Is Hong Kong a great city? A visit to New York showed why it won’t be taking a bite out of the Big Apple any time soon

While Hong Kong, in aiming to be ‘Asia’s world city’, has tried to imitate New York, from its food carts to cultural centres, it lacks the quality and diversity of attractions of the Big Apple and remains a long way behind

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A couple pose for a selfie from The Peak flanked by Victoria Harbour and the downtown Hong Kong skyline on April 19. Photo: Sam Tsang

Australian-born Peter Kammerer has lived and worked in Hong Kong for more than 30 years, joining the Post in 1988.

Published: 5:00am, 4 Jun 2019Updated: 5:54am, 4 Jun 2019

The word “great” means different things to different people. A list of the world’s “great” cities is therefore bound to be highly subjective. But Hong Kong promotes itself as “Asia’s world city” and its leaders crow endlessly about how wonderful it is, so you’d expect it to rank at least in the top 10. Shockingly, the results that come up in a Google search, no matter whether based on well-rounded research or personal feelings, rarely place it that high.

My thoughts of greatness came during a recent two-week stay in New York. I have a long list of things to do each time I go there, but the city is so dynamic and interesting that there are inevitably leftovers and extras that have to wait for the next trip. On the way back, I got to thinking about a potential “to do” list for Hong Kong and figured a week would be more than enough to accomplish it.

New York, like London, ranks in the top two or three on almost every “great city” list. Both always feature on the regular survey of the world’s best cities, carried out by the international accounting and consulting firm PwC, based on a mix of economic strength, infrastructure, innovation, influence, entertainment, culture and food.

In the last report, in 2016, Hong Kong placed 16th. London was on top, followed by Paris, New York, Amsterdam and Sydney, with Tokyo at seventh, Singapore at 17th and Beijing 18th.

Hong Kong was tagged “Asia’s world city” by the government in 2001 with the aim of raising its international profile to attract business and tourists. Justification was given through its perceived attributes of being “a free and dynamic society where creativity and entrepreneurship converge.

Strategically located in the heart of Asia, it is a cosmopolitan city offering global connectivity, security and rich diversity, and is home to a unique network of people who celebrate excellence and quality living.”