[Dunc]

What are the main differences vetween HK and the Chinese mainland in terms of working culture and day-today manners?

Do Hong Kongers need to nap for most of the day like a lot of Mainlanders do?

Also, what are attitudes to inter-racial relationships like in HK?

[lowlight]

Wow.. the differences are HUGE... it would be like comparing New York to Mexico City or Mumbai. Completely different countries, completely different cultures.

[siumai]

Hongkongers are insomniacs, heard that out of global big cities Hongkongers sleep the least. So no naps here.

In general HK is much more international than any city on Mainland incl. Shanghai, and people are more civilized and used to different kinds of people, this should also apply to mixed relationships. Anyway nobody's going to fingerpoint you here and shout "gweilo, gweilo" like they shout "laowai, laowai" on the north side of the border, long live the border!

[geo-seb]

Originally Posted by Dunc

Do Hong Kongers need to nap for most of the day like a lot of Mainlanders do?

No, Hong Kongers usually only have short naps. For example, during lunch break, when the boss is gone, when taking public transport, during seminars, lectures, performances etc.

Originally Posted by Dunc

Also, what are attitudes to inter-racial relationships like in HK?

Quite open minded, but unfortunately certain combinations are looked down upon. However, the worst than can happen is a lot of talking behind your back.

[HKChigger]

Originally Posted by siumai

Hongkongers are insomniacs, heard that out of global big cities Hongkongers sleep the least. So no naps here.

Ever been on the MTR or in a staff room of local company? People are always sleeping on MTR, Bus and on lunch breaks!

[sunniefaith]

People at my workplace plonk their heads down for their power naps in the afternoon. To me, that's a little strange but it's a norm here.

[hullexile]

Originally Posted by HKChigger

Ever been on the MTR or in a staff room of local company? People are always sleeping on MTR, Bus and on lunch breaks!

The students often sleep through the lectures and only wake up for the lunch break

[Expatriate]

In regard to day-to-day manners, the most striking is probably that
- cars stop for you when you want to cross the road at the zebra-crossing;
- even old people speak English, especially if they work in shops of expat areas;
- did I mention that cars stop when you want to cross the street? After living several years on the mainland that was a huge culture shock to me.

I found it easier to make friends on the mainland - people are hungrier for contacts with foreigners.

And speaking about manners - the women belch less than on the mainland. And the sound of getting phlegm out of the last corner of the system is heard much less here.

[siumai]

Friends, yeah, it's not that easy in HK vs. Mainland... but as you are an outsider it's easier to make friends with other outsiders - HK Cantonese tend to have plenty of family & friends here already so they are not so keen to make new friends. In Mainland there is tendency to make friends with foreigners as people perceive this could prove to be useful in some practical way, remembering how closed that society still was not so long time ago (June 4th and all that...).