30+ Fun & Surprising Facts About Hong Kong

Having lived in Hong Kong for nearly 7 years (hint: I’m still here), I’ve “been around the block” once or twice when it comes to exploring and getting to know the city. It’s my home. It’s where I feel most comfortable. And it’s where I’m betting on for the future.

However, after all these years, I’m still discovering countless quirks, facts, and sites. It’s endless. 

As I typically write more serious and practical posts, I thought I would list out some fun and surprising facts about Hong Kong. These were all (mostly) unbeknownst to me before first traveling to and moving here. 

So, here is your daily dose of Hong Kong inspiration with these 33 fun facts about Hong Kong. 

I have a feeling that more than a handful will have you making that shocked Pikachu face all the youngsters like to post online these days. 

Tigers Used to Roam Certain Areas of Hong Kong

It may be hard to imagine that in such a compact, densely populated city with skyscrapers on every corner, the ‘concrete jungle’ of Hong Kong was once home to a thriving population of Shere Khans and Tony’s (Tony the Tiger from Frosted Flakes, of course) – aka tigers – up until more recently than one might realize.  

That’s right. In the early 20th century, South China tigers roamed the region, with estimates placing the number of tigers in southern China at just over 4,000, entering Hong Kong via Guangdong province.  

While the last confirmed shooting of a tiger occurred in Stanley (south of Hong Kong Island) in 1942, tigers likely survived thereafter, with the last substantiated sighting of a tiger in Hong Kong being reported in 1947 near Shatin. 

Today, the South China tiger is presumed extinct in the wild due to deforestation, development, and hunting. However, there is a healthy population of South China tigers in captivity in South Africa thanks to a conservation and rewilding effort by a former carnivore manager of Pilanesberg National Park. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: While you aren’t going to see any South China tigers while you’re in Hong Kong, keep a watchful eye out on night hikes for the ever-so-elusive ‘Leopard cat’, which is native to Hong Kong and an animal that some residents have confused with tigers over the years. 

Hong Kong’s Shores Used to Be a Shark Attack Hotbed

Tigers weren’t the only apex predators that once thrived in Hong Kong. Even more recently, Hong Kong’s calm waters saw the highest number of shark deaths over a several-year span than any other place on Earth. 

The early 1990s were an unfortunate ‘blood-soaked’ chapter in the city’s history after 7 people were killed off the coast of Sai Kung by tiger sharks, one that reads like a plot out of the movie ‘Jaws’. 

Sharkmania and paranoia were at an all-time high, with some residents embarking on a city-wide ‘shark hunt’ to rid the beaches of sharks, even going so far as to toss chickens and other small creatures into the water with hooks tied to them. Idiotically, someone even suggested helicopter flyovers to drop hand grenades into the water.

While the city hasn’t seen any fatal shark attacks in nearly 30 years, that doesn’t mean sharks are long gone, with more than a handful of sightings recorded in just the last several years (bull sharks, bamboo sharks, grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and more). 

However, the government’s installation of shark nets has made the city’s legacy of shark-infested waters a distant memory, allowing beachgoers to swim without fear. 

Hong Kong Was Originally Just Aberdeen Village

The area between Ap Lei Chau and Aberdeen.

Before transforming into the lively metropolis that is Asia’s ‘World City’ we see today, Hong Kong’s origins were humble. 

A small inlet between Aberdeen Island and the southern coast of Hong Kong Island was originally known as ‘Hong Kong’, meaning ‘Fragrant Harbor’ – a name derived from the aroma of agarwood (used for incense).  

Aberdeen was the location where the first contact between colonial British sailors and local Hong Kong fishermen occurred. Initially, early 19th-century foreigners arriving in Hong Kong mistook the name used for Aberdeen Village for all of Hong Kong Island. By the time this was realized, the name ‘Hong Kong’ was ubiquitously used to refer to the entire island. 

Today, Aberdeen is sometimes referred to as ‘Hong Kong Tsai’, translating to ‘Son of Hong Kong’ or ‘Little Hong Kong’ due to its role in shaping Hong Kong’s nomenclature and rich cultural history.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Looking for the best place to exchange money in Hong Kong without getting ripped off? Make sure to check out my post breaking down what I consider (and many locals consider) to be the most reliable currency exchange in Hong Kong. 

The Star Ferry Used to Take an Hour 

One of my favorite views – Hong Kong Island from the Star Ferry at night.

There may not be a more iconic thing to do in Hong Kong than take the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and back (especially at night). Today, the journey between Central Ferry Pier and TST takes just under 10 minutes to complete the cross-harbor journey. 

However, it wasn’t always so speedy. 

In the Star Ferry’s early days, which trace back over 135 years, the cross-harbor trip used to take nearly one hour. Granted, land reclamation efforts hadn’t yet been implemented to narrow and shorten the distance between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, so it was a considerably longer journey geographically (roughly 2 km). 

Coupled with older, slower vessels, and stops at various piers along the way, it’s no surprise that the journey took roughly 1 hour, a timeframe that was actually considered groundbreaking and high-speed in the late 19th century/early 20th century. 

