Because of the long British influence, Hong Kong was modernized much sooner than the rest of China. This was most evident in the modern skyline and buildings of Hong Kong. The great western influence led to tall steel and glass skyscrapers while the rest of China was still living in Soviet-era concrete apartment blocks. Although much of China has now caught up with modern times, Hong Kong still has that distinctive cosmopolitan feel. It has some of the tallest buildings not just on the Pacific coast, but in the world! Its skyline is one of the most modern and up to date in the world, and is famous around the globe.
Some of the most recognizable buildings are the Two International Finance Center, designed by Ceser Pelli; the Central Plaza Tower, designed by Dennis Lau; and the Bank of China Tower, designed by I.M. Pei.
