Hong Kong Past, present...fusion

HONG KONG – Hong Kong is a kaleidoscope of life... A sophisticated fusion of East and West...of ancient Chinese traditions and the more recent British colonial influences. It is a unique experience shaped by a distinctive past and dreams of the future; an age-old synthesis of cultures and traditions that opens a window into what will be, while embracing what has passed. This international city that began as a collection of fishing villages became a famed British colony, and then returned joyously to China. Each chapter of Hong Kong’s history is still here to experience. One visit to Hong Kong is not enough to live its dynamism.

Through an invitation from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), I was given another chance to explore the place, this time discovering more about the city’s diversity where new and old meet at every turn.

Colonial charm

The history and heritage of Hong Kong can be seen through its carefully preserved historical sites, thought-provoking monuments and entertaining museums.

Whether your interests run from Chinese arts and culture to modern history, Hong Kong has a museum to suit each taste. Numerous museums hold exhibitions throughout the year featuring the best in Chinese art and calligraphy as well as contemporary art and a captivating glimpse of Hong Kong life and its 6,000-year history.

The Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin in the New Territories is the largest museum of its kind here with 12 exhibition galleries built around traditional Chinese open courtyards. In addition to changing thematic exhibitions, there are permanent galleries showcasing the history and culture of the New Territories, Chinese culture, contemporary Hong Kong art and design, and the Cantonese opera. A Children’s Discovery Gallery offers a fun way for children to discover the mysteries of archaeology and to learn about the natural environment.

Cantonese opera is considered to be one of the most unique art forms here, that is why it probably caught much of my interest. The museum’s Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall renders visitors a live performance of Cantonese opera aside from seeing the elaborate opera costumes and other numerous displays upclose. Cantonese opera is indeed a highly respected art form that combines Chinese legends, music and drama, and is rich in symbolic meaning. The music, singing and the costumes blend together providing a stunning entertainment.

Our tour guide, Stanley Wan, also brought us to the Cattle Depot Artist Village and the Man Mo Temple. The Artist Village, used to be an old cattle depot, is where a number of young emerging art groups run their workshops. And located in Hollywood Road, Hong Kong Island, Man Mo Temple honors the gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo). This Buddhist haven is a classical blend of simplicity and grandeur, offering visitors even just a few minutes of peace and quiet.

More than 600 temples are devoted to three main religions here – Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Most locals pay homage to Buddhist and Taoist deities.

Food lover’s paradise

Home-style delicacies, regional Chinese delights and cuisines from around the world... all of these make Hong Kong a paradise for food lovers, even featuring food from every mainland province – all deliciously different. In a city proud of its living fusion of East and West, it is not surprising fusion food figures highly with delightful combinations of ingredients and tastes creating some unforgettable dining memories.

The city’s location at the crossroads of Asia virtually means that every Asian cuisine is represented: Indian; Thai; Indonesian; Malaysian; Nepalese; Korean; Japanese; Singaporean; Vietnamese; Mongolian and even Filipino. You could spend your whole stay just sampling all these.

In the heart of Causeway Bay lies many of the city’s most authentic traditional dining experiences. Everything from steaming bowls of noodles, to dumplings and sushi. Clustered around Nga Tsin Long Road and Nam Kok Road in Kowloon City, Cantonese (known for fast cooking at high temperatures), Chiu Chow (seafood cuisine), Thai and Vietnamese eateries sit alongside Asian-influenced Italian and French restaurants.

Meanwhile, in Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo, regarded as the trendiest night-time bar area here, are famous for its international restaurants.

And of course, the refined pleasure of the Victorian classic afternoon tea is still a fixture of Hong Kong life, with a bit of a twist. “One cup and two pieces” is a common colloquial saying that refers to drinking tea while enjoying dim sum or what people here call Yum Cha. Tea is a wonderfully soothing drink to settle the stomach after eating dim sum, that is why most restaurants have a variety of teas for diners.

There are literally dozens of different types of dim sum to be found in Hong Kong’s restaurants. Some of the traditional favorites include Siu Mai (pork dumpling), Har Gan (shrimp dumpling) and Cha Siu Bau (barbecued pork in steamed bread).

Fab finds

Hong Kong is now one of the world’s major film exporters and producers and is home to many internationally renowned producers, directors, actors and writers.

In addition, Hong Kong movie stars command very large groups of keen followers in various markets, particularly in Mainland China, North Asia and Southeast Asia. Its newest tourism attraction, the Avenue of Stars (which opened last April), is located along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. And just like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it pays tribute to the Hong Kong film industry and recognizing personalities from on- and off-screen with a plaque. Among the more popular Hong Kong celebrities who have achieved international acclaim are Bruce Lee, director John Woo, Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Jet Li and Jackie Chan.

The Avenue of Stars is adjacent to the Hong Kong Museum of Art and offers the best viewpoint of Victoria Harbour with the skyline of Hong Kong Island behind and the famed multimedia light and sound show “A Symphony of Lights.”

This new attraction is also the venue of free Tai Chi classes for tourists by William Ng, considered as one of Hong Kong’s best-known masters. Tai Chi, sometimes referred to as “shadow boxing” was developed many centuries ago. According to Ng, the graceful movements of Tai Chi helps balance the yin and the yang; designed to heal, reinvigorate and make the body supple. Also a favorite exercise, especially among the elders.

Tai Chi actually prepared me to the more challenging task which is shopping, with my legs now more flexible for the long walks.

During the months of July to September and December to February, Hong Kong erupts with sale fever with the best stores offering fabulous finds at marked down prices. From early morning until late at night, there is always a shop waiting for shopaholics.

For a more insightful experience of Hong Kong’s fascinating street life, head to its markets. Among the popular ones are the Ladies’ Market, Granville Road, Mong Kok, Jade Market and Temple Street Night Market, selling popular Hong Kong souvenirs, clothing, accessories and even gadgets. Whatever you are looking for, you can actually get it here.