Concrete jungle. Food haven. Hiker’s wonderland. There is no shortage of seemingly contrasting phrases available to portray Hong Kong’s attraction. It simply is a city of varied talents. How often do you find a university perched on the undulating side of a hill? The students of Chinese University of Hong Kong enjoy this natural pleasure, entailing them an unobstructed view of Victoria Harbour and the panorama of mountains nearby. Yet a short walk and ride on the Mass Transit Railway pulls up another curtain to reveal myriads of sky-scraping buildings in the downtown area. Wait, wasn’t it just moments ago that these were mountains? 

Draw a flipbook and you’ll be amazed at every page of Hong Kong’s story. Economically catered to the thriving demand of its 7.34 million citizens, commerce is rampant in a city where real estate is scarce and worth an exorbitant amount of money. From penetrating the far-flung residential area of Yuen Long to the expatriate popular island of Discovery Bay, the forces of demand and supply cater, very conveniently, to all areas of human interests. Want late night “siu ye“? No problem, let’s just walk across the street and eat some skewers. Want to go to the beach? Bring your omnipotent Octopus card and sunscreen! Want to scratch that shopping itch? Hmm, well there’s a shopping mall here, and there, and um, just about anywhere.

A conversation with any local will yield a speed of reply and acumen for negotiation honed to survive in a city powered by frenetic activity. Whether it be buying groceries, quickening your pace to make the flashing traffic lights or bargaining with a calculator-wielding electronics shop owner, efficiency is an essential cog in the wheel of Hong Kong’s modern social and economic development. Its glittering Victoria Harbour skyline didn’t rise from complacency, but a concerted social psyche to work hard and save. The oft-heard refrain? For the golden nest of an apartment.