HONG KONG – Popular Hong Kong performing artist Chow Kat Pui balanced professional duties with family celebrations this week, revealing plans for a cross-border birthday trip for his son while publicly considering the growing trend among local residents to acquire real estate in mainland China. Speaking to reporters following his performance at the Po Leung Kuk Annual Charity Ball on Monday, the celebrity also shared optimism about his career trajectory for the coming year after a demanding 12 months.
Chow, who is widely known following his success in local talent competitions, noted that he and his wife had celebrated their son’s eighth birthday during the week, complete with a celebratory cake and small toys to mark the occasion. The main birthday gift, he revealed, would be a weekend excursion to a large amusement park in Shenzhen, highlighting the ease of cross-border travel for leisure activities.
Mainland Property Beckons Amid Rising Costs
The conversation shifted to the increasing interest among Hong Kongers in purchasing residential properties north of the border. Chow confirmed that his wife has encouraged him to explore this option, potentially setting up a retreat for family holidays.
“My wife believes it’s a smart move,” Chow stated, noting the relative accessibility of housing prices just across the border. He specifically mentioned Zhuhai and Zhongshan as areas attracting attention due to their affordability compared to the highly expensive Hong Kong market.
Despite the attraction of leveraging more economical housing markets for vacation purposes, Chow acknowledged a significant financial hurdle. “My mortgage here in Hong Kong is ongoing,” he explained, “so purchasing another property in the immediate future might not be feasible, but it is certainly something I hope to pursue down the line.” This sentiment reflects the broader dilemma faced by many local middle-class families seeking investment opportunities outside the city without destabilizing their primary financial commitments.
Career Momentum Building for the New Year
The entertainer summarized the demanding nature of the previous year, describing the effort expended as feeling disproportionate to the results achieved. “Last year felt like grinding hard but only achieving half the desired outcome,” he admitted.
However, Chow expressed strong confidence and relief as he ushered in the new year, citing a significant uptick in professional opportunities. He noted that his schedule for the current month is already packed with engagements, a positive indicator for his earnings.
“I’ve been receiving calls and assignments almost non-stop this month,” Chow said. He joked that the increased workload would translate directly into a richer Chinese New Year celebration for his family, allowing them to “add more dishes to the table.” When pressed specifically about adding premium items like abalone, a traditional festive delicacy, he quipped, “Perhaps canned abalone would be easier to manage for now,” underscoring the practical approach often required in managing celebrity income fluctuations.
Chow’s perspective on leveraging professional success to afford cross-border leisure and property investment underscores the evolving economic connection between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, where proximity offers both recreational escapes and potential long-term financial stability.
