Hong Kong Cultural Etiquette Guide

Hong Kong, as an international metropolis, blends Eastern and Western cultures while still preserving many traditional customs and etiquettes. Below are the core cultural etiquette points you need to know:

I. Daily Social Etiquette

1. Greeting Methods
2. Hongkongers commonly use nodding with a smile or a slight bow as a greeting for first meetings, and handshakes are also widely accepted.
3. Avoid overly enthusiastic hugging or cheek-kissing (unless initiated by the other party).

4. Using Cantonese phrases like "Zou Sang" (Good morning), "M Goi" (Thank you/Excuse me), "Doh Je" (Thank you) shows more respect.

5. Respecting Privacy and Social Distance

6. Avoid directly asking about income, age, marital status, or other personal matters.

7. Maintain appropriate physical distance in public places and avoid loud talking.

8. Gift Taboos

9. When giving gifts, avoid clocks (symbolizing "sending someone off"), knives (symbolizing severed relationships), or items wrapped in white or black (associated with funerals).
10. Red envelopes ("Lai See") are typically used during festivals or weddings, and the amount should be even numbers (e.g., 20, 50 HKD).

II. Dining Etiquette

1. Eating Habits
2. Tea Culture: Slightly opening the teapot lid signals the need for water, and lightly tapping the table with fingers (imitating a bow) expresses gratitude to the tea-pourer.
3. Do not insert chopsticks vertically into a rice bowl (reminiscent of funeral rituals).

4. Use communal chopsticks when serving food, and avoid touching shared dishes with your own chopsticks.

5. Table Taboos

6. Don't flip fish over (fishermen believe it brings bad luck); instead, remove the bones and eat the other side.

7. Finish all the rice in your bowl to show appreciation for food.

8. Settling the Bill

9. Hongkongers generally prefer splitting the bill (AA system), and insisting on paying may embarrass the other party. If you wish to treat, let them know in advance.

III. Religious and Temple Etiquette

1. Visiting Temples
2. Dress modestly when entering temples (avoid bare shoulders or shorts).
3. When burning incense, use your left hand to place the sticks (right hand is considered unclean), usually inserting 3 or 9 sticks.

4. Avoid pointing at Buddha statues with your fingers; instead, gesture with your palm facing upward.

5. Traditional Festival Taboos

6. During the Lunar New Year, avoid saying unlucky words (such as "death" or "sickness") and refrain from breaking objects.
7. During the Ghost Festival (Yulan), avoid hanging clothes outside at night or walking close to walls.

IV. Public Transport and Public Place Etiquette

1. Subway and Buses
2. Priority seats (orange-colored seats) should be offered to the elderly, pregnant women, and disabled individuals.

3. Eating and drinking (including water) are prohibited, and violators may face fines of up to 2000 HKD.

4. Elevator Etiquette

5. Stand on the right side of escalators, leaving the left side for people in a hurry.

6. Allow elders or those of higher status to enter elevators first.

7. Queueing Culture

8. Hongkongers highly value queueing, whether shopping, boarding transport, or waiting at restaurants. Cutting in line is considered extremely rude.

V. Language Communication Tips

1. Cantonese and English Usage
2. Most Hongkongers understand English, but learning simple Cantonese phrases (like "Hello" = Nei Hou, "Thank you" = M Goi) can make you more popular.

3. Avoid correcting locals' Mandarin pronunciation using "Mainland-style" tones.

4. Polite Expression

5. Direct refusals may be seen as rude; use phrases like "Let me think about it" or "We'll talk later."

VI. Other Precautions

1. Tipping Customs

2. Restaurants usually include a 10% service charge, so additional tips are unnecessary. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare (e.g., paying 70 HKD for a 67 HKD fare) is appreciated.

3. Smoking Regulations

4. Smoking is banned indoors and in most public areas (including parks), with fines up to 1500 HKD for violations.

5. Holiday Impacts

6. Shops may close during traditional holidays like Buddha's Birthday or Chongyang Festival, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Summary

Hong Kong’s cultural etiquette reflects a balance between tradition and modernity. Respecting local customs not only avoids misunderstandings but also makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable. For further specific questions (such as sightseeing recommendations or transportation guides), feel free to ask anytime!