Tuesday, December 10, 2024

The truth about Hong Kong that tourists do not say

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Hong Kong — is a special region of China that is in a special economic situation. Tourists often compare this city with the “duty-free ” zone at the airport, because there you can buy almost all the elite news at pleasant prices. Previously, island Hong Kong was occupied by Britain, but then mainland China regained control of a huge city-state, where approximately 7.5 million people live.

Hong Kong is famous for its beautiful illumination, purity, huge skyscrapers, its own traditions and its laws. But this brilliant city also has “the dark side ”, which is rarely talked about by enthusiastic tourists who fly to Hong Kong for shopping. I picked up interesting “dark ” facts about Hong Kong for you.

Okraine Kowloon

On the island of Hong Kong, literally with the edge there is a place called Kowloon. In the 1950s, local groups seized power in this place while China and Britain shared Hong Kong among themselves.

Gradually, Koulun grew to an impressive size due to the fact that they were allowed to build high-rise buildings in a shortcut to each other, but not higher than 14 floors. Both construction and leisure in Kowloon have long been under the control of the Chinese mafia.

Since ancient times, tons of prohibited substances have passed through Kowloon in China. This city was called the last refuge of criminals from all over China. In tight high-rise buildings, unsanitary conditions reigned. And the Chinese authorities decided to demolish this place in order to deal with the problem radically. Today, only the gate remained from Kowloon, and a couple of attractions. One of the most dangerous areas of China no longer exists.

And in Hong Kong, from that time on, they recommend fearing pickpockets and dealers. Hong Kong, after the disappearance of Kowloon, has become a pretty safe place. Tourists there more often do not themselves become victims of criminals, but commit offenses related to substances and indecent behavior. And then they have a lot of problems with the local police.

Do not think that the so-called mafia in Hong Kong has dissolved in air. According to rumors “Triadas ” still control the shadow labor market and the black currency market too, but ordinary tourists scurrying back and forth with cameras are of little interest to them.

Socialism and capitalism

While all of China is building socialism, capitalism is developing in Hong Kong. Sometimes it seems that Hong Kong — is a huge platform for an economic experiment.

In Hong Kong, for example, you can freely buy goods that are not sold on the mainland. And in general, this place still lives according to its laws.

Dangerous water

In Hong Kong, as in many other places in the world, the water pipes are old and worn out. Theoretically, tap water can be drunk there. But if you look at the practice, then many Hong Kongers drink bottled water, put filters or simply boil water before use.

The composition of tap drinking water in Hong Kong may differ from what tourists are used to at home. For this reason, it is better to play it safe with water in a city-state.

Night clubs

There are many quite European nightclubs and restaurants in the Hong Kong district of Wanchai. Tourists enjoy an abundance of entertainment when they get to this place.

But in Wanchai it’s worth being careful. In nightclubs there are girls and guys who mix wealthy tourists into cocktails of various substances. They solder gullible foreigners, and then clean their wallets and credit cards.

At the Hong Kong peak of Victoria, by the way, robberies often occur. And visiting this popular place for tourists, you should not take a lot of money or valuable things with you.

Poisonous snakes

Hong Kong parks and forest parks have warning plates. They say that meeting a poisonous snake in this area is quite possible.

Despite the fact that Hong Kong is highly urbanized, snakes are found there even among skyscrapers. But this is more of an exception than a rule. Walking in the parks, be careful, look under your feet and do not go off the tracks. Most of the snakes that occur in this territory lead a nightlife. But there are also individuals who prefer to be active during the day.

Typhoons and sharks

Since Hong Kong is washed by the South China Sea on three sides, there are beach areas. But indulging in a carefree vacation on the beach and fun swimming, it is worth remembering that sharks are found in the South China Sea. And the Hong Kong waters — are not the cleanest in the world. Swimming there, such water should not be allowed to enter the stomach.

Typhoons are another Hong Kong issue. From May to November, a strong wind threatens various Hong Kong areas. To notify the population of the impending typhoon, the authorities hung special screens on the buildings, where when the typhoon approaches, numbers appear that indicate its strength. If numbers from 7 to 10 appear, it is better to hide in cover and wait out the storm. For example, when 10 appears, you should expect a wind with a force of 220 km per hour. Such a wind causes the destruction of structures and tears off various objects from the earth. It must be hidden from him in a reliable building.

Along with typhoons, showers come to Hong Kong. City streets are flooded with water due to prolonged rains. All this seriously complicates the life of both local and tourists.

Street food

The food in Hong Kong is varied and very tasty. There is not only Asian cuisine, but also restaurants that serve dishes from different parts of the planet.

But in Hong Kong street foods it is quite possible to be poisoned by oysters or other seafood. To prevent this from happening, it is worth noting where the locals go. They know good places. And in many institutions of Hong Kong, the restaurant’s license is hung directly in the hall on the wall. This also increases the degree of trust in the institution.

Going on a journey, we must not forget that every corner on the planet has both a bright and a dark side. Would you go to Hong Kong as a tourist? 

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