Chinese Government 101: China’s Special Administrative Regions

 One of the most well-remembered moments in modern Chinese history was the return of Hong Kong by the UK to the People's Republic of China in 1997. But after the ceremony, the fireworks, and the news subsided, many may not have realized that Hong Kong was never fully integrated as part of the Mainland. Instead, Hong Kong, and the former-Portuguese colony of Macau, remain what the Chinese government refers to as "Special Administrative Regions" or SARs.     

{Just a few of the Macau high-rise hotels on the Cotai Strip}

During his leadership of the PRC in the 1980s, Deng Xiaoping coined the idea "One Country, Two Systems", with the hope and purpose of unifying Hong Kong, Macau, and even Taiwan with the Mainland.  His idea was to allow these regions to continue to function mostly autonomously, but with supervision and approval by the Chinese government.

Today, this hope is a reality within the SAR.  Citizens in Hong Kong and Macau choose their leaders through election or consultation, but the choice must then be appointed by the Chinese Central Government. The SAR governments can pass laws, determine economic and social welfare policies including education, currency regulation, and culture, but all within the guidance and control of the basic laws created by the National People's Congress. SAR also have their own judiciaries--for example, in Hong Kong, the courts function very similarly to UK courts, even down to the powdered wigs worn by judges. If you've ever visited Hong Kong or Macau, you know that unlike the Mainland, you don't have to get a visa to enter. And tax revenues are not collected by the PRC in these regions--perhaps for this very reason, these Capitalist-leaning areas seem different in practically every way from the Communist Mainland. Rather, the SAR retain many of the same characteristics developed during their colonization.

But the status of the SAR, and specifically the enforcement of the laws that govern them, are never quite certain. While the SAR enjoy unique freedoms now, some residents are concerned their special status may be temporary. Any perceived restrictiveness of the Basic Laws or its enforcement is always of concern to SAR residents. Political parties in Hong Kong even divide largely based on differences in the extent of relations or control favored with the Mainland. And only time will tell if Deng's original vision of Taiwan as an SAR will ever become a reality. 

Did you know about China's Special Administrative Regions? If not, what do you think about "One Country, Two Systems?"

Luxury Dim Sum at Hong Kong Ritz Carlton, Tin Lung Heen

Recently, I'm hooked on watching old episodes of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations - they're on repeat because it's the final season (I'm in mourning...seriously.) Bourdain and I share passions for many thing - street food, all preparations of pork, and Asia, to name a few. Last night, I watched him explore Hong Kong, one of my favorite cities in the world and my home for a brief summer. He described Hong Kong as the true foodie city, like a pinball game where the eater is exposed to an infinite amount of food options at every corer.

If Hong Kong is a  pinball game, Tin Lung Heen at the tip-top of the Hong Kong Ritz Carlton in Kowloon Bay is an elegant snooker tournament. Bourdain visited a traditional (read: noisy, crowded, and oh so delicious) teahouse for his dim sum. That's a required experience for anyone - my recommendation: Maxim's City Hall in Central Hong Kong. But sometimes I'm in the mood to enjoy my dim sum with a beautiful view and luxury ingredients, just for a little treat. I recently visited Tin Lung Heen for a dim sum lunch, and it delivers in spades. It's the perfect spot for a business meeting, a celebration, or a quiet moment to savor. 

And the flavors? As good or better than the teahouses - I'd like to think Bourdain would approve.   

{Dim Sum Menu, full of delectables}

{Tiny Bonsai Garden next to our table} 

 {Insanely decadent gold leaf Har Gow, steamed shrimp dumplings} 

 {Three Meats Barbecue Platter, including suckling pig and roast goose - crispy, salty skin perfection} 

 {Yes, more pork: A riff on the classic pork in glutinous rice, using Spanish Iberico Pork}

 {Sweet dim sum to finish - sesame balls with red bean centers, and glutinous rice treats}

Tin Lung Heen

International Commerce Centre (ICC)/the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

1 Austin Road West, Hong Hong, ph: (852) 2263 2270

Hong Kong's Goods of Desire

I've spent the last few weeks packing up our apartment and plotting out how to decorate our new place.  Despite the hoards of art, pictures and trinkets I have from Asia, I'm still hankering for more. (Who doesn't need another pair of Foo Dogs?) Chinoiserie has always been a mainstay of home design, referencing bamboo, lacquer, ceramics and of course, buddhas. My favorite place to hunt for Asian home goods will always be dirt markets in China - similar to flea markets, there is no end to what you might find and for quite a deal. But if I'm looking for something shiny and new, I love to visit Hong Kong's Goods of Desire.   

Goods of Desire is more than just a store, it's really a design house. It has souvenirs, sure, but they're much cooler than what you might pick up anywhere else. T-shirts with exclusive designs, travel and culture books, and even some provocative underwear (see picture above!) is available.  

But my favorite wares are upstairs at the Soho location - all of the home goods and art.  Now those are my goods of desire! Lacquer furniture, unique tableware and accessories, accessories, accessories. Everything is modern but with Chinese sensibility. Bright red candles shaped like the characters for "double happiness" (囍) are one of my favorites, the detail and creativity are uncommon and add a touch of excitement to an everyday homeware.  

Like what you see?  Check out Goods of Desire's website for a selection of their store offerings at http://www.god.com.hk/.  

Want something for free?  Keep reading Chinaful for how to enter a great giveaway and you can win a little goodie from Goods of Desire all for yourself.