Poignant, whimsical, funny – these takes on our city by famous people will have you nodding your head in agreement
There’s something about Hong Kong that always seems to get people talking. Whether it’s the extraordinary buzz of our city, the out-of-this-world food scene, the quirky fashion, or just the sense of acceptance and belonging that people find here – remarks about our great city never seem to end. Here are nine notable quotes by prominent people – from Hong Kong and elsewhere – that really sum up our city.
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"To my extended family in Hong Kong where I started my career; Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so that I can be here today."
While Michelle Yeoh is Malaysian, her career started in Hong Kong before she moved on to Hollywood. Her 2023 Oscar win is a historic milestone for all Asian actors and has thrust Hong Kong films back into the spotlight.
“In Hong Kong, you don’t take the tour bus to find good food. You don’t need to know where you’re going – you just press start.”
“You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you.”
A quote from Vittachi's book, Hong Kong: The City of Dreams
“The best thing about the (Mid-Levels) escalator is it’s the best people-watching place in the world, because hundreds of people just come and go.”
Doyle is known for his work in the movies Chungking Express, Happy Together, In the Mood for Love, and 2046
“Life in Hong Kong transcends cultural and culinary borders, such that nothing is truly foreign and nothing doesn’t belong.”
Lindberg is a travel and food journalist, and editor at large at Condé Nast Traveler
“Hong Kong has created one of the most successful societies on Earth.”
“When I went to Hong Kong, I knew at once I wanted to write a story set there.”
Theroux is an American travel writer and novelist, best-known for his travelogue, The Great Railway Bazaar
“Hong Kong girls have a genius sense of style. I came back to the States thinking no one here has any individuality. Or cute enough socks.”
Belle is an American actress, director, and producer, known for her roles in When A Stranger Calls and The Lost World: Jurassic Park
“Hong Kong is the benchmark; everybody else's affluence is mere tat. Until you've experienced that perfume-washed air as polarized glass doors embrace you into a luxury hotel's plush interior, you've only had a dud replica of the real thing.”
A quote from Gash's classic crime fiction book, Jade Woman
“When I lived in Hong Kong, I felt that Hong Kong is my family.”
Li lived in Hong Kong in the 80s where he became involved in the martial arts film scene
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