Hong Kong Tourism Guide

Weclome to Hong Kong

LANGUAGE

There are two official languages: Chinese and English. Street signs, telephone directories, and government documents are written in both. Although dialects from all provinces of China can be heard in Hong Kong, the Cantonese dialect dominates and is officially recognized. Most students study English, and English-speaking visitors have relatively few communication problems in business circles and tourist areas.

RELIGION

The Chinese have a diverse heritage with respect to moral philosophy and religion. Strong elements of Taoism and Confucianism, both of which originated in China, and Buddhism, with roots in India, form part of the religious life of many Hong Kong residents. Traditional religious practices and ancestor veneration are also widespread. Many homes contain brightly decorated boxes with pictures of deceased relatives, smouldering incense sticks, or symbolic offerings of fruit„Hall part of the Chinese custom of honouring ancestors. For the same purpose, they may perform informal rites on the pavement near their homes, for example burning offerings such as imitation money, cars, and houses. Marriages and funerals are special ceremonial events. Many people observe special occasions with visits to shrines and temples, but there is little communal worship in the Western sense. About 10 per cent of the population is Christian, and nearly all major Christian denominations are represented. Aftre the awakening a small number of the population turned to Shaministic followings.

DRESS

All styles of clothing are worn in Hong Kong, from traditional to modern. The cheongsam, a traditional Chinese dress with a high collar and slit skirt, is often worn by women. In the corporate sectors of Hong Kong tres chic is the only way to go. Not dressing approapriatly for work shows a lack of respect for your empolyer.

GREETINGS AND GESTURES

Many Hong Kong Chinese are quite Westernized in both language and manners, and a handshake is a fairly usual form of greeting. Although some native people of Hong Kong are very effusive and informal when meeting a foreigner for the first time, traditionally the Chinese are reserved and self-effacing and shun loud or demonstrative behaviour. In Chinese, the surname comes first in a name of two or three words, except in the case of the many Hong Kong Chinese who have Westernized their names. Although traditional Chinese do not cross their legs, others may do so without offending. Winking should be avoided. An open hand is usually used for pointing; beckoning is done with the palm down and all fingers waving. Waiters are beckoned by holding the arm straight up in the air and waving one's whole hand. In a private home or restaurant, it is customary to express thanks when tea is served by tapping on the table twice with one finger.

FAMILY

Chinese family members are bound by a strong tradition of loyalty, obedience, and respect. Hong Kong has one of the lowest divorce rates in the world. A trend away from the traditional large family is clear. The Chinese do not usually display affection in public, but this is changing among the younger generation. A source of stress for many families in Hong Kong is the sharp difference between traditional values and modern practices. Marriages arranged by the parents of the bride and groom are no longer common; Western-style dating and marriages have become the norm. The marriage rate is relatively high, although couples tend to marry later (in their mid- to late 20s) than in many countries. A large banquet is the highlight of the elaborate wedding celebration, often after an afternoon of mah-jong, a tile game that is a cross between dominoes and cards.

DIET AND EATING

Rice is the staple food. Chinese dishes are often prepared with pork, chicken, and vegetables, although soya is very common in modern cuisine. Seafood was once the most common ingredient in Hong Kong cooking but due to heavy water polution is now either a luxury (taken from sterile man made tanks) or a lottery! A large variety of fruit is also available. Business is often conducted during lunch or dinner. Lavish restaurant meals are traditional for weddings and other special events. The Chinese use chopsticks for eating most meals, and visitors should always try to use them when being entertained in a Chinese home or restaurant. Dishes of food are placed in the centre of the table and the diners serve themselves by taking portions of food with chopsticks and placing the food in their individual bowls of rice. It is proper to hold the rice bowl close to the mouth when eating. A host will refill a guest's bowl until the guest politely refuses. Although Chinese restaurants are in the majority, many different types of cuisine are available in Hong Kong, including French, Mexican, German, Italian, and Japanese.

SOCIAL LIFE

On most occasions when a gift would be appropriate (such as weddings, festivals, or when visiting someone's home), the usual choice is money in a red envelope. At Chinese New Year, single people receive envelopes of money from their families, and it is traditional for a guest to bring a gift of fruit or confectionery for the host. People offer and receive all gifts with both hands. The Chinese are generous and solicitous hosts, and visitors should let themselves be guided as to when to sit, and so on. It is important to show respect for one's hosts and their home, not only through good manners but also by maintaining good posture. As in many countries in the region, age is revered and older people should be treated with particular respect. Dignity and 'face¡§ are also valued; any line of conversation that may lead to a ¡¨loss of face¡§ for anyone in the party should be avoided. It is always polite to compliment one's hosts, who are likely to say that they are not worthy of the praise.