Hong Kong has a diverse culture with influences from both Chinese and Western societies. Hong Kong people take pride in their culture, history and achievements and want to preserve it for future generations. They value hard work, the importance of family, and a respectful and polite business environment. They also respect their ancestors and celebrate religious holidays such as Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Many Hong Kongers speak both English and Cantonese. They are bilingual and use both of these languages in daily life and for work.
Traditional Chinese values and beliefs are deeply rooted in Hong Kong culture. Confucianism, for example, is a principled system of thought and behavior that has had a significant influence on the way Hong Kongers behave. Confucianism teaches that healthy relationships require inherent structures, hierarchies and even inequalities that must be respected. This translates to daily interactions between parents and children, husbands and wives, teachers and students.
The Hong Kong government and its predecessors have introduced foreign cultural influences to Hong Kong, including Western political systems and philosophies. For instance, a common practice is to greet friends and colleagues with a handshake and to show respect for elders by bowing. In addition, Hong Kongers have a universal appreciation for Western-style architecture and enjoy shopping in international malls.
Because of the fusion of cultures, Hong Kongers have a variety of religions and philosophical beliefs. Approximately 22% of Hong Kongers identify as Buddhist, and many adhere to Taoism and other folk religions. Some residents follow Christianity, while others are agnostics and do not subscribe to any religion at all.
The city is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with local and international festivals and venues such as the Hong Kong Arts Centre and Oi!. In addition, Hong Kong has more Michelin-rated restaurants than any other Asian city.
Hong Kong television is a popular pastime, with several free-to-air stations and paid cable and satellite options. Hong Kong is also famous for its soap dramas and comedy shows. The Hong Kong orchid is an important symbol of the city, and a giant golden version of it stands at the center of Golden Bauhinia Square. Lion Rock is another iconic Hong Kong landmark.
Learning a few basic conversational Cantonese phrases is a good idea when visiting Hong Kong. It will help you communicate with the locals and show that you have a genuine interest in their culture. Additionally, it’s polite to ask for recommendations when dining out. If you don’t get the pronunciation right the first time, don’t worry; the locals will appreciate your effort! When interacting with locals, it’s also a good idea to avoid using sarcasm or joking insults. You should also be prepared for different levels of personal space when dining out. In general, Hong Kongers are quite friendly towards foreigners and will be happy to meet you! This is especially true in the business world, where Hong Kongers are highly international-minded.