Life is hard for low income earners in Hong Kong as booming house prices push up the cost of rent. Outside metro stations, elderly women collect free daily newspapers discarded by commuters which they then sell to earn some money.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
Life is hard for low income earners in Hong Kong as booming house prices push up the cost of rent. Outside metro stations, elderly women collect free daily newspapers discarded by commuters which they then sell to earn some money.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN
In Sai Ying Pun wet market stall holders compete for business, selling vegetables mostly imported from China. It's just a few blocks away from the central business district on Hong Kong Island.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
In Sai Ying Pun wet market stall holders compete for business, selling vegetables mostly imported from China. It's just a few blocks away from the central business district on Hong Kong Island.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN
It's not uncommon to see people working to an elderly age in Hong Kong due to the lack of state pension. More and more elderly people are either living alone or with a spouse, according to government figures.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
It's not uncommon to see people working to an elderly age in Hong Kong due to the lack of state pension. More and more elderly people are either living alone or with a spouse, according to government figures.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN
Carmen, 56, works at a vegetable stall she inherited from her mother when she died in 1999. She said that after the handover to China, the rules became stricter and outdoor vendors had to move indoors. Business isn't as strong inside, she said.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
Carmen, 56, works at a vegetable stall she inherited from her mother when she died in 1999. She said that after the handover to China, the rules became stricter and outdoor vendors had to move indoors. Business isn't as strong inside, she said.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN
Jackie works at the Sai Ying Pun market with her mother and her father. Together they sell a wide range of vegetables to local shoppers.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
Jackie works at the Sai Ying Pun market with her mother and her father. Together they sell a wide range of vegetables to local shoppers.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN
Wong Miu Ping is in her 70s and says Hong Kong needs to spend more money on medical care. She's retired and is living off her savings.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
Wong Miu Ping is in her 70s and says Hong Kong needs to spend more money on medical care. She's retired and is living off her savings.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN
Ernie Chu runs a pet supply shop with his wife Stella Heung in Sai Ying Pun. They charge $120 a day to mind dogs during working hours.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
Ernie Chu runs a pet supply shop with his wife Stella Heung in Sai Ying Pun. They charge $120 a day to mind dogs during working hours.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN
The number of elderly people in Hong Kong is rising while the fertility rate remains among one of the lowest in the world. Wong says young people "don't dare to have babies," due to the high cost of living.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
The number of elderly people in Hong Kong is rising while the fertility rate remains among one of the lowest in the world. Wong says young people "don't dare to have babies," due to the high cost of living.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN
Hong Kong commuters on an old-fashioned tram during the morning commute in the city center. The Special Administrative Region of China marks 15 years on July 1 since it moved from British to Chinese rule.
Hong Kong's wealth divide —
Hong Kong commuters on an old-fashioned tram during the morning commute in the city center. The Special Administrative Region of China marks 15 years on July 1 since it moved from British to Chinese rule.
Hilary Whiteman/CNN