u/Suspicious-Blood5003

On my recent trip to Hong Kong, somewhere down near the harbour on HK Island, I came across a large group of women sitting underneath the highway pass. Maybe 50 or more. They were all sitting in groups eating food, singing karaoke and chatting. It looked like a good time! They had heaps of flattened cardboard boxes they were using as mats to sit on, some of them had folded the sides up to create "walls" for their group to sit in.

I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what all of this is about? Just a social gathering? It seemed an odd place to sit especially as Victoria Park was kinda closeby. They were under a highway with cars and buses roaring past and no view of anything. Also, how come no men?

Just curious!

I'm visiting Hong Kong soon and in my research came across these 'Dark Side of Hong Kong' tours. They sound interesting but I want to know from a local if they are ethical? I am not interested in giving money to a tour company profiting from the poverty and poor living conditions of local people. The tours are marketed as being educational but I can't see how it isn't exploitation. Can anyone tell me otherwise?

I did check to see if this has been posted before but was surprised to see it hasn't (except one post promoting the tours).

EDIT: I know what slum tourism is. All I am asking is if a local person can confirm (or deny) that the local community is benefiting from these tours. eg. maybe the tour operators are from the community and the money goes back to them?