Hongkong Hotels and Resorts

Ordinarily, Chinese names are of three characters, with the family name being the first, followed by the given names. However, the younger generations have now adopted Western names, as it is easier to recognize and pronounce.

More often than not, the Chinese people emphasize the importance of family values. It is customary for families, whether large or small, to live together under the same roofs to maintain close-knit ties.

Unlike the Western practice where those after the age of 18 years are considered to be independent and thus capable of living on their own, the Chinese prefer to live in their parents' homes, some even after marriage. Another reason that also contributes to this way of life is the excessive cost of housing in Hong Kong.

Sunday mornings are usually spent with the entire family having dim sum breakfast at one of the many crowded restaurants. The Chinese refer to this as 'yum cha'. Restaurants are packed and noisy, with trolleys of steamed-hot dumplings and other dim sum delicacies moving from table to table, and families sharing news and gossips while enjoying their first meal of the day.

Chinese businesspeople are often suspicious of strangers, and if possible, they prefer doing business with a next of kin or someone they are very familiar with. It is therefore not surprising that many of Hong Kong's most wealthy business empires are family-oriented and handed down the generation line. The eldest son is usually the heir to the throne, and has the responsibility of ensuring the success and honor of his father's feat.

Respect should always be given where it is due, and in the Chinese culture, the older people are the ones who are richly paid. It is the duty of the children to take care of their parents once they are capable of it. You can hardly find an elderly being sent to the old folks' home. It is common for someone to address another by his or her levels in a family. For example, a man who is older is often called 'uncle', whereas one who is over 60 years of age is referred to as 'grandpa'. This also applies equally to the females .