Home from Home | Why Hong Kong’s skyline is the best in the world, despite the flak from Chinese social media – it’s one of the things I miss most about the city
- Hong Kong seems to get criticism for everything from its politics to its economy, but taking potshots at its skyline is a step too far
- London, New York and Shanghai all have perfectly fine cityscapes, but they don’t compare to the stunning harbour views in Hong Kong, which are to be cherished
Hong Kong’s famous skyline was almost always in view when I lived in the city. But even after 28 years, I did not tire of it. Now, back in England, it is one of the features of life in the city I miss.
The unique cityscape, with its forest of skyscrapers, dramatic hills and stunning harbour forms the perfect backdrop to life in Hong Kong. At night, when multicoloured lights reflect on the lapping water, the scene can be truly uplifting.
Not everyone, however, is impressed. A social media post in mainland China recently sparked a little controversy, describing Hong Kong’s urban areas as “old and shabby” and lacking in design sense. Shanghai’s skyline, by contrast, was credited with being “newer, cleaner and more modern”.
Hong Kong has taken much flak in recent times, with critics taking aim at everything, it seems, from the slump in the stock market to political changes. Targeting the skyline is, however, a step too far. Is nothing sacred?
My trips into London offer a chance to view the British capital’s cityscape. This, too, has recently come under fire, with suggestions that it has become a playground for architects with egos as big as their buildings. A columnist in The New York Times described it as “a jarring profusion of odd skyscrapers with funny names”.
