Hong Kong Culture
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 Opera Entertainment 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.
- Hong Kong History
- Hong Kong Climate
- Hong Kong Culture
- Hong Kong Transportation
- Hong Kong Economy
- Hong Kong Geography
- Hong Kong Visa Free Countries
