Why people never smile in Hong Kong?

Question

Been living in Hong Kong for a couple of months now and what strikes me here is that almost no one smile. Only kids smile, adults show no emotion on their face or look plain sad. Why such a change? Would love to hear from people who been living in hk all their life to know what's the hell is wrong with you guys! ;)

Some more details in regards to the 3 first answers...

I'm living in the New Territories, which is mostly residential area compared to HK Island and Kowloon where most businesses are located, so most of the adults I come accross during the day are not stressed out by work. These are people in their 30s, 40s or older doing their daily shopping, taking their kids out. Still not a smile on their face while their kids are smiling. So serious look.

Smiling at people, saying hello to anyone is not a common thing here. When i do it, i get a mixed feedback. Quite often people stare back at me blankly, wondering who the hell i'm. They seem quite suprised. As I said, talking to complete stranger for no reason is not common practice here as far as I could notice.

There is a major cultural gap here. I'm not chinese and people are often surprised to see a geiwlo over here (again, I live far away in the new territories, quite close to mainland china, so it's not like the tourist part of hk).

Answer 1

LMAO...You are living with the average middle class in the rural areas and the number one barrier is language. Even if you manage to speak cantonese, they will feel reluctant to speak to a "gweilo"
But it's true, HK people are not very freindly. I know many friends that don't even know their neighbors after years of living next to each other.And you know how crowded the living arrangements are over there.
Another thing is that actually the people takes offense quite easily. Don't go staring at a pretty girl just because her dress is showing a little skin. As a matter of fact, don't stare in general, more fights than necessary were started by just a harmless stare. The friendliest bunch you'll probably come across will be the phillipinals residing there, and there are many.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Japan is very much the same. I was a fulltime vollunteer missionary for 2 years. I made it a practice to say Hello to every single person I passed (those I didnt stop and chat to) and of course you get a mixed responce. But mostly once you stop and talk to them they open up and smile and laugh and talk. Its just when they are walking along the street they dont laugh, I mean any other country is the same, we dont walk down the street grinning. If they are with their kids and friends and they are not smiling it may just be that they are tired from long hours of work etc. But yeah I have noticed it in Japan, most likely an Asian thing.

Answer 4

If you smile to a total stranger in HK, the local most likely will think the guy who smiles has a problem(psycho).

They aren't really never smile. They do smile to friends of course, but rarely a total stranger. And in some better shops, the staff do smile, even if you don't buy anything in the end.

Answer 5

Most people in Hong Kong are business people and its not to be suprise to find that they have a rough day at work for everyday.

Answer 6

A friend from Hong Kong that I know of is always smiling,however I cannot say about the rest of them,constipated,perhaps?

Answer 7

hire a instruction manual and motive force do no longer flow on team excursions! it rather is totally inexpensive and nicely worth it. you will see and study so plenty extra that way. In Beijing ask to flow to the airborne dirt and airborne dirt and mud marketplace and the silk marketplace and have exciting doing somewhat extreme bartering. confirm you supply yourselves somewhat some time on the forbidden city this is extensive! additionally confirm you have some Beijing duck and warm pot, they're renowned for it. Get foot rubs, they're inexpensive and additionally you will choose it after all the walking. In Xian lease a 2 guy or woman motorcycle and holiday around the city wall. stroll throughout the time of the Muslim district it became one in all my prominent places. attempt the Yang Rou Pao Muo this is their particular dish, you tear bread up into small products and positioned it in a lamb soup. once you supply up for nutrition ask your instruction manual to consume with you, you will somewhat get to recognize them and that they are in a position to allow you recognize what you're eating. don't be afraid to ask your guides approximately their lives and residences they love telling their tale and additionally you study so plenty extra with reference to the human beings. attempt each and all the nutrition, I had a number of my ultimate nutrition in china and don't consume in the motels the nutrition is costly and not wonderful. carry lavatory paper with you, there heavily isn't any in the ordinary public loos. convey employer enjoying cards with you to grant to the human beings you meet, you would be shocked what share will write you. and ultimately arise early and watch human beings do Tai chi in the parks.

Answer 8

They work long hours, spend a lot of money on rent and have you been in the subway during rush hour??

Answer 9

I find same things as you, but not all of them...
I think they're really thinking that they are busy and they care of their jobs very much.

Answer 10

well, maybe they're busy, maybe you never pay attention.

smile to people on the street no matter what, and i'm sure you'd get many smiling back.