Celebrated for its fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, traditional elements and modern competitiveness, Hong Kong has established itself as one of Asia’s dominant economic powers – and is also emerging as one of the region’s leading study destinations. With three universities in Hong Kong ranked within the global top 50 and another three in the top 300, this dynamic and diverse city-state boasts one of the world’s most impressive concentrations of internationally ranked institutions – a significant factor behind its inclusion among the world’s top 10 cities for students.
Life in Hong Kong
Since governance of Hong Kong was handed over from the UK to China in 1997, the city has held the status of a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. It has its own government, currency and legal system, and social norms are often different to those of the mainland – “one country, two systems”, as the saying goes.
For many incoming students, Hong Kong appeals as a base from which to explore both traditional and modern-day Chinese culture, either by travelling more widely or through daily opportunities to explore Chinese architecture and traditions, sample local cuisines, learn the language and get to know both native Hong Kongers and those who’ve relocated from the mainland.
But of course Hong Kong is not just an entry-point from which to peep into China; it’s also an exciting and diverse place to live in its own right. This is, after all, one of the four ‘Asian Tigers’; having experienced dramatic growth over the past half-century, Hong Kong is now one of the world’s leading knowledge-based economies. You may even consider staying on to work here after graduation, launching your career in the city’s thriving financial and professional services sector, or perhaps finding a role in its busy retail or import-export markets.
As one of the most densely populated areas in the world, it’s impossible to describe life in Hong Kong without reference to the crowds, packed streets and highly competitive (and priced) fight for accommodation. However, there are also more positive aspects to the city’s compact geography, which, combined with an efficient and relatively inexpensive public transport system, means it’s easy to get around and to experience many widely varied aspects of life in Hong Kong in a short space of time.
You might pop out to explore some traditional markets in between studies, pausing to window-shop at a few flagship designer stores on your way back. Perhaps you’ll rise early to join in some tai chi on the waterfront, or stay out all night at one of the city’s famous clubs. Or maybe you’ll enjoy some downtime by taking a short boat trip to one of the nearby islands, where beaches and mountains offer a calming contrast to the non-stop urban bustle of the city center.
