The East’s Uncertain Urban Future

Abstract

The typical Chow Tai Fook store looks expensive, and it should, as some of the jewelry and watches for sale are worth more than a year’s income for the average shopper. The company’s name is written in white characters across a rich red sign, signifying good fortune, outside each store, and attentive staff stands inside behind brightly lit display boxes. There are the standard silver wedding rings and gold necklaces found in any high-end store worldwide, most featuring a single or multiple diamonds, as well as a wide collection of jade bracelets and gold animals depicting the Chinese zodiac.