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Best
of Hong Kong |
| Architectural
Style |
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 Hong
Kong city boasts of a number of uniquely designed buildings, each with
its own distinct architectural élan. Western and eastern styles
influence the designs of these establishments, bearing in mind the principle
of functionality. Buildings are planted on reclaimed land, then demolished
as soon as they become unprofitable. Hong Kong's architectural characteristics
are mostly temporary, pragmatic, profit driven, and utilitarian yet extravagantly
glossy.
As land space
is limited in Hong Kong, visitors will notice that nearly more than half
the area of Hong Kong Island is dominated by tall apartment and condominium
buildings. Some are extremely expensive, while others are relatively cheap.
Many of Hong Kong's old treasures have been demolished to make way for
newer and more modern designs. However, a few antiques still remain, such
as the Peninsular Hotel, which is one of the grandest hotels in Asia.
The Repulse Bay Hotel, a gracious pre-war single-story structure with
an ambience in tune with its slowly moving ceiling fans, was demolished
but was later rebuilt to its exact likeness.
Hong Kong's
modern architecture has, without a doubt, been shaped by the demands of
feng shui. For example, the front door of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
is aslant to keep evil spirits away, as they travel in straight lines.
The sharp, protuberant corners on the Entertainment Building were chamfered
off at a cost of several million dollars to prevent malignant forces from
being directed into a neighboring office block.
When roaming
around the city streets, visitors should take note of construction cranes
or Hong Kong's characteristic bamboo scaffolding. Although the country's
architectural style is one of the world's best, the building methods continue
to remain traditional.
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