Hong Kong is a city that occupies a very special position in East Asia. It is a place where skyscrapers as dense as those in New York line the horizon, inhabited by people of diverse ethnicities—a living witness to modern history. I began to feel that this city would be just as intriguing as the chapters in my novel set in New York.
Initially, I deliberated extensively on whether I should visit this location. I had many concerns about whether I could accurately depict a Chinese city. Among various Chinese cities, Hong Kong was the one I considered most deeply. The reason I chose Hong Kong as a setting for my novel, rather than other cities in mainland China, is that it was a British territory until its handover in 1997. Therefore, as someone from a cultural background outside of China, I felt there was still some common ground for me to understand.
Ironically, however, I believe that contemporary Hong Kong has become a difficult city for those outside of China to truly grasp. The image we hold of Hong Kong seems to have stagnated, stuck in the scenes of pre-handover Hong Kong cinema. I feel that modern Hong Kong must be clearly distinguished into two eras: before and after 1998.
Although Hong Kong was promised 50 years of autonomy following the handover, its presence in mass media has gradually diminished, even as it maintained its role as Asia’s financial hub. Was this due to the waning influence of the Hong Kong film industry?
Recently, however, Hong Kong made global headlines again due to the 2019 “Umbrella Revolution” (Pro-Democracy Movement). I believe this event revealed to the world the internal changes Hong Kong has undergone since the handover. Through my writing, I want to explore how individuals undergo transformations during periods of great social chaos, setting aside political right or wrong.
Thus, visiting Hong Kong is a crucial part of this journey. Initially, I was hesitant because I lacked confidence in maintaining political neutrality. However, the more I researched, the more I realized how captivating this city is. A city steeped in turbulent modern history could play a vital role in the continuity of my story, which bridges the past and the future.
Even if I do not directly address the Hong Kong revolution in my work, I decided to embark on this field research to capture the unique charm of the city itself. It is no exaggeration to say that this trip is intended to witness Hong Kong with my own eyes. Although I visited Beijing and Shanghai as a child, I have never been to Hong Kong. It remains an unknown city to me, which is why it is the place I look forward to most on this trip. I expect to gain a wealth of inspiration.
Target Locations for Research:
- Wan Chai: A commercial and residential district in the heart of Hong Kong Island. It originated as one of the oldest working-class residential areas, serving as a hub for port laborers due to its former docks. During the Vietnam War, U.S. Navy vessels frequently docked here, and numerous American sailors and Marines spent their leave in this area. This history led to its development as an entertainment district. It houses Central Plaza, once one of Hong Kong’s tallest buildings, and the Hopewell Centre, famous for its revolving rooftop restaurant. I plan to visit the 360-degree observation deck there. Wan Chai is also home to the Hong Kong Police Headquarters, which was one of the most intense flashpoints during the 2019 protests.
- Central: The heart of Hong Kong, home to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, numerous banks, and family offices. It is the starting point for the Peak Tram. I plan to visit St. John’s Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in China, and the Old Supreme Court Building (former City Hall), a filming location for A Better Tomorrow.
- Hong Kong City Hall: Located in the middle of the Central financial district, this hall is renowned for its history and superior acoustics. The lobby, restaurants, and library areas are open to the public without a ticket. While the concert hall seats require tickets, I plan to visit the Music Library on the 9th floor. As my character is a pianist, this will be a significant location for my research.
- Hong Kong IFC Mall: The heart of Hong Kong’s finance. This was the site of the “Lunch with You” protests, where professionals in business suits gathered during their lunch breaks to chant for the liberation of Hong Kong.
- Central Mid-Levels Escalators: The world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, stretching 800 meters. I expect this to be a fascinating location, famously featured in various films.
- Tai Kwun: A former police station and prison complex converted into an arts space. It is a peculiar place where a history of “discipline and punish” is now overlaid with culture and art. Its cafes and restaurants are popular dating spots.
- Pedder Building: Another cornerstone of the Central financial district. Like the IFC Mall, it served as a key location for the “Lunch with You” demonstrations by white-collar workers.
- Causeway Bay (Tung Lo Wan): Known as the “Times Square” of Hong Kong, it is a premier shopping destination. The high concentration of skyscrapers makes it an ideal setting for my novel.
- Sogo Department Store: Massive protests and tear gas deployments occurred in front of this department store nearly every weekend. Formerly a Japanese department store, it was acquired by Chinese capital. Nearby is Hysan Place, a new shopping and office landmark.
- Olympic Bridge: A unique pedestrian bridge decorated with the colors of the Olympic rings, connecting the Causeway Bay shopping area with the Regal Hong Kong Hotel.
- Victoria Park: Known as the starting point for the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy movement.
- Yick Cheong Building (Monster Building): A place where a “concrete forest” stands so tall it seems to swallow people. Looking up from the courtyard, one can feel how humans are overwhelmed by architecture. It is well-known as a filming location for Transformers.
*This field research planning is part of a pre-production phase for this website’s multimedia project. All analyzed locations are selected based on their socioeconomic relevance to the target market.