Monday, 21 April 2014

'The people in the villages are not surprised'





  • NEW: Officials revise total number of girls kidnapped to at least 230

  • This poor corner of Nigeria is no stranger to such brazen, violent acts

  • Boko Haram-related violence killed 1,500 in the first three months of 2014

  • The latest incident has ratcheted up pressure on the military




Abuja, Nigeria (CNN) -- The heavily armed militants stormed the girls dormitory in the middle of the night, herding more than 200 students on to vehicles and burning down nearby buildings as they made their escape.


That was a week ago Monday.


Of the 230 students abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in the Nigerian town of Chibok, about 190 are still missing, one official said.


The number of girls taken from the school has been revised by officials several times, and on Monday, CNN spoke with Principal Asabe Kwambura, who said a new figure of at least 230 was determined after reviewing records and taking reports from parents.


Isa Umar Gusau, a spokesman for the Borno provincial governor's office, put the number at 234 -- 129 science students and 105 art students.


He said in a written statement that the confusion resulted because the art students didn't leave campus as expected on the day of the attack. The head of the dormitory initially didn't count them among the missing.





Seven girls escape Nigerian militants








A video of Abubakar Shekau, who claims to be the leader of the Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, is shown on September 25, 2013. Boko Haram is an Islamist militant group waging a campaign of violence in northern Nigeria. The group's ambitions range from the stricter enforcement of Sharia law to the total destruction of the Nigerian state and its government. Click through to see recent bloody incidents in this strife-torn West African nation:A video of Abubakar Shekau, who claims to be the leader of the Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, is shown on September 25, 2013. Boko Haram is an Islamist militant group waging a campaign of violence in northern Nigeria. The group's ambitions range from the stricter enforcement of Sharia law to the total destruction of the Nigerian state and its government. Click through to see recent bloody incidents in this strife-torn West African nation:






Bodies lie in the streets in Maiduguri after religious clashes in northern Nigeria, on July 31, 2009. Boko Haram exploded onto the national scene in 2009 when 700 people were killed in widespread clashes across the north between the group and the Nigerian military. Bodies lie in the streets in Maiduguri after religious clashes in northern Nigeria, on July 31, 2009. Boko Haram exploded onto the national scene in 2009 when 700 people were killed in widespread clashes across the north between the group and the Nigerian military.



An unidentified official displays burned equipment inside a prison in Bauchi on September 9, 2010, after the prison was attacked by suspected members of Boko Haram on September 7. About 720 inmates escaped during the prison break, and police suspect the prison was attacked because it was holding 80 members of the sect.An unidentified official displays burned equipment inside a prison in Bauchi on September 9, 2010, after the prison was attacked by suspected members of Boko Haram on September 7. About 720 inmates escaped during the prison break, and police suspect the prison was attacked because it was holding 80 members of the sect.



Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, second from left, stands on the back of a vehicle after being sworn-in as President during a ceremony in the capital of Abuja on May 29, 2011. In December 2011, Jonathan declared a state of emergency in parts of the country afflicted by violence from the militant Islamist group.Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, second from left, stands on the back of a vehicle after being sworn-in as President during a ceremony in the capital of Abuja on May 29, 2011. In December 2011, Jonathan declared a state of emergency in parts of the country afflicted by violence from the militant Islamist group.



Rescue workers evacuate a wounded person from a U.N. building in Abuja on August 26, 2011. The building was rocked by a bomb that killed at least 23 people, leaving others trapped and causing heavy damage. Boko Haram had claimed responsibility for the attack in which a Honda packed with explosives rammed into the U.N. building, shattering windows and setting the place afire. Rescue workers evacuate a wounded person from a U.N. building in Abuja on August 26, 2011. The building was rocked by a bomb that killed at least 23 people, leaving others trapped and causing heavy damage. Boko Haram had claimed responsibility for the attack in which a Honda packed with explosives rammed into the U.N. building, shattering windows and setting the place afire.



