LIM College

Hong Kong felt the most like home of the Chinese cities we visited. It was just as welcoming as the other two cities had been, but it was the easiest city to get used to. The impressive subway system, neon bright malls, and huge commercial areas made it comparable to New York City, but also completely different.

The island is composed of three separate areas, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Lantau. The airport was located on Lantau, but we stayed in a modern hotel on Kowloon, where the traffic and even foot traffic can get heavy and the people are highly fashionable. Hong Kong Island seemed the most diverse city in our itinerary. It had various vibes, from the sand  beach at Repulse Bay to the cultural and religious spots along the mountain and beach. The open markets were exciting to explore and it felt like a tropical paradise.

There is a variety of currency in circulation there, some dating from the 70s and 80s, when Hong Kong Island was still under British rule and some more newly minted. The island felt the most Americanized of our trip, even though only about five percent of Hong Kong’s population is American. Although I missed not needing to use the Chinese language, I felt welcomed and at ease. It was a relaxing place with a plethora of scenic views and an excellent city to cap off the China trip.

--Jena Glick