Golden Week : Chinese Millennials go for Insta-spots in HK

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Hong Kong had its own influx of tourists from Mainland China. But they were not all in search of the city’s more well-trodden sights.
Media used to report about facts and figures related to shopping expenses and how Chinese travelers were making the fortune of retailers. This year, Millennials and GEN Z contributed to HK differently.
Tourism Board would be happy to know that HK’s Instagram spots were shared and re-shared on social media framing HK as much more than a shopping destination.
Among the preferred spots:
- The Rainbow Thief : When captured at an appropriate angle, a colorful building opposite with a mural design titled the “Rainbow Thief” forms the perfect backdrop.
- Montane Mansion : The claustrophobic 46-year-old Montane Mansion is an urban photographer’s dream, as it seemingly melds into the Oceanic Building and the Yick Cheong Building on either side, forming a mishmash of juxtaposing windows, air conditioning vents and hanging laundry.
- The Choi Hung Estate : The fresh palette of paint tones that fade into each other on the facade lives up to its namesake, and has pulled in the social media-savvy crowds.
- The Sai Wan Swimming Shed : only one swimming shed remains in Hong Kong, on the far western edge of the island.
Questions & Answers
Q.How did Chinese visitors' behaviour during Golden Week differ from previous years?
How did Chinese visitors' behaviour during Golden Week differ from previous years?
This year, Chinese Millennials and Gen Z tourists focused on visiting Hong Kong's Instagrammable locations, rather than solely on shopping. Media reports previously highlighted shopping expenses and their contribution to retailers' fortunes.
Q.What kind of locations were popular with these younger Chinese tourists?
What kind of locations were popular with these younger Chinese tourists?
They preferred unique and visually appealing spots that could be shared on social media. Examples include 'The Rainbow Thief' building, the urban market of Montane Mansion, the colourful Choi Hung Estate, and the Sai Wan Swimming Shed.
Q.What impact did this new trend have on Hong Kong's image?
What impact did this new trend have on Hong Kong's image?
The social media sharing of these Instagrammable locations helped reframe Hong Kong as more than just a shopping destination. This shift would likely be welcomed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
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