Now, the Star Ferry is a beloved commuter option and tourist attraction, cruising just 800 meters of distance between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon piers, allowing for a roundtrip journey that can be completed in under 20 minutes.

Pale Ale Travel Note: Before the introduction of this iconic steam ferry, residents used to cross from one side to another via sampans, small flat-wooden boats that were typically used for fishing across Asia. 

The Metro Uses Color-Coded Stations For a Practical Reason

Hong Kong’s sprawling Mass Transit Network (MTR) metro stations all boast a distinct color. Tsim Sha Tsui is black and yellow, Admiralty is blue, Causeway Bay is purple, and Choi Hung is a mosaic of the Skittles rainbow to a T. 

But, color-coded MTR stations were not only in furtherance of adding some vibrancy and beauty to Hong Kong’s concrete aesthetic, they also served a more practical purpose. Having only implemented free compulsory education in 1971, a staggering percentage of the population was illiterate. 

So, to ensure that residents could seamlessly navigate the city when the first MTR line was built to connect Shek Kip Mei and Kwun Tong in 1979, each MTR station was assigned a unique color to act as a visual aid for commuters, regardless of literacy level. As the metro expanded its number of stations, so did the colors, creating the technicolor Rolodex you see today. 

Some MTR stations were color-coded based on their Chinese names, such as Choi Hung which literally translates to ‘rainbow’. Others were color-coded based on their surrounding environments, like Whampoa which received the color blue due to its positioning near the water. 

While the MTR Corp was mindful to avoid using the same color tone for consecutive stations, there is some overlap, however, with coloring for key stations like Tsuen Wan, Mongkok, and Central – all of which are color-coded red. This is to alert riders that they’ve arrived at a key interchange or terminus. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Landing at Hong Kong Airport and wondering how to get into the city? Read my post explaining the quickest and best way to get from the airport to the city center (hint: it’s only 24 minutes!). 

A Blue House Stands Alone in Wan Chai

Among Hong Kong’s towering skyscrapers and modern developments, you’ll see one building in Wan Chai that emphatically stands out – the Blue House. Located behind Wan Chai Market on Stone Nullah Lane, the Blue House is tough to miss when making your way through one of the city’s busiest commercial areas (and the epitome of East meets West). 

It sits on the site of a 19th-century established hospital turned temple, which was then demolished in 1920 and rebuilt into its present-day form – a four-story timber tenement housing block (‘tong lau style’) with a blue cobalt facade and balconies.  

Today, it’s a preserved heritage site, classified as a Grade I Historic Building under Hong Kong’s Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, the highest grade and one that ‘every effort should be made to preserve if possible’. Residents still live in the Blue House, receiving the green light from the Urban Renewal Authority and Development Bureau in 2007 to remain unperturbed. 

The ground floor is also home to the ‘House of Stories’, a free museum, gallery, and workshop space showcasing various exhibitions related to Hong Kong antiques, handicrafts, and culture. 

Hong Kong is Divided Into 3 Key Areas

Geographically, Hong Kong, which is roughly six times larger than Washington D.C. area-wise, is divided into three core areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. 

• Hong Kong Island was the first area ceded (in perpetuity) to Great Britain after the First Opium War in 1842 under the ‘Treaty of Nanjing’, serving as the center of colonial administration and housing. Home to the historic Victoria Peak, Central’s bustling financial district and towering skyscrapers, and the launching point of the Star Ferry, it’s typically the area tourists spend the bulk of their time when visiting. 
• Kowloon, situated just across Victoria Harbor, and a sub-10-minute Star Ferry ride away, was also ceded to Great Britain in 1860, after the Second Opium War. While it remained undeveloped for subsequent years, it quickly evolved into one of the most densely populated areas on earth, one that’s now home to frenetic markets like Temple Street and the Ladies’ Market along with cultural gems like Wong Tai Sin Temple, Chi Lin Nunnery, and Nan Lian Garden. 
• The New Territories is the third piece of Hong Kong’s geographical pie. However, unlike Hong Kong Island and Kowloon which were both ceded to Great Britain, the New Territories was leased for 99 years in 1898, reverting to China in 1997 (aka ‘The Handover’. As Hong Kong’s largest area, it features a serene countryside, countless country parks and hiking trails, and traditional villages alongside modern neighborhoods with skyscrapers.  

It’s Home to Incredible Hikes & Beaches

Chum Hong Kok Beach – my go-to beach in Hong Kong.

“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.” Contrary to popular belief, Hong Kong isn’t just a concrete jungle littered with skyscrapers, malls, and musubi kiosks. 

It’s also home to some incredible hikes and beaches – all of which can be accessed within 15 minutes to one hour of Hong Kong’s Central Business District (CBD). Nearly 40% of all land in Hong Kong is designated for country parks and other special natural areas, so you’re never more than a hop, skip, and jump from a tranquil (or strenuous) day catching some rays or summiting a mountain. 

From over 40 beaches, some of which boast clear blue pristine waters, to world-renowned trails (check out the documentary ‘Four Trails’), technicolor gardens, turquoise reservoirs, and craggy peaks, there’s something for everyone when it comes to getting out for some fresh air and Vitamin D. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: For further reading, make sure to check out my post breaking down the best hikes in Hong Kong for mountaineers of all skill levels – including you, the weekend warrior who needs to sweat out that terrible brunch hangover. 

