Formerly a British colony, Hong Kong was ceded back to the Chinese Government in 1997. Boasting of a deep and well-protected harbor, Hong Kong offers many amenities that will make prospective expatriates drool with thoughts of living the good life in what is considered the shopping capital of Asia. Read on to discover what makes Hong Kong one of the best countries to live and retire…
Being among the leading trading centers in the world, its flea and night markets recommend an eclectic array of products, commercial and unconventional, that will surely spin the head of even an experienced shopper. With a market that is generally open and favorable to trade, Hong Kong has been successful at balancing its imports and exports.
Invariably a shipping line of commercialism, its exports are actually re-exports in which products manufactured in other parts of China, or in Japan, Taiwan, the United States, or South Korea are distributed through Hong Kong making it a veritable huge factory. Long serving as a major port of entry and trade for China, Hong Kong has a favorable atmosphere for business and trade that continues to thrive economically and attract new migrants.
Business-minded retirees can really have a field day investing in Hong Kong’s commercial sphere as its economy has always been based upon commerce, trade, and shipping. Although primarily known by its rich and thriving economy, a new resident can also be enthralled by the richness of its culture and the artistic diversions that it offers.
The Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Hong Kong International Film Festival are annual events that showcase the versatility, diversity and amalgamation of Oriental and Western influences. Translating this versatility into an art, Hong Kong is also popular for its film and television industry that has attracted even Hollywood. The films of Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Chow Yun-Fat have gained cult status among fans enabling Asian artists to penetrate the world film market.
Not only is Hong Kong a culturally rich territory, it is also a sanctuary of nature despite its relative small size and urbanized locale. So, environmentalists, especially bird lovers, will surely enjoy hobnobbing with nature. It maintains an important marsh reserve for birds called Mai Po which attracts about 260 bird species, among them numerous ducks, wading birds, kingfishers, warblers, and marsh harriers. It is an important stopping point for migratory birds flying between Siberia and tropical Southeast Asia and Australia.
Reflected in the lifestyle of its people is Hong Kong’s prosperous economy that has one of the highest standards of living in all of Asia, more than 30 times higher than China’s average standard of living. It only means that with its vast resources, it offers a fairly good chance for someone who is trying to move and restart a life.