Shopping, Dining & Leisure

Shopping

Hong Kong is often considered to be a "Shoppers' Paradise". From all-inclusive mega complexes to local street markets selling anything from fashion, electronics to furniture and crafts, the city caters to every shopaholic. Shopping complexes also incorporate restaurants, cinemas, supermarkets, and some even have facilities for ice skating and bowling! Most of these are located near MTR stations, with the closest ones to HKUST being Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill, APM in Kwun Tong, East Point City Plaza in Hang Hau and Metro City Plaza in Po Lam.
Major supermarkets in Hong Kong include Park n' Shop, Wellcome, Taste, and City'super. Many branches of these supermarkets are located in shopping malls attached to MTR stations.
Toiletries and pharmaceutical products are also available in major chain pharmacy-like shops such as Mannings and Watsons.
You can also purchase groceries at traditional "wet markets" that sell fresh produce, meat and fish. The closest wet market is located at Hau Tak Shopping Centre near Hang Hau MTR station. Few of the merchants speak English, and weighing is done in Chinese measurements, but the low prices and freshness of the produce make this option worth the extra effort.
Under most circumstances, stores and retailers in Hong Kong do not issue refunds, especially for items that are on sale. Most electronic retailers, however, have (at least) seven-day refund policies if there are defects. Never assume on the policy. If you anticipate that exchange or refund will be necessary, ask the salesperson regarding the exchange/refund policy before making the purchase. Always read your receipts carefully and keep them as proof of purchase.

Dining

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city; from roadside stalls, supermarkets to posh restaurants, you can find a mind-boggling variety of food from around the world catering to different tastes and religions.
For Chinese cuisine, Cantonese food is by and large the prevalent choice available in Hong Kong and is internationally regarded to be amongst the best in Chinese cuisine.
For starters, try yum cha ('drink tea') for lunch, which consists of individual dishes ('dim sum') served in small steamer baskets or plates, served alongside Chinese tea. You can also dine at the cha chaan tengs ( 茶餐廳 ), casual Chinese 'tea houses' serving inexpensive local and fusion dishes. You can also snack on local specialties such as wonton noodles and egg tarts and drink yin yeung (a concoction of coffee and milk tea), red bean ice, and, believe it or not, hot Cola served with lemon and ginger.
Nevertheless, there are numerous international dining options, with a great variety of eastern and western cuisines. You may find more information on dining options here.
While Western-style tipping is not expected in Hong Kong eateries, most dine-in restaurants will add a 10% service charge to your bill. It is also customary to leave the loose change behind after paying the bill.

Leisure

Hong Kong is an exciting and diverse city with something interesting to offer for everyone. Visit museums and heritage trails and learn about our history. Try our local cuisine and explore the traditional villages in the New Territories and Outlying Islands. Have fun at our theme parks, beaches, and hang out at Lan Kwai Fong and Soho by nightfall. Attend a concert, or watch a sports event with your friends. And the adventurous can go tramping in our country parks, located just a short distance away from town. There is just so much to do, your options are virtually limitless.
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