My Time Living In Hong Kong

Looking back on my time in Hong Kong brings me a lot of joy; I had an amazing time living and teaching there. It’s a city that’s full of surprises, a place where modernity meets tradition, and nature blends seamlessly with city life. I will most definitely be returning many times in the future.

I lived between Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui, which placed me right near Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars. Every evening, I would walk by the stunning city skyline, captivated by the beauty of the view. Taking the ferry to Central felt like stepping into another world – the modernity and pace of the city were truly awe-inspiring.

One of the highlights of my time there was hiking in the New Territories. Trails like Dragon’s Back and the Tai Lam Reservoir showed me a side of Hong Kong that most tourists don’t get to see – natural beauty and serene landscapes that felt worlds away from the bustling city. Weekends spent at Repulse Bay Beach were the perfect way to unwind, and I also loved taking a trip to Lamma Island for a quieter escape in nature.

I was also amazed by the flamingos at Kowloon Park and the vibrant energy of Nathan Road. The fast-paced MTR system was a marvel of efficiency, and I never grew tired of seeing how smoothly everything worked. Disneyland was a highlight for fun, and visiting the Big Buddha and taking the Ngong Ping cable car was an unforgettable experience. Victoria Peak gave me the best view of the iconic skyline, and I will always remember the breathtaking panorama.

Of course, the food was a huge part of my experience. Dim sum, egg tarts, pineapple buns, char siu, siu mai, cheung fun, mango sago, and tong yun – I ate like a local every day, mostly enjoying meals at cha chaan tengs. I also did my local grocery shopping at Welcome supermarket.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Hong Kong was something special, with fireworks lighting up the sky and lanterns adorning streets like Lee Tung Avenue. The Mong Kok area was intense, but I loved wandering through Ladies Market, sampling street food, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

I also spent time in Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai, where I immersed myself in the authentic Cantonese experience. Shopping in Causeway Bay was a thrill, and the variety of activities in Hong Kong was unlike anywhere I’d been before. In just 30 minutes, I could be on a beach, hiking in natural beauty, or in the middle of a lively cultural centre.

I quickly adapted to the Cantonese lifestyle – fast-paced, efficient, and constantly on the go. I even visited Macau, which had its own charm. Being in Hong Kong helped me better understand my students’ lives, and I’m grateful for the experiences I had there. It’s been amazing to bring back everything I learned and share my stories of Hong Kong with my students and families at the Shan Academy.

Sunset view from Victoria Peak

Hong Kong was a truly special chapter in my life. The energy, the people, and the experiences I had there will always hold a special place in my heart.