Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the epitome of the modern city and a crossroads between eastern and western cultures. Today the city is most famously characterized by its breathtaking skyscraper skyline, dominating its "fragrant" harbor. The hundred-year-old Star Ferry, which continues to ply the seven-minute route between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, enhances the nocturnal magic of this unique maritime city, composed of China's southernmost peninsula and an archipelago of over two hundred islands. Hong Kong has always been something of an anomaly, and an outpost of empire, whether British or Chinese. Once described as a "barren island," the former fishing community has been transformed by its own economic miracle into one of Asia's World Cities, taking in its stride the territory's 1997 return to Chinese sovereignty. Beneath the surface of Hong Kong's cliched self-image as Pearl of the Orient and Shopping Paradise, Michael Ingham reveals a city rich in history, myth, and cultural diversity.* City of Occupation and Immigration: The Buddhists; the Sung emperor and the Mongols; the northern Chinese; the British; other expatriates; the triads; sailors of all descriptions; the Japanese army; the Filipino "maids"; the rugby fans. * City of Glass, Bamboo, and Fung Shui: Temples and markets; walled village and city; skyscrapers and hotels; buildings and values-ancient and modern. * City of Cultural Hybridity: Sun Yat-seng and Sir Catchick Paul Chater; Chinese Opera and cinema; classical music and Canto-pop; Bruce Lee and Chris Patten; Suzie Wong and Wong Kar-wai; Timothy Mo and Mickey Mouse.