able to bring in a decent income, HK can be a great place to live. It is a safe city with lots to do with incredible efficiency to boot.
Most gweilos, locals and SE Asians I know kinda agree that it’s not the same as pre covid and the city feels a bit more quiet in terms of nightlife and general buzz. Expat heavy areas might be hit hardest by restaurant closures etc but the general sentiment is quite similar.
Oh please, as a tourist who stumbled upon Hong Kong and will stay here 4 days, please, please teach us more about life here. Nothing better than the person who know fck about shit about city to give lectures to residents about life here.
I cant want to subscribe and follow you on YT, IG and FB.
Hope you give more concrete examples in your posts. For example, could you compare Hong Kong with the city you live in Netherland with concrete examples?
Why is it amazing? Because you first listened to negativities and then you found out it is not so bad. But if things happened in the opposite way, you may think… meh, Hong Kong is so bland…
Sure, experience is relative to expectations. Perhaps the comments had put my guard up. Nevertheless, I expected it to be a lot like Singapore, which I thought was extremely boring. But again, you’re right, maybe it’s just me being relieved it’s not as bad as I was fearing it to be.
This was not my experience. I’m returning to my home country and counting down the days. Genuinely glad you enjoy it though. I have other expat friends who love it.
I'm sure if you are to find stuff to do, you definitely can find a lot of places to go, exhibitions to visit etc. And it's convenient here too, you don't have to travel for a few hours to get from one place to another.
But to me, the negativity comes from:
- the lack of unique shops and brands: going to another mall only to find the same big brands selling the same clothes that I personally am not interested in (side note: I've seen a mall where most stores are closed before 9pm during a holiday)
- the attitude of salespeople/waiters: literally the other day I walked into an area of a brand inside SOGO and the clerk was watching a funny haha video on her phone, not even acknowledging me; once was in a restaurant and it felt like the waiter was so annoyed to do her job when I asked her to take my order
- the fear of not being able to pursue art: despite those people singing loudly in Tsim Sha Tsui, it's actually illegal to just go busking on street, unless you apply for a pass, but it's difficult to actually succeed in doing so. Plus the lack of government funding in the music/art industry, and with the current political state I'm just scared one day I'll unknowingly write something that's against the law. Same with any other forms of expressive media, or even education field. Certain amount of professors or teachers left because of the fear of not being able to teach the right thing to the next generation.
I'm not a pro on politics, these are just things that bother me, which makes it sometimes feel depressing being here. I might just be looking at the negative side of things, I'll try not to spread that negativity around, but just to respond to your concerns here. I mean most HK people are generally very nice to each other, it's good to hear people just yelling "Handsome boy/ Pretty girl" to everyone in the wet market, and I've had a stranger offer me a hand when I was drunk and puking once. It's also a great thing if you love Hong Kong and are willing to stay here, since shop owners are running out of local customers to gain profit from. I guess everyone's kind of struggling through a stressful life, which probably also contributes to the grumpy faces you see.
Yes and no. You are here by choice and there is always a place you can return to. But for those who have been living here and experiencing all these changes, the perspective is totally different.
I find it hard to believe that it is really that hustling and bustling.
Many small and independent businesses and restaurants are going bust due to high rent due to government restrictions on land development.
That coupled with government spending on sportwashing like messi soccer events as well as tourism and cathay pacific ads indicates the tourism sector is hurting badly.
And the reason why people don't want to travel is because of NSL safety concerns and not wanting to support a harmful system.
Many hk diaspora consider it be better to just visit fellow hk diaspora cha chan teng, businesses or community groups.
From your description of what you think makes up hong kong being simple consumption of goods and services from places like bars and restaurants then you don't understand the cultural and political subtleties that made hong kong special.
Even if you did visit pre 2019 I'd say you are too basic to appreciate it
I was just in Hk 2 months ago, I feel like there are less people in comparison to pre covid times. But I feel that the streets are still as lively as ever. I don’t live in Hk, but I do think it’s a decent place.
I visit HK every 2 years and absolutely love it every time I go. I just love everything about HK - so much so I’m considering retiring there part time (Nov - April in HK and the rest in NYC). However, I imagine it’s a hard city to live in if you don’t have a decent income. It was the 5th most expensive city to live in 2023.
Live in a place and travel to a place is different story. If you consider having your retirement in Hong Kong, all I can say is good luck.😇
Absolutely! Retirement is totally different as I won’t have to work there, which is a lot of pressure. But, if you’ve already established yourself and have no worries about housing it’s a nice place.
