Life in Hong Kong

Apart from being Asia’s leading international city, Hong Kong is also a popular tourist destination among people all over the world. As a cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong is renowned for its unique combination of eastern and western culture, together with its dynamic side. After visiting the different parts of Hong Kong, students will be mesmerized by the city’s and feel the hospitality of local people who many of them can speak English well.

Three of the most widely spoken languages in Hong Kong are Cantonese, English and Mandarin. Students are welcome to speak in English when communicating with Hong Kong people. Meanwhile, they may even get a chance to learn several common expressions in Cantonese with them.

Accomodation

Students will stay at the PolyU Student Halls of Residence while being in Hong Kong. The Hall is located in Hung Hom, which is the transportation center of the city. Students can get to the hall by walking around ten minutes from Hung Hom Station. On the other hand, they can arrive at the Hong Kong campus within half an hour by taking MTR from Hung Hom Station.

If students would like to go shopping and explore more about Hong Kong, they may visit Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay by MTR. Department stores and flagship stores are ubiquitous there. Moreover, the politeness of Hong Kong salespersons adds joy to the shopping experience.

If students want to look for something special, they may head to Mong Kok and Temple Street Market where they can buy quality goods at attractive prices. They may also show their bargaining skills to the local vendors to pay the best price for the goods. The above two places are highly accessible by MTR and bus from Hung Hom.

Besides, the hall is surrounded by restaurants serving a rich variety of food, ranging from local Cantonese dishes to western standard cuisines. Students will find Hung Hom is a perfect district to dine at any time, as some restaurants are open till 3.a.m.

Special Places

Hong Kong Museum of Art

The Hong Kong Museum of Art holds regular exhibitions to display over 15000 art objects from antique Chinese paintings to calligraphy. It also organizes an art festival and activities to promote art among the general public. Its thematic exhibitions are well-received by the local people.

Ma Wan Park Noah’s Ark

Apart from presenting the history of Ma Wan to visitors, this attraction also holds activities and exhibitions to foster cultural enrichment to them. In addition, it provides good learning opportunities to astronomical lovers.

For more information about the Ma Wan Park Noah’s Ark

http://www.noahsark.com.hk/eng/index.php

Events to Visit

Hong Kong Arts Festival

The Hong Kong Arts Festival is the long-awaited cultural highlight of the city. It presents a variety of drama, dance performances, musicals and concerts. Audience is expected to see a new generation of talents in arts every year.

 The Hong Kong Book Fair

Hong Kong people are book lovers. Every year, the Hong Kong Book Fair is held in July to promote reading culture, introduce local and international writers and encourage interaction between author and readers. This is certainly an event not be missed, especially for students and book loves.

For more information about the Hong Kong Book Fair

http://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/About_FairDetails.aspx

 Hong Kong Sevens (Rugby)

The Hong Kong Sevens is an internationally popular rugby event held in March in Hong Kong. Teams and their fans from different countries will come to the city to participate in the three-day match. Joy and excitement from Hong Kong Stadium turns the city celebrating one of its most famous sports events in a year.

Sports and Wellness

While staying in hall, students can have exercise in the fitness room on the second floor. The fitness room is well-equipped and open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Social Life

Hongkongers are fun-loving people. They like to hang out with friends after work at night. Lan Kwai Fong is the perfect place for them. It is also a great place to meet new friends and experience the nightlife of Hong Kong.

Numerous restaurants and bars there promise a wonderful dining environment and delicate cuisines to diners. Both Hongkongers and foreigners enjoy the enthusiastic atmosphere very much. In fact, Lan Kwai Fong always hosts celebrations in several occasions such as Christmas and Halloween, enhancing the festivities of the city.

 

Living cost

The living cost differs among individuals. In general, the cost of living per person is around USD 15 – 30 a day, including 3 meals and daily transportation fee.