People of Hong Kong

Local Language

Regional Customs and Traditions
The Hong Konger are respectful of others and believe in following a few age-old traditions that have prevailed for generations. You should be mindful of the following them while touring Hong Kong- The norm is never to be rude or embarrass others in public even if you are absolutely infuriated at the moment.
- Family is the most important thing that is cherished by Hong Kongers with each member showing solidarity. There are stories of those who have even given up their lives to uphold the family honour. This feeling has abated somehow but life continues to centre around the family even today.
- The residents of Hong Kong are spiritual. Individuals make rice and fruit offerings to the deity at their homes and workplaces apart from temples and worship halls.
- You would also find them burning incense periodically, as it is believed to cleanse the soul and purify the surroundings.
- The people of Hong Kong also practice a strange ritual by burning paper in the form of printed pictures, photographs or even money to communicate with the people who have passed on to the spiritual world.
The Cuisine of Hong Kong

- Fish Balls
- Dim Sums
- Clay pot Rice
- Hong Kong Style French Toast
- Roast Duck / Goose
- Sweet and Sour Pork
- Ginger Milk Pudding
- Congee
Regional Architecture

- The 1881 Heritage building that includes a shopping mall, a heritage hotel and an exhibition hall is a spectacular example of Victorian Architecture. It has been renovated multiple times with the best features being preserved carefully.
- The Blue House is an interesting mix of Chinese and Western Architecture with the vivid blue colour being the only available shade during the 1920s.
- The Center is an ultra-modern skyscraper standing tall at a height of 350 meters. It is constructed entirely of steel and is popular for the nightly light show that takes part over the Victoria Harbor.
- The Cheung Kong Centre is yet another modernist building that literally glitters at night thanks to the extraordinary feat of adding reflected materials to the structure.
- A relic of the Tang Dynasty, the Chi Lin Nunnery was constructed in 1934 and renovated extensively in 1990. It is an amazing work of ancient Chinese architecture using an interlocking system without any kind of nails or screws.
Folk Dance and Music of Hong Kong

- The Cantonese Naamyam is a form of an hour-long narrative singing by blind performers. Although it was mostly enjoyed by past generations, it is still a vibrant form of entertainment.
- The Mandarin Pop music arrived in Hong Kong as the communists took hold of mainland China in 1949. However, it retains its popularity, as Mandarin is recognized as one of the three primary spoken languages in the culture of Hong Kong.
- The young generation is hooked to English pop sung by the locals. Hong Kongers love listening to imported English pop music as well.
- The traditional lion and dragon folk dance is performed across Hong Kong on the occasion of Chinese New Year.
- “The Hong Kong Dance Company” also stages Chinese dance performances regularly throughout the year.
Art and Craft

- Feel free to collect exquisite embroidered work or carpets along with scissor cut figures from the local shops.
- Remember to look for antique jade carvings that can be traced to the Ming Dynasty.
- Make sure to collect stone carvings and ink slabs at the Guangdong province.
- There is a good market for blue and white porcelain pottery.
- You could also purchase miniature paintings on shells, barks, wood and feathers if you're looking for unique souvenirs.
Festivals of Hong Kong

- Chinese New Year- Usher in the Chinese New Year with fun and fanfare by witnessing the dragon boats, with the entire city set up in red lanterns.
- Clockenflap- Experience the music scene of Hong Kong by checking out this spectacular music fest.
- Hong Kong Pride Parade- Although Hong Kong legalised homosexuality in 1991, same-sex couples have not been given official recognition nor full-fledged protection against gender bigotry. The HK Pride Parade is a yearly march for love and equality from Victoria Park to Tamar Park.
- Lantern Festival- The Spring Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations with thousands of colourful lanterns crowding the sky.
- Freespace Fest- This is one of the most loved outdoor festivals of arts and music in Hong Kong. You can enjoy the music and listen to the book readings by entering the area for free.
- Lunar New Year Fair- You will indeed be elated to visit this pre-celebration event held prior to the Chinese New Year. The flower markets and the dry fruit sellers doing brisk business as the locals usher into the New Year is a common sight.
- Le French May- An annual event hosted by the French Embassy in Hong Kong, Le French May aims to locally popularize the French culture here.
- Ghost Festival- This is a unique festival that has the local population paying tributes to the dead. It is a tradition that can be traced back to the Buddhist and Taoist origins of the city.
- Hong Kong Arts Festival- You are definitely in for a treat if you happen to be lover of performing arts. Excellent dramas and Chinese operas along with Ballet performances take place on the arena with the best artists across the globe are some of the typical sightings at the Hong Kong Arts Festival.
- Cheung Chau Bun Festival- This is a Taoist ritual that differently celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha. It attracts both the rural population and tourists who are pleased to taste the Kwon Kam Kee buns, a staple of the festival.
Religion

British Occupation of Hong Kong

Kung Fu

Gambling in Hong Kong

Cantonese Opera

The “Chinese University of Hong Kong” also offers a course in Cantonese Opera to the students. However, the English version of this opera is fast emerging and has been well accepted by the younger crowds as well as the tourists who obtain a glimpse into the rich tradition of China and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Etiquettes

- Getting drunk or embarrassing others publicly is a strict no-no.
- It is not acceptable to unwrap a gift immediately after receiving it.
- It is customary to keep your eyes lowered and wait to be introduced first.
- It is important to use the family name for addressing a person instead of the first name.
- While you may stand near the person you are speaking to, you should never make any kind of physical contact. Patting someone or holding hands is considered taboo with public displays of affection is frowned upon.
- Making small talk and needless conversation is not considered polite and Hong Kong residents do not say ‘thank you’ or ‘please’ at every pretext.
- Speaking loudly in public or holding the door open for a woman is not acceptable
- It would be best to try and blend in with the crowd when you are in Hong Kong.