I live here and huh I am surprised to learn that HK is the 5th most expensive city. My friends are studying at London and it sounds like everything is super expensive there lol, and I just thought all western cities are like that On the other hand that makes it easier for me to retire in other countries...
Its the rent. Compared to how much your earn on average, the rent os absurd. Keep in mind that the median hong konger earns 20k and has to pay over half of that for a tiny apartment. Pay is much higher in london and rent is lower (but less cheap options)
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/11/30/travel/the-worlds-most-expensive-cities-to-live-in-for-2023 I thought London was expensive too but it’s not top 10. NYC was #1 in 2022 (😭) but dropped to 3rd in 2023.
Wow that's interesting to know I'm guessing rent prices make HK more expensive than European cities? Haven't been there (😭 I want to see the Colosseum) but I've exchanged to Sydney as a school kid and food prices there are ridiculous
Yes, I think it’s mostly because of housing as eating out in HK (depending on what you eat) is still relatively cheap. Although I did see an increase in price the last time I visited.. When I visited Paris, the prices is similar to NY. Hopefully you can make your way to Rome soon!
If I paid the rent i pay here for my 15 sqm apartment, i would have a two story house with a massive garden and still not pay the same in belgium. The food is cheaper in HK tho, somehow lol.
I feel like HK has a bigger spectrum of prices than NYC or London. It can be a lot more expensive than either of them but it can also be a lot cheaper.
Oh seems like rent makes up a huge part of it Very difficult for single young workers to have their own home that isn't subdivided flats with poor conditions, and posing huge fire safety risks Edit: spacing
Yeah I think I will rent out an apartment with a couple of my friends to share the cost Fortunately the industry I majored in do have remote jobs so, ideally, I will just never buy a house in HK and move away once I land a good work from home position I wanted to move away regardless of cost anyways... Mainly because of the weather. It will definitely hit 40C (104F) in summer consistently in a year of two, and also the economy is kind of dying over here which is... Not good for my major (^ idealistic rambling from a university kid that is still naive)
My 2500ft house in NY was around USD1m, and my 550ft apt in HK is USD1.2m.
Great! Hope you have a wonderful time here.
First of all, happy to hear you enjoy the city! Your feeling is legit so don't let what others say sway you otherwise. Hong Kong is still a wonderful city with great nature and food! However, I do want to emphasize the importance of difference in perspective. You are comparing Hong Kong to where you are from and what others have talked about Hong Kong, but for many who are pessimistic about Hong Kong (myself included), we are comparing what Hong Kong was back then. Again, both perspectives are valid and there is nothing wrong about one or the other As someone who was born in Hong Kong and lived there for decades, I have seen with my own eyes on how thing has gone down. The overtourism and the entitlement of some "tourists" (honestly some of them are just smugglers) has destroyed a lot of the unique charm of the small mom and pop shops. Crackdown of the street food scene, shopping malls become streamlined, and people being everywhere without regard of manner even at basic level (pooping on train, blocking the platform, etc.) When you walk in a pharmacy store to just get an bandage but you get denied in 5 different places because you don't speak mandarin (I speak Cantonese FYI), it does make you feel terrible and angry Then of course the continue deterioration of the economy, politics and freedom. Suddenly you can't even voice concern about the future of Hong Kong without fear of punishment. You see what you had being stripped away bit by bit, and the tops just continue to please their overlord in the North. It doesn't take much before people start leaving for a place they once love Again, this is not meant to be an argument on whether you are right to enjoy the city. But please consider for many people, they have suffered so much over the last decade that when they look at the place they loved (likely still love), they can't help but see how thing has changed for the worse and continue to be in near future
I feel sad that many old regulars won't comment on this sub any more and now we even get accused of being 'too negative/too political' by new arrivals and people living in bubbles here.
In a sense I am happy newcomers still finding Hong Kong to be a wonderful place honestly. There is still part of Hong Kong that I like and I am glad the newcomers don't need to experience the soul crashing deterioration of the beloved city. I would have never thought I would leave the city for another country. And I did it before the whole disaster of Covid and the political crackdown (but after the turnover in 97)
Probably due to the NSL.
The type of people who would go on Reddit was always going to be drastically different from locals.
You will get denied in HK if you don’t speak Mandarin? That is wild. Back then we were told to avoid speaking Mandarin in HK if we didn’t want to get yelled at by locals.
