Hong Kong is often
described as a city where East meets West. This is
reflected in all aspects of the culture, but especially
in its shopping, nightlife, and dining.
A popular destination for shoppers from around
the world, Hong Kong has everything to offer from
the latest European fashion to traditional Chinese
wares. Malls, department stores, and designer boutiques
offer an amazing contrast to the bustling open-air
Stanley Market and Jade Market shopping areas. Every
district in Hong Kong has old-fashioned stores that
sell Chinese herbal medicine. The largest concentration
of these shops is along Bonham Strand and Bonham
Strand West in Sheung Wan, where all types of pills,
plants, and dried animals are for sale.
The Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Tsim Sha Tsui Clock
Tower at nightHong Kong has an active nightlife centred
on two major entertainment districts, Lan Kwai Fong
(Central) and Wanchai. Both areas are frequented by
expatriates and locals alike. For a more quiet evening,
a trip to Victoria Peak offers a spectacular view of
the city. There is also a promenade along the Tsim
Sha Tsui waterfront, which is popular among young Chinese
couples. Shopping, a form of entertainment for the
people of Hong Kong, is even done at nighttime as evident
in the Temple Street Night Market.
The city's cosmopolitan flavour can also be seen
in the wide variety of cuisines available. While different
varieties of Chinese selections, especially seafood,
are most popular, there are also many European, American,
Japanese, Korean, and other restaurants. Ethnic dishes
served in cha chaan teng and dai pai dong are also
popular. The people of Hong Kong take their food seriously
and many top chefs make their way to the city to show
off their talents to these discriminating diners.
Cantonese OperaEntertainment and the performing arts
also reflect Hong Kong's blend of the Chinese and the
Western. The film industry and the "Cantopop" music
industry scramble together both influences and have
long been enormously successful locally and internationally,
with star performers as ubiquitous icons. Many of these
come out of the dramatic and variety programs on local
television, which has been a major presence since 1967.
All three of these industries export entertainment
to Chinese-speaking communities around the world. Western-style
theatre and various forms of traditional Chinese opera
co-exist on local stages.
The world famous Hong Kong International Dragonboat
Festival, now known as the Circus Capital Stanley Dragon
Boat Championships, is a celebration of community that
is televised globally. |