Opinion | Abrasive, loveable Hong Kong
Kelly Yang says while life here can be difficult, not least for someone born on the mainland trying to fit in, the city is also loveable in its own way
When I arrived in Hong Kong seven years ago, I did not expect to love it, especially the lack of space. Yet it has a way of pleasantly surprising you; and that has a lot to do with the people who make up this city.
Hong Kong people are unique. They can't be lumped together with the rest of the Chinese people. In order to integrate, you have to respect that. You have to take it upon yourself to really understand the locals. I don't claim to understand completely, but there are a few things I've come to understand.
First, yes, it's all about the money. That's obvious the minute you step off the plane. But this commerce mentality isn't necessarily bad. It's one reason why Hongkongers fundamentally like new products, ideas and people. They are open-minded and far more accepting of change than so many other populations.
Second, Hong Kong people always leave money on the table. I've been doing business here for years and I see it all the time, from the guy at the dai pai dong to the swanky real estate agent handling million-dollar deals. Hong Kong people leave money on the table because they believe in the next time. This mentality is not just great for business, it's also great for life.
Yang says life in Hong Kong as a mainlander is not a piece of cake. Part of the problem, though, is the fact that life in Hong Kong isn't a piece of cake for anyone - it's a sink-or-swim kind of place; you stay and toil hard or you pack up and go home.