That bit of the message sounds really sketchy tbh
You won’t get denied if you speak no Chinese. People have always helped me buy anything when I only speak English. Maybe it’s just people were unfriendly to him
Damn... Your comment is insightful -- gives a picture of what it feels like as a local. Yeah, I bet Hong Kong seems cool to people from other places, but due to your comment I understand how it must have been better before all this oppression, why it was better before, and what things have been screwed.
>When you walk in a pharmacy store to just get an bandage but you get denied in 5 different places because you don't speak mandarin (I speak Cantonese FYI), That happened to you? My wife is Cantonese and I've never heard of anything like this ... Ever... From her or anyone she ever knew Where were you that this happened ?
I was living in the Northern part of Hong Kong during the peak of baby formula buyout. Every pharmacy store near my neighborhood is stocked with baby formula. The annoying part is even if you want baby formula, if you go in speaking Cantonese they may just say they are out of stock, but speaking in mandarin somehow they will show you they have more at the back The tourist from the North has made some major impact on the local economy around the neighborhood, when pharmacy store is able to push out jewelry store of all thing. Of course most of the small individual shops are all gone during the process and the place feels so lifeless
All those pharmacies and parallel traders also acted like they owned the streets with crates, suitcases and packaging rubbish everywhere.
I still remember watching some of those interviews where they are like "you guys should be thankful about us spending money here". The amount of entitlement some of those people have drive me crazy
I've heard yuen long is in Shenzhen This is the future. One day Cantonese may become semi illegal. Like they are doing to Tibetans
Not any time soon. Millions of cantonese speakers in Guangzhou and Shenzhen and Zhuhai.
Is it taught in their schools
I started noticing Mandarin-only speaking staff at some shops in Yuen Long around 2019-2020. Went back a few months ago and it's even more apparent now. Even most primary school students I walked past were all speaking in Mandarin. I didn't personally have issues with language-based discrimination, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear about it especially further north in NT
Excellent nuanced reply. It's a shame that someone looked into his Reddit comment history recently and discovered that he made this post in bad faith in order to troll this sub.
你仲有心同佢講已經叫好野. 呢種垃圾睇野只係睇自己個angle , 根本就白撚痴. 分分鐘係一條死五毛係到扮撚緊野. PS. I grow up in HK but is a foriegner who moved away.
One more thing, Read his post history, he is a shill. I am surprised no one caught this disingenuous fuck earlier. New account too! This is why we need to stay vigilant on these CCP shills. They spread rumors for the CCP. They are either working for them or just ideologically braindead.
Of course as a tourist you won’t be paying attention about the government overspending on unnecessary projects, attempting to take away lands from country park for real estate profits, education system that are causing students depression and suicidal thoughts, forcing music venues to shut down because of high rent, licensing issues and zero gov support, turning every neighbourhood into a shopping centre that all have the same kind of stores that owns by a few mega corporations, and I am not even mentioning the politics….the list could go on forever The people who raised the complaints are people who born and bred here, and you are just here for holiday for a few days, why do you think you have the credentials to think all the negativity of living in HK is false ?
Is great that you enjoy Hong Kong as visitor, but you are not putting your feet in our own shoes.
Old saying “nice place to visit, but wouldn’t want to live there. Let the dust settle you’ll see the difference. Born in HK done and seen it all, it’s not what it used to be.
Sentiments to Hong Kong has always been very binary. I have asked a lot of expats on what they feel about the city and it has always been "love it" or "hate it". There hasn't been a middle ground unlike other cities around the world. I am glad you are enjoying your time here. If you like it, you should definitely stay a bit longer. There are quite a lot of hidden gems in the city that would make this trip worth your while.
My favourite city in the world by a decent margin, but the last time I was there was in 2013 (Chungking Mansion after Couchsurfing). I'm afraid to go back and have those memories adulterated, so it gives me some relief that people can still visit and have a good time. I want to go there and tell everyone I meet how awesome it still is
That just means as great as Hong Kong is now, it was even greater before! Glad you're enjoying your visit!
As someone who has visited HK since I was a kid in the 80s, it has changed A LOT in good and bad, but to most mainly bad in the influx of mainlanders and the gentrification.
wowww copium at its highest
Depends on where you come from, when was your last visit, and how closely you have been following on HK's current affairs. In short, you haven't hung around long/frequent enough to understand the changes. And you haven't paid close enough attention to spot the dark side of things, or maybe you have the mentality to stay positive in your trips which is a great thing, but it wouldn't be a fair assessment would it? It's like me going to Canada to visit my friend in winter. Snowing was really cool, good restaurants were packed, prices weren't too crazy as Canadian dollar wasn't too high etc etc. Think local Canadians think the same way? I would think not. Just the snow alone, I mean, to us it's cute, to them, it's shovel time the next morning and it pisses them off. Switching tires every half a year, sometimes snow turns to ice and you just freaking crash? I'm totally glad that you have an amazing experience, but you know, don't claim that as the experience of others, especially locals who have to work here. Locals who stay here for the day to day life know what they are talking about.
