Hong Kong Gay & Lesbian Scene
By ChinaMango - personalized tour guide service
Those of you going to Hong Kong will be struck by the vitality and vibrancy of daily life here, as 7 million residents go about their daily work, day and night, 7 days a week, in one of the most densely-populated areas in the world. The handover of Hong Kong from the British to the Chinese took place in 1997, ending 156 years of colonial rule, and it has built on its success ever since. Chris Patten, the last Governor of Hong Kong, even remarked recently, "It (Hong Kong) still has a unique quality, combining the rule of law with its Chineseness."
Thankfully, the British were sensible enough to repeal the old laws against homosexuality in 1991 and criminal penalties for homosexual acts between consenting adults over 18 were removed. The gay scene has subsequently flourished, contributing surely to this 'unique quality.' And thankfully too, the "Chineseness" has been enhanced by the departure of many old expatriates and the arrival of many young mainland Chinese immigrants, seeking fame and fortune (and a foreign passport?) in this "Fragrant Harbour."
Unfortunately, it's not just beautiful people that is being imported, but also a fair amount of pollution from across the border in Guangdong province, where many factories are concentrated. Hong Kong is doing its best to maintain its status as the premier financial capital of China, though Shanghai is catching up fast.
However, in terms of the openness and diversity of the LGBT scene, Hong Kong is still many streets, bars and saunas ahead of Beijing and Shanghai (see other sections for information on these cities), not to mention massage parlours, gay magazines, bookshops, karaoke bars and gay organisations. Saunas are generally small, being converted apartments. The scene centres around 2 main areas, though Hong Kong is so small and the MTR (Subway system) and taxis are so easy and efficient that getting around is no real problem.
First there is Hong Kong Island itself, where the main entertainment areas around Lan Kwai Fong in Central, and Sheung Wan, have many gay bars, clubs and saunas, convenient for those working in the commercial district to pop in to after work and/or before going home to their families (yes, despite its western gloss, Hong Kong still maintains many old Chinese traditional values such as heterosexual marriage).
Bars and nightclubs such as Zoo, Propaganda (though with mixed reviews), Works and Volume are popular for a late night out. The second main area is Tsimshatsui (TST) across the harbour on Kowloon side. There are old established bars there as well as many new saunas and massage parlours.
For full details of these and other places, check out www.utopia-asia.com
The above information has been supplied by ChinaMango, a specialized gay and lesbian friendly travel service based in Beijing, offering quality private tour guide services for the discerning traveler.
ChinaMango can offer day and night tours of Beijing, with standard sightseeing spots for the first time visitor, as well as locations off the beaten track. More exotic possibilities include Chinese cookery classes, tai qi lessons, calligraphy and acupuncture, or surrounding places like Tianjin, Chengde (Imperial Summer Resort) and Pingyao (UNESCO World Heritage site), and Xinjiang Province. The program for each client is tailored to his or her needs, and discretion and reliability are assured. ChinaMango does not operate in Shanghai as yet.
For further details contact visit China Mango
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