You’ll Find the World’s Smallest Disneyland Here

Of the 12 Disney theme parks spread across the world (including the likes of Tokyo, California, and Paris), Hong Kong Disneyland clocks in as the smallest. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack as magical a punch. 

Opened in late 2005 on Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland covers roughly 310 acres and is divided into 8 themed areas – built adhering to Chinese tradition and with the island’s backdrop in mind!

You’ll find nostalgic favorites like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Space Mountain (known as ‘Hyperspace Mountain’), and Main Street U.S.A., along with Hong Kong exclusive rides and attractions like Mystic Manor and the World of Frozen (Paris will open one in 2026). 

While significantly smaller compared to its counterparts in the U.S., Japan, and Europe (by more than half the size), you can still expect a 20,000 to 30,000 step day while carving the park (if you really want to push it). Its smaller Disney footprint also means fewer crowds and a more manageable, intimate Disney experience. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Curious about what Hong Kong’s Disneyland is like from the perspective of a 34-year-old male? Here are my honest thoughts on going to Hong Kong Disneyland as an adult. Hint: I’m a big fan (and there’s booze). 

The City’s Transition Years Inspired ‘Ghost in a Shell’

Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 anime film and adaptation of the Japanese cyberpunk media franchise ‘Ghost in a Shell’ drew substantial inspiration from Hong Kong’s picturesque urban landscape and tumultuous (and uncertain) political quagmire of the 1990s. 

Oshii especially took cues from the densely populated, lawless, chaotic enclave and complex the ‘Kowloon Walled City’ for the cyberpunk metropolis setting of the film (New Port City), which was demolished right before the film’s release. The city’s vibrant signs, cacophony of sounds, modern and traditional architecture, and unbridled chaos provided the perfect backdrop for the film and franchise’s futuristic narrative. 

Further, political inspiration stemmed from Hong Kong’s impending identity crisis as it prepared for the 1997 Handover from British rule to Chinese sovereignty, resulting in pervasive themes of self-identity and existentialism throughout the film. 

Today, this encapsulation of Hong Kong’s hybrid nature and political uncertainty rings truer than ever – affirmed by the fact that I can’t even comment on this much deeper. 

Bamboo Scaffolding is Still Widely Used For Construction

Despite being a futuristic, cutting-edge metropolis (as noted above), Hong Kong continues to use traditional bamboo scaffolding for major construction projects across the city – a centuries-old practice that has literally ‘stood the test of time’.

In fact, it’s one of the last cities in the world to still use this ancient practice.  

It’s one of those incredible marvels that still blows my mind to this day. But the sturdiness and reliability of bamboo ain’t nothing to mess with, it’s the real deal. Hong Kong’s 2,500+ registered bamboo scaffolders are trained to create intricate, stable bamboo structures that extend up into the clouds (not literally, but extremely high). 

Not only is bamboo scaffolding efficient, incredibly safe, and exponentially more affordable than steel but it’s environmentally friendly as well, as it’s reusable and easily reassembled (after careful inspection). 

And don’t think it’s just smaller, less impressive buildings and homes that use bamboo scaffolding. Even major skyscrapers and modern developments incorporate this traditional technique, combining old-world craftsmanship with futuristic aesthetics. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Loving these fun and surprising facts about Hong Kong and considering a trip? Make sure to check out my comprehensive guide answering ‘Is Hong Kong Expensive to Visit?’, where I provide realistic budget breakdowns for all types of travelers!

(Virtually) All Land is Leased From the Government

Under Hong Kong’s Constitution, known as ‘The Basic Law’, all land is considered ‘state property’ and under the government’s responsibility to manage, maintain, use, and develop. 

Land is granted to individuals, legal persons, or organizations via lease, which ranges from 50 to 99 years in time (with several rare 999-year leases), except for one landmark – St. John’s Cathedral. 

Located in Central, St. John’s Cathedral was built in 1847 and designated as freehold land by the British crown, meaning that the Anglican church owns the land outright. 

This makes St. John’s Cathedral not only an important historic religious site and place of worship but a one-of-a-kind exception to Hong Kong’s revenue-driven leasehold system.  

Pale Ale Travel Note: I also have a special attachment to St. John’s Cathedral because I would take the bus down Garden Road and exit right in front of it nearly 5 times a week for 3 years straight. 

Hong Kong Was Attacked on the Same Day as Pearl Harbor

On December 8th, 1941, just hours after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the Imperial Japanese Army launched an assault on Hong Kong – part of a broader strategy in the Asia Pacific to expeditiously expand its territory across the region and weaken strongholds of Allied forces. 

Due to the International Date Line, December 8th was the same calendar day as the brutal attack in Hawaii.

This attack marked the beginning of the ‘Battle of Hong Kong’, also sometimes referred to as the ‘Defence of Hong Kong’, a two-week-plus bloody struggle that saw the most significant military engagement between two armed forces in the city’s modern history.  

