Culture in Hong Kong

Most Hong Kong ethnic Chinese people naturally lean toward eastern culture, because demographically they are the majority. Many, though, have adopted western ways with substantial numbers still adhering to Chinese traditions. On various social aspects, the bottom-line Chinese values of "family solidarity", "courtesy" and "saving face" carry significant weight in the culture. Heavy influence is derived from Cantonese culture from the neighbouring province of Guangdong. There are also substantial communities of Hakka,Fukien, Teochiu and Shanghainese people. On the contrary, people have long been referred to by their origin in China.^[2]. Overall the background of Hong Kong Chinese born after 1965 can be classified as westernised, since they have been influenced by liberal western cultural symbols.

Despite the relatively modernised way of life, Chinese superstition still plays an integral part of the culture. Concepts like Feng shui are taken quite seriously. Expensive construction projects often include the hiring of consultants, that are believed to make or break a business. Other objects like bagua mirror are still used regularly to shield evils. Numbers in Chinese culture also play a role in people's everyday life. Numbers like "4" (because of its similarity to the Chinese word for "(to) die") are avoided when possible by believers. Other rituals like not using scissors on Chinese New Year are still around. However, it is significant that the younger generation is less superstitious than the older generation in general.

Hong Kong Coliseum also is a cantopop concert venue

Music: Cantopop has dominated and become synonymous with local music culture since its birth in Hong Kong. While many other forms of music exist, Cantopop still enjoys mass popularity. However, the global influence of Mandarin has influenced the style. Mandopopfrom Taiwan and China is fast gaining ground. Most artists are essentially multilingual, singing in Cantonese and Mandarin.

TV Dramas: Besides from the staple of TVB dramas, citizens also watch a lot of dramas from Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The most notable is Korea's Dae Jang Geum. Its 2005 broadcast on TVB was extremely popular. On the night of the series' finale the streets were unusually quiet due to people staying at home to watch the finale.

Celebrity: Hong Kong can be described as "gossip mad". The personal lives of singers, actors and celebrities in general are popular conversation topics and tabloid material. Hong Kong's thirst for gossip is not only limited to local celebrities, but celebrities from Taiwan, Japan and to a lesser degree Korea and Mainland China, are also welcomed. Many gossip magazines are also in circulation and one of the most notable/notorious sections is the "HD Reality" section. Introduced after the implementation of HD broadcasting, the section shows HD photos of celebrities and analyses their attractiveness/unattractiveness. Naturally, this section is very popular.

Hong Kong has original culture that cannot be seen in mainland China . Despite Hong Kong was ruled by the British government and is an international city, traditional Chinese cultural influence is everywhere. Most of the Hong Kong Chinese are either Buddhists or Taoists. There are more than 600 temples outside Hong Kong , built in residential areas.

Once can have his fortune told at some of these temples with a nominal fee. Temples are also crowded with worshippers who light joss sticks to ward off evil spirits during festivities.

The ancient Hong Kong can be revisited through the country's museums. Many of the exhibits highlight local history, Chinese arts, and crafts. A 2,000-year-old tomb, traditional hardwood furniture, ancient Chinese ceramics, and classic lithographs are all available for you to witness.

There are also abundance of Chinese festivals throughout the year all over Hong Kong . The most obvious are Chinese festivals. The most celebrated ones are Chinese New Year, Ching Ming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. Most of them are made public holidays but there are some religious ones or traditions are celebrated as well even though it is not a public holiday.

Cultural underpinning of a modern society is the hallmark of Hong Kong, a multi-faceted land. It is a remarkable amalgamation of East and West, a city where contrasts walk side by side. Ancient incense-filled temples neighbour stylish skyscrapers. People are never shy of using ultra-modern gadgets. Yet they cling to their traditions forcefully.

The most obvious one is the Chinese festivals we celebrate in Hong Kong. The most celebrated ones are Chinese New Year, Ching Ming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-autumn Festival. Most of them are made public holidays but there are some religious ones or traditions are celebrated as well even though it's not a public holiday. Examples are traditional legends like the sad story of the Seventh Princess and the birthdays of various gods people worship. See the legends and traditions about Chinese festivals in Hong Kong.

Alternatively, if you look around on the streets, in the shops, you will see little altar for various gods they worship or things to hang to help the shops to do well. Ever see some joss sticks on the ground or in a pot on the ground? On Chinese Ghost festival day, you will see lots of food offerings and even ashes resulted from burned paper offerings left on the street. See my Chinese culture in daily lifepage to find out more.

Modernized traditions

As I said, modern generation has a new way to meet the traditional requirements. Older generations are adapting to it too. Here is the changes I have observed for the past 30 years.

1. Modern Chinese New Year
   You can see changes in the way families get together one-day before Chinese New Year, Flower Market, new trend of 'lai see' (red packets) giving and etc.
2. Modern Dragon Boat Festival
   The dragon boat races has turned international. Many countries have dragon boat races now. Varieties of rice dumpling is greatly increased, mostly because people are getting wealthier.
3. Modern Mid-autumn Festival
   People still do moon gazing but just like rice dumplings, there are many different kinds of moon cakes and some of them are totally different from the traditional one. As the English will say, "it's not cricket!".
4. Modern Winter Solstice
   Similar to the Chinese New Year get-together-meal, people may choose to go to restaurants or have a buffet in a hotel. What most people really care is the un-official leave-the-office-2-hours-early privilege on this day