Part 2
Ph: GORK
Geo: Hong Kong, CH
What is Hong Kong, really? Formally, it is a special administrative region of China. In reality, it is a hybrid city where British and Chinese cultures are compressed into a compact island agglomeration. It operates, lives, and looks as if two incompatible systems have agreed to coexist — and they have succeeded.
A century of British colonial rule has left its mark: widespread English, right-hand traffic, familiar forms of London cabs — only red and with Toyota badges — and double-decker trams with a smile. A local currency with a transparent window like the pounds. The politeness of the locals, cleanliness, order, and punctual transport. Dense vertical and logical architecture, all extremely functional with a noticeably higher standard of living, even by Moscow’s standards, about 2−3 times higher. If I were to give a succinct definition of Hong Kong, I would suggest this comparison: Hong Kong for China is what Moscow is for Russia.
The city has a prevailing vertical structure that spreads across the islands. At the same time, the environment can change radically in just 15 minutes; just cross into a neighboring district or take the old Star Ferry across the strait between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. At times it resembles a futuristic Singapore, at others — London with neon lights. And all of this can fit into one frame.
There is much to show and see here.
Content of the Hong Kong cycle
@gorkjournal
Ph: GORK
Geo: Hong Kong, CH
What is Hong Kong, really? Formally, it is a special administrative region of China. In reality, it is a hybrid city where British and Chinese cultures are compressed into a compact island agglomeration. It operates, lives, and looks as if two incompatible systems have agreed to coexist — and they have succeeded.
A century of British colonial rule has left its mark: widespread English, right-hand traffic, familiar forms of London cabs — only red and with Toyota badges — and double-decker trams with a smile. A local currency with a transparent window like the pounds. The politeness of the locals, cleanliness, order, and punctual transport. Dense vertical and logical architecture, all extremely functional with a noticeably higher standard of living, even by Moscow’s standards, about 2−3 times higher. If I were to give a succinct definition of Hong Kong, I would suggest this comparison: Hong Kong for China is what Moscow is for Russia.
The city has a prevailing vertical structure that spreads across the islands. At the same time, the environment can change radically in just 15 minutes; just cross into a neighboring district or take the old Star Ferry across the strait between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. At times it resembles a futuristic Singapore, at others — London with neon lights. And all of this can fit into one frame.
There is much to show and see here.
Content of the Hong Kong cycle
@gorkjournal