TNAG-1711-FCO40-2389-Future-British-Consulate-General-in-Hong-Kong-HMS-Tamar-1987 — Page 124

Do's and Don'ts

Hong Kong is a highly westernised society;

western traditions and customs are generally respected.

Hand-shaking, for example, is a common way of greeting.

Western dresses are regularly worn and often of an

extremely high standard. By way of contrast, traditional

Chinese gowns are worn mostly by people of the older

generation and only on special occasions, e.g. Chinese New

Year day.

There are, therefore, few special "do's and

don'ts". The only area which deserves some mentioning

concerns eating. Generally speaking, no fingers in food.

For Chinese food, chopsticks should preferably be used;

but the use of knives and forks by "beginners" is

tolerated.

Finally, animated conversation during meal

time is a feature of Hong Kong life.