Hong Kong culture is defined by five distinct identities. The Chinese identity is also called the “onghai,” which means “onghair.” Hong Kong locals commonly refer to themselves as the “Kung wen,” which means “dogs.” A more accurate term, however, would be “foxes” or “sheep.” The Chinese cultural identity is highly diverse and influences from both Confucianism and Buddhism. Hong Kong culture has become greatly influenced by the British, especially during the colonial period, when Hong Kong was under the effective control of the British East India Company.
The Cantonese (or Chinese) Culture is characterized by a Confucian influence, combined with elements of regional Chinese custom and traditional art and literature. It is also defined by an openness to external influences, such as music, theater, and even foods. It is also characterized by less material wealth, and by a much larger degree of reliance on tourism than any other region in China.
The Happy Culture is characterized by a much higher degree of individual attachment to the environment, as well as a strong sense of community. There are also elevated levels of accomplishment and happiness, and by enhancing the social status of local families, the Happy Culture attempts to ensure social cohesion, stability, and economic prosperity. A happy culture is also highly tolerant and liberal in regards to sexuality and other societal attitudes. Hong Kong society, for example, has very open attitudes toward sexuality, including same-sex sexual relations.
The fifth and most recent identity is characterized by individual freedom, greater economic prosperity, greater levels of individual choice and interaction, greater levels of trust and social capital, and a liberal educational system. Hong Kong still has some of the old Confucian influences, such as widespread illiteracy. However, this has greatly diminished since the introduction of modern, Western-style education. Hong Kong, under the Chinese influence, has developed a free-thinking tradition and a more secularized social culture.
The Chinese language is also important to note. While English is the official language, the majority of local people still speak Chinese. The people speak the language of their parents and are immersed in the language at home, so it is difficult to differentiate between what would be considered “real” Chinese and simply “Westernized”. Hong Kong is a very multicultural place, with people from different cultures belonging here for over a thousand years. The local people often speak different languages, sometimes with a mix of both, to facilitate communication.
Hong Kong has a thriving film and television industry, which have been a main driver behind the development of the present culture. Movies and television shows, which were largely censored in the past, are now widely available. Hong Kong is well known for the quality of its animation. The Hong Kong animation industry produces some of the finest animated films in the world and many of the characters seen in these movies, especially the animated ones, have Hong Kongan accents and expressions. Hong Kong is also well known for its live theatre and other forms of performance art, including the Hong Kong choreographers.