Relaxation in Hong Kong

Do you know that according to a recent survey, Hong Kong has the worst work-life balance in the Asia-Pacific region, like Hongkongers still have to take work-related calls or emails even on Holidays?

But let’s not talk about work today, life is about enjoyment! What should we do if we want to relax in Hong Kong?

How about embracing the nature? There are so many scenic trails and country parks in Hong Kong; you are bound to find at least one you love! Hiking, sightseeing, meeting wildlife animals (the non-dangerous one), picnicking...there are so many things you can do in the countryside.

What? You don’t like trees and grass?

That’s totally fine, we have even more things to do in the urban city.

Is museum your cup of tea? You have so many choices when it comes to museums in Hong Kong, like museums for astrology, science, trains, historical heritage, art, food, wax figure…Makes you wonder why Hong Kong is ridiculed as “cultural desert”, no?

Or maybe you prefer shopping? Then you really should go to Sheung Wan to buy some dried seafood and Chinese medicines; or visit Graham Street Market in Central to experience how people buy and sell, old school Hong Kong style.

Wet market is “dirty”? What about Mong Kok, where you can buy “expensive things” from modern shopping centers, and “cheap things” from small shops and street stalls.

And if you like amusement parks, why don’t you visit the Ocean Park or Hong Kong Disneyland?

…Though these two places get really crowded during holidays, so “relaxation” may not be what they can provide.

You still can’t relax?

Then stop thinking of going anywhere, just be a couch potato, drink some soda, eat some snacks and watch some TV.

Or join me, and be an internet potato.

Hong Kong has the highest internet speed in the world, remember?

Hong Kong - Cultural desert

Do you know that Hong Kong has been nicknamed “cultural desert” because of her lack of art and culture scenes?

Yeah, this mockery is pretty well-known, so I doubt it if you said you don’t.

Most people who grow up or have lived in Hong Kong for a long time can tell you why: art and culture can’t make money. And let’s not forget the “force-fed” style education in Hong Kong, which emphasise on reciting and scores more than anything else. Almost everyone who grows up here have been bewitched by the “study well; get good grades; get a good job; make lots of money” curse. How can people be creative? How can they appreciate the products of creativity?

And even though the government has been spending money on promoting art and culture in Hong Kong, the result is disappointing because either a) people simply can’t enjoy arts and prefer something more “materialistic”; or b) people complained that the government has no understanding on arts and its “ugly art project” can’t help the culture industry.

So, are we Hongkongers going to “die from thirst” in this desert?

Well, there have been way more large scale art exhibition in the recent years; the Art Basel being held in Hong Kong is a huge breakthrough; Hongkongers got angry when the government removed the street artworks made by a famous French artist a few years back; more youngsters try to protect and promote their own culture…

All these simply suggest Hongkongers still care about this “desert”.

So let’s not be too pessimistic, it takes time for plants to grow in desert, ok?

It may not turn into a forest, but an oasis is pretty nice as well, isn’t it?