The Duality of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is not just adorned with flattering descriptions like the 'freest place in the world', the 'heart of Asia', or the 'shopping paradise'. Beyond these superficial praises lies a multifaceted identity.

A History of Contrasts

The Luxury-Addicted Island

Venturing out at 11 PM, you might question if your watch has fast-forwarded a few hours, as the streets teem with people. Hong Kongers seem brimming with energy. Despite toiling all day in this financial epicenter, they return home late. Without waiting for the weekend, every evening is dedicated to shopping – and it must be underscored: luxury shopping.

By 7 PM, strolling along Harbour City's boulevard, it's conspicuous to spot a patient queue outside the Chanel store, eagerly awaiting to secure a bag they may have pre-ordered a year ago. Even at 11 PM, the Dior store on the central street remains illuminated, welcoming nocturnal tourists eager to explore luxury brands. Hong Kongers perceive luxury as essential, to the extent that a book once mused: 'If Adam and Eve lived in Hong Kong, they wouldn't concern themselves with apples or snakes, but undoubtedly opt for a Hermès Birkin crocodile leather bag or a Bvlgari watch with a snake leather strap in apple green color, then proceed to a nearby Armani bar for a martini...'

Alongside Japan, the youth of Hong Kong stands at the forefront of fashion trends. The harmonious collision of East and West cultures here endows Hong Kong's young men and women with both the subtlety and discretion of the East and the liberated and daring spirit of the West. This fusion creates a beauty of taste that is not dazzling but rather feels unfamiliar, intriguing, and comfortable, akin to admiring a mixed-race girl: black hair, a petite nose accentuating deep eyes, and fair skin. They effortlessly switch between English and Chinese. Similarly, every signboard on the streets of Hong Kong is written in both languages.

Speaking of signboards and colorful lights, these are the two elements that dazzle tourists with Hong Kong's extravagance and flamboyance at night, also contributing to its inclusion in the list of cities with the highest light pollution levels in the world.

The sleeping fishing village

Of course, when in Hong Kong, you'll naturally find your way to Lan Kwai Fong without needing any guidance. And if the night before you got lost in the vibrant scene of nearly 100 bars in this top entertainment district of Hong Kong, chances are you won't be sober enough to recognize it the next morning. As the night owls stagger home, bar doors closing, the neighborhood transforms into an unbelievably tranquil demeanor, akin to a beautiful yet reticent girl.

This is also the common sight of Soho district - the entertainment hub in the Central area during daylight hours.

During the day, youths and middle-aged individuals flock to the Mid-levels escalator (the longest outdoor escalator in the world), commuting to work. The narrow, sloping streets constructed on the mountainside now seem to exist solely to support the slow pace of elderly people with silvery hair. Somewhere on the roadside, stands a vintage bicycle seemingly leftover from pre-reform China era. Shops remain open, not bothering to switch on a light.

Hong Kong now resembles a sleeping fishing village. The slow pace of life makes one completely forget the hurried, bustling atmosphere of the central streets. But it's precisely because of this leisurely pace that we have the opportunity to clearly observe the distinctive architecture of this area. Small, colorful houses are closely packed together. Cafes without music or lights, absolutely unassuming yet adorned with flags from various countries, subtly conveying the message: this is a place for cultural exchange between East and West.

Just sit at that café if you still want to grasp the tranquil rhythm of a part of Hong Kong. If not, there's still another way to live slowly amidst this fast-paced city: climb to the second floor of a double-decker tram, sway gently while watching the flow of people moving like ants on the sidewalks, smile when you spot a taxi driver tapping lightly on the steering wheel, count the 'ting-ting' sounds of the traffic light, eagerly awaiting the green light to zoom off as if unaware of the concept of slow living.

Flying to Hong Kong

- Cathay Pacific operates 16 flights per week from Ho Chi Minh City. Contact: (08) 38 223 203.

- Dragonair - a subsidiary of the Cathay Pacific Group, operates 10 flights per week from Hanoi, or 3 flights per week from Danang. Contact: (04) 38 267 298/38 267 299.

Visit the website www.dragonair.com.vn for more details.

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Source: Travel Guide from Mytour – According to Beauty Magazine.