Hong Kong's 'new normal' is anything but

City retains its business buzz as political freedoms wither

Rugby Sevens fans HK Reuters.JPG

Rugby fans gather for the Hong Kong Sevens tournament on April 1. The city's citizens have increasingly few reasons to cheer these days. © Getty Images

PAK YIU

Cool music and excited chatter filled the cavernous hall of Hong Kong's M+ visual culture museum on a recent night as tarot card readers and dragon dance performers dazzled guests and artists rubbing shoulders with the wealthy global elite at a private party ahead of the annual Art Basel fair.

Out on the terrace, against the dramatic backdrop of the city skyline, stylish characters danced the night away. The hall was electric with a familiar buzz that I had not felt in the city for years.

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