I loved Hong Kong’s energy. Frenetic, uplifting, slightly manic, adrenaline rush-inspiring… just the way I like my cities. From the first moment I dove into its streetscapes, it felt strangely familiar, despite the fact I have never been before. When I later heard someone refer to it as “the New York of Asia”, it all made perfect sense.
And yet there was that other side to Hong Kong, remote, inaccessible and totally incomprehensible to me. Looking back, I can say that what I loved the most about the city was this very duality between the familiar and the exotic.
So thought I’d share a few night scenes from my recent visit to this buzzing metropolis – and a tip on a heaven-inducing reflexology session (scroll down for details).
In the basement of this place, I was brought pretty close to heaven during a late-night reflexology session. Don’t miss it if in Hong Kong: Taipan Reflexology Beauty & Foot Spa (Basement of Golden Crown Court, 66-70 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon); 50 minutes costs 300 HK$.
Great series of shots. It’s years since I’ve been to Hong Kong, and I would very much like to return. As you say, it’s a city with those two sides to it. One minute you’ve in a cosmopoltian urban environment, and then a back street temple or market at the end of the tram line. A must for travellers and photographers.
Thanks, Andrew, glad you like the shots! The two sides of Hong Kong are definitely a major part of its appeal.
I fell in love with Hong Kong at first sight many years ago when I went for the first time on a biz trip. Was last there in November. Needed to get my fix as it had been a few years. Glad you liked it.
Yes, it was quite a love at first sight for me too, Wendy! Even from the air I thought it was a stunning place. And I really loved the vibe on the ground, too.