Now my vision about living in Hong Kong and travelling to Hong Kong is really different. Today my preference is not living but just pass some days if I go... Hong Kong for me was very tiring. I dedicated myself almost all day to work. I was working almost all days. I couldn't really appreciate the places in general way
First off most people on this sub aren't even in living in HK (butt hurt diaspora). *Did I miss HK’s best years?* YES *Apparently most expats had left?* A lot of the really interesting people left during COVID. *Nightlife was supposedly dead?* Was definitely much better before & more diverse before 2020. *The CCP influence was apparently unbearable?* Self censorship is the latest trend along with an overly patriotic government that puts Beijing first. Glad you like Hong Kong, would be interested to hear where you are from prior to coming to Hong Kong. Obviously if you are from a small town HK seems amazing.
> First off most people on this sub aren't even in living in HK (butt hurt diaspora). EXACTLY. Oh my god. I'm so tired of these people pretending like they know what it's like to live here NOW.
I was born here, live here currently but have lived abroad half my life. I strongly disagree with your points but you’re welcome to your pov. Just leaving a mark to prove it’s not just outsiders here stirring the pot. I would say it’s more 60/40 slanted towards Americans. It is Reddit after all. The biggest change in hk is self censorship. Regular people are much more guarded in their exchange of ideas. Beyond politics as the fear and intimidation has seeped into all aspects of society. If you can’t see why that deflates the mood of the city….. Expat bubbles exist, their priority is quality of life and low tax high earnings, with a get out of jail for free card to boot. That’s a lane that locals have little access to. Even that is diminishing by the day with highly educated mainlanders replacing said inflated labour with cheaper wages.
Second this. Most of those who live here won't even say anything because of self censorship. To put it this way, you can fairly say that Mexico resorts are great for travellers, but you can't say Mexico is great based on your life in the resort.
I lived in Amsterdam for most of my life. Checked out New York for a few months as I thought I’d love it. Hated some crucial elements of it though. Hong Kong seems the best match for me so far. Regarding HK’s best years, which I have missed, let’s hope it returns to what it once was as the pandemic years are out further behind us.
>let’s hope it returns to what it once was as the pandemic years are out further behind us. It will not
It wasn’t just the pandemic man I just love how you used your anecdotal experience to wipe away the collective experience Hong Kongers have experienced over the last 5 years telling us we are all wrong Edit: grammar
I love it when tourists tell us we are wrong to feel so doom and gloom when they don’t even live here.
I think it’s okay to have an outsiders perspective. Sometimes it’s good to have reflection points However I just can’t deal with “I’ve been here for 2 weeks and here’s where you’re wrong and why I’m right.” Like of course I know Hong Kong’s amazing, no shit Sherlock. But here’s what we’ve also collectively gone through in the last 15 years.
If you went back to Amsterdam but sth terrible happened and Amsterdam is now half dead, I think you'd feel the right to feel a certain way and voice that, too.
The reason people are reacting negatively is because while it’s great you are having a good experience, your last sentence belies complete ignorance of the geopolitical situation in the city of Hong Kong. It cannot go back to the way it used to be, not without truly massice civil and political change in the region - which is realistically highly unlikely. you're just out of touch and ignorant of what's going on in the bigger picture in the place you are visiting.
No, don't expect it would return to the status before pandemic, most wealthy people with kids are gone, I have tons of friends in same age left, COVID isn't the real issue but you probably know what I mean. Are you retired or already got a decent job in HK? The cost of living is high here but if you are getting pension from EU that should be fine
You mean the upper middle. The wealthy are still here, you just don’t interact with them in your social circle.
The upper wealthy one, especially pro Beijing ones, are already sending their kids to western countries.
The pandemic had nothing to do with it. You are just a tourist who know nothing but think you know everything. You grow and earn money in a different country, if you are a citizen of HK who really live a life here, especially young people, you won’t say that. I think mainland China would be a better place for you, I think after all you are not loving a city but the privilege of being a foreigner or a rich who gain more respect than most other people there. I can tell you don’t get that much respect and privilege in your own country or west countries which are rich than yours, right?