A photo taken on November 6, 2011, shows state police headquarters burned by a series of bomb and gun attacks that targeted police stations, mosques and churches in Damaturu on November 4, 2011. Attackers left scores injured -- probably more than 100 -- in a three-hour rampage in the Yobe state city of Damaturu. Sixty-three people died.A photo taken on November 6, 2011, shows state police headquarters burned by a series of bomb and gun attacks that targeted police stations, mosques and churches in Damaturu on November 4, 2011. Attackers left scores injured -- probably more than 100 -- in a three-hour rampage in the Yobe state city of Damaturu. Sixty-three people died.



Men look at the wreckage of a car after a bomb blast at St. Theresa Catholic Church outside Abuja on December 25, 2011. A string of bombs struck churches in five Nigerian cities, leaving dozens dead and wounded on the Christmas holiday, authorities and witnesses said. Boko Haram's targets included police outposts and churches as well as places associated with "Western influence."Men look at the wreckage of a car after a bomb blast at St. Theresa Catholic Church outside Abuja on December 25, 2011. A string of bombs struck churches in five Nigerian cities, leaving dozens dead and wounded on the Christmas holiday, authorities and witnesses said. Boko Haram's targets included police outposts and churches as well as places associated with "Western influence."



A paramedic helps a young man injured during one of the multiple explosions and shooting attacks as he leaves a hospital in the northern city of Kano on January 21, 2012. A spate of bombings and shootings left more than 200 people dead in Nigeria's second-largest city. Three days later, a joint military task force in Nigeria arrested 158 suspected members of Boko Haram.A paramedic helps a young man injured during one of the multiple explosions and shooting attacks as he leaves a hospital in the northern city of Kano on January 21, 2012. A spate of bombings and shootings left more than 200 people dead in Nigeria's second-largest city. Three days later, a joint military task force in Nigeria arrested 158 suspected members of Boko Haram.



A photo taken on June 18, 2012, shows a car vandalized after three church bombings and retaliatory attacks in northern Nigeria killed at least 50 people on June 17 and injured more than 130 others, the Nigerian Red Cross Society said. A photo taken on June 18, 2012, shows a car vandalized after three church bombings and retaliatory attacks in northern Nigeria killed at least 50 people on June 17 and injured more than 130 others, the Nigerian Red Cross Society said.



A French family kidnapped on February 19, 2013, in northern Cameroon is released after two months in captivity in Nigeria. The family of four children, their parents and an uncle were kidnapped in Waza National Park in northern Cameroon, situated near the border with Nigeria. One of the captive men read a statement demanding that Nigeria and Cameroon free jailed members of Boko Haram.A French family kidnapped on February 19, 2013, in northern Cameroon is released after two months in captivity in Nigeria. The family of four children, their parents and an uncle were kidnapped in Waza National Park in northern Cameroon, situated near the border with Nigeria. One of the captive men read a statement demanding that Nigeria and Cameroon free jailed members of Boko Haram.



A soldier stands in front of a damaged wall and the body of a prison officer killed during an attack on a prison in the northeastern town of Bama on May 7, 2013. Two soldiers were killed during coordinated attacks on multiple targets. Nigeria's military says more than 100 Boko Haram militants carried out the attack. A soldier stands in front of a damaged wall and the body of a prison officer killed during an attack on a prison in the northeastern town of Bama on May 7, 2013. Two soldiers were killed during coordinated attacks on multiple targets. Nigeria's military says more than 100 Boko Haram militants carried out the attack.



A deserted student hostel on August 6, 2013, is shown after gunmen stormed a school in Yobe state, killing 20 students and a teacher, state media reported on July 6, 2013. Boko Haram regularly carries out attacks in Yobe, in Nigeria's northeast.A deserted student hostel on August 6, 2013, is shown after gunmen stormed a school in Yobe state, killing 20 students and a teacher, state media reported on July 6, 2013. Boko Haram regularly carries out attacks in Yobe, in Nigeria's northeast.



A photograph made available by the Nigerian army on August 13, 2013, shows improvised explosive devices, bomb making materials and detonators seized from a Boko Haram hideout. Gunmen attacked a mosque in Nigeria with automatic weapons on August 11, 2013, killing at least 44 people.A photograph made available by the Nigerian army on August 13, 2013, shows improvised explosive devices, bomb making materials and detonators seized from a Boko Haram hideout. Gunmen attacked a mosque in Nigeria with automatic weapons on August 11, 2013, killing at least 44 people.



