350 Rans - Photo and Week 209

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When I moved here, it was just before the government boasted how Hong Kong was 'Asia's World City'. The motto was almost confusing, but who was I to argue? I had barely gotten off the plane. However, as far as Asia was concerned, this was where people like me were welcome. To my great surprise, I have found that not only did the sloganeers get it right, but they also completely failed to describe what's been here all along.

This morning, pushed by the till at the local coffee shop, I spied something called the Green Map Hong Kong. As an explorer—a common trait with expats, or so I'm told—I happily snatched a copy of what promised to be an important resource. On opening the map, thoughtfully printed on recycled paper, I found 92 shots of hidden Hong Kong hotspots. Fantastic. Unfolding it more, I found a map with the territory peppered with icons like flowers, frogs and I don't know whats… And there's the rub. Other than a few roads and the odd Anglicism, this map essentially remains foreign.

Doubtless, the publishers ran out of funds. Doubtless, producing this treasure map in both English and Chinese would have been too difficult for the small organization. So, while the tourism board vainly searches for a new spin on Asia's World City, visitors will continue to associate Hong Kong with what retailers want them to think: basically, Asia's World City is an overgrown strip mall.

I suggest the multinationals have no clue what makes Hong Kong unique. The real portal to Hong Kong's character is not through branded stores, but it's here for everyone to see: caught in the superb-looking map being circulated by the Green Map Hong Kong.

Pity it's for locals only.

Ran
The Pattern Group