SKYSCRAPER
Hong Kong (a megacity of over 8 million people) boasts the world’s highest concentration of skyscrapers, and yet: is it the presence of water? The harbor is right there! And Hong Kong isn’t just one island! (There are 260 of them!)
Is it the network of highways?
Is it the greenery? We aren’t overwhelmed by this excess. The city gives off a rather pleasant vibe with its buildings featuring brutalist and futuristic architecture.
FEVER
You can feel an energy in the city, a positive efficiency, a need to move that makes you want to get things done! It’s very pleasant. At the same time, there’s a sense of wealth and abundance.
BRITISH
Over a century of British influence has left the city with a distinctive character, a certain chic, and a few clichés, such as double-decker trams and English-style milk tea
You’ll also notice Victorian-style buildings at the base of the skyscrapers.
FENG SHUI
Chinese influence, of course, and particularly in contemporary architecture, since the skyline bordering Victoria Harbour was designed according to the art of Feng Shui.
Builders took into account a whole range of factors to promote the flow of positive energy and prosperity.
MODERN
You truly appreciate the city’s magic and modernity when, in the evening, nearly 50 buildings light up for a modern and fascinating spectacle.
TROPICAL
The warm, humid climate—which is never unpleasant—fosters lush vegetation, creating a blend of dense urban spaces and tropical-style gardens, not to mention the jungle-like Mount Victoria.
RELIGIOUS
Be sure to visit the Man Mo Temple, where everyone is welcome to worship various deities in an atmosphere of great tolerance.
Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism coexist here
Everyone comes to pray and hope.
What to do?
Every trip is different. This one more than any other, which is why my advice will be more specific.
First of all, when it comes to accommodations, I’d recommend the Upper House, which is part residence, part hotel. The concierge service is perfect, and breakfast comes with a breathtaking view. The rooms are very, very spacious, and the service is impeccable.
Next, we were lucky enough to be guided by a friend whose artist name is JayAhr.
This friend is brimming with ideas, and one of his greatest achievements is his artistic leather goods business.
In fact, starting with Vuitton or Hermès bags, he creates one-of-a-kind designs after completely taking the bag apart and having it re-embroidered and reworked according to his imagination. The result is exceptional.
He didn’t stop there and has taken on the same challenge with Rolls-Royce Corniches. The car is completely stripped down before being restyled by JayAhr, with a modified body and a completely different interior. The engine is also brand new.
The success of these two projects is phenomenal and justifies…
What else?
Visit Mount Victoria on the Peak Tram. The view from the top is fantastic.
Visit the M+ Museum, the brand-new (2021) contemporary art museum with incredible architecture.
Eat, eat! There are so many restaurants, but don’t forget to try dim sum, those steamed bites that are a Cantonese specialty.
Shopping, of course.
There are all the luxury boutiques and so many designers, but my absolute favorite is the PMQ. A former barracks for married soldiers, this building—which also features a historic apartment with its original period furnishings—is a treasure trove of small boutiques and art galleries. One surprise follows another, and I thought the place was wonderful.
There are also street markets, notably the Ladies’ Market and the flower market.
Finally, since you’re right in the middle of the water, take the ferry and cross the bay.