Nigerian students from Jos Polytechnic walk on campus in Jos, Nigeria, on September 30, 2013. Under the cover of darkness, gunmen approached a college dormitory in a rural Nigerian town and opened fire on students who were sleeping. At least 40 students died, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.Nigerian students from Jos Polytechnic walk on campus in Jos, Nigeria, on September 30, 2013. Under the cover of darkness, gunmen approached a college dormitory in a rural Nigerian town and opened fire on students who were sleeping. At least 40 students died, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.



Soldiers stand outside the 79 Composite Group Air Force base that was attacked earlier in Maiduguri on December 2, 2013. Hundreds of Boko Haram militants attacked an Air Force base and a military checkpoint, according to government officials.Soldiers stand outside the 79 Composite Group Air Force base that was attacked earlier in Maiduguri on December 2, 2013. Hundreds of Boko Haram militants attacked an Air Force base and a military checkpoint, according to government officials.



Former hostage and French Catholic Priest Georges Vandenbeusch speaks to reporters outside Paris, France, on January 1, after his release. Vandenbeusch was snatched from his parish church in Cameroon on November 13, 2013. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for kidnapping the priest.Former hostage and French Catholic Priest Georges Vandenbeusch speaks to reporters outside Paris, France, on January 1, after his release. Vandenbeusch was snatched from his parish church in Cameroon on November 13, 2013. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for kidnapping the priest.






A man receives treatment at Konduga specialist hospital after a gruesome attack on January 26. It's suspected that Boko Haram militants opened fire on a village market and torched homes in the village of Kawuri in Borno state, killing at least 45 people.A man receives treatment at Konduga specialist hospital after a gruesome attack on January 26. It's suspected that Boko Haram militants opened fire on a village market and torched homes in the village of Kawuri in Borno state, killing at least 45 people.



Police officers stand guard in front of the burned remains of homes and businesses in the village of Konduga, in northeastern Nigeria, on February 12. Suspected Boko Haram militants torched houses in the village, killing at least 23 people, according to the governor of Borno state on February 11.Police officers stand guard in front of the burned remains of homes and businesses in the village of Konduga, in northeastern Nigeria, on February 12. Suspected Boko Haram militants torched houses in the village, killing at least 23 people, according to the governor of Borno state on February 11.



Ibrahim Gaidam, governor of Yobe state, left, looks at the bodies of students inside an ambulance outside a mosque in Damaturu. At least 29 students died in an attack on a federal college in Buni Yadi, near the the capital of Yobe state, Nigeria's military said on February 26. Authorities suspect Boko Haram carried out the assault in which several buildings were also torched. In April as many as 200 girls were abducted from their boarding school in northeastern Nigeria by heavily armed Boko Haram Islamists who arrived in trucks, vans and buses, officials and witnesses said. The group has recently stepped up attacks in the region, and its leader released a video last month threatening to kidnap girls from schools.Ibrahim Gaidam, governor of Yobe state, left, looks at the bodies of students inside an ambulance outside a mosque in Damaturu. At least 29 students died in an attack on a federal college in Buni Yadi, near the the capital of Yobe state, Nigeria's military said on February 26. Authorities suspect Boko Haram carried out the assault in which several buildings were also torched. In April as many as 200 girls were abducted from their boarding school in northeastern Nigeria by heavily armed Boko Haram Islamists who arrived in trucks, vans and buses, officials and witnesses said. The group has recently stepped up attacks in the region, and its leader released a video last month threatening to kidnap girls from schools.




Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis

Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis






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Boko Haram: Nigeria\'s crisis Boko Haram: Nigeria's crisis






Fate of kidnapped students uncertain




Nigerian officials: 200 girls abducted




Boko Haram 'increasingly monstrous'

No one knows where the missing girls are. And even more surprising, no one's particularly shocked.


"All the community are sympathizing with the parents," Kwambura told CNN earlier. But, she said, "the people in the villages are not surprised."


Such is life in the lawless Borno province.


