How to Study Abroad in Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong, China, is easily one of the most interesting cities in the world and has a little bit of something for everyone. If you are studying Asian cultures, international business, or economics, this is a great place for you to study abroad. However, if you are studying Mandarin Chinese, you should not study in Hong Kong because they speak Cantonese. However, it is still a great location to study abroad. Here are our tips for some things you should do while studying abroad in Hong Kong to really get a feel for the city and take advantage of some of the things it has to offer.
1. Learn about Hong Kong’s history. The Hong Kong Museum of History is a very informative museum about the history of this city. There are short movies and displays throughout the museum, which makes it more interesting than your average museum. I think the most interesting displays are those which deal with the city’s more recent history. The museum is only 10 HKD and is free on Wednesdays, so it is a budget-friendly way to spend a day. The museum is quite large, so allow for at least half a day to really see everything. Some other museums you should check out are the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Museum of Art.
2. Escape from the city in Lamma Island. Lamma Island is about a 30 minute fast ferry ride from the Central District of Hong Kong. Lamma Island is a great place to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city for a day in favor of fresh seafood restaurants, hikes around the island, and some time at the beach. Some of the hikes on this island will give you fantastic views, so make sure you bring your tennis shoes and comfortable clothes to explore in.
3. Have a drink and watch the action at Lan Kwai Fong. This little area is home to some fun bars and pubs. It is also a great place to do some people-watching, especially during Halloween, Christmas, and New Years, when people dress up and party in the streets. There are many establishments in this area, so you are sure to find at least one that appeals to your tastes. You should go here on a Friday or Saturday night and plan to spend at least a few hours here. Go to Marlin if you want a margarita or other tequilla-fueled-drink; theirs are by far the best in Hong Kong!
4. See the aquariums and ride the rides at Ocean Park. This theme park is a really fun place to spend a free day. The park features traditional theme park rides, an aquatic zoo, and the Ocean Theatre. My favorite part are the seal shows at the aquariums. Most of the food is overpriced here though, so you might want to bring snacks with you or be prepared to shell out some cash. Buses run from the city to the park fairly often, but I recommend going earlier in the day to beat the crowds.

5. See Ten Thousand Buddhas at Man Fat Sze. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes when you come here because you have to climb many steps to get to the top of the hill where the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is located. However, as you walk, you will get to see many different Buddha statues, which gives you an excuse to take a lot of photos and rest as you climb. The view from the top of the hill is beautiful and well worth the climb. This isn’t exactly what I would call a tourist spot, but it is worth the effort to visit it at least once while you are studying abroad in Hong Kong.
Have you studied abroad in Hong Kong, China? Do you have any tips for other students who are planning on studying there? Share them with us in the comments section below.