Hong Kong, according to CNNGo, is the world’s greatest city, and they give 50 reasons why, including these:
11. Cash-free living
Having a wallet is so passe. Nowadays, all you need for a fun-filled day in Hong Kong is an Octopus card. 
You can pay for all public transportation, KFC meals, vending machine sodas, 7-Eleven impulse buys, Park n’ Shop grocery runs and even ice skating rentals with a “doot.” (The sound made when swiping the Octopus is now a common verb, as in “just doot it.”) The Octopus even comes in tiny, SIM card-sized chips that can be dangled on bracelets like lucky charms.
33. The bamboo and concrete jungles unite
In a city where buildings can extend more than 50 stories high, the use of bamboo is the safest, most efficient, most versatile, most eco-friendly material used for scaffolding. The bamboo is light, yet durable enough to withstand typhoons. It’s quite the sight to observe the renovation of the Four Seasons Hotel by workers who erect an average of 650 square feet of scaffolding a day.
For all 50, go here. ( Of course, CNNGo also gives 50 reasons why Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, Shanghai and Bangkok are each the world’s greatest city. )
Thanks to Vince Tan for the link.
Octopuss let every other “smart card” system in the dust…
(I like especially the fact you can have the chip in your watch or wherever else you want!)
When come transportation, Hong Kong is definitely one of the best city I have ever seen.
Did they have also mentioned the airport, 10 years later, still unrivalled as well as on design than on functionality (easy to use airport for passenger…no long walk in endless corrdior, all thing come naturally, without need to look for…)
[...] A new division of CNN called CNNGo looks at the top cities in Asia as to why each could be the greatest city in the world. Hong Kong is close and dear to the heart, so obviously I gravitated towards this list (Thanks to Gordon Price for blogging about this on Price Tags). [...]