Introduction
Hong Kong and Shanghai are the two major tourist-visiting cities of China, famous metropolises of Asia, and megacities of the world. Both cities have different attributes and identities of their own, and both the cities have similarities as well, such as high population density.
Hong Kong is an independent territory and has its parliament. It is known as a Special Administrative Region as it comes under China’s sovereignty, whereas Shanghai is an inland city of China. Both the cities are different in infrastructure, food, market, history, and location. So are you short of time and in dilemma to choose between Honk Kong and Shanghai?
This article incorporates essential components to be considered that may be useful for those who plan to go to either of the cities.
1. Infrastructure
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Hong Kong –
Hong Kong is famous for its fantastic infrastructure. Hong Kong’s public transport services are efficient and affordable. The government here encourages the use of public transports to decrease air pollution. Hong Kong government invests a lot in infrastructure development hence improves the economy of the country.
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Shanghai –
Shanghai is a large city in China, with a population of over 24 million. The town was famous as a trade centre and later was developed as a city in the 13th century. The new economic reform introduced in the 1990’s changed the economic scenario of the country. Now, it is the centre of business and commerce in China.
2. Food
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Hong Kong –
Hong Kong cuisine offers almost everything around the world. There are a variety of food dishes, spices, sweets, and flavours Hong Kong provides. However, the traditional food of Hong Kong is referred to as “Cantonese.” Cantonese dishes are enjoyed at the dim-sum.
Apart from Cantonese dishes, almost famous cuisines are available in Hong Kong.
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Shanghai –
Delicious dishes are famous in Shanghai. “xiaolongbao” is the most famous dish in Shanghai. It is a bun, which is steamed and filled with soup. One should be very careful while eating it, as it is scalding, directly served out of steam. Soup dumplings are another excellent food in Shanghai very much tasty and recommended.
3. Weather
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Hong Kong –
Hong Kong is very hot with just a small span of winter chills. It remains hot and humid almost the year. From October till December is an excellent time to visit Hong Kong, during this time the weather is pleasant, calm, and sunny.
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Shanghai –
In Shanghai, it is humid almost the year. Spring and autumn are pleasant here. The paramount time to visit Shanghai is from October to November.
4. Location
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Hong Kong-
The location of Hong Kong is a desirable location as it offers you many places around. Be it beaches, fun activity areas, they all are approachable from each other’s site. Hong Kong is just 65.7 kilometres away from Macau.
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Shanghai-
Shanghai sometimes referred to as Paris in the east as it is so beautiful. Suzhou and Hangzhou are the two neighbouring cities of, and it is called the heaven on earth. So if you plan to go to Shanghai, it’s a fantastic package.
5. Attractions –
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Hong Kong-
Hong Kong is the one of the most amazing cities in the world, that offers many places to explore and experience such as Victoria Peak, the Art Basel, Hong Kong skyline, star ferry, Big Buddha, Wong Tai Sin Temple, beaches and bay, Hong Kong Disney land, temple street night market, ocean park, dragon’s back hike, garden of stars, ten thousand Buddha’s monastery, Hong Kong park, Day trip to Lamma island and many more places.
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Shanghai-
Shanghai has more places to offer than in Hong Kong. The bund, people’s square, Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha temple, oriental pearl tower, shanghai world financial centre, Shanghai museum, city god temple, urban planning exhibition centre, the formula1, auto show, international fairs, European architecture, excellent museums, Chinese temples, and many more places.
6. Cost of Living
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Hong Kong-
It is costly to live in Hong Kong than living in Shanghai. Hong Kong’s name is in the list of the top ten world’s most expensive city to live in. Whereas in Asia, it is the most expensive place to live in. Utilities, groceries, and the internet can cost you more than any other city in China.
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Shanghai-
Living in Shanghai is relatively cheap than living in Hong Kong. Renting an apartment or purchasing a property will cost you less than Hong Kong. Watching movies in Shanghai is less expensive than that of Hong Kong.
7. Visa Requirement
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Hong Kong-
Hong Kong permits more than 160 countries to visit without the requirement of a visa. It grants you stay from 7 days up to 180 days without permission. If someone is planning to stay in Hong Kong for a job, education, and work, then that person needs to get a Hong Kong visa. As Hong Kong comes under the Special Administrative Region, it has its rules and regulations. Chinese visa does not work in Hong Kong.
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Shanghai-
Shanghai comes under the administrative control of the government of China. Therefore, the rules made by the government of China are applicable in Shanghai. There is 72 hours visa-free transit system in China that allows staying for up to 72 hours, which is for three days without a visa. There are only 53 countries qualified for this policy, and this applies to only 18 Chinese cities.
8. Some important considerations
Both the beautiful cities Shanghai and Hong Kong have unique and peculiar features that are not measurable and not comparable. Try to explore both cities and discover the unique charm of each one. It is ease in Shanghai and a bit of speed required in Hong Kong.