Hong Kong Culture

Bargaining in Hong Kong is not a just common practise, but also a way to get the best possible price when you’re shopping at the city’s many markets. A good price to start is around 75% lower than the stipulated price, which the vendor will counteroffer with a slightly higher rate. After a bit of back and forth, chances are you’ll agree on a price that works for everyone. If you’re unable reach an agreement, politely decline (with a smile) and walk away. There might be another seller not far away who will meet your price.

Cantonese cuisine is an integral part of Hong Kong culture, with dim sum and congee for breakfast taking centre stage, with tea always close at hand. Dining out is common practice in this fast-paced city, mostly due to miniscule living spaces (some of which don’t have kitchens). 

Cantonese food is also seasonal – seafood is given special emphasis during spring, while summertime sees a diverse choice of fruit and fresh vegetables. Crab is a top choice in autumn, which is used in everything from soups and salads, appetisers and entrées. Wintertime is the best time of the year to enjoy hotpot, a communal dish where you cook a wide range of meat and vegetables in a simmering soup. 

Chinese martial arts feature movements inspired by nature, be it the flow of water, the flight of birds, the slow prowling steps of a predatory animal, or a snake’s swift strike. Many people in Hong Kong practise martial arts as a form of exercise, usually in the early morning. The arts they practise are usually tai chi, Qi gong, and kung fu.

Tai chi is generally used as an aid to health and long life, as its slow-motion movements help improve balance and muscle tone and ease tension.

Qi gong focuses on meditation, breathing techniques and postures to support physical health.

Kung fu (also called wushu) was first made popular in the West by late actor, Bruce Lee. This form of martial arts is rather challenging, as it requires hours of consistent practise. 

Traditional Chinese operas often tell stories from Chinese literature. Popular tales include Romance of the 3 Kingdoms and Dream of the Red Mansion, which take centre stage during festivals and special occasions. Actors perform in lavish costumes, wigs and beards, as well as dramatic makeup with bright pink cheeks, red lips, and a white painted face.

Cantonese opera originated in northern China, and gradually migrated south to the province of Guangdong. Well-known Cantonese operas performed at traditional theatres in Hong Kong include The Purple Hairpin and Rejuvenation of the Red Plum Flower.

The Chinese junk is a traditional sailing rig that has 2 to 4 sails on bamboo masts. The first ones were built in approximately 960 AD, and were used as trading vessels and war ships throughout China’s long history. Many Hong Kong tour companies offer daytrips by Chinese junk, allowing you set sail on this ancient ship with contrasting views of modern skyscrapers and modern ferries. 

The Tanka people have always lived on the sea, and their junks doubled as homes for centuries past. On the north-western tip of Lantau Island, you’ll find Tai O fishing village – this stilt-house community of the Tanka people is built over the seashore. Many travellers make their way to the village to enjoy the pristine scenery and sample fresh seafood. 

Kowloon is home to walled villages, built by the Hakka people to protect themselves from wild animals and pirates during the 17th century. The Kam Tin Walled Villages (Kat Hing Wai) of Yuen Long (located in the New Territories) are a series of 7 villages with walls that are 5.5 metres thick. You can also visit the replica of a Hakka walled village at the Sam Tung Uk Folk Museum, located in Tsuen Wan.