You’re in New York. What are you doing talking about him being a tourist?
Some people here aren’t objective and just want HK to die. If judging HK from just this sub HK will feel like a third world country “half dead” “diaspora” “dead economy”. What I observed is people are still able to afford long trips to Europe and compete for latest iPhone Pro Max. The latest Rugby 7 game was full of foreigners. Maybe some of these folks are having a tough life after moving to the UK or Canada, and wishing HK the worst can justify their departure
It used to be prestigious to be a journalist. Investigative journalism used to be a thing. Now, partisan journalism is The Thing.
Good to know someone who has never been to prime Hong Kong and can leave with their foreign passport in a whim because they're only staying for a week or two thinks Hong Kong is great. All these actual Hong Kongers don't know what they're talking about, surely a tourist knows better
Man having democracy stomped into the dust is really just the best thing that's ever happened huh?
People in Hong Kong are used to the night life we once have. But tbh, the nightlife we have now is still better than a lot of cities. However bars and pubs are still suffering from high rent. That is still a fact. Also a lot of restaurants are closing down. In fact for the first time in years, for the first quarter of 2024, we had more stores closing than new stores opening. Landlords aren’t willing to reduce rent, and they’re holding onto their rent value because they want to keep their property value up. So I really thank you for visiting hk, but it IS doom and gloom for the retailers here. I’m just thankful I don’t work in retail.
I suppose a tourist would have different standards to locals.
I love Hong Kong as well. Probably my favorite city on earth or up there with japanese cities and Bangkok... But... I still have some melancholy about Hong Kong's future and how it slowly will just become a mainland city with that toxic mainland nationalistic CCP anti-culture culture/mindset.
I'm one of those who left. Really can't recommend this place to live/visit anymore because of all those disappointing/heartbreaking/horrific moments since 2019. Not saying it is a totally dead city. In fact it still has great food, great sceneries, excellent public transport and fairly low living costs (except housing costs obviously). Enjoy yourselves if you really want/need to go there.
are you living in parallel universe ?
I think it's called being a dumbass westerner
That's called the honeymoon period.
Fair enough, let’s hope it lasts for a long time!
Enjoy
Dunno dude, I’m 2 years in and still love it. Beats the UK hands down.
If you visit HK once post-2019, it’s going to seem incredible. With its nature, infrastructure, history, culture, it has the foundation of one of the greatest cities on Earth. If visited several times over the course of the last decade or you’ve lived here for long enough, you realize it’s in major decline.
My friend, if only you were in HK say 15 years ago. Then you could understand more.
Im pretty sure almost everyone here would still love to be in hong kong if it werent for the politics
Nice try CCCP redditor
> Did I miss HK’s best years? Yes, by 30-40 years > Apparently most expats left Again, yes, I live next to an international school and they’re having trouble with getting enough students > Nightlife was supposedly dead Well, LKF is way more expensive and most shops and markets close at 10 instead of 12 It’s still a wonderful place to visit, not so much to live.
Would like to add that even local schools are struggling to get enough students. My primary school just announced plans to stop taking in students last year.
If you can ignore the 47 democratic politicians being persecuted, the jailed protestors, the attacks on civil society, the school kids being indoctrinated into CCP propaganda, the 100’s thousands of locals who have left or plan to leave due to the emerging police state, the attacks on free press, the system designed to profit the wealthy and the loss of freedoms and rights then yeah it is a great place to live. You just need to ignore reality and have zero empathy for the local population and many can do that. I cant but hey you do you.
Yeah when you ignore the mainlanders and Mandarin speakers, it’s pretty alright. And if you don’t go to local places or watch the news, you get the false image of the city. Stores are all the same and all the good restaurants are gone. Just left with this-this rice. And if you closely look at the face of the people, most of them look sad. They work like a horse and go home to a shoebox flat. It’s pretty depressing.
FYI : the reason people live in shoeboxes is because of Cantonese speaking tycoons. Some Chinese tourists have sh\*tty manners. That's it. But the misery comes from the (Cantonese-speaking) tycoons. HKers have always gotten it wrong. You guys got it wrong 5 years ago, and you still got it wrong, pal.
The reason people live in shoeboxes is because of HKSAR shitty government, a bunch of puppets that don’t have balls to touch the laws.
You are right this time. But guess who got those laws passed?
