Hon
g Kong's Lesser-known Facts: Uncovering the Mysteries
Hong Kong, the bustling metropolis in East Asia, is a city of many hidden gems. Beyond the famous attractions of Victoria Harbor, The Peak, and Disneyland, there are many lesser-known facts about Hong Kong that are worth exploring. In this article, we will uncover some of the intriguing and lesser-known aspects of Hong Kong.
1. Hong Kong Has the World's Highest Concentration of Skyscrapers
Hong Kong City Skyline is famous worldwide for its tall skyscrapers, but did you know that Hong Kong has the highest concentration of skyscrapers on the planet? According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Hong Kong has 317 skyscrapers above 490 feet tall, which is more than any other city in the world.
2. Hong Kong Has More Rolls-Royce Cars Per Capita Than Anywhere Else
Hong Kong is known for its flashy cars and luxury lifestyle, but did you know that it has more Rolls-Royce cars per capita than any other city in the world? According to a recent report, Hong Kong has an estimated 258 Rolls-Royce vehicles per million people. In contrast, the closest rival, Dubai, has 200 Rolls-Royce cars per million residents.
3. Hong Kong Has the World's Longest Escalator System
Hong Kong is a hilly city, and its unique escalator system captures this. The Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system connects the Central and Mid-Levels districts of Hong Kong Island, rising nearly 135 meters in height and running over 800 meters in length. The system is open 20 hours a day and operates primarily in one direction, carrying over 80,000 passengers daily.
4. Hong Kong's Disneyland Sits on a Former Graveyard
Most visitors are unaware that Hong Kong Disneyland was constructed on a former graveyard. The area was known as the "Feng Shui wood," and it was believed to have positive energy, but also a history of hauntings. Before the park was built, the government spent two years and HKD 5 million relocating thousands of graves.
5. Hong Kong Has a Unique Architectural Style Called "Tong Lau"
"Tong Lau" is a traditional building style seen in older parts of Hong Kong, characterized by a mix of Chinese and Western architectural features. These three to five-storied buildings were prevalent in Hong Kong in the early 20th century, and many can still be seen today in areas such as Tai Ping Shan and Sheung Wan.
6. Hong Kong Translates to "Fragrant Harbor."
The name Hong Kong has a poetic backstory, as it translates to "Fragrant Harbor" in Cantonese. The name likely derives from the fragrance from incense factories that used to be located in the area.
In conclusion, while Hong Kong is a bustling modern metropolis, its lesser-known facts prove that the city has much more to offer than meets the eye. From its unique architectural style and traditions to its love of luxury cars and impressive escalator system, there is always something new to discover in Hong Kong.