Culture Shock in Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is distinctly Chinese, the city is also very international. Expats in Hong Kong from the UK will find familiarity resulting from over a century and a half of occupation, ending only in 1997. The impact of this is still great and expats in Hong Kong will recognize western architecture, business culture and a long array of pubs. Practicalities also make the transition from abroad to Hong Kong relatively easy. Signs are in English and the majority of the population is English speaking to some degree.

Western influences are most evident in the city centre, where most expat accommodation and business in Hong Kong is located. Living in Kowloon and the New Territories will be more culturally Chinese than on Hong Kong Island, yet expats will do well to respect the Chinese traditions that are evident in even the most western aspects of Hong Kong. Parts of the Outlying Islands and New Territories retain strong links to traditional Chinese ways of life.

Expats in Hong Kong may be surprised by the density of the city and close proximity of buildings and apartments. Alternately, expats familiar with images of the Hong Kong skyline may be surprised at how rural the Outlying Islands are.