On Christmas, after 17 days of non-stop fighting, the British, Indian, Canadian, and local Allied forces surrendered, suffering roughly 3,500 casualties on top of 4,000 civilian deaths in the loss. Dark times fell upon the city thereafter, as it entered into a period of Japanese occupation for the next four years, with the British resuming control over the region in August 1945. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: During its four-year occupation, Hong Kong was used as a strategic military base, with the Japanese constructing a series of hidden caves and tunnels along the coastline to house kamikaze speedboats. These remnants still exist today and can be found on Lamma Island, along the shore between Sok Kwu Wan and Lo So Shing. 

You’ll Find the Highest Number of Rolls-Royces in the World

You can always find a Rolls-Royce or seven at the Island Shangri-La.

Luxury and Hong Kong go hand in hand. Like lamb and tuna fish (a Big Daddy quote for anyone who loves Adam Sandler). 

Not many things symbolize generational status and wealth quite like a Rolls-Royce, one of the most expensive cars in the world, a brand that easily sees average prices per car hover between USD 300,000 to 500,000 (depending on the model). 

As one of the most expensive cities to live in, it also means that people have ungodly amounts of money. Unsurprisingly (or surprisingly), Hong Kong boasts the highest number of Rolls-Royces per capita in the world. 

The Rolls-Royce trend dates back over 50 years in the region, to British colonial rule, where they were favored by British socialites and local tycoons. 

Some suspect the iconic 5-star hotel ‘The Peninsula’, located right near the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, may have helped catalyze this title as a luxury car capital after purchasing a fleet of seven Silver Shadow Rolls-Royces in the 1970s. 

Hong Kong Has More Skyscrapers Than New York City

There’s no better place to get a feel for just how many skyscrapers are in the city than by taking a trip to The Peak.

Long before Mainland China began putting up record-breaking skyscrapers left and right, Hong Kong already sported one of the most (if not ‘the most’) beautiful and developed skylines in the world. 

Today, Hong Kong holds the impressive title of having more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, edging out the number two on the list, its northern neighbor ‘Shenzhen’ by over 140 skyscrapers, and New York City by roughly 250 skyscrapers. 

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, an international body and non-profit governing the planning, design, and construction of tall buildings, classifies a skyscraper as a building standing over 150 meters tall (492 feet). 

On top of being a major global financial hub, a key reason for the city’s staggering number of skyscrapers can be attributed to its unique geography, one that is sorely lacking in available flat land, along with its dense population. 

Hong Kong isn’t built horizontally, it builds vertically. In fact, more people live above the fourteenth floor in Hong Kong than below. That’s roughly 3.5 million people – nearly 1.5 times the population of Chicago and just under the population of Los Angeles. 

How wild is that?  

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Want to ensure that you don’t run into any hiccups with money in Hong Kong? I wrote a post breaking down what currency Hong Kong uses and tips for identifying banknotes and coins so that you don’t accidentally mix them up and lose money! 

There’s a (Dwindling) Population of Chinese Pink Dolphins

Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world where you might just spot the elusive Chinese pink dolphin, also commonly known as the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) and the Chinese white dolphin.  

Known for their striking pinkish hue, caused by overdeveloped blood vessels close to their skin which help regulate body temperature, these unique marine mammals are unfortunately on the decline due to habitat loss, overfishing, water pollution, and an increase in marine traffic. 

Conservation bodies estimate Hong Kong’s local pink dolphin population to be under 100, as of 2011, and classified it as a ‘vulnerable’ threatened species in 2015.  

Don’t expect to see them playfully swimming the waters of Victoria Harbor. Your best bet for catching a glimpse of these one-of-a-kind mammals is by making your way to the traditional stilted fishing village Tai O on the west of Lantau Island, Peng Chau, or Soko Islands to the south. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: In Cantonese, the Chinese pink dolphin is referred to as ‘wu gei bak gei’, which translates to ‘black taboo, white taboo’, a nod to the ominous and annoying connotations associated with these mammals by Cantonese fishermen. Many claim that the dolphins will pillage and eat the fish in their nets, ruining a hard day’s work. 

You Won’t Go Hungry With Nearly 100 Michelin Star Eateries

For me, nothing quite beats Kam’s Roast Goose at the South China Athletic Association (Michelin Guide recommended).

As of the 2024 MICHELIN Guide, Hong Kong’s gastronomic scene boasts nearly 80 Michelin-starred restaurants. This includes:

• 7 Three-MICHELIN-starred restaurants,
• 12 Two-MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and
• 60 One-MICHELIN Starred restaurants. 

Michelin-starred restaurants in the city run the gustatorial gamut, ranging from small Cantonese BBQ shops to innovative international eateries serving everything from Italian to Japanese, and even ‘New Latin American’ cuisine.

Further, the Micheline guide also praises and classifies roughly 60 haunts as Bib Gourdmand-worthy, an award given for high-quality cuisine at a reasonable price, and over 70 selected restaurants based on location, ambiance, menu, and service. 

