Hong Kong Adventure

Katarzyna Nedza  Nedza1

Hong Kong Trip

Dr. Eric Hong & Shunzhu Wang

December 10, 2008

Hong Kong

Officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or 香港特別行政區 in Chinese, Hong Kong is located on China's south coast on the Pearl River Delta. Bordering Guangdong province in the north and facing the South China Sea to the east, west, and south, this mysterious land is full of history and hidden secrets. Also one of the wolds most densely populated areas today, Hong Kong began as a trading port under the rule of the United Kingdom. Today, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting. 

A dependent territory of the United Kingdom in 1842 until the transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997, Hong Kong, although not considered part of mainland China, it is one on the world's leading financial capitals and a major business and cultural center. Its status as a cosmopolitan metropolis where east meets west is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music, and traditions, as well as its residents, who though are predominantly Chinese, also are composed of a small but significant population of various ethnicities. 

In my lifetime I have so far traveled to a number of various countries, each one unique and exciting in its own way. Along with my Europe expeditions, I have also visited Korea and experienced the asian lifestyles and cultures which are significantly different than those of the 

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Europeans. Tough I have never been to China, I have read books and seen movies of its wide terrain and mountainous sloops. In my minds eye I envision that much of Hong Kong's terrain is similar. Hilly to mountainous with steep slopes. From what I know, Hong Kong is only about 25% developed, and about 40% of the land is reserved as country parks and nature reserves. Most of the urban establishments exist in Kowloon peninsula, along the northern edge of Hong Kong Island and in scattered settlements in the New Territories. With its long and curvaceous coastline, Hong Kong is also home to numerous bays, rivers, and beaches. 

Despite the fact that it is becoming more aware of its environment, Hong Kong is suffering from increasing pollution, most of which comes from other parts of the Pearl River Delta. Due to this, I expect to see darker skies and more smog. As a result of the huge number of people who inhabit this area and because it is one of the world's leading technological centers, Hong Kong must be constantly overcrowded and the air must be thick with pollutants. In addition, with the current government, life must be harder for the people there than it is here. I am sure that the Chinese people are more independent individually than the American people. Nevertheless, I think that the Chinese are a very proud people especially due to their history and legacy and I expect to find the atmosphere of wherever I go to be nothing less than proud, full of excitement, and lively.

Another aspect of Hong Kong that I hope to become acquainted with is its culture. Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets West, reflecting the mixture of Chinese roots along with the culture brought to it during its time as a British colony. Though over a decade has passed since the handover, Western culture remains a huge part of Chinese life. One of the more noticeable contradictions in its cultures is the balancing of a modernized way of life with 

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traditional superstitious Chinese practices. Concepts such as Fung Shui, for example, are seen everywhere from a simple painting in a living room to the tall skyscrapers of the cities and are taken very seriously. On the other hand, it is said to be a very common occurrence to see a Burger King or McDonald's next to a traditional Chinese restaurant. 

Discussing the concept of food more thoughtfully, it holds an important place in Hong Kong culture. The fusion of east and west makes the cuisine there unique, especially in the close proximity where anyone find the style they want any time. In this sense, Hong Kong carries the reputable name of "Gourmet Paradise" and "World's Fair of Foods". 

In respect to the cinema, the industry has become ne of the most successful worldwide. Martial artists and Chinese stars such as Jackie Chan and Bruce Leeare know globally and have become idols for many oversees. As a result, it has gained international recognition for many directors including Wong Kar Wai.

Along with these few facts, there are many more thing I do not know about and would like to learn about China and Hong Kong. For instance, what is the business environment and what is it like to do business in Hong Kong. It is my gaol to one day live and work at a top asian business or market. In this respect, for my post-trip essay, although it is still undecided, I plan on discussing and understanding the culture, language, and etiquette of the Chinese people and there life styles in order to more fully understand their way of thinking.