With 2025 winding to a close, let’s celebrate the feats that put Hongkongers on the world stage – and in the Guinness Book of Records – over the past 12 months.
#1 Largest clarinet ensemble
It’s not every day we hear a single clarinet being played, let alone hundreds at the same time. But that’s what went down at Hong Kong Polytechnic University in August, when 448 clarinettists performed together to claim a new Guinness record, eclipsing the 2019 mark of 367.
#2 Largest collection of Gengar items
A lifelong love for a purple grinning Pokémon named Gengar earnt 32-year-old Tsang Cheuk-tip a Guinness record, when in July he registered a world-leading collection of 1,200 Gengar stuffed toys and other merch.
#3 Induction cookers arranged by message
Back in May, 1,000 induction cookers – the most ever – were used to spell out the words “Carbon Neutral” at Lok Fu Place. (Being the anagram enthusiasts we are, we note they could have used those same letters to spell “Nocturnal Bear”.
#4 Highest bank in a building
Less out of left field, but no less impressive, the HSBC ICC Premier Elite Wealth Centre was recognised as the highest bank in the world – you can find it on the 99th floor of the ICC building.
This article first appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
