Global Citizen: Most People Misunderstand Hong Kong

Hello everyone. Today, I would like to share my personal perspective on a city that I have called home for the past ten years: Hong Kong.

When most people think of Hong Kong, they picture a massive urban shopping center. They think of the bustling bars, the Michelin-starred restaurants, the seamless blend of Eastern and Western cuisines, and the luxury of Repulse Bay. While all of these elements exist, my experience over the last decade has shown me a completely different side of the region.

A Highly Accessible Education and Language Environment

I relocated from Beijing to Hong Kong ten years ago with my children, a set of twins. At the time, we primarily spoke Chinese. Today, after a decade in the city, my children’s primary language is English.

Hong Kong provides a highly accessible and friendly English-speaking environment, which extends directly into its education system. The quality of education here is globally competitive. To give a practical example, my son went on to attend a leading university in the UK, and my daughter recently received an admission offer from a top-tier university in the US. Many people overlook just how strong Hong Kong’s educational infrastructure and language environment truly are.

The Unexpected Outdoors: Mountains and Trails

The second aspect of Hong Kong, and my personal favorite, is the natural landscape. For me, life in Hong Kong is not defined by the urban center. During the winter, I spend my weekends almost entirely in the mountains.

People are often surprised to learn that Hong Kong has mountains at all. In reality, only about 25% of the land in Hong Kong has been developed. Nearly 40% of the territory is designated as protected national parkland, which is meticulously maintained.

The region features four major hiking trails—a system well-documented in the film Hong Kong Four Trails.

● The Hong Kong Trail: A 50-kilometer route on Hong Kong Island, starting at Victoria Peak and ending at Big Wave Bay. (Many people do not realize you can actually surf in Hong Kong). On an early winter morning, I like to start at the Peak, finish the trail about seven hours later, and have a beverage at the beach while watching the surfers.

● The MacLehose Trail: A 100-kilometer trail stretching across the New Territories and Kowloon. Sections 1 and 2 feature some of the region's most beautiful beaches, such as Long Ke Wan. This trail also hosts the Oxfam Trailwalker, an annual 100-kilometer charity race. I have completed it once and plan to participate again this year.

● The Wilson Trail: An approximately 80-kilometer route running from south to north.

● The Lantau Trail: Also known locally as the Phoenix Trail.

Hong Kong offers a distinct contrast. In a single day, you can walk through traditional, remote villages, visit isolated beaches, and later sit in a sophisticated restaurant overlooking Victoria Harbour. If you plan to visit to experience this, I highly recommend coming during the winter. The summer months can be quite rainy, making winter the ideal time to explore the outdoors.

The Local Culture: Professional and Accommodating

I also want to touch upon the local residents. Sometimes, visitors perceive Hong Kong locals as having a stern or "cold" exterior. In my experience, they are highly professional and genuinely warm-hearted.

They are also incredibly accommodating. As I mentioned, I have lived here for ten years, yet I speak zero Cantonese. This is largely because the local population is so willing to switch to English or Mandarin to communicate with me.

Balancing the Cost of Living with Taxation

Finally, we must discuss the financial realities of living here. The cost of living is high. Property prices and rent are exceptionally steep—I rent a very nice house, but the monthly cost is significant.

However, this is balanced by the tax system. Hong Kong maintains one of the lowest tax rates in the world for a developed economy. As a resident, the government takes a very minimal percentage of your income. Whenever I evaluate the high cost of housing or goods, I remind myself of the low tax burden. From a financial perspective, it creates a practical balance.

This is the Hong Kong I have come to know and appreciate. In my next update, I will shift the focus back to business and introduce some of Hong Kong's immigration policies to show you the practical pathways for relocating here.

Thank you for reading.

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Disclaimer: Any reference to "Hong Kong" herein strictly denotes the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (HKSAR).