Then & Now | Big Lychee vs Big Apple: is Hong Kong really an Asian New York?
Hong Kong may share a few characteristics with New York, but the resemblance has been exaggerated, writes Jason Wordie
Probably the most repeated Hong Kong cliché is that this city is – in every respect – the Asian New York.
Superficial similarities between the two cities are obvious: both are major financial hubs, with skyscraper skylines, densely crowded streets, an unabashed money-worshipping culture and abundant “buzz”.
Yet this self-conscious comparative state neglects to highlight the most obvious dissimilarity: New York is New York while parts of Hong Kong merely pretend to be.
Deliberately New York(ish) flavours abound. Manhattan This and Manhattan That are popular labels for residential and commercial buildings, while other names trade on the perceived glamour of certain New York areas – Upper East, Gramercy, Tribeca, SoHo and the rest.
Illegally converted factory buildings in decayed former industrial areas such as Wong Chuk Hang are pretentiously rebranded as “New York-style lofts”, with a “funky, East Village” vibe. New York-style delis and Italian- American themed restaurants cater to people who – if they were honest – would rather not be on the southern coast of China.