In Saudi Arabia, basically every dude would look me in the eye and offer the ritual “peace be upon you”. Just a random stranger on the sidewalk, but very consistent. A very welcoming and hospitable culture, though if I were obviously not Muslim (or, gasp, a woman), things would probably have been different
I don’t think taiwanese think they are rude. Different cultures don’t behave the same way doesn’t mean they are good or bad.
I would say, that not everyone does that in Taiwan, but it is too common though.
I have experienced carrying heavy grocery bags to the elevator and someone speeding up from behind me to be there first and quickly closing the door.
I would usually call such people out, but they practice hard to disappear as quickly as possible, so sometimes I cannot.
Yes, they feel it but often not tell you unless you ask. They have mostly stress free life and not worry about things like this topic? The reply would, “oh, ok and move on”
Not really.
The girl, I haven’t seen her yet and the guy I met in the elevator once and he greeted me back.
However, I understand, that they avoid getting outside the door at the same time, as the tiny hallway would get jammed.
(The two apartments we one unit in the past.)
You live in Taipei? This is quite normal.
Taoyuan
I greet people in my building I recognize, but I honestly don’t remember most of them. I think that’s how most want things here. Not rude. Just introverted, and just not interested in making friends. I’m completely fine with that as I feel about the same.
But on my hike this morning, I had a nice chat with “Simon” who loves to practice his English on me. He’s a genuinely nice guy so I’m fine with that. And before my swim this afternoon, I had a brief chat with a swimmer I see often.
But back in the building, it’s all business getting to my apartment and to the parking area.
Yes, they are mostly Taiwanese, but also some ABT’s and TBC’s. I have been living in the same apartment building for 20+ years so have gotten to know most of them quite well.
But yes, immigrants are usually faster to be friendly, lots of old people here so many caregivers from Philippines etc. and they are very friendly when chatting with them in the elevators, already from first time meeting them and greeting them with a hello
You know what I appreciate. Being able to throw the damn trash without some guy shouting ni hao at me.
That’s so damn hostile attitude of yours.
I feel like it depends on the neighborhood, and/or how often your neighbors see you. Now that people know I’m not just some random tourist or short-stayer, they have come out of their shells more, and I don’t even have to initiate greeting (the few times I did before lol) now.
When I first moved here I had the unpleasant experience of briefly living in an apartment building. I never greeted anyone or wished for anyone to greet me during that time. It was just temporary lodging until satisfactory living quarters could be found. Living in the same building doesn’t automatically require me to befriend any fellow residents or have any friendly chat sessions and therefore I didn’t. I was once asked to join in a morning coffee and tea get together for practicing English. I chuckled as I walked away. Why in the world would anyone think I might be interested in anything like that?
You suppose I want to be their friend just because I say “Hello”?
What’s wrong with people thinking, that greeting them means “I want something from you?”
And especially as “Ni hao!” means literally (wishing) you good (and that’s it!), seeing how many likes this post got so quickly:
is quite alarming.
There is nothing wrong with u wanting to greet people. It’s just now how people connect for first time. Taiwan is very “prerequisit oriented” society
People here make friends with strangers when they specifically participate in activities that happen for social connection. Hiking, or clubs or whatever.
Otherwise random hello from a stranger outside or street or cafe or restaurant or anywhere is seen as weird and people don’t get why are you trying to say hello to them.
In their minds it goes "he is saying hi to me…does he want something from me? I better not reply back then "
Don’t take it personally. I have to talk to people all day for work. When I come home, I just want some peace and quiet. The last thing I want is to reply back with ni hao and you take it as an invitation to have a conversation.
Give me a head nod or wave. I’m nod back. I just don’t feel like striking up a conversation.
If a white guy enthusiastically says ni hao to me in Taiwan. I’m thinking he’s a missionary 
How long and kempt is your (purported) beard?
Or maybe just enjoys that position…
I’m another one who most definitely doesn’t want random neighbors shouting “ni hao” at me every time we pass lol. I wouldn’t want it in my current apartment in a gongyu of eight apartments, and I’d want it even less in a building with 150 residents.
I sometimes uninterestedly nod at a neighbor when I pass them on the stairs and I might even add on a quiet “hey” if I’m feeling jovial, but that’s it. They either do the same or ignore me. It’s great.
Anyway, if your neighbors are consistently ignoring your greetings, I’d take the hint. You don’t want to come across as the building lunatic. 