Hong
Kong of today is a melting pot of Chinese and British cultural
influences. All branches of Hong Kong heritage, whether architecture,
arts and crafts, Chinese opera, Chinese therapy, culture, dragon dance,
festivals, lion dance, monuments or museums, carry either or both of
these two streams.Mix of Chinese and British Legacies
As for the architecture, Hong Kong displays an array of structures, thanks to Chinese or British legacy. However, in arts and crafts, Chinese influence is more explicit. Many department stores host ancient Chinese arts and crafts. Opera, therapy, dragon dance and lion dance are all seen, thanks to the legacy of Chinese influence. Monuments and museums offer the pieces from both streams.
Co-existence of Both Streams
British influence is obvious in the festivals and lifestyle of Hong Kong. People of Hong Kong celebrate Christmas with same fervour as they do the Chinese New Year. They love to shop in malls and visit clubs and bars. However they also shop in the street markets with same enthusiasm. Hong Kong is a place where glitzy malls and crowded street markets co-exist and complement each other. You could meet persons who could spend their day browsing an air-conditioned mall while in the evening they would flaunt their bargaining skills in crowdy street markets.
Arts and Crafts
Heritage arts and crafts items are easily available in Hong Kong. Objects like porcelain, brocade, embroidery, jade products, carpets as well as wood, bamboo and ivory carvings can be found in any corner of Hong Kong. Silk Route of ancient days has left its impressions on China and Hong Kong. Ancient Chinese arts and crafts are available in several department stores and retailers.
Architecture
Some
classic buildings are still in place in Hong Kong. One of these is the
Peninsular Hotel, regarded to be one of the most magnificent hotels in
Asia. Repulse Bay Hotel is the most famous of antique buildings of
Hongkong. Few people know that it was dismantled but was built again. Feng Shui Pervades
Feng Shui is a system of ancient Chinese guidelines to achieve harmony with natural forces. People of Hongkong employ Feng Shui in architecture. Principles of Feng Shui are used even while making modern buildings.