This study investigated the concepts of nation among university students in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The findings revealed a lack of consistent patterns among university students’ perceptions of patriotism and nationalism across these regions. Ideological differences were observed, with students in Mainland China and Hong Kong representing the extremes of collectivism and individualism, respectively. Students in Hong Kong demonstrated a blended perspective of nationalism and patriotism rooted in localism, while students in Mainland China clearly distinguished between nationalism and patriotism within culture localism. Students in Macau exhibited perspectives that fit somewhere between those of their counterparts in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Hong Kong has encountered unique challenges in implementing patriotic education, while Mainland China and Macau have implemented it effectively. As a result, Macau has achieved better integration with Mainland China than Hong Kong in the postcolonial era. However, the key educational stakeholders in these societies must reassess their policies on preparing youths for the complex world and recognise their desire for authenticity and external recognition.