Obesity

Obesity in China is not something you would necessarily expect. Just 45 years ago millions of people faced starvation from Chairman Mao's 'Great Leap Forward'. Now China faces a much bigger problem- obesity. The obesity rate in China is gradually increasing each year because of globalisation and an increase in Western diet such as fast food.

Hong Kong is even worse than China because it is more open to globalisation and western influence. Consequently I have noticed that many children (and some young adults) are obese or definiteley fat, a characteristic that is not common in Asia because of the typical Asian diet. However diet has changed rapidly, there are now 177 McDonald's restaurants which ranks Hong Kong 18th in the world for most number of McDonald's restaurants. There is literally a McDonald's, a KFC or a Subway on every street corner in Hong Kong and they are always full of people.

It is yet another example of how Hong Kong is a westernised city and has really become more Americanized not only through architecture, free market economics and capitalism but through lifestyle such as fast food.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui in South-west Kowloon, better known as TST, is referred to as the centre of Hong Kong by locals. Partly for its geographical positioning as a peninsula jutting out into Victoria harbour but also because it has become a very popular tourist location for shopping, celebrity-spotting, sightseeing and gazing at the  incredible view of Hong Kong Island.

A beautiful gleaming city upon clear blue sea

I've been a few times just to witness the view in different weather, its fascinating how different a city can look. From a sparkling paradise to a gloomy depressing grey mess, Hong Kong can change in a matter of a few hours.

Same view but much more intimidating and threatening

TST is a hive of designer shops and fine dining restaurants designed to attract the many millionaires and celebrities in Hong Kong. On the right is the 1881 shopping area, a centre of opulence and extravagance .

 In an attempt to make Tsim Sha Tsui the 'Hollywood' of Asia they have created the 'Avenue of Stars': a long walkway of all Hong Kong's movie stars. Obviously Hong Kong is copying Hollywood almost exactly here but the Avenue did suprise me by boasting some well known names such as Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Jet Li. But I think this Avenue is a prime example of how desperate Hong Kong is to be as non-Chinese as possible by creating something as Western and Americanized as  this Avenue of Stars.

 The penisula hotel, the most expensive hotel in Hong Kong and a prime location for celebrity spotting. Yet another symbol of opulence in Tsim Sha Tsui.