This past weekend I finally ventured out of Shenzhen into new territory: Hong Kong. To keep you from confusing the two, here’s a small analysis about the differences between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. While both are special zones part of People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong is a SAR (Special Administrative Region) while Shenzhen is a SEZ (Special Economic Zone). Although both regions have special laws to increase foreign trade, they have manifested into contrasting cities.
Traveling to Hong Kong feels very much like you’ve left China for another country. In fact, Hong Kong feels like a Chinese New York and has a very different vibe than Shenzhen. Upon entering Hong Kong, I grew worried about my lack of knowledge of speaking Cantonese. In Shenzhen, lack of Mandarin meant difficultly ordering food, getting directions, or even shopping. However, my worries were quickly eased as it seemed like practically everyone in Hong Kong spoke English. It was only when you ventured north above Kowloon to the New Territories that English became sparse.
The currency is different in Hong Kong as well (Hong Kong Dollars – HKD). Although the exchange rate from USD to HKD is roughly the same as the rate from USD to RMB (yuan, kuai, renminbi- aka mainland dollars), shopping prices are not. While in Shenzhen, it’s not too hard to find meals for less than 30 yuan (mine average at around 20) as long as you avoid the food marketed to Westerners. In Hong Kong, even the hole in the wall dim sum restaurants will cost at least 50 HKD. This difference in price exists in all aspects of shopping in the city. From a metro fare to hostel prices to buying clothes and electronics, Hong Kong is definitely more expensive.
However, when it comes to buying material goods, Hong Kong is a safer bet. In Hong Kong, when you dish out the dollars you are more likely to get the real item, or at least a great fake (think electronics). In mainland, it’s certainly cheap, but when it comes to electronics, spending the money for quality is probably better. And for Westerners looking for clothes in their size, Hong Kong has the answers. In Mainland, I am considered a Large or XL, even though I’m a Small or Medium in America.
Nonetheless, the allure of Hong Kong fades once you look past shopping. If you ask any visitor or local what there is to do in Hong Kong, they all claim the same thing: shopping. Although certainly true, this makes Hong Kong a bit boring for the less consumerist of us. Shopping was not high on my to-do list, so I spent my weekend in Hong Kong venturing the green spaces. I highly endorse visiting the Hong Kong wetlands (something no guidebook speaks of) and climbing the top of Hong Kong Island peak. Visiting Hong Kong on a rainy weekend turned out to be a plus for these adventures as it created cooler temperatures, enhanced the greenery and provided empty trails.
Finding empty trails in Hong Kong is not easy. Hong Kong is a mega-city that is densely populated with 7.2 million people. Known for having a lot of people and no space, Hong Kong has narrow streets filled with pedestrians. Having stayed in three different hotels in the city at various price ranges(I kept changing for a cheaper hotel each night), I can verify that even doubling the room prices buys barely any extra space. In addition, although there is a lot of green spaces in Hong Kong, it’s largely isolated from the city centers and locations people live. Good luck finding a park for a nice afternoon stroll in Hong Kong! In comparison to Shenzhen with a park or garden within 15 minutes walking distance of anywhere (at least in my experience), Hong Kong struck me as harshly metropolitan. Yes, the green spaces exist in Hong Kong, but they are not within easy reach and must actively be sought out and even then it will be hard to escape the Hong Kong crowds.
Overall, both cities are wonderful but offer completely different lifestyles. For those seeking shopping, city lights, and the general fast-paced city life – skip the China visa and stay in Hong Kong. Then there are people like me, people who become homesick for Mainland after visiting Hong Kong. I missed the trees between skyscrapers, the communities in the parks, and the neighborhood feel of the city. In Hong Kong, it appeared people had a Western attitude where they only lived and consumed for themselves. Shenzhen on the other hand, reminds of what I think China was like centuries ago; everybody lives for and with the community. It’s hard to explain, but it’s easy to feel. My verdict? For me at least now, Shenzhen is the place to be.
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