Simply put, whether you want to treat yourself and your partner to an unforgettable luxurious three-star meal or post up on a plastic stool slurping down some traditional Cantonese or Chinese noodles, you’ll be ‘eatin’ good’, real good in Hong Kong. 

Cantonese is One of the Hardest Languages to Learn 

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) ranks Cantonese as one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn, in the company of languages like Hungarian, Japanese, Finnish, Arabic, and Mandarin (Chinese). 

But what makes Cantonese so difficult to learn? 

Cantonese, one of Hong Kong’s two official languages (next to English), is renowned for its complex tonal system, informal nature, and undocumented and/or lack of documented structure. 

While “on paper” Cantonese has six basic tones – pitch differences when speaking similar words and syllables – it’s widely accepted to have nine tones thanks to the inclusion of ‘entering’ tones, which aren’t commonly marked in writing and typically include words that end with a stop consonant like “p,” “k”, or “t”. 

Much of Cantonese thrives on spoken conversation, which generally takes a far less rigid and more informal form, one rife with slang, localized phrases, and idioms tied to history, pop culture, and other day-to-day experiences. Oh, and there are more swear words used daily than you can shake a stick at. Further, written Cantonese differs substantially from written classical Chinese and utilizes its own grammar and specialized vocabulary/characters. 

Simply put, written Cantonese follows more of the pronunciation of phonetic components rather than the literal, which can make it difficult to decipher even for Mainland Chinese travelers and residents of the city. 

This informality has also made it incredibly difficult to fully document or formalize, meaning Cantonese learning literature isn’t exactly spilling off local bookshelves. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: The fact that written Cantonese and written Chinese do not translate at a 1:1 ratio was made apparent to me after my first date with a gal from the Mainland many years ago. We saw ‘Don Juan’ (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) at a theater and the subtitles were in Cantonese. My date looked at me halfway through the movie and said ‘I really don’t understand a ton of what they are saying’. She then explained the translation incongruity between the two. 

It’s Home to the Longest Sea Crossing Bridge in the World

Stretching an incredible 55 kilometers (34 miles), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) is the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world. 

Officially opened in 2018 after roughly 10 years of construction, the HZMB is an engineering marvel that connects three of China’s ‘Greater Bay’ cities: Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, cutting travel times between the three to just over one hour. 

However, the HZMB isn’t actually just one continuous bridge – it’s a combination of three cable-stayed bridges, a 6.7-kilometer underwater tunnel, and four artificial islands, designed to not only allow commuters to get from one city to another in record time but also allow ships to pass through one of the world’s busiest waterways. 

Costing just under US$20 billion, the HZMB symbolizes the increasing push, integration, and creation of the Greater Bay Area megalopolis in South China, aimed at strengthening both economic and cultural ties between the three cities. 

Mid-Levels Has a Street Name That’s Spelled Backward

In the heart of Hong Kong Island’s ‘Mid-Levels’ residential area, halfway up The Peak and just off the SoHo escalators, is a quirky and perplexing pedestrian street named Rednaxela Terrace. What’s the etymology of this? Is it English? Is it Chinese? Is it Swahili? 

At first glance, it may be completely baffling and almost impossible to decipher. 

In reality, it’s just ‘Alexander’ spelled backward and is the only street sign spelled backward in the city. 

While there is no official declaration of its origin, it’s believed that this pedestrian street was located on property owned by someone named ‘Alexander’ (duh!) and was incorrectly transcribed backward into land records during Hong Kong’s colonial era – as Chinese was generally written right to left during such years. 

It is best known as the address of the Philippine national hero and polymath José Rizal, who lived there while working as an eye physician in Hong Kong in the 1890s, and is a quirky reminder of the occasional oddities and misunderstandings of the city’s East-meets-West history.  

Pale Ale Travel Note: This one is near and dear to my heart as Mid-Levels is the only area I’ve ever lived in Hong Kong.  

A Crypto Exchange Rented the Priciest Office in the World Here

In 2018, popular cryptocurrency exchange and derivative trading platform ‘BitMex’ soared into a never-before-seen stratosphere in the wide world of office rental prices, leasing an enormous 20,000 square-foot office in Hong Kong’s prestigious Cheung Kong Center for roughly US$600,000 per month.

At the time, this was the most expensive office rental in the world, working out to around HK$235 (US$30) per square foot. The 45th-floor office was decked out with every accessory an eccentric billionaire would furnish their dojo with, including a large aquarium with live sharks. 

Yes, live sharks. 

After legal trouble that saw its founders plead guilty to violating the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act as a result of failing to implement proper anti-money laundering measures, the exchange had no choice but to shift away from its swanky Hong Kong office – ultimately moving towards a more hybrid remote-style work culture and the majority of its staff locating to Singapore. 

Hong Kong Edges Out New York City With the Most Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals

Despite Hong Kong’s small size, it edges out cities like New York, London, and Singapore, when it comes to the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals who reside there. 

Ultra-high-net-worth individuals are defined as persons with US$30 million or more in net assets. While New York City boasts more millionaires per capita than Hong Kong, it’s Asia’s World City that takes the cake for those in that next echelon. 

