Hong Kong of old

Question

Hello everyone, My husband & I use to visit Hong Kong every 2 years as this was our HAPPY place, but, that stopped when the student revolution marches took place as did not feel safe.

The area also became pushy & shovey with the newly rich Chinese mainlanders.

My questions are:

Has Hong Kong settled down?

Is it still full of 'Entitled' mainlanders?

Would today's Hong Kong take away my HAPPY place memories?

I know this sounds strange & maybe a little racist but I am Asian and still found it hard to see the changes happening around me especially the people of Hong Kong. Their smiles where not authentic and many we spoke to were very worried about the changes.

Answer

Hong Kong has undergone significant changes over the past decade, both socially and politically. While it remains a vibrant and dynamic city with much to offer tourists, it is true that the atmosphere has shifted compared to the Hong Kong of the 1990s and early 2000s, which many remember fondly.

1. Social and Political Environment

After the major protests in 2019, the city has become quieter and more controlled. Large-scale demonstrations are less frequent, and security presence in public areas is higher. Many locals have adapted to these changes, but some carry ongoing concerns about freedom of expression and other civil liberties. For visitors, this usually does not affect day-to-day sightseeing, but it may be noticeable in conversations or certain neighborhoods.

2. Mainland Visitors

The presence of mainland Chinese tourists has remained high, especially in popular shopping areas like Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Causeway Bay. Some visitors have observed behaviors that can feel crowded or “pushy,” particularly during peak travel seasons and holidays. However, this varies greatly by time of day and area:

Option 1: Shopping districts and tourist attractions tend to be busiest with mainland tourists.
Option 2: Lesser-known neighborhoods, parks, and cultural sites often provide a quieter, more local experience.
Option 3: Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays can help avoid peak crowds.

3. Maintaining Your “Happy Place” Experience

Whether Hong Kong still feels like your “happy place” will depend on your expectations and which areas you choose to visit. Many long-time visitors focus on:

Traditional markets, historic neighborhoods like Sheung Wan or Tai O, and cultural experiences that reflect older Hong Kong.
Outdoor spaces such as Victoria Peak, Dragon’s Back hiking trail, and outlying islands, which are less affected by crowds.
Dining at family-run restaurants or local eateries rather than the high-end international chains which may feel more commercialized.

In essence, Hong Kong today is a mix of old charm and modern developments. While certain aspects—like increased mainland tourist traffic—may be different from your past visits, it is still possible to recreate the memories by focusing on quieter, more authentic experiences.

Summary

The city is more controlled and quieter post-2019, with fewer large-scale protests.
Mainland visitors are still very present, especially in commercial areas, but this can be managed with careful planning of where and when you go.
By choosing cultural sites, historic neighborhoods, and outdoor experiences, you can preserve much of the “happy place” feel of Hong Kong from earlier visits.

Overall, while some changes are unavoidable, Hong Kong continues to offer the vibrant culture, scenery, and food that many visitors fell in love with. Your experience will largely depend on your approach and the areas you explore.

Hong Kong of old

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