Even though Hong Kong was greatly influenced by China and Britain, it was still able to build a strong culture of its own. The Chinese values of family solidarity, courtesy and saving face are still held strong in Hong Kong, but the western influence is quite evident in the day to day lives of most Hong Kong people. Chinese and English are both deemed as the official language in Hong Kong, with Cantonese being much more widely used than Mandarin. Because of the duo official languages signs throughout Hong Kong are written in both Cantonese and English, making it easier for travelers to get around.

The variety of restaurants in Hong Kong is a direct reflection of the different influences set upon it. The streets of Hong Kong are filled with every type of food imaginable prepared in every imaginable way. You can find things from dim sum on the streets to hamburgers in a fast food restaurant to seafood and steaks in a fine dining restaurant. In the homes though, families mostly eat Chinese cuisine.

Hong Kong is quite modernized, but still adheres to many of the Chinese superstitions such as Fung Shui and the avoidance of the number “4.” During the construction of a new building it is very common to hire a Fung Shui consultant, in order to set-up the building in a way that they believe will create success. Sounding similar to the Chinese word for “to die,” the people of Hong Kong try to avoid the number “4” and may even leave it out of apartment numbers.

The culture in Hong Kong is an interesting mix of Eastern and Western beliefs, stories, lifestyles, foods and traditions, which are vibrantly displayed in this unique territory.

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