My Hong Kong Story: A City I’ll Always Go Back To

Here’s what I love most about Hong Kong:

• The food – Hong Kong is hands-down one of my favourite food cities. Whether it's sitting down for classic dim sum at a local tea house, grabbing roast duck and rice from a hole-in-the-wall, or lining up for egg waffles from a street cart, it never disappoints. I love how food is woven into daily life here—simple, fast, flavourful. And don’t even get me started on the milk tea and pineapple buns!

• The energy – The city moves fast, but it doesn’t push you out. There’s a rhythm to Hong Kong that somehow energises you. Mornings are filled with the clatter of trams and breakfast chatter, and nights light up with neon signs, bustling markets, and people still very much awake. It’s non-stop, but not exhausting—just alive.

• The contrast – One of the things I’ll never stop being fascinated by is the contrast. One moment you’re surrounded by towering glass buildings, and the next, you’re stepping into a quiet temple tucked between apartment blocks. It’s a mix of East and West, old and new. You can take a hike in the hills in the morning and shop for designer bags by afternoon. It’s all there, layered on top of each other.

• The views – This city knows how to show off. The skyline from Victoria Harbour at night? Jaw-dropping. The view from The Peak? Timeless. I love taking the Star Ferry across the water—even if it’s just for five minutes. Something about that view never gets old.

• The people – I’ve always loved how diverse and dynamic Hong Kong feels. It’s a mix of locals, expats, travellers, workers, dreamers. Everyone’s busy, yes, but there’s warmth too. I’ve had the most random, lovely conversations with taxi drivers, shop owners, and strangers who gave me directions with a smile.

• The shopping – Whether it’s browsing luxury malls in Causeway Bay, bargaining at street markets in Mong Kok, or stumbling across tiny indie shops in hidden corners, shopping in Hong Kong is a full experience. It’s not just about what you buy—it’s how the city wraps around it. And trust me, I’ve done my fair share of browsing here (more on that in my next blog!).

Hong Kong wasn’t just my first trip abroad—it was the place that opened the door to the rest of the world for me. And even after all these years, with all the cities I’ve visited, it still feels like a place I return to—not just physically, but emotionally too.

Maybe it’s the memories. Maybe it’s the buzz. Or maybe it’s just the kind of city that never really leaves you.

Whatever it is, I know one thing: I’ll always carry a little piece of Hong Kong with me.

My travel journey started here and to this day, it’s still one of the cities I hold closest. I’ve visited more times than I can count....mostly for business and a couple tied to family. Even when I’m there for work, I always try to soak in the city’s energy. Somehow, it always leaves an impression.

One of my favourite memories? My very first trip.

There I was, wandering through Kowloon and Central… in high-heeled boots. Don’t ask me why. By the end of the day, I was practically limping and desperate for a cheap pair of flats. That’s when I met Nivin—a beautiful Egyptian girl with the most gorgeous lashes, visiting a friend at the time. We clicked instantly. Ended up buying the same pair of flats and casually agreed to hang out again the next day.

We didn’t have phones. I was staying with my auntie in the New Territories. She was somewhere completely different. And yet, somehow—we found each other again. No plan, just fate (and maybe a bit of luck).

We kept in touch for a few years. She went on to graduate from dentistry, and from what I saw on her socials, she even became a bit of a celebrity in Egypt. I was so proud of her. She deserved every bit of success. I often think about her and wonder how she’s doing now. I’d love to reconnect one day—even just to say hi and let her know I still remember.

Since then, I’ve returned to Hong Kong many times. And no matter how quick or busy the trip, there’s always something that catches my heart.

Xinjiang Nang Bing