

Between the bookends of the world’s most breathtaking skyline lies a throbbing abundance of life on the streets and a multitude of human beings routinely ensuring the city continues to churn.
My second trip of 3 days in Hong Kong, and I am still amazed at this city of sky-rise buildings on an island.
How did the engineers design such a mad man-made creation, and how does the city survive, failing to collapse into the bay below?
Hong Kong is a premier business district of the world and many roll around in their finest garments to sky-rise cubicle jobs by day. By night they go out for a few overpriced dinner cocktails or if the day was particularly stressful a couple of alcoholic shooters.
At the crack of dawn, family owned restaurants, vegetable market stalls, meat butchers, corner convenience stores, and stores full of odds and ends, open their shutters and add to the business mingle on the streets..
To make everything possible, construction workers with the help of bamboo poles fix things to code and keep the city hopefully from collapsing.
Though my budget and lifestyle doesn’t allow for a lengthy stay in the density of Hong Kong, I do enjoy a whirlwind walk, and a helter-skelter of wandering through the streets of Hong Kong.
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Hordes of humans muster and then move together in a clump, a few leading but most following.

Amongst the bustle, there’s always a time to lay back, pause and take a break.

If you choose to not focus on a single thing amidst the flurry, vision becomes blurry and all the movement of the city and the lights blend together into a kaleidoscope of colors and motion.

Though many techniques have replaced traditional methods, nothing artificial has proved better than centuries old bamboo scaffolding.

At the base and in between ultra-modern glass buildings is an opportunity for people to supply food to the masses.

Hong Kong takes advertising to absurd levels, especially with designer brands. Even the most lowly nomad is slightly influenced and fights the need of a little designer wear…

Hanging clothes and drab building conditions make the Chungking Mansions Hong Kong contrast with the modern glass skyscrapers.
Pausing in the middle of Mongkok is like a a motion painting where a million people pass by, determined to do whatever is on their mind.

An oxtail snakes into the path of thousands of people, waiting to be bought up and made into a delicious ox-tail stew.

Having done construction in the United States, I always feel a little bit of pity for those who do construction in the tiniest of spaces or renovate in frightening conditions.


Cramming 7 million people together is a recipe for unique ideas, business strategies, and an international culture.
A walk through the streets of Hong Kong is an exhilarating experience.
As the city flurries, take a moment to observe as things pass by at a rapid pace.
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Steve
12 years ago
Great pics – really captures the wide contrasts in such a small area
teva
10 years ago
really enjoy all your informations on thailland been there plan to move march 28 you made it easier with all the choices posted I am pretty familiar with the area already thanks
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Good to hear that Teva!
Zandro
13 years ago
Nice photos you got there. The streets of Hong Kong looks busy and teeming with lots of people and activity. Thanks for sharing this
ciki
13 years ago
ahhhh.. u make me miss hongkong! what, no shots of the dimsum.. how can? LOL, great post.. well captured:)
Dave and Deb
13 years ago
Awesome shots! We’ll be there in a week, can’t wait to visit Hong Kong.
Mark Wiens
13 years ago
Cool Dave and Deb! It will be great to see your photos of Hong Kong too!
Andrew Murray
13 years ago
Wow fantastic photo post Mark. I love Hong Kong and really captured the hustle and bustle of the place!
Anil
13 years ago
Mark, I love these photo posts you do. Incredibly vivid and really convey the quick pace of the city.
Mark Wiens
13 years ago
@Ryan: I traveled directly from Bangkok, you can get easy and cheap flight via Air Asia!
@Randall: Awesome, hope you get a chance to visit soon!
@Bethany: Thanks Bethany!
Bethany
13 years ago
Great photos Mark! I love the different shots, esp. the one of the city from above!
PNR Status
13 years ago
Nice photos.Sorry we do not more about Hong Kong.
Randall
13 years ago
Wow! I love the birds eye view! I have never been to Hong Kong, well, only in the airport. The pictures remind me a little of Singapore but dirty. I’m sure it is an interesting place. Would love to go soon.
Ryan
13 years ago
Looks great Mark, I must try and make a trip there when i’m in Asia next year. Did you fly from Bangkok or travel up from Hanoi?
lakshmi
13 years ago
Ah brought back nostalgic memories ..