Hong Kong Culture: An Interesting Guide to Hong Kongers

Hong Kong is one of the most visited cities in China that is home to a growing tourism industry and bustling financial center. Many local Hong Kongers live urban-centric and cosmopolitan lifestyles with the majority of the population being highly educated. By ethnicity, the population of Hong Kong is 93.6% Chinese. However, the culture is very different from mainland China.

For its tourism industry, there is a wide variety of eye-catching places to see and visit that include very tall skyscrapers, street markets, shopping centers, and local parks. Flights to Hong Kong are affordable and are well worth the trip for adventure seekers and travelers who want to experience a different kind of China. 

A Competitive World Economy

The city of Hong Kong is home to a very competitive global economy that exports many products in the areas of technology, apparel, food, and machinery, just to name a few. The city’s success is mainly because of the entrepreneurial and high-achieving qualities of its citizens. There is a strong emphasis placed on schooling for the youth and for young adults to get an education and bring good favor upon their families.    

Young children in particular often feel pressure from their parents, professors, and peers to excel in their education and in other areas in life. Those that are from wealthy families go to expensive private schools where the pressure is even more intense. For most Hong Kongers, being exposed to high expectations at such an early age is a good thing, as being work-minded is strongly valued. Stress can be nerve-racking, but stressful situations in the lives of locals are often seen as an indicator that one is very hardworking and determined.   

Societal Status

Hong Kong’s class status is determined by wealth, reputation, and social influence. Public power is often gained through familial or government connections and the lower classes are usually formed by those who have immigrated from other areas. The level of education and proficiency in the English language is held in high regard and are two critical elements that influence a person’s social standing in society.   

High Population Density

With a population of 7.5 million as of 2019, Hong Kong is one of the cities in China with a high population density, mainly residing in the city center and neighboring residential buildings. Space is very limited that makes city areas rely heavily on vertical elevators, sky-bridges, corridors, and subways. 

With just 426 square miles of territory, civil engineers have been forced to build up instead of horizontally in an effort to fit as many people as possible in the most efficient way possible. For outdoor-focused individuals, the mountains in Hong Kong offer plenty of opportunities to go hiking or trekking that gives Hong Kongers much-needed recreation time to take a pause from their busy lives. 

A Culture of Diversity

The population of Hong Kong consists of Cantonese, Shanghainese, British, Indians, and Jews which makes the city very diverse. Cantonese makes up the majority and influences the culture of the city the most. Many concepts that are valued in the Chinese tradition include family solidarity, family honor, modesty, and reputation. Hong Kong is home to several religions that include Taoism, Buddhism, Christianism, and Islam.