Tucked away near the border with Cameroon, with phone services cut off and travel strongly discouraged, this poor corner of Nigeria is no stranger to such brazen, violent acts.


For 11 months, the provinces of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have been under a state of emergency due to relentless assaults blamed on Boko Haram.


The Islamist militant group has bombed churches and mosques; kidnapped women and children; and assassinated politicians and religious leaders.


Boko Haram -- whose name means "Western education is sin" in the local Hausa language -- says it wants to impose a stricter enforcement of Sharia law across Africa's most populous nation.


The group has gone about its misguided mission with such depressing regularity that residents have become somewhat numb.


Where's the president?


Nigerians marvel that U.S. President Barack Obama traveled to Massachusetts after the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people last year.


Boko Haram-related violence killed 1,500 in the first three months of this year alone. And yet, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has not visited the region recently.





Explosion kills dozens in Nigeria




Up to 200 girls kidnapped by terrorists








Abubakar Shekau is the leader of Boko Haram in Nigeria. A reward up to $7 million has been offered by the U.S. government.Abubakar Shekau is the leader of Boko Haram in Nigeria. A reward up to $7 million has been offered by the U.S. government.



Mullah Mohammed Omar is the spiritual leader of the Taliban. A reward of up to $10 million has been offered by the U.S. government.Mullah Mohammed Omar is the spiritual leader of the Taliban. A reward of up to $10 million has been offered by the U.S. government.



Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is the leader of Islamic State in Iraq. A reward up to $10 million has been offered by the U.S. government.Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is the leader of Islamic State in Iraq. A reward up to $10 million has been offered by the U.S. government.



Ahmed Abdi Godane, also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubayr, is the leader of Al-Shabaab. A reward up to $7 million has been offered by the U.S. government.Ahmed Abdi Godane, also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubayr, is the leader of Al-Shabaab. A reward up to $7 million has been offered by the U.S. government.



Nasir al Wuhayshi is leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.Nasir al Wuhayshi is leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.



Hakimullah Mehsud is the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban in Pakistan. A reward of up to $5 million has been offered by the U.S. government.Hakimullah Mehsud is the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban in Pakistan. A reward of up to $5 million has been offered by the U.S. government.




Leaders of deadliest terrorist groups

Leaders of deadliest terrorist groups

Leaders of deadliest terrorist groups

Leaders of deadliest terrorist groups

Leaders of deadliest terrorist groups

Leaders of deadliest terrorist groups



Leaders of deadliest terrorist groupsLeaders of deadliest terrorist groups



Part of it may have to do with geographic divisions.


Jonathan is from the predominantly Christian south. That's not just geographically distant but also culturally different from the Muslim-dominated, violence-wracked north.


To put things in perspective, none of Jonathan's major political rivals from the north attended his inauguration in 2011. And widespread violence broke out in the north when his presidential win was announced, with some residents claiming the election was rigged.


It's the opposite of what happened with Jonathan's predecessor.


The previous president, Umaru Yar'Adua, was from the north. During his tenure, violence ravaged the country's oil-rich, southern Niger Delta, with militant groups saying they wanted a fairer distribution of the region's oil wealth.


Where's the military?


The Nigerian military has been engaged in a brutal, ever-escalating fight with Boko Haram. Rights group accuse both sides of ruthlessness -- Boko Haram of indiscriminate attacks, and the military of extrajudicial killings.


But when it comes to the abductions of girls -- and there have been many -- the military has had a difficult time.


Last week, the defense ministry erroneously reported that all but eight of the girls from the latest kidnapping were free. It retracted a day later.


Lawan Zanna, the father of one of the students, said the government turned from using "blatant propaganda" to making a "blatant lie."


Part of the reason the military is loath to respond mightily may be because the girls who are kidnapped are raped, forced into servitude -- but rarely killed.


In February, 29 college students in the northern Yobe province were killed after an attack authorities blamed on Boko Haram. All of them were males. The women were spared.


In other instances, kidnapped girls were later rescued while working on farms. Many were pregnant or had babies -- the result of rape.


The spate of kidnappings began in May 2013 when Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau announced in a video that this was part of its latest bloody campaign. The kidnappings, he said, were retaliation for Nigerian security forces nabbing the wives and children of group members.


