I’ve heard that in Hong Kong the economy trumps everything else.
Yes, you could say that. Hong Kong is one of the important financial and trade centers in the world, banking being particularly well developed. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is ranked number five in the world.
And what about in the area of culture?
One distinctive feature of Hong Kong is that it’s a place where the East and West really intersect and merge. Though it used to be a British colony, it has preserved much traditional Chinese culture; for example, feng shui is very important to Hong Kong people.
Wow! Look, so many cameras and electronic products!
Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise! It’s a free port; it doesn’t levy customs duties on ordinary imported goods.
Can you haggle when you buy stuff here?
At department stores and larger shops generally you can’t haggle. At smaller shops or open-air markets you can try. But before you buy, it’s best to go to several different stores to compare prices. Some places sell pirated or fake goods; you have to be careful so you don’t get cheated! Hong Kong people like to go to Cantonese-style restaurants to have tea and dim sum.
What does yĭnchá mean?
In Cantonese yĭnchá is called yámchàh; it means “drink tea.”
You mean we’ve come here just to drink tea? I’m starving! Could we eat something?
Relax! I’ve ordered some of Hong Kong’s most famous dim sum: chāshāobāo, shrimp dumplings, and shāomài.
Mmm, yummy! Now I finally understand why everybody calls Hong Kong “food heaven”!
