Inside the Highs and Lows of Life in Hong Kong: Skyscrapers, Wealth, and Struggles Behind the Glamour

Hong Kong is known as the city with the highest number of skyscrapers in the world. With over 7,000 high-rise buildings, each with more than 14 floors, it far surpasses other major cities across the globe. This dense concentration of vertical structures makes Hong Kong a true capital of vertical architecture.

But beyond its glittering skyline, Hong Kong is also home to many of the world’s richest people. A number of successful entrepreneurs and wealthy families choose to live and run their businesses here, thanks to its strategic position as a global financial center and its easy access to the Asian market, particularly Mainland China. The city offers a stable business climate, favorable tax policies, and world-class infrastructure.

However, the story isn’t all luxury and opportunity. A significant portion of Hong Kong’s population, particularly those in the middle and lower income brackets, faces serious challenges — especially when it comes to the sky-high cost of living and soaring property prices. Many people are forced to live in tiny subdivided flats, often crammed into a single unit just to afford a place to sleep. This harsh reality greatly affects their quality of life and creates daily pressure.

In this video, we’ll dive deeper into the many sides of life in Hong Kong — from its geography and society to culture, history, and more. But before we get started, don’t forget to hit the like and subscribe button so you won't miss out on more fascinating content from this channel!

A Special Administrative Region

Officially, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. This status began on July 1, 1997, when the United Kingdom formally handed the territory over to China after more than 150 years of colonial rule. The transfer was based on the Sino-British Joint Declaration signed in 1984.

As an SAR, Hong Kong is under Chinese sovereignty but operates with a high degree of autonomy. It has its own legal system, economic policies, and administrative practices that are distinct from Mainland China. This “one country, two systems” framework guarantees freedoms like a free press, an independent judiciary, and a capitalist economy — at least until 2047.

Geography and Layout

Located on the southern coast of China facing the South China Sea, Hong Kong borders Guangdong Province to the north and includes numerous islands, bays, and waterways. Its strategic location has helped it become one of the busiest ports and most vital trade hubs in Asia.

Geographically, Hong Kong is divided into three main regions: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, which also encompass over 200 smaller islands. The Island itself is the commercial and financial core, while Kowloon lies just across the harbor, connected by tunnels and bridges. The New Territories stretch northward up to the border with Mainland China.

With an area of only about 1,106 km², Hong Kong is relatively small, especially compared to other regions or countries. Most of its land is mountainous or forested, meaning only around 20-25% is usable for urban development such as housing, offices, roads, and public services.

People and Population

Hong Kong is home to around 7.5 million people, making it one of the most densely populated places on Earth. The vast majority, over 90%, are ethnic Chinese — primarily Cantonese from Guangdong Province.

But there are also numerous ethnic minorities, including people of Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese, Filipino, and Indonesian descent, as well as Western expatriates from countries like the UK, the US, and Australia.

These groups work across various sectors, from domestic service and retail to finance and international business.

Religion and Language

Freedom of religion is protected by law in Hong Kong, and there is no official state religion. Most residents practice traditional Chinese beliefs — a blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism — often simultaneously and without clear boundaries between them.

There’s also a sizable Christian community, both Catholic and Protestant, a legacy of the British colonial era. Christianity continues to influence areas like education and healthcare. Smaller groups include Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jews.

Cantonese is the most widely spoken language and is used in daily life, media, and education. However, due to its colonial history, English remains an official language and is commonly used in government, law, business, and education. Many professionals in Hong Kong are fluent in both languages.

The Fast-Paced Life of Hong Kong

Life in Hong Kong is fast, competitive, and intense. People work long hours, and the work culture is demanding. Children often attend extra lessons or tutoring from a young age to secure better futures.

There’s a sharp divide between the ultra-wealthy and the working class. On one end, billionaires and successful businesspeople live in luxury high-rises with stunning harbor views, drive luxury cars, and enjoy exclusive services, golf clubs, top-tier healthcare, and elite schools.

On the other end, many low-income families live in cramped, subdivided units. Housing costs are among the highest in the world, often consuming over half of a family’s income. A 20–30 m² apartment can cost as much as a spacious flat in other countries. Owning a home is nearly impossible for average earners — prices for small apartments can reach millions of Hong Kong dollars, even in distant suburbs.

The cheapest accommodations include so-called "coffin homes" or rooftop slums. These places are not only tiny and claustrophobic but often unsafe, with poor sanitation and ventilation. Renting a space as small as 1.5–2 m² can cost 3,000–4,000 HKD (around USD 380–510) per month.

The Cost of Food and Living

Food is also expensive in Hong Kong, especially compared to other Asian cities. Since there's limited agricultural land, most food is imported. High rental and operational costs also push restaurant prices up. A standard meal at a street vendor can cost around 80 HKD (approx. USD 10), while mid-range or international restaurants might charge up to 300 HKD (about USD 38) per meal.

These high costs create enormous pressure on residents, especially those who aren’t wealthy. Many people work long hours with little downtime just to survive. It’s common for multiple family members to share a tiny living space or rent subdivided units to save money.

Despite being a modern and well-organized city, Hong Kong’s high cost of living means that life here often comes with major compromises — especially for the middle and lower classes.

A Global Economic Powerhouse

Economically, Hong Kong remains one of the most advanced and open cities in the world. It’s a major global financial hub with a large, diverse stock exchange and a base for many international banks and corporations.

Its economy thrives on free trade, financial services, and other service-based industries. There are no import tariffs, and it maintains strict free trade policies. This makes it one of Asia’s most important ports and logistics centers.

Tourism also plays a big role in the economy. Millions of visitors come to shop, do business, and explore Hong Kong’s attractions.

Public Facilities and Tech

Hong Kong boasts modern, integrated public facilities. Its public transport system — including buses, trams, ferries, and a fast subway network — connects the city’s districts and surrounding islands efficiently.

It’s also one of the cities with the widest public Wi-Fi coverage in the world. The government has invested in tech infrastructure to ensure fast, easy internet access across public spaces like parks, malls, stations, and more. This supports productivity and smooth communication in everyday life.

A Brief History

Before British colonization in the 19th century, the region that is now Hong Kong was part of Imperial China under the Qing Dynasty. It consisted of small fishing and farming villages spread across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.

Despite its location on the South China Sea, it was not a major political or economic hub. Things changed dramatically when British colonial interests took hold during the 19th century, particularly due to rising trade between the UK and China.

British rule began in 1842 following the First Opium War, a conflict driven by trade disputes — especially Britain’s export of opium to China.