Buzz
Despite working in towering skyscrapers, locals hold onto beliefs in feng shui and rituals to ward off bad luck.
The Dual Nature of Life in Hong Kong: Modernity and Mystery
From a small fishing village, Hong Kong has transformed into one of the busiest port cities and commercial centers globally. According to BBC, its history entwined with China and closely linked to the United Kingdom has produced a unique blend of East and West cultures.
Amidst luxurious skyscrapers, ancient traditions still thrive. Despite their modern appearance, buildings are constructed based on Chinese feng shui principles.
A notable tradition here is the Exorcism of Malevolence, a ritual to expel evil spirits and bad luck conducted by hired mediums. Travelers can easily witness these ceremonies at Canal Road Flyover in Causeway Bay. According to Ski Yeo, a Singaporean resident for 7 years, the sight of mediums at night is truly worth seeing.
The mystic practitioners will ignite fragrant incense and candles to create an enigmatic atmosphere. They will use shoes to strike a piece of paper symbolizing the wrongdoer. The paper bears the name of the person whom the client wishes to banish. This action signifies the expulsion of negativity from the client's life.
However, the strong connection to tradition doesn't deter Hong Kong from embracing other cultures. As a destination for numerous European and Asian immigrants, the city provides a diverse environment conducive to easy integration. Over half of Hong Kong's residents speak English, reducing barriers in communication and making friendships easier.
'I grew up in New York, where people are very aloof when it comes to interacting with strangers. But here, many people suggest meeting again after the initial encounter,' said Audra Gordon, founder of the fashion company Global Identity Partners.
'Hong Kong is a place with a very fast pace of life, suitable for those who love urban living,' said Alan Lau, CEO of Apollon Blockchain.
The locals often speak straightforwardly to avoid wasting time, something Westerners might be more accustomed to than Asians. Additionally, people in Hong Kong rarely use words like 'please' or 'thank you'.
The fast-paced life of the city sometimes leaves many feeling weary. However, Hong Kong also offers beaches and walking trails enough to provide a serene and relaxing space. These locations are easily accessible thanks to the convenient public transportation system.
'Sai Kung is a stunning body of water, where you can hike up nearby cliffs to admire the lake from above. Or Lamma Island boasts a tranquil walking trail with numerous beaches,' marketing expert Stacy Caprio remarked.
The housing prices in Hong Kong rank among the highest globally, prompting residents to utilize every available space. 'You'll find amazing eateries in places you wouldn't imagine, like on the 13th floor of a rundown building. People live in what are called 'coffin homes,' measuring 4-8 square meters. There's always a creative way to solve a problem, and people here never give up,' Yeo said.
According to Expatistan, an 85m² apartment in Hong Kong will cost 67% more than in London and 34% more than in New York. However, reasonable taxes and affordable public transportation have helped alleviate some of the living expenses burden.
Source: Truong Dang/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourAugust 21, 2018