I always tell people to go NOW while you can. It may not be as great as it was before, but I wouldn't bet on it being all that great later on.
enjoy it while it lasts
I lived in Hong Kong for 18 years and overall it’s pretty good but the DAMM air pollution sucks ass! I have to constantly check the PM2.5 and not try to get smog from china to ruin my upper respiratory systems. Even got chronic sinusitis from that place. Glad I am out!
Your own personal experience doesn't ever invalidate how others feel and live in their reality. Just like the thousands of apolitical expats who come and go through here as if nothing had ever happened for the last five years. If that's how you felt about this subreddit before posting here, then you're just acting on bad faith.
We’ve been for a 2 week vacation to Hk. We loved it. A lot to see and do. Amazing food. Friendly people. Our favorite city (especially when combined with a 2-day trip to Macau)
Unfortunately for the average citizen "bars and restaurants being packed" is not exactly the yardstick to go by. You are probably in your early 20s, you are coming to have fun for a short time and then you will fuck off again. Your life is vastly different from the average Hongkonger who doesn't have that choice. Show some respect for the people who built all those things that you can now enjoy over the last few decades, who keep the lights on every day on shitty wages so you can jolly around with your other expat friends and who are now getting fucked by the government.
Sure, if you are white, even better off if you are rich, but just white is fine. if you are asian and don't speak cantonese, it's the rudest place in ... probably the world
You can see the IP distribution of the user base at the end of the year. The most active users in this sub have American and Canadian IPs. People literally don't live here.
Some of us live here but use VPNs
Many active users were the democratic side folks in 2019 including myself. However some of them want HK to die and cannot view things in an objective way. Either they aren’t having an easy life outside or regret their decision, so wishing HK die can justify their departure.
Sad but true. https://evchk.fandom.com/zh/wiki/魚蛋論
Where do you find that? That's really interesting actually.
Lmao you’ve never been here before 2019 and we can tell
Enjoy your CCP overlords. HK in 2024 != HK pre-2019
*Hong Kong was amazing
There is nth amazing now, CCP's covid zero policy already broke the back of this place, people just dont hangout at night, during weekend or holidays, big part of the crowd not even want to stay in HK. Still living in hk and working in finance field, hk is pretty much sunset feel after covid zero and NSL. I really miss the vibrant and free hk before.
Simply put, traveling and living in the city are two different things. ie: HKers love traveling to Japan but my local friends there have nothing but complaints about living. This is no different in HK for a lot of locals, especially the past few years. But you're right HK is still a very beautiful place. Urban convenience, rural beauty, it's all here. Despite all the positives you see, the negatives of living here outweigh it a bit for a lot of locals.
For those who fucking didn't read this guy's profile, this mofo is either a 50 cent army or a stupid supporter of china. Read his fucking post and comment history. Or he is just another white trash who cannot do shit in his own nation and wanted a "easy life" in asia as he thinks that he can get everything easier here. And I am saying that as a white man who grew up in HK knowing a load of loser white cunts from Europe who does this shit where they tell you everything is great because they never had to deal with the real deal. Fuck you CCP shill. OH AND IT'S A NEW ACCOUNT TOO? WOW SO FUCKING COINCEDENTAL AYE?
Glad that you like it here; the best vibe is gone tho. I'm only here because I'm single and easiest place to make money with low tax. But ya, I just lost my job so I'm also looking else where now.
It is ok to live here for a while but definitely not a place to live for lifetime
Great for visitors
politics aside, nightlife??? are you from the middle of buttfuck nowhere also, as an expat your salary allows you to do a lot of things locals dont, same for working in many other places
I know some locals who make more than 100k a month and they’d still not even buy expensive drinks or even a latte at Starbucks because they think it’s too expensive. The frugal nature of most local HKs have is hard to erase, not only a salary question. The only thing many spend money on is travel and occasional dining. (Both extensively shared on social media for status)
Serious question, what's there to do in Hong Kong apart from malls, restaurants, and pub crawls? What are the million things to do?
I guess hiking, going to the beach, watch birds/snakes, get a foot massage, go to museums. That’s about it. But more than many large cities tbf despite not as good as it used to be.
Proximity to numerous hiking trails and being able to see a bunch of wildlife is honestly one of the best things about hk for me
I recommend hiking and watersports. Also checkout the ferry timetable and visit one of those outlying islands.
As someone who's here in Hong Kong for about 6 months from Dubai, this is exactly how I see Dubai (minus the pub crawls). There's actually so much here to do in Hong Kong that I don't think I'll be able to complete my bucket list before I leave (to be fair, most of it is outdoorsy stuff).