Those kidnapped, he said, would begin a new life as a "servant."


But the latest incident has ratcheted up the pressure on the military.


The military said "ongoing, frantic efforts" of security forces, vigilante groups and hunters are attempting to find and free the students.


But a week later, the fate of 190 girls remain unknown.


READ: Boko Haram: A bloody insurgency, a growing challenge


READ: A year of attacks linked to Nigeria's Boko Haram


CNN's Vladimir Duthiers reported from Abuja, and CNN's Holly Yan reported and wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Jonathan Mann, Faith Karimi, Nana Karikari-Apau and Chelsea J. Carter contributed to this report.



10 things Hong Kong does best






Hong Kong has 1,251 skyscrapers -- more than double that of New York City and Singapore.Hong Kong has 1,251 skyscrapers -- more than double that of New York City and Singapore.

While most cities are using steel and aluminum scaffolding, Hong Kong stands by bamboo. The city has 1,700 registered bamboo spidermen.While most cities are using steel and aluminum scaffolding, Hong Kong stands by bamboo. The city has 1,700 registered bamboo spidermen.

Try saying "ci sin zi zyu di zi zyu si ci zyu zi syu zi." The Cantonese tongue twister means "a crazy spider's spider web sticks on a tree branch." The four zi in the sentence all share the same tone but have two different meanings.Try saying "ci sin zi zyu di zi zyu si ci zyu zi syu zi." The Cantonese tongue twister means "a crazy spider's spider web sticks on a tree branch." The four zi in the sentence all share the same tone but have two different meanings.

MTR Corporation, which operates Hong Kong's subway system, is so good at its job it now runs other cities' trains as well. MTR Corporation, which operates Hong Kong's subway system, is so good at its job it now runs other cities' trains as well.

With one of the world's lowest salary tax rates and zero sales tax, Hong Kong is great about letting you keep your hard-earned money.With one of the world's lowest salary tax rates and zero sales tax, Hong Kong is great about letting you keep your hard-earned money.

Is that you, Bruce? When it comes to kung fu films, Hong Kong is the undisputed champ. "Fist of Fury," "Once Upon a Time in China," and "Drunken Master" are classics that make regular appearances on "world's best martial arts films" lists. Is that you, Bruce? When it comes to kung fu films, Hong Kong is the undisputed champ. "Fist of Fury," "Once Upon a Time in China," and "Drunken Master" are classics that make regular appearances on "world's best martial arts films" lists.

Ranking first on Skytrax's World's Best Airport list eight years in a row, Hong Kong's Airport is indeed a dandy. Sure, Singapore's Changi Airport recently knocked it from its throne. But Hong Kong <a href='http://www.aci.aero/' target='_blank'>handles more passenger traffic</a> -- 53 million passengers in 2011. Ranking first on Skytrax's World's Best Airport list eight years in a row, Hong Kong's Airport is indeed a dandy. Sure, Singapore's Changi Airport recently knocked it from its throne. But Hong Kong handles more passenger traffic -- 53 million passengers in 2011.

We hear the disapproving "tsks" coming from New York foodies out there. But where else in the world can you enjoy a <a href='http://ift.tt/1r5W6SM'>Michelin-starred dim sum meal for less than $10</a>, <a href='http://ift.tt/1jZ59Sg'>whimsical fusion foods</a> and the <a href='http://ift.tt/1r5W8Kt'>best Italian restaurant outside of Italy</a>?We hear the disapproving "tsks" coming from New York foodies out there. But where else in the world can you enjoy a Michelin-starred dim sum meal for less than $10, whimsical fusion foods and the best Italian restaurant outside of Italy?

Hong Kong came third in a global ranking of places with the least homicides. But given that Palau Island and Monaco are at least 200 times smaller in population, it's fair to say Hong Kong wears the global safety crown for major cities.Hong Kong came third in a global ranking of places with the least homicides. But given that Palau Island and Monaco are at least 200 times smaller in population, it's fair to say Hong Kong wears the global safety crown for major cities.


It's not even dark and the place is already hopping. Hong Kong's Lan Kwai Fong area crams more than 100 bars, restaurants, clubs and shops into just a few short streets.

