Hong Kong - Asia's World City
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, situated on the eastern side of the Pearl River Estuary in southern China. It comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and 262 surrounding smaller islands, with a total population of 7.4131 million people.
Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis in southern China, blending Eastern and Western cultures. Once a British colony, it returned to China in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" principle, retaining its own legal and economic systems. Known as a global financial hub, it boasts skyscraper-filled skylines, bustling harbors, and lush mountain trails. English is widely spoken, and the city offers world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions like Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, and lively street markets. Its unique mix of traditions - from ancient temples to modern art - makes it a dynamic destination. Efficient public transport and tax-free shopping add to its appeal. A true "Asia's World City"!
The 20 interesting facts about Hong Kong
I. East Meets West
1. Seawater Toilet-Flushing System
Hong Kong is the first city in the world to use seawater for flushing toilets, serving 85% of its population. The pipeline network stretches over 80,000 km - enough to circle the Earth twice!
2. Missing Floor Numbers
Due to cultural superstitions (e.g., "4" sounds like "death" in Cantonese), many buildings skip floors 4, 13, and 14, creating quirky gaps in elevator panels.
3. Custom License Plates
Hong Kong allows personalized car plates, including emojis or creative phrases like "BYE BYE," making it one of the few places where vanity plates go viral.
II. Daily Life Quirks
4. No ZIP Codes Needed
Hong Kong addresses rarely use postal codes (though "999077" exists as a hidden code). The rule? The more detailed the address, the better!
5. Foodie Lingo
Ordering drinks or noodles comes with secret codes: "走冰" (zou bing = no ice), "走青" (zou cheng = no scallions/cilantro). Learn the slang to eat like a local!
6. Ancient Measurement Units
Traditional markets still use the "tael scale" (1 tael ≈ 37.8 grams) and "catty" (≈ 605 grams), a system dating back to China's imperial era.
7. Chopstick-Free Instant Noodles
Cup noodles don't include forks or chopsticks - locals know to bring their own or improvise!
III. Unique Laws & Systems
8. Youngest Legal Marriage Age
Teens can marry at 16 (with parental consent until 21), a law reflecting historical norms but debated today.
9. Taxi Color Zones
Red taxis roam citywide, green ones stick to the New Territories, and blue cabs serve Lantau Island - don't hop in the wrong color!
10. License Plate-Free Leader
The Chief Executive's official car bears Hong Kong's bauhinia emblem instead of a license plate, symbolizing authority.
IV. History & Landmarks
11. Qin Dynasty Roots
Hong Kong was part of China's first unified empire (Qin Dynasty, 214 BCE) under the Nanhai Commandery.
12. Vietnam Refugee Haven
Post-Vietnam War, Hong Kong housed over 200,000 refugees in camps until repatriation policies began in the 1990s.
13. MTR's "Tin Hau" Station
Named after a 250-year-old Tin Hau Temple (dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu), this station blends modern transit with ancient beliefs.
V. Economy & Society
14. High-Paying Dishwashing Jobs
Dishwashers can earn over HKD 10,000/month, but rent often swallows half their income in this ultra-expensive city.
15. Near-Zero Interest Rates
Savings accounts offer almost no interest, while mortgages hover around 2% - a financial paradox shaping lifestyles.
VI. Culture & Entertainment
16. Mahjong License Limit
Only 144 mahjong parlors are legally allowed (matching the number of tiles in a set!). Locals joke that losing money is "paying tuition."
17. Mong Kok's Crowded Streets
With 130,000 people per square kilometer, Mong Kok is one of Earth's densest urban jungles - buzzworthy but packed!
VII. Nature & Tech
18. Typhoon Naming Rights
The Hong Kong Observatory names typhoons that hit the city, like 2018's devastating "Mangkhut" and "Hato."
19. World's Highest Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong sits on floors 103–118 of the ICC Tower, 484 meters above sea level - staying here is literally living on cloud nine!
Bonus Trivia
20. Rice Smuggling Ban
Bringing over 15kg of rice into Hong Kong risks a HKD 50,000 fine and jail time. Why? Rice is a strictly controlled staple food reserve.
These facts showcase Hong Kong's unique blend of tradition and modernity, East and West, making it a city where skyscrapers meet temples, and ancient customs thrive alongside global innovation. Perfect for sparking curiosity about Asia's "Pearl of the Orient"!