But what exactly is behind the city’s staggering wealth? As mentioned above, Hong Kong’s role as a leading global financial mecca, strategic positioning in Asia, East-meets-West regulations, and business-friendly tax system make it a magnet for those in the top 1% of the 1% of society. 

As home to some of the most expensive real estate globally, affluent shopping districts like Causeway Bay, and world-class private banks and wealth management firms that cater to its ultra-high-net-worth residents, it’s no surprise why Hong Kong is a hotspot for the financial elite. 

80% of Hong Kong’s Land is Inhabitable

Despite its hundreds of skyscrapers, iconic skyline, and densely populated urban areas, Hong Kong’s land is mostly uninhabitable. 

That’s right, only 20% to 25% of Hong Kong’s land is habitable, with the remaining 80% or so being designated country parks, nature reserves, woodland, and mountainous terrain.

Hong Kong’s scarcity of usable land is at the root of its housing crisis and the reason why it consistently ranks atop the most expensive real estate markets (for purchase and rental) and densely populated cities in the world, particularly in areas like Central, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok. 

On the flip side, Hong Kong’s open, uninhabited spaces offer countless world-class hiking trails, pristine beaches, vibrant gardens, and thriving wildlife ecosystems. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Because such little land in Hong Kong is habitable/tenable, housing prices are through the roof. This is one of the things I’m not a huge fan of living in Hong Kong. Find out more about the pros and cons of living in Hong Kong in my comprehensive guide. 

It Has Snowed in Hong Kong Before

Believe it or not, this city with a subtropical climate that easily sees temperatures soar into the high 90s (Fahrenheit) and even 100s has experienced snowfall before. 

While extremely rare, snow has been recorded atop Hong Kong’s tallest peak, Tai Mo Shan, post-WWII on four different occasions. Count it. Four different occasions – with the last documented snowfall registering in 1975. 

However, Hong Kong isn’t immune from brisk winters and frosty with temperatures dropping down into the 50s and even 40s at points, having dropped all the way down to 32 degrees in 1893. Higher ground and mountain tops, especially those in the New Territories still occasionally ice over at these temperatures. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: As someone born and raised in New England, I personally don’t think that Hong Kong’s lower temperatures have ever truly left me contemplating my life choices – it’s the mid-summer temps in Hong Kong that have me wondering how this flannel wearing, Russian-hat donning, stew-eating boy from New England decided to live in a city where he has to take three showers per day. 

Cheung Chau Has a Pirate Cave

Located on Hong Kong’s fifth biggest island by population, Cheung Chau, and one of my favorite spots to go spend the day, there’s a hidden piece of Hong Kong’s pirate past: the Po Tsai Pirate Cave. 

Used by the ruthless Qing Dynasty (19th century) Guangdong pirate Cheung Po Tsai for refuge and to store his loot, the Cheung Po Tsai Cave is a popular destination when day tripping out to enjoy its gorgeous waterfront, multicolor fishing boats, and Murderers’ Row of fresh seafood restaurants. 

The Cheung Po Tsai Cave is just a short hike (a slightly elevated walk is a better term for it) from the Cheung Chau Ferry Pier and the main village, easily located via a series of signs in both English and Chinese. 

It’s narrow and dimly lit, requiring a prudent climb down a small ladder to reach an underground path. The roughly 100-meter single-file path is almost completely dark, requiring a flashlight (phone flashlights more than work!) to navigate. 

Don’t worry, no serious accidents have occurred here and it’s a completely safe trek. 

Unfortunately, you won’t find any of Cheung Po Tsai’s hidden treasures but it’s still a great place to experience a different side of Hong Kong and get out of the hustle and bustle of Central!

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you make your way out to Cheung Chau for the day, make sure to swing by one of my favorite ‘cart noodle’ shops in all of Hong Kong (and one of the few left) – Dao Dao Noodles. 

80% of Hong Kong Residents Flush Their Toilets With Seawater

After moving back to Hong Kong in 2020, I was caught by surprise one morning after flushing my toilet and smelling what I thought was a Walrus’s armpit post-arduous cod eating session. 

It just so happens that roughly 80% of all Hong Kong buildings and residents flush their toilets with seawater, facilitated by a unique water distribution system that was rolled out in the 1950s. To ensure the water is hygienic and free from bacterial growth, the seawater is drawn directly from the ocean and treated with chlorination at designated pumping stations across the city.  

Due to limited freshwater resources, the extensive network of seawater flushing systems is essential for conservation, drastically reducing freshwater consumption while allowing for a more sustainable and less deleterious mark on the environment. 

Smaller island nations and coastal communities such as the Marshall Islands have adopted this approach over the years to combat increased water demand and growing populations.

However, some researchers worry that such a practice could lead to increased toxic by-products being released into the water due to chlorination, potentially doing more harm than good to surrounding marine life. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: I live in quite an old building (like most buildings in Mid-Levels) and was caught off guard after first moving in and noticing a reddish ring that would appear in my toilet bowl on some days. I learned that this was iron oxide and caused by higher amounts of iron in the water or iron piping used. So, if you move into an old building and notice your toilet bowl is an odd color, don’t be alarmed and think that your bowels are failing you!