It's not even dark and the place is already hopping. Hong Kong's Lan Kwai Fong area crams more than 100 bars, restaurants, clubs and shops into just a few short streets.









  • Hong Kong has 1,251 skyscrapers and high-rises, the most in the world

  • Movie mogul Sir Run Run Shaw is credited with putting Hong Kong's martial arts movies on global screens

  • Hong Kong has the lowest homicide rate of any major city in the world




Editor's note: Editor's note: This story is part of a series highlighting superlatives of countries and cities around the world. Click here for pieces on Italy, France, the United States, Canada, Taiwan, India and South Korea, and watch for upcoming installments featuring other countries.


(CNN) -- How can you not love Hong Kong?


Home of Bruce Lee, divine dim sum, lofty buildings, loftier real estate prices and -- in spite of all those buildings -- easy access to incredible stretches of great outdoors.


It's been more than 15 years since the British handed Hong Kong over to Chinese rule but little has changed.


Hong Kong remains a competitive and independent city, consistently ranked as one of the world's best places to live.


But don't take our word for it.


Here are 10 things this great city does better than anywhere else.


1. Tonal talents


Native English speakers who've managed to learn Cantonese from scratch: give yourselves a pat on the back.


The language has a total of six to nine tones, depending on where you're hearing it, compared to English's zero tones.


No other Asian language comes close. (There are four tones in Mandarin, five in Thai and six in Vietnamese).


That's kind of like saying one English word can be pronounced six different ways and have at least six different meanings.


Locals like to say this makes us particularly good at music (certain karaoke sessions have proven otherwise) and studies have shown there's some truth to this.


To add to the complexity -- and fun -- of the language, Cantonese is a dialect with new slang invented everyday and many words aren't used in written communication.


Intimidated?


Check out Carlos Douh's YouTube channel, the Internet's most entertaining Cantonese language teacher, for quick and easy Cantonese lessons.


2. Staying alive


Don't wanna get murdered?


Come to Hong Kong!


The city not only has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, it ranks third in a list compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2011 of places with the least homicides.


Hong Kong -- with an intentional homicide rate of 0.2 per 100,000 people in the last 16 years -- only lost out to Monaco and Palau, where there have been zero recorded murders.


When you consider that Hong Kong has a population of more than 7 million crammed into a city of 1,104 square kilometers, while Monaco only has about 36,000 people and idyllic island nation Palau about 20,000, Hong Kong definitely triumphs as the safest city in the world.


3. Getting you there


Hong Kong is really good at getting you where you need to go.


The public transportation system is famous around the world for its efficiency and profitability, making Hong Kong one of the least car-dependent cities, with only about 710,000 registered vehicles.


In particular, the MTR Corporation that operates Hong Kong's subway system is so good at what they do they run other city's trains as well, including operating sections of subway lines in Beijing, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, London and the whole of Melbourne and Stockholm's underground networks.


4. Building into the sky


When you've got a heck of a lot of people and very little land, what do you do?


Hong Kong's solution is to stack them up on top of each other, inside tall buildings.


Once the city started doing it, it couldn't stop.


Hong Kong now has 1,251 skyscrapers and high-rises, the most in the world, creating a dramatic skyline.


There's the bamboo-like Bank of China by renowned architect I.M. Pei and the 490-meter International Commerce Centre (Hong Kong's tallest), the latter of which will become a gigantic art piece at the hands of sound artist Carsten Nicolai during Art Basel Hong Kong 2014.


MORE: Life inside the densest place on earth




Hong Kong\'s scaffolders dangle precariously on bits of bamboo.

Hong Kong's scaffolders dangle precariously on bits of bamboo.



5. Daredevil construction


Most of those skyscrapers were built using bamboo scaffolding, an old craft that involves tying long pieces of sturdy bamboo together to form a freestanding grid structure for workmen to hang out on.


Daredevil scaffolders dangling precariously on bits of bamboo suspended in midair, with a small harness for support, are a common and heart-stopping sight in Hong Kong's streets.


While most other cities are using steel and aluminium scaffolding, Hong Kong stands by bamboo, even establishing a licensing system through the Hong Kong Construction Industry Council.


