Hong Kong’s history spans from its origins as a British colony, with the cession of Hong Kong Island in 1842, to its current status as a Special Administrative Region of China under the principle of “one country, two systems”. This means that while it is considered to be in China, the mainland Chinese cannot travel freely into Hong Kong without a visa; typically, this visa is good for only two weeks. The citizens of Hong Kong can travel freely into mainland China without a visa or restriction of time spent.
The British empire acquired the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 and then signed a 99 year lease for the New Territories in 1898 expanding its territory. Despite Japanese occupation during WWII, Hong Kong flourished economically, becoming a global financial center and commercial port. The agreement with Britain ended in 1997 and Hong Kong has since been part of China. The city faces challenges such as income inequality and a chronic housing shortage. Yet, it boasts high human development indicators, including a high life expectancy and extensive public transportation. Its vibrant culture, rich Confucian traditions, and renowned cuisine add to its allure. Architecturally, it blends modern skyscrapers with ancient temples, reflecting its diverse influences. Hong Kong’s story reflects resilience amidst complex geopolitical dynamics, balancing tradition and progress as it continues to thrive as one of the world’s most significant economic and cultural hubs.
Hong Kong has 7.4 million people living in an area of just under 425 square miles in total. 100% of its people live in apartments or condominiums. 60% of those people live in government sponsored housing, where 4-6 people live in 400 square feet. The government charges $400 USD for its provided housing. The price of real estate in Hong Kong is $2000 USD per square foot, so only the very wealthy can buy homes. There are three underwater tunnels that connect the peninsula to the rest of Hong Kong island. Shipping and finance are the main economic drivers in Hong Kong, they have no agriculture and all of their supplies and food sources are shipped in. Prior to Covid, 75 million tourists came to Hong Kong each year. Since their tourist industry reopened last year, they now receive about 50 million people per year. As tourism is a vital part of their economy they hope this will rebound to previous levels.
The language in Hong Kong is Cantonese and the language in mainland China is Mandarin. The cars in Hong Kong drive on the left and the cars in mainland China drive on the right. These are some other additional differences between these two areas. Very few people own cars in Hong Kong, those who do, do so as a status symbol. Most citizens rely on the vast public transportation systems to make their way around. Buying a car is nearly impossible for most since there is a 100% tax on importing cars. The government is hoping to make all cars electric in the next 10-15 years by not charging tax on those particular cars, no matter the make. Hong Kong is also home to the second-highest number of billionaires of any city in the world.
We started our first day here by walking around the city of Kowloon. Our ship is relatively small so we were able to be in the port in the heart of Kowloon. Our walk took us directly into a very large shopping mall prior to reaching the street. We decided to see if we could find a tailor to buy some customized clothing that is widespread throughout Hong Kong. We were both measured for a few items and were asked to return the next day for our fittings. Joe desperately needed a haircut so one of the tailors escorted him to a barber shop across the street, while I looked through offerings in the tailor shop. After that adventure, we walked through a lovely park before finding a spot for lunch. By this time, we had walked for hours and decided a break was in order prior to our evening plans. At 6:00 pm we took an excursion to the top of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong island. We rode The Peak Tram, the world’s steepest funicular up to the top, which gives a bird’s eye view of the city’s iconic skyline. After capturing some photos we got back on our bus and returned to the city. We then boarded the city’s double decker tram that slowly wound its way through the busy streets of the island. There is nothing quite like Hong Kong at night.
Day two was another walking marathon. We began the day with our fittings at the tailor. We then had a delicious lunch of Dim Sum at a restaurant recommended by the staff in the tailor shop. Our afternoon was spent riding the metro around the city to spots also recommended by locals. We shopped some more in the Ladies Market and finally returned to the ship exhausted. I hadn’t been to Hong Kong since the late 1980’s and so much had changed. This was a welcome revisit to a beautiful city. We did not see some of the temples we may have liked to see, but it gives us reason to return and we have plenty more opportunity coming up in Taiwan and Japan to see additional temples.
The night before arrival in Hong Kong, we attended a goodbye dinner for some of our cruising friends that were disembarking. A whole new group boarded in Hong Kong and we have noticed a lot of new faces in our hallway. Another chance to meet some new and interesting people. We are now 38 days into our 80 day cruise. Today we have a day at sea on the way to Taiwan and Taipei. Some of our favorite staff members also disembark at each of these major cities; their contracts are finishing up and sometimes, we lose our favorites. Our room attendants have also switched over in Hong Kong as contracts ended. It’s surprising how close you can feel to these people who become a part of your daily routine. I’ve decided I don’t like goodbyes.
Joe has mostly recovered from his cold symptoms but mine have persisted and I have a very low energy level. I’ve been happy to have this sea day to rest and relax. We played trivia today and the four remaining players from our team were recruited by another team and we are now called, “The Smarty Pants”. Tonight, is a formal night and we are meeting with the group that we were seated with on our Gala night in Sydney…a reunion of sorts. We have had relatively calm seas but the haze and fog along with overcast skies have lowered the temperature outdoors. We are now experiencing highs in the 70’s and it is a welcome change.
Today’s fun fact: we have held true to our commitment to not take the elevators. Yesterday may have been the most tempting day yet after two long days of walking around Hong Kong. I practically crawled up the last several flights to deck 8 after arriving back to the ship. I wasn’t able to muster the energy to workout today but Joe did. I have to keep up with it if I expect any of my clothing to fit by the end of the cruise.