Hong Kong is Considered the Birthplace of Modern Kung Fu Culture

While kung fu and all of its regional varieties have been around for thousands of years, Hong Kong is credited as the birthplace of modern-day kung fu culture. 

After China’s ‘bamboo curtain’ fell in the 1950s, both Hong Kong and Taiwan became the new hubs for everything Chinese martial arts, rapidly thrusting the art of kung fu into the global spotlight. The main drivers? Hong Kong’s prospering film industry along with a migration of Southern Chinese martial artists to the city coupled with an unparalleled East-meets-West milieu. 

Iconic kung fu and martial arts figures like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Gordon Liu, and Alexander Fu Sheng, made their indelible mark in Hong Kong’s action-packed films, transforming kung fu from a somewhat obscure traditional practice into an international phenomenon. 

Movies, like Lee’s Enter the Dragon, transformed martial arts on the big screen by cohesively integrating philosophy, technical skill, and cinematic flair, while Jackie Chan’s comedic and acrobatic takes on kung fu added a memorable charm that hooked global audiences. 

Beyond the big screen, Hong Kong was also home to countless martial arts schools, teaching everything from Wing Chun to Hung Gar, Tai Chi, and Shaolin Kung Fu. 

Today, tourists strolling along Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars are reminded of the city’s storied traditional and modern martial arts legacy thanks to a two-meter-tall bronze statue of Bruce Lee in his signature ‘ready to strike’ pose.  

It Was Once Home to the Densest Settlement on Earth

Up until the early 1990s, Hong Kong was home to the densest populated settlement on earth – the Kowloon Walled City. At its peak in the mid-1980s, this urban labyrinth saw more than 35,000 residents call this 6.4-acre space home, for an average population density of 1.2 million people per square kilometer. 

That’s roughly the size of a single city block.

Originally constructed as an imperial Chinese fort in 1847, the Kowloon Walled City saw a staggering influx in residents in the years following WWII. Refugees fleeing the Chinese Civil War made up the bulk of the initial residents, drawn to the self-sustaining, unregulated enclave by its lawless nature.

Both British colonial and Chinese authorities abstained from exercising clear jurisdiction over the city, resulting in triad-run illicit businesses galore inside its walls, including narcotics, gambling dens, prostitution, and even the sale of dog meat. Unregulated construction was also rife, giving rise to towering, interconnected buildings, narrow dark alleys, and chaotic webs of both legal and illegal cables and pipes. 

Despite its crime-riddled and lawless reputation, it housed schools, factories, clinics, and bustling food stalls, creating a unique, tight-knit ecosystem and city of its own. 

As sanitary conditions and overall quality of life lagged far behind the rest of the city, the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 called for the walled city’s demolition, with demolition efforts beginning in March 1993 and concluding in April 1994. 

Today, the Kowloon Walled City Park stands where this former hectic enclave was located, with various paths and pavilions named after buildings, alleyways, and streets that once housed tens of thousands of residents. The Walled City’s South and East Gates, along with foundations of the city wall and ‘yamen,’ headquarters and offices of military brigades and the inspectorate, also remain, declared important monuments by the government in 1996.  

A Man Was Trapped on a Boat Between Hong Kong & Macau For Over 10 Months

In a bizarre twist of maritime bureaucracy, one that inspired the 1959 British melodrama Ferry to Hong Kong starring Orson Welles, a man found himself stuck in limbo on the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry for nearly 11 months in 1952.  

The strange saga began after a mysterious man, who served irregular stints in the U.S. Army and Navy, bartended in Shanghai, was a former inmate in a Japanese prison, and served occasional stints as a maritime officer, attempted to disembark at the bustling Portuguese outpost (Macau). He was turned away and boarded the ferry back to Hong Kong. 

However, upon landing in Hong Kong, British officials rejected this mysterious man’s attempt to enter, as his papers “were not in order.” The man claimed his name was Michael Patrick O’Brien and that he was from the United States but was unable to produce any valid form of identification, instead handing over a Red Cross certificate which identified him as a ‘stateless Irishman’. 

So, back he went. And then back he went again for a total of 315 days, living as a human ping pong ball before he was removed and made his way to Brazil. He was denied entry there as well – fading into obscurity as an obscure footnote in Hong Kong’s storied maritime history. 

Hong Kong Taxi Licenses Can Cost Over USD 500,000

Driving a taxi in Hong Kong isn’t one of those ‘plug and play’ professions where you wake up one day and suddenly jump right into it – it’s a major investment. 

Obtaining a taxi license in Hong Kong is going to run you an arm and a leg, costing anywhere from USD 500,000 to USD 600,000-plus, making it one of the most expensive cities in the world to become a ‘for hire’ driver. At one point in the mid-2010s, taxi licenses commanded as much as USD 900,000 (HK$7 million). 

So, what drives these costs through the roof? Well, there’s a wide range of factors, but there is one in particular that is the main culprit. Simply put, the Hong Kong government ceased issuing taxi licenses in the early 1990s, so the acquisition and trade of taxi licenses are all done through a free open market. Supply and demand. 

As of 2024, there were under 20,000 taxis operating in Hong Kong. 

