I have lived, worked and studied in Hong Kong and, it may come as no surprise to that I think it is one of the greatest cities in the world.
It has so many redeeming qualities, but if we are talking about what makes it a great place to study Chinese, bear in mind that the majority of Hong Kong's native population speak Cantonese and most either speak, or at least understand, Mandarin Chinese.
As a result, learning Chinese there will give you plenty of opportunities to practice.
It also has one of the best education systems in the world and a ton of language schools so you really will be spoiled for choice if you do decide to check some out.
Don't take my word for it, though, watch the video below to see what the world famous Hollywood actor, Jackie Chan thinks about his home 'town'.
There are numerous videos showing you the sites and sounds of this great world city but I chose this one as I assumed most of you know (and hopefully like) this guy and he gives a nice tour of Hong Kong that will give you a good feel for the place.
Hong Kong Business Leaders Reveal What Makes Hong Kong so GREAT!
Here is a video presentation from a few famous business leaders in Hong Kong. I must say, their performance isn't that great but then again, they didn't make their money as actors, did they.The video is a little bit 'hypey' but I've included it here as it gives a brief insight into why Hong Kong is a great place to visit, do business and, indeed to study Chinese……or any subject for that matter.
Version 1
Version 2 - Virtually the same script but with a few different 'presenters'
Here is what they say in the video(s):
A curtain is rising on Hong Kong.
It seems that whole world comes to Hong Kong everyday.
Hong Kong is a place where East meets West.
We are at the heart of the Pearl River Delta, an important gateway to China trade.
The financial gateway between China and the rest of the world.
This is Asia's downtown.
My recipe for China starts right here.
There is opportunity in every window.
We manage the world's global supply chains from here.
Perfectly placed for today's global business.
Asia's central business district.
Here everything is fully accountable.
Film capital of Asia.
Everyone is treated equally.
Hong Kong people make beautiful music.
Tradition and innovation... so fashionable here.
A diverse and vibrant business community.
It's Asia's wine capital.
Where the stars are always out.
This is where the real action is.
When it comes to business, come to the light that is Hong Kong.
City of opportunities.
The centre of Asia at the centre of the world.
Buonissimmo!
So stylish!
100 points!
Asia's superstar!
What a city!
Here for now, here for the future.
Think Asia, Think Hong Kong
A Brief History of Hong Kong
What is China's relation to Hong Kong? China's relationship with Hong Kong has always been a mystery for people. As they are in the same place in the map and speak the same language, why and what generated the confusions.
The whole confusion started in 1730 when the British went to China and started to sell opium, which is a very addictive pleasure drug.
Soon the Chinese government tried to persuade the British to not do this. But they ignored them and by 1773, 75 tons of opium was being sold to the Chinese people who fast became addicted to the nasty stuff.
Soon, though, the Chinese government realised what the British were doing and in 1799 there was a ban on opium products.
However, the people of China had gotten to like the stuff and they wanted to keep the flow of it coming. This started the supply of illegal opium to China from India and Turkey. Again, the Chinese government found out of this illegal trade, this conflict sparked the beginning of the OPIUM WAR that started in 1839 and after three years of war the Chinese were crushed by the British as they had a huge and effective Navy, far superior than any other at that time.
The War finally ended at 1842 and afterwards Britain took Hong Kong like a prize for winning the war. And that's how Britain got Hong Kong. They also did this to kind of humiliate the Chinese for losing the war.
Finally in 1997 the British gave Hong Kong back to the Chinese as a lease (a contract for owning land for specified period of time) was negotiated between the two countries, ending over 150 years of colonial governance. But China let them keep their own currency, passports and legal system or at least for the next fifty years from 1997. So it would be like New York, a state in the United States but with its own currency and passport.
But somethings have remained unchanged since the handover. English is still taught alongside Cantonese and Mandarin.
Hong Kong still has its own team for the Olympics. Hong Kong continues to drive on the left side unlike mainland China. All of the statues of the British monarchs were not destroyed and British-inspired road names remain. And unlike mainland China they have freedom of speech.
So to sum up, Hong Kong is a Chinese state, or at least for the next 34 years but they have their own law, passports and currency, so it is basically like a different country inside China, but that country (Hong Kong) is a part of China.
Hong Kong Facts
- Hong Kong is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China, the other being Macau.
- Dialling code: 852
- Weather: 27°C, Wind N at 5 km/h, 64% Humidity
- Local time: Thursday 12:24 PM
- Currency: Hong Kong dollar
- Population: 7.155 million (2012) World Bank
- Official languages: English Language,Chinese language
See full facts at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong
Top 10 Attractions in Hong Kong
There is plenty to see and do in Hong Kong and here is a quick summary of the top 10 attractions.
To see the next 11 attractions on a list of 21 or for more details of the individual attractions, click the image below.
I hope this article gave you a good overview of the city and a reason to choose to Hong Kong as your next 'must visit' place or the place to go if you want to learn Chinese in a truly authentic Chinese environment.
