On February 28, Hong Kong finally revoked stamp duties introduced in 2010 to curb speculation in the city’s notoriously expensive housing market. The overturning of these “spicy policies” opened a window of opportunity for families from the Chinese mainland to lay down roots in a city that can offer not just better educational and job prospects for their children, but also a chance to experience a different culture. Many have since relocated from neighboring cities like Shenzhen, making use of Hong Kong’s talent recruitment scheme. However, the path to a better life is rife with challenges, as these “New Immigrants” navigate learning Cantonese, conflicts with their children, and housing prices still far from cheap.

Reporter: Liu Xiaobei; video editors: Huang Zhihan, Xu Caihong, Lü Xiao, and Jiang Lüyue.