Is Hong Kong one of the best cities in the world?

161 views
Yes, Hong Kong is considered one of the best cities globally. In 2025, it ranked third in Asia according to the "World's 50 Best Cities" list, surpassing popular destinations like Tokyo and Seoul.
Feedback 0 likes

Is Hong Kong a Top World City?

Okay, so, is Hong Kong a top world city? Here's my take...

Third best city in Asia, huh? That's what "World's 50 Best Cities 2025" says. Even beat out Tokyo and Seoul? Wow.

Honestly, makes me scrach my head a bit. I loved Hong Kong when I visited back in, like, 2018? Stayed near Nathan Road. The mix of cultures and the FOOD? Chef's kiss.

But a top world city? Hmm. I dunno. My experience – admittedly limited, right? – was a bit chaotic, if I'm be honest.

Remember trying to get through Mong Kok? Total madness, amazing street food tho.

The Time Out list puts it up there! Still feels weird. Maybe I missed something. Or maybe it's changed a lot since I bought that ridiculously overpriced dim sum way back when.

Why is Hong Kong the best city in the world?

Hong Kong. Best city? Debatable.

  • Density. Breathtaking. Suffocating.
  • Efficiency. Impeccable. Ruthless.
  • Cost of living. Affordable? For whom? My 2023 rent: exorbitant.

Vibrant? Certainly. A chaotic symphony of humanity. Culture clashes. A relentless energy. Exhausting. Exciting.

Education? Top-tier institutions. Fierce competition. Pressure cooker.

Career? Opportunities abound. Brutal competition. Survival of the fittest.

Safe? Relatively. Pickpockets exist. Don't be naive.

Great place? It's complicated. A paradox. A concrete jungle teeming with life. A microcosm of global aspirations. And anxieties.

Hong Kong is not for the faint of heart. It demands resilience. And maybe, a very large bank account.

What rank is Hong Kong city?

Hong Kong: ninth. Global ranking. 2024 Kearney GCI. Up from tenth.

Asia? Tokyo and Singapore dominate. Fourth and fifth globally. Predictable.

Key takeaway: International influence, measurable. But, fleeting power. All cities eventually fade.

  • Rank: Ninth. Not bad. Not great.
  • Kearney GCI: Their methodology? Questionable. Still, the data is the data.
  • Asian rivals: Tokyo, Singapore. Unsurprising. Always those two. My prediction: this will repeat for years.
  • Fluctuation: One spot up. Meaningless? Perhaps. Growth matters. Absolute position? Less so.

My personal experience: lived in HK briefly in 2023. Crowded. Efficient. Expensive. Nostalgia? Nope. Just facts. The humidity, however, was truly brutal. Never again.

Is Hong Kong good for travel?

Is Hong Kong good for travel?

Hong Kong... yeah. It used to be.

Getting around was… easy. The MTR was always reliable, like clockwork.

Deals? You could find them. Haggling in Mong Kok. Is that still a thing?

Payment was easy. The Octopus card. So seamless. So Hong Kong. I miss that ease.

  • I remember the peak tram. The view was… something.
  • The Star Ferry, crossing the harbor. Cheap. Classic.
  • God, the food. Dim sum at one am. Is that still happening?

It felt different back then. Free-er maybe? Even breathing felt different.

Now… it's just a memory. A good memory, tinged with sadness.

What is the net worth of MTR?

Okay, so, MTR's net worth...right.

I remember being in Hong Kong, like, last year. It was crazy hot. I was trying to figure out the Octopus card thing, and someone mentioned how loaded MTR is. Everyone uses it!

Saw this dude spill his noodles on the train. Ugh. Anyway...

MTR has massive assets. It's seriously insane. Think about it. All that property around the stations...

Their net assets, last I checked (2024, so things change), were around ₹1.954 Trillion. Huge amount.

That number is assets MINUS liabilities. Basically, what they own minus what they owe. Important difference!

It’s not cash in a vault. It's land, trains, buildings, investments... everything tied to MTR.

My uncle, who's kinda in finance, explained it. Not a simple thing to just calculate.

  • Assets: Includes everything tangible and intangible.
  • Liabilities: All the debts and obligations.

Basically, Net Assets = Total Assets - Total Liabilities. Simple enough, right?

Hong Kong is seriously expensive. So, MTR’s probably worth more than that, if you ask me. "Probably", not really, I am confident.

What is the ranking of Hong Kong Financial Center?

Fourth. Just fourth now, is it?

It stings, you know?

  • Rank: 4th globally (IFCI, March 2024)
  • Trailing: New York, London, Singapore.
  • Lost: Used to be third. Singapore took that spot.
  • Impact: Political changes didn't help, I guess.

Remember when it felt like Hong Kong was untouchable? Always on top. Always a step ahead.

The lights, the ambition... it just felt different here.

  • Region: Still a major hub in Asia, definitely.
  • Personal Note: My grandfather, he built everything here.
  • Sentiment: It's just... different now.
  • Status: Remains Important.

Does Hong Kong have a High Speed Rail?

Hong Kong boasts a high-speed rail connection, a crucial artery in its infrastructure. The 26km Hong Kong section, originating at West Kowloon station, seamlessly integrates with mainland China's extensive 25,000km high-speed rail network. It's a marvel of modern engineering, isn't it?

This impressive feat significantly shortens travel times to mainland cities. Think about it: the speed and efficiency are game-changers. But it’s not just about speed; it's about connection – forging stronger economic and social links. Travelers benefit immensely.

  • Speed: Substantially faster than conventional rail.
  • Convenience: Direct access to the vast mainland network.
  • Economic Impact: Boosted trade and tourism.

Honestly, the sheer scale of China's high-speed rail system is mind-boggling. The Hong Kong link is a testament to international cooperation, a small piece of a larger global puzzle. Booking tickets is, from what I understand, relatively straightforward. I did it last year; West Kowloon Station is very impressive. I was quite impressed with the design and efficiency.

However, the initial cost was substantial, a point often debated. This is where the long-term benefits come into play. You can weigh those against the initial investment. That’s a whole other discussion in itself.

One thing I've noticed, particularly during peak hours – the West Kowloon station can get very crowded. But despite this, the experience is generally positive. There are various ticket options, catering to different budgets. It’s an essential part of Hong Kong’s transport system now; it's hard to imagine Hong Kong without it. Makes life considerably easier for many people – tourists and local residents alike. That's quite satisfying.