I spent 3.5 days last week in HK and I was shocked by the lack of politeness

[JC317]

I'm really sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your experience in Hong Kong, but I understand what you mean. I mean, I am from Hong Kong and I lament the difference in service attitude and conduct everytime I go on a trip to Japan with my family.

While the situation is as such in Hong Kong now, it used to be much better in the past. One explanation I hear often but do not necessarily agree with is that this is due to China's increasing influence over Hong Kong, as cultural values from China overwrite Hong Kong.