Since 1841, many Westerners have arrived in Hong Kong, and the coexistence of different cultures has gradually become a defining feature of the city. According to the latest 2024 data, Hong Kong is home to approximately 700,000 expatriates, accounting for 8% of the total population. With diverse ethnicities, nationalities, skin colors, and cultural backgrounds, these individuals have found their place in the city, rooted themselves, and call Hong Kong home.
What draws such a significant number of expatriates to Hong Kong? DotDotNews has interviewed several long-term foreign friends who have made their lives here. Through their stories, we explore why Hong Kong has become a magnet for international residents and a truly global city.
One is Julian Gaertner, a German who has lived in Hong Kong for 13–14 years. He has many roles—consultant, actor, entrepreneur, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast. Remarkably, he has turned nearly every passion into a career.
Julian is involved in an ocean water desalination startup, aiming to convert ocean water into irrigation water. According to Julian, Hong Kong has plenty of greenery and water resources, but irrigation water is extremely scarce in many parts of the world. So he and his team are developing solar ocean water desalination equipment to help arid regions bloom with greenery.
"I would like to keep pushing that (ocean water desalination), but at the same time, I don't wanna give up on my artistic side either," says Julian. Known as a regular face in Hong Kong TV dramas, Julian went from playing minor roles to securing steady parts, even appearing in films alongside stars like Donnie Yen and Nick Cheung. For Julian, working with actors is like "sitting on a boat together," because "once you start being in the movie, you are on a boat, and the boat leaves, and you cannot get off anymore, until the boat arrives in the harbor and everything is done."
Nine years ago, Julian settled on Peng Chau, a small island southwest of Hong Kong that spans less than one square kilometer. The island is car-free, and cycling is the main mode of transport. Explaining his choice, Julian said Peng Chau brims with artistic charm: "There's an old movie theater, there are many old counters. Starting next month, a big opera tent will be here with Cantonese opera, drumming, and dragon dancing." He also added that people can go from the bustling Central district to the serene island of Peng Chau in no time, and this is the unique charm of Hong Kong.
During a sailing trip in Norway, Julian first encountered Chinese culture over a decade ago. He recalls seeing a group of Chinese passengers playing cards and eating sunflower seeds, thoroughly enjoying themselves. That moment gave him a glimpse of authentic Chinese life, sparking his curiosity about the distant country and prompting his journey to China.
When asked how he would describe his life in Hong Kong today, Julian says the city feels like a beautiful and fascinating window. At this crossroad, you can observe the world and understand different perspectives with balance. "That's why I feel very at home here," Julian says.
(Reporters: Ella Qu, Rachel Liu; Videographers: Sammi, Bernhard; Video Editor: Sammi; English Translation: Cheng Yurui, Zoey Sun; English Proofreading: Darius, Felicia Li; Executive Producer: Tracy)
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