Letters | Hong Kong, through the eyes of a mainland visitor
- Readers discuss Hong Kong’s position in China’s economy, the growing importance of the Shenzhen Bay control point, and a warning from Malaysia’s new king
Exactly seven years ago, during the Lunar New Year holiday, my family visited Hong Kong for the first time. We were amazed by the city’s crowded streets, the magnificent lights at night, and of course, how expensive it was to live here.
I love Hong Kong the way it was and is, but here are my takes as a visitor.
First, Hong Kong is becoming more like a regular metropolis elsewhere in China. Don’t get me wrong, the signatures of the city are still here. But elsewhere in China, we have seen similar things, except bigger or with more visitors.
Second, local people are looking nostalgic yet speaking better Mandarin. Before this visit, I came across videos online about Hongkongers shopping more often in Shenzhen. This competition from the north must be the reason many shopkeepers in Hong Kong are giving mainland visitors like us the “all right, so how can I help you?” look nearly all the time.