As the online escape room craze takes China by storm, the younger generation in Beijing finds themselves captivated by an innovative genre – the Hong Kong-themed escape rooms. These rooms, known as “Gang Feng Mi Shi” in Chinese, intricately encapsulate the unique blend of Hong Kong’s bustling streets, its revered gangster movies, and the rich cultural history of tea houses and iconic landmarks.
Imagine walking into an escape room and being instantaneously transported to iconic Hong Kong districts like Mong Kok, Nathan Road, and the vibrant nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong. These meticulously designed rooms offer more than just the city’s skyline; they delve deep into the rich cultural tapestry and cinematic heritage of Hong Kong.
One such escape room, titled “Cover The Sky With One Hand”, catapults players back to the streets of the ‘Harbour City‘ in 1997. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of rival gang confrontations and police interventions, players find themselves navigating the maze of gang rivalries. Assignments to either a gang or the police force mean each player dives deep, searching for clues, forming alliances, and strategizing their next move to ensure their team emerges victorious.
Social media is abuzz with experiences of players engrossed in these games. An enthusiastic player’s review on Xiaohongshu illuminates the depth and nuance of the experience. Beyond the apparent gangster-movie facade, every player, based on their unique roles, embarks on a journey to unravel the multitude of hidden plots intricately woven into the narrative.
The attention to detail in these escape rooms is staggering. Players find themselves navigating alleyways teeming with tea houses, snack stalls, bustling bars, and even a retro karaoke bar. Another escape room, “Aman Tea Restaurant”, which is set in the pulsating heart of Kowloon, thrusts players into a detective’s shoes from the Major Crime Unit, where they grapple with enigmatic disappearances.
A unique aspect of these escape rooms is the emphasis on Hong Kong’s pop culture. Puzzles may involve diving deep into the world of legendary Cantopop artists, recalling songs of icons like Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing or delving into the legacy of the “Four Heavenly Kings” of Cantopop.
An element that heightens the entire experience is the option to interact in Cantonese. As one online observer pointed out, conversing in Cantonese with the non-player characters (NPCs) amplifies the authentic Hong Kong feel of the game.
The popularity of these rooms is evident in the sheer numbers. A simple search on Dianping reveals a staggering 494 Hong Kong-themed escape rooms in Beijing alone. Despite the intricate designs and immersive experience, they remain affordable, typically priced between 150 to 400 yuan (US$20 to US$55).
For many, the allure of these escape rooms extends beyond the confines of the game. They stir memories, rekindle an interest in classic Hong Kong cinema, and even inspire travel aspirations to the iconic city.
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