The British arrived in Hong Kong in 1841 and the area immediately became a major trade center albeit with less than noble actions on the part of the British. Over 150 years later and a handover to China in 1997 Hong Kong continues to be a major economic force and provides an established and strong rule of law for businesses looking to expand into China and the Asia Region. Over 300 companies in the U.S. Fortune 500 have a physical office presence in Hong Kong and hundreds of other European companies have followed a similar path of headquartering there APAC operations here. As such there are thousands of Westerners who base their careers out of Hong Kong either through an internal opportunity and relocation with their current employer or the bolder (and crazier) strategy of picking up and moving here independently.
While most expats embrace the Asian culture and are respective of their adopted city, communities, culture, and events have risen to accommodate those looking for the comforts of home. When you visit these places or participate in these activities in some sense it feels like you've been transported to a different part of the world and yet the experience is distinctly Hong Kong. These places may not feel natural or out of place in Asia but they are part of Hong Kong and make the city more distinct compare to it's Asia peers - missing this "attractions" would prevent a complete Hong Kong experience.
While most expats embrace the Asian culture and are respective of their adopted city, communities, culture, and events have risen to accommodate those looking for the comforts of home. When you visit these places or participate in these activities in some sense it feels like you've been transported to a different part of the world and yet the experience is distinctly Hong Kong. These places may not feel natural or out of place in Asia but they are part of Hong Kong and make the city more distinct compare to it's Asia peers - missing this "attractions" would prevent a complete Hong Kong experience.
the expat after work stress relief
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HAPPY VALLEY RACECOURSE
Horse racing and the associated betting practice is very Chinese - nearly 10% of Hong Kong revenues derive from racing receipts. While locals are avid betters, they usually do so from one of the many Hong Kong Jockey Club betting parlors located throughout Hong Kong rather than make an appearance at the Wednesday Night Races at Happy Valley. As you walk through the turnstiles at Happy Valley (only $10HKD entrance, payable via Octopus card) it will feel as you've just entered a miniature version of an American triple crown race. Well dressed people are seemingly having a contest who can drink the most the fastest. It's a mid-week event that's as big a weekend party as anywhere else. |
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the expat enclaves
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STANLEY
A thirty minute bus ride from Central and yet a world away...it doesn't feel British, it feels more like a French or Italian Mediterranean small town with the cafes lining a waterfront promenade. From here you can head over to Aberdeen and you'll be right back in "Hong Kong". |
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DISCOVERY BAY
A thirty minute bus ride from Central and yet a world away. Like Stanley it doesn't feel British. It does feel slightly "manufactured", however, the setting can't be beat. From here it's a two hour hike to Mui Wo were you'll see the other side of Hong Kong island life. |
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