20th May 2025 – (Hong Kong) A Mainland Chinese tourist recently shared her disappointing experience in Hong Kong on Xiaohongshu, a popular social media platform, criticising what she perceived as five key shortcomings of the city. In a post titled “Hong Kong Has Lost Its Charm for Me,” she noted issues such as outdated infrastructure, restrictive social norms, high prices, lacklustre tourist attractions, and poor customer service. Her remarks have sparked widespread debate among netizens.
The tourist, drawn by the allure of Hong Kong’s iconic imagery online, expressed shock at the stark contrast between the city’s modern commercial areas and older, run-down neighbourhoods. While she appreciated the cleanliness and charm of districts like Central, she found other areas “visibly dilapidated.” Some commenters defended Hong Kong’s ageing streetscape, calling it part of the city’s unique character, while others lamented the loss of its iconic neon-lit aesthetic.
One of her strongest grievances centred on Hong Kong’s “strict social norms.” She said she felt constrained by the city’s unspoken rules, including the disapproval of squatting in public spaces to rest. “I’m someone who likes to squat when I’m tired, but in Hong Kong, even squatting feels taboo,” she remarked. While some commenters empathised with her frustration, others saw this as a reflection of differing cultural norms and a preference for public decorum.
The tourist was also taken aback by the high cost of living in Hong Kong, citing examples such as paying HK$12 for a bottle of water and over HK$100 for a bowl of ramen. She was particularly shocked by the price of produce at local markets, including HK$30 for a slice of watermelon. Local netizens suggested visiting more affordable eateries and shops in areas like Mong Kok to avoid tourist-heavy price points.
Another criticism was the perceived sameness of Hong Kong’s attractions, which she described as mostly shopping districts with little variety. For tourists uninterested in retail, she found the options underwhelming, apart from the Victoria Harbour view. Some commenters agreed, suggesting that local recommendations could help uncover lesser-known gems.
Lastly, she detailed poor customer service, recounting incidents where restaurant staff were rude or dismissive. She also observed that English-speaking customers seemed to receive more courteous treatment, which only added to her dissatisfaction. Many commenters from the mainland echoed her sentiment, comparing the service quality unfavourably with that of Japan.
Despite her criticisms, the tourist acknowledged a moment of kindness during her visit. While riding the Star Ferry, an elderly local woman offered her a prime spot for photos and engaged her in conversation, leaving a positive impression amidst her otherwise negative experience.
