Cecelia ChangMy first trip to Hong Kong was undoubtedly an eye-opening one. I remember being somewhat afraid to go there because of many negative online comments, as well as concerns from my own relatives, who have told me that Hong Kong people can be unfriendly or even rude to tourists. But when I finally set foot in Hong Kong, I realised it was nothing like the stereotype I had in mind. In fact, the warmth and kindness I experienced completely changed the way I see the city.
Let me share a few moments that stood out to me — little encounters that proved just how friendly Hong Kong can be, and why I ended up falling in love with this city.
Also read: Hong Kong Foodie Bucket List: From Local Secret Hunts to Michelin-starred Dining
Hong Kong is rude? 5 encounters that made me think otherwise
1. After I fell crossing the street, a stranger quietly handed me a plaster without a word.
Sounds stupidly hilarious, I know. When I was on my way to Quarry Bay to check out the iconic “Monster Building”, I tripped and fell down when crossing the road. I quickly stood back up and made it across, but both my palms and my knees were already bleeding by then. Just when I was about to panic, an uncle (in a Food and Environmental Hygiene Department vest) handed me two plasters without saying a word, and walked off.
I was stunned but so grateful. All I could manage was a clumsy “thank you” in Cantonese before he left.
2. Uncles in Tai Lam Country Park personally guided us and gave us advice.
If you’ve been to Tai Lam Country Park, you’d know how massive it is. We were kind of lost at one point, so I took up the courage to ask two uncles resting by the gazebo (even though they did look a bit intimidating at first). To my surprise, they turned out to be super friendly — not only did they point us in the right direction, but they also shared some helpful tips. We really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover!
3. Aunties working at the eateries chatted with us like old friends.
You often hear things like “Hong Kong waiters are rude” or “they’ll rush you to finish.” That’s the stereotype, at least. But from my own experience, almost everyone I met who worked as either a waiter, an owner of an eatery, or a taxi driver, was nothing but kind. Some aunties at the eateries were even especially chatty, making us feel right at home. I do think language played a role, though; being able to speak their local tongue, Cantonese, definitely helped break the ice.
4. A neighbourhood shop uncle gave us free snacks to try, “just because.”
While browsing a small neighbourhood shop selling all sorts of knick-knacks, my travel mate and I struck up a casual conversation with the shop uncle, despite one of us not sharing a common language in Cantonese. Before we left, he handed us a snack “just because,” with a smile that said more than words could.
5. A friendly traffic police officer patiently showed us how to tap our Octopus card when boarding the bus and tram.
On my first day in Hong Kong, I was a little unsure how the Octopus card worked for public transport. Back home in Malaysia, you tap your Touch ‘n Go card when boarding a bus and again when you get off, so I assumed it would be the same. A traffic police officer noticed my hesitation and kindly explained that in Hong Kong, you only need to tap once when you board. He patiently walked us through the process and made sure we understood before sending us on our way.
Also read: How to Get Around Hong Kong: The Ultimate Guide
Hong Kong is not rude, at least not what I have truly experienced first-hand. In fact, I came to Hong Kong low-key expecting a cold shoulder, but the warmth I encountered there felt rare. It’s something you don’t come across in every city. I hope my stories can help challenge this “Hong Kong is rude” stereotype and inspire more people to see Hong Kong for themselves, beyond the misconceptions.
All images credited to Cecelia Chang