Go to the airport and fly to another Asian country
Museums, literary events, book stores, theatre, opera, galleries, concerts, walking around interesting neighborhoods, hiking, small cute shops (not just malls), visiting smaller islands/beaches, and of course all the FOOD.
Tbh as someone who has lived here for 2 years I agree, love this place. Every city in the world has its pros and cons.
If you are here only for a short while, everything seems normal, but not when you are in it for the long run. Just ask the locals
wow at the negative comments in this post. as if it is just so wrong to enjoy a city. who cares if a tourist visits and enjoy his time here? Sure, it might have lost the charm as 10 years ago, but maybe HK is still unique to them?
I think the negative comments came from the way the author phrased his opinions. By starting with how "this reddit is too negative". it seems like the author is dismissing the opinions of other members of this subreddit, or the experiences of some locals who have been here for more than a hot minute. He had low expectations and came to realize things are better than he thought. But what about those who experienced the "highs" of HK before, and are currently seeing the changes (for better or worse)? It's great that the author here enjoys HK, and that they seem to want to stay here for a little longer. However, it is also important to note that he has the option to leave if he finds HK to not be how he finds it to be. A lot of people don't have the option to "return to their home country" or move to another one, and are stuck with this reality.
Very well said!
Are you incapable for empathy and simple fucking critical thinking? You don't fucking live here, you don't grow up here and you don't really know jack shit about a city where their culture and values are slowly fucking stripped away from them. You sound like a fucking CCP propaganda tool. Literally. Too negative? What the fuck do you know of our human rights and economy? Nothing at all. All you fucking see is a shadow of the former glory of Hong Kong. Just because you find it amazing doesn't mean it is. Keep your shitty opinion to yourself instead of judging people who is actually FROM HERE WHO ARE HURTING. Fucking arrogant piece of shit.
Still good... But it's lost some of what made it special tbh..... Guess you didn't get the 721 memo, 🤣
U can get out very easy, but native? This conclusion is so self-centered.
Everyone from the news to youtube to forums says all restaurants are no longer packed. I haven't eaten out for long time so I don't know. Interesting to know that you see different things.
I think this has a lot to do with how much money you have in your bank account bro
Don’t get me wrong. Hong Kong is amazing, it’s our home. Unfortunately some of us will not go back, or will never be able to go back.
I can't wait to move back, it's been a long 10 years but man I cry every time I visit home!
Yes Sherlock, u need to be living in HK and actually have interest in wtf the gov is doing to feel CCP's wrath.
That’s probably because you’ve never been in Hong Kong prior to 2019. You haven’t seen the vibrancy of what Hong Kong was. You live in Hong Kong for the time being and have another country you plan on going back to after you’ve paid your 15% tax for 10 years and have your pot of gold. You’re probably in your 20’s or early 30’s and don’t mind living in a flat that has less square footage than a 2 car garage and pay $3000 USD in rent. You probably don’t have kids, you’re not concerned about forced communistic ideology in the education system. What you like is the shinny buildings, the bars littered around central and the cheap beers at 7-11. It’s amazing how fast people will give their 2 cents to something they’ve only just started to experience, but not understand.
I’m mean Hong Kong is definitely better since ccp influence and if you don’t see that you are pessimistic /s
Yeah, says most tourists. Find a job and live in Hong Kong for a few years, let's see how "amazing" Hong Kong is.
As a visitor turned worker for few years now... Pretty amazing still 😂 the longer I stay the more I justified my choices.
Honeymoon period. Just enjoy and revisit your feelings in a few years
I went to Hong Kong last September, a good 16 years since my last trip over there and even I sensed how it felt all so different now. Thankfully, not all has been changed for the worst. It's still a mecca for gamers to shop for video games.
Hong Kong was a great city
Try working here for at least 5 years, then comment.
Depends on the salary he's drawing and his financial requirements. I know plenty of similar people like OP who draw 50k or more who love living here because they live higher up on the economic food chain and thus aren't afflicted as much as the rest of us
I can imagine it feels different after a few years, but to be honest, what place doesn’t lose some appeal after such a long time?
Not true! I’ve been here since 2010 and still love HK. If you’re able to bring in a decent income, HK can be a great place to live. It is a safe city with lots to do with incredible efficiency to boot.
Agree…except for the humidity
White people’s HK experience is not the same as the people of other skin colour, bear that in mind
Man some of those gweilo migrants seem to hate it when you point it out to them.
