As a group of avid readers in the LRP team we are very happy to have recently expanded our book offering online and in the showroom. We knew you would be interested in finding out more about some of the wonderful authors and illustrators who have created the ones we've selected. All books have a Hong Kong theme whether it be written or illustrated by someone who lives here or is about the city, the stories and the history of the place so many of us call home.
This week we are meeting Pamela Tang, author of Welcome to Hong Kong, How to Survive, Thrive (and Love) the Expat Life. Two volumes, one of Practical Living and the other Cultural Insights.
Hong Kong has always been central to who I am. My father is from Hong Kong and my mother, who is Middle Eastern, was also born and bred here. I was born in Hong Kong but moved to the UK at the age of six, where I lived for twenty years. Despite growing up in London, my parents spoke to me in Cantonese at home and made sure I stayed connected to Hong Kong culture, so I remain fluent in Cantonese.
I was called to the Bar as a barrister in the UK before moving into the financial industry, where I have worked ever since. Alongside my professional career, I’ve always enjoyed public speaking and have hosted and appeared on television and radio programmes, as well as in newspaper interviews. This led me to pursue a side career as a Master of Ceremony. I am also a Latin dancing enthusiast and a mother.
My husband shares a similar Hong Kong journey. He is also originally from Hong Kong but moved to the UK at the age of three. We met at university in London, and later returned to Hong Kong together, building our life and starting a family here.
Having once been an expat myself, I’ve always wanted to write the guide I wish I’d had when I first arrived. That led to Welcome to Hong Kong: Survive, Thrive, (and Love) the Expat Life!, a three‑part series designed to help newcomers live more like locals. Volume 1 focuses on practical living, Volume 2 on cultural insights and Hong Kong‑specific language, and Volume 3 (forthcoming) on raising a family in Hong Kong.
The inspiration came straight from my own experience of moving to Hong Kong and realising very quickly that life here worked quite differently from suburban London. Finding an apartment alone was an adventure, followed by the shock of adjusting to what felt like shoebox living. Then came the culture shock. I remember genuinely wondering why people seemed so cold at first, only to later realise it was simply a different communication style.
The learning moments were constant. My husband once offered colleagues tea and was met with confused looks. I was constantly asked about my ethnicity and why I spoke Cantonese, often having to explain my family background to complete strangers. Even relatives commented freely on my body, always meant kindly, though still confronting. People rushed onto the MTR before letting others off. Chinese menus were a challenge as I do not read Chinese. Our first Chinese New Year as a married couple felt more stressful than an exam, as working out who to give red envelopes to and how much was genuinely daunting. To this day, I still avoid red and green minibuses because I am not confident enough to shout out where to stop.
As we learned through trial and error, I started helping expat colleagues and friends who were struggling even more than we were, especially those without Chinese family connections or language skills. That was when I realised there were plenty of travel guides, but very little that explained how to actually live in Hong Kong. I wanted to create the guide I wish I had, something friendly, practical, and reassuring, like a helpful local friend quietly guiding you through the chaos and helping make the journey smoother and far less intimidating.
What I love most about Hong Kong is the sheer convenience and safety. It is a small city where everyone feels close, meeting friends is easy, and there is always something happening somewhere. The city constantly feels alive and buzzing. I love going out for drinks and long chats with friends, and karaoke is hands down my favourite way to spend an evening.
Shopping is another joy. You can genuinely find everything here, from luxury brands to amazing bargains, often in the same afternoon. The food scene is equally irresistible, with endless culinary experiences and new places constantly opening. Hong Kong is always offering something fresh, whether it is themed cafés, creative restaurants, pop‑ups, or special events. There is always something new to try.
Hong Kong is also incredibly family‑friendly, with theme parks, indoor playgrounds, and play areas everywhere. No matter how long you live here, it is hard to get tired of the harbour views, the skyline, and those iconic skyscrapers. It is a city that never stands still, and that is exactly what makes it so special.
2. Say yes (even when it feels slightly terrifying).
Say yes to invitations, try the food, and explore beyond your comfort zone. Feeling confused or uncomfortable now and then is completely normal and usually a sign you are doing Hong Kong properly!
3. Build your survival kit.
Find your favourite coffee spot, your trusted hair and nail place, and your people. Build small routines that make the city feel familiar. These small comforts make a huge difference. Hong Kong is wonderfully multicultural, so if you ever crave a taste of home, you will almost always find it somewhere. Homesickness fades much faster once you know where to get good coffee/drinks and a proper chat!