There are now more than 1,700 bamboo scaffolders registered with the Construction Workers Registration Board.


6. Letting you keep your money


As a financial center that's historically been seen as the gateway to the Chinese market, Hong Kong is a great place to make money.


What truly sets it apart is that residents actually get to keep most of the money they earn.


With one of the lowest salaries tax rates in the world, capped at 16.5% and no sales tax or VAT, Hong Kong is an attractive place to work and play.


The profits tax rate is the same for foreign and local companies at a low 16.5% and there's no capital gains tax in Hong Kong.


That doesn't make the local government a charity case though.


Property and shares trade keep the government flush -- Financial Secretary John Tsang estimates an HK$12 billion surplus for this year.




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7. Kung fu movies


Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Maggie Cheung, John Woo, Wong Kar-wai ... the list of Hong Kong's cinematic heavy hitters goes on.


For a relatively small city (population 7 million) tucked away in a far corner of East Asia, Hong Kong sure has produced a lot of Hollywood-worthy stars.


But it's the city's kung fu movies that are the most recognized.


"Enter the Dragon," "Fist of Fury," "Once Upon a Time in China," and "Drunken Master" are just a few of the classics that come to mind.


Much of the city's cinematic martial arts glory is due to the efforts of one legendary movie mogul: Sir Run Run Shaw, who passed away at the age of 107 in January.


Shaw put Hong Kong movies on the map by inventing and popularizing kung fu genre films in the 1970s and pushing co-productions such as "Blade Runner."


Before passing away he admitted regretting never working with Bruce Lee, who was offered a better deal by Shaw rival Golden Harvest.


More: Ultimate Hong Kong kung fu tour


8. Soft landings


One of the most impressive sites for Hong Kong visitors is the airport.


Most love the efficiency, the fast connection to the city through the Airport Express, and the frequent traveler system that allows jet setters to use a fast lane through immigration.


The airport is one of the most lauded in the world, winning nearly 40 awards from international operations since it opened in 1998 and ranking atop Skytrax's World's Best Airport list for eight years in a row.


Sure, it's recently been toppled from the throne by Singapore's Changi Airport.


But Hong Kong handles more passenger traffic, 53 million passengers in 2011.


Take that, Singapore.


9. Foodie-ism


Hong Kong: 7 million people, 15,000 restaurants.


This is a city of unashamedly camera-toting, food-blogging, lip-smacking gourmands.


And while we don't have the restaurant density of New York City, our diversity is staggering.


Foodies here will have lunch at a three Michelin star restaurant and dinner at a street-side dai pai dong hawker stall.


Our cha chaan teng diners can whip up fantastical East-meets-West dishes, considered sacrilegious anywhere else in the world -- ever tried a syrup-slathered French toast filled with satay beef slices?


Or instant noodles dressed in a cheese sauce?


No? You haven't lived.


Take it from this city of people who are very good at eating.


MORE: 40 Hong Kong dishes we can't live without


10. Partying so hard the neighbors want in on it


First time visitors to Hong Kong's party area, Lan Kwai Fong, might think they've entered a time warp, suddenly appearing in Ibiza or Cancun at 9 p.m. on a Friday night.


The area crams more than 100 bars, restaurants, clubs and shops into just a few short streets (and in the high-rises along the streets), which themselves are nearly always crammed with expats, flight attendants and other 9-to-5 refugees.


Neon lights blur into happy hour signs, which blur into fridges filled with garishly colored vodka jelly shots.


Come special events, such as the Rugby Sevens or New Year's Eve, the area gets ridiculously, lung-crushingly crowded.


Lankwaifong.com claims it's "Hong Kong's premiere dining and entertainment destination," which makes it sound somewhat more sophisticated than it really is.


But for turning a rubbish Tuesday workday into a heady, beery, feels-like-Friday evening, where you're guaranteed to meet someone you know, there's no place like it.


It's so successful that Chinese cities are asking Lan Kwai Fong Group to re-create the nightlife districts in their cities, namely Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu and Lan Kwai Fong Wuxi.


MORE: Insider Guide: Best of Hong Kong