Further, expensive operating costs, declining ridership (especially in the last decade), and increased competition due to now-popular ride-hailing apps like Uber have jacked up prices for taxi licenses.  

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re more comfortable using a ride-hailing app like Uber, don’t forget to read my article breaking down everything you need to know about using Uber in Hong Kong – including situations where I recommend doing so and steering clear of it!

Home to the Longest Covered Outdoor Covered Escalator System in the World

Snaking through the heart of Hong Kong’s financial district (Central) and a contender for the new 8th Wonder of the World is the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and walkway system. If you’re unfamiliar with Hong Kong, there’s a good chance you’re scoffing and wondering what’s so special about an escalator. 

Well, it ain’t just any old escalator – it’s the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, stretching over 2,600 feet (800 meters) while climbing an elevation of nearly 500 feet!

Opened in the early 1990s, the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator’s system of 20 connecting escalators and 3 moving walkaways was introduced to better link residents/commuters living in Mid-Levels along with reducing foot traffic, transporting over 85,000 people daily. 

In the morning, the escalator system runs downhill, easing the commute for Mid-Levels residents (these achy joints of mine appreciate it), while 10 AM marks the turning point where it’s all uphill from there, baby!

Besides acting as a practical commuter mechanism, it’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, thanks to the vibrant wall art, mouth-watering cafes and restaurants, art galleries, fresh food markets, and cultural developments found along the ‘ride’. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: I live right off of the SoHo Escalators, something I probably take for granted each day when going home. If you have any questions about Hong Kong’s SoHo area (eating, drinking, going out, etc…), please don’t hesitate to reach out as it is my bread and butter when it comes to recommendations. Also, yes, Bakehouse’s sourdough egg tarts are worth the wait!

Water Buffaloes Were Imported to Hong Kong in the 20th Century

Unbeknownst to many, water buffaloes are ‘living tractors’ due to their critical role in shaping and conserving wetland and pasture environments. 

Not only are they sturdy, reliable Bovini tribe ambassadors that are perfect for plowing rice fields and transporting heavy loads, but they also create thriving microhabitats due to their grazing, wallowing, trampling, and excreting activities. As studied by conservationists, water buffaloes can help transform abandoned, barren, or overgrown lands into thriving, self-sustaining ecosystems – just by existing. 

But what does this have to do with Hong Kong, where water buffaloes aren’t native to the several islands and peninsula that comprise it? 

To support and cultivate Hong Kong’s restricted agrarian economy, water buffaloes were introduced to the city in the early 20th century. While they were initially used for farming and rice plowing along the coastal areas, today they roam free and enjoy lives of leisure out on Lantau Island (specifically Pui O to its southeast).  

Today, organizations like Hong Kong Buffalo Research and Sai Kung Bovid Watch work to protect these gentle giants, ensuring that they remain a revered and contributing part of Hong Kong’s (diminishing) natural landscapes. 

Hong Kong Has ‘Typhoon Days’

One of the most legendary days was getting caught on a hike during a T8.

I don’t know about you but I grew up with snow days as a kid – aka the best days ever. You know, days when school was canceled because of the previous night’s snowstorm that left the roads completely unnavigable and a white winter wonderland out in your front yard to build snow forts? 

Well, that’s not a thing in Hong Kong. But it does have ‘typhoon days’. These are an anticipatory system of warnings issued by the Hong Kong Observatory in the lead-up to a typhoon passing through the region, sometimes granting professionals and students alike an unexpected day off from work or school. 

Typhoon season in Hong Kong generally runs from May to the end of September, or even as late as even early November, with peak season occurring smack-dab in the middle of summer. The Hong Kong Observatory classifies typhoons on a tiered scale, starting at T1 for storms making their way to the city. 

Typhoon 3 signals (T3) are typically the threshold where school and work may be canceled and issued roughly 12 hours before strong winds and rain land. 

Typhoon 8 (T8) signals are issued when the storm’s winds pick up to nearly 100 kilometers or more and are far more serious. They are broken down into four quadrants based on which direction of the city it is approaching (NW, SW, NE, SE). Work, school, and fun are all canceled, with most of the city sequestering in their apartments until the storm passes. 

While disruptive, typhoon days are part and parcel in Hong Kong and sometimes even enjoyable, as they allow residents to take a breather from work, relax indoors, enjoy downtime with their loved ones, and catch up on hobbies.  

These Fun Hong Kong Facts Only Scratch the Surface

I wouldn’t still live in Hong Kong if I wasn’t completely enamored with it. Everywhere on earth has its pros and its cons but for me, the pros far outweigh any negatives. 

I’m thankful for the crazy fulfilling ride it has been so far!

Hopefully, this list of fun facts about Hong Kong spurs a little (or a lot) of inspiration to come check out ‘Asia’s World City’ for yourself. Or who knows, maybe even move here?  

If you have any questions about traveling (or moving) to Hong Kong, such as where to eat or drink and what you can expect at different points in the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at info@palealetravel.com. 

Finally, if you have any surprising or fun facts about Hong Kong, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Travel well everyone, 

Big Body