Life across the water: Mainland, HK youth experience new horizons 2

Ever since Hong Kong returned to the motherland, more and more people from the Chinese mainland have chosen to study and live there. Likewise, many people from Hong Kong have moved to cities on the mainland. Why did they make this choice? What is life like for them, and what are their thoughts on the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland?

Nicole Ngan Yin Fan was born and raised in Hong Kong and now heads public relations in a meat company in Shanghai. She came to Shanghai for college education thanks to the increasing integration of Hong Kong and the motherland, and decided to stay on after graduation, seeing the great progress and changes that have taken place on the mainland.

Ngan chose the word "convenient" to describe the city she lives in. Using just her smartphone and scanning some codes she was able to identify herself, declare her vaccination status and travel history and also undergo nucleic acid tests.

"I was very lucky to see the development that has taken place in the motherland. During my time here, I also saw how the central government cares for Hong Kong youth living on the mainland. I hope the young people of Hong Kong can understand the advantages of Hong Kong getting support from the motherland while maintaining its status as an international city, thus becoming a window for exchange between China and the world," Ngan said.

Hu Yin, born and raised in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, now works as a producer and anchor for Phoenix TV in Hong Kong. He said Hong Kong is a special city in China, connecting China with the West.

Hu chose the word "possibility" to describe the city, saying Hong Kong provides one many options for the future.

"I saw this place on television 25 years ago, while now the whole of Hong Kong is before my eyes, and this makes me feel special," Hu said.

Watch this: Life across the water: Mainland, HK youth experience new horizons