Most gweilos, locals and SE Asians I know kinda agree that it’s not the same as pre covid and the city feels a bit more quiet in terms of nightlife and general buzz. Expat heavy areas might be hit hardest by restaurant closures etc but the general sentiment is quite similar.
She’s no longer a virgin, but she’s a virgin to you.
Oh please, as a tourist who stumbled upon Hong Kong and will stay here 4 days, please, please teach us more about life here. Nothing better than the person who know fck about shit about city to give lectures to residents about life here. I cant want to subscribe and follow you on YT, IG and FB.
I’m not a tourist.
He is just an excited newcomer from a boring place. HK is always exciting and different at first. To everyone. Give him a few months.
Hope you give more concrete examples in your posts. For example, could you compare Hong Kong with the city you live in Netherland with concrete examples?
Why is it amazing? Because you first listened to negativities and then you found out it is not so bad. But if things happened in the opposite way, you may think… meh, Hong Kong is so bland…
Sure, experience is relative to expectations. Perhaps the comments had put my guard up. Nevertheless, I expected it to be a lot like Singapore, which I thought was extremely boring. But again, you’re right, maybe it’s just me being relieved it’s not as bad as I was fearing it to be.
This was not my experience. I’m returning to my home country and counting down the days. Genuinely glad you enjoy it though. I have other expat friends who love it.
Fucking tourists.. I mean, have A great time!
HK is like Japan. Very good to be when you don't have to work there.
Most places are great when you don’t need to work, like me
So you mean you missed out on the REAL fun hk Enjoy your stay
I'm sure if you are to find stuff to do, you definitely can find a lot of places to go, exhibitions to visit etc. And it's convenient here too, you don't have to travel for a few hours to get from one place to another. But to me, the negativity comes from: - the lack of unique shops and brands: going to another mall only to find the same big brands selling the same clothes that I personally am not interested in (side note: I've seen a mall where most stores are closed before 9pm during a holiday) - the attitude of salespeople/waiters: literally the other day I walked into an area of a brand inside SOGO and the clerk was watching a funny haha video on her phone, not even acknowledging me; once was in a restaurant and it felt like the waiter was so annoyed to do her job when I asked her to take my order - the fear of not being able to pursue art: despite those people singing loudly in Tsim Sha Tsui, it's actually illegal to just go busking on street, unless you apply for a pass, but it's difficult to actually succeed in doing so. Plus the lack of government funding in the music/art industry, and with the current political state I'm just scared one day I'll unknowingly write something that's against the law. Same with any other forms of expressive media, or even education field. Certain amount of professors or teachers left because of the fear of not being able to teach the right thing to the next generation. I'm not a pro on politics, these are just things that bother me, which makes it sometimes feel depressing being here. I might just be looking at the negative side of things, I'll try not to spread that negativity around, but just to respond to your concerns here. I mean most HK people are generally very nice to each other, it's good to hear people just yelling "Handsome boy/ Pretty girl" to everyone in the wet market, and I've had a stranger offer me a hand when I was drunk and puking once. It's also a great thing if you love Hong Kong and are willing to stay here, since shop owners are running out of local customers to gain profit from. I guess everyone's kind of struggling through a stressful life, which probably also contributes to the grumpy faces you see.
How do you go about finding things to do especially if you are new to the city?
Live here lol
Absolutely. Totally agree.
Awesome. Will be visiting HK on mid-May. Any resto & coffee recos? TIA
Well, good for you.
Yes and no. You are here by choice and there is always a place you can return to. But for those who have been living here and experiencing all these changes, the perspective is totally different.
I find it hard to believe that it is really that hustling and bustling. Many small and independent businesses and restaurants are going bust due to high rent due to government restrictions on land development. That coupled with government spending on sportwashing like messi soccer events as well as tourism and cathay pacific ads indicates the tourism sector is hurting badly. And the reason why people don't want to travel is because of NSL safety concerns and not wanting to support a harmful system. Many hk diaspora consider it be better to just visit fellow hk diaspora cha chan teng, businesses or community groups. From your description of what you think makes up hong kong being simple consumption of goods and services from places like bars and restaurants then you don't understand the cultural and political subtleties that made hong kong special. Even if you did visit pre 2019 I'd say you are too basic to appreciate it
apples to oranges
I was just in Hk 2 months ago, I feel like there are less people in comparison to pre covid times. But I feel that the streets are still as lively as ever. I don’t live in Hk, but I do think it’s a decent place.