LEAP activity: “Hong Kong Day Trip”—exploring local cuisine, history and culture

On 17 October 2026, the Learning Enhancement & Aspiration Pathways (LEAP) programme under the School of Graduate Studies (GS) organised the Hong Kong Day Trip. Nearly 50 postgraduate students stepped beyond the campus to learn about Hong Kong from different perspectives, including the cityscape, local cuisine, history and culture, and to experience the diverse facets of the city.

Students first took the historic Peak Tram to The Peak, where they enjoyed panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. While taking in the city scenery, they also captured memorable moments, marking an exciting start to the journey.

After enjoying the scenery, the group savoured traditional Cantonese dim sum and local delicacies, immersing themselves in Hong Kong’s food culture. In a relaxed atmosphere, students from different programmes interacted with one another and shared their experiences of studying and living in Hong Kong.

In the afternoon, the group moved on to Central and visited Tai Kwun, a site revitalised from historic buildings. The complex retains its former architectural character and also houses cultural and arts spaces. As students walked through the site and learnt about its past and present, they gained a more concrete understanding of Hong Kong’s historical context and urban transformation.

Guan Qiqi, a student of the Master of Science in Health Analytics and Management (HAM) programme, shared, “This was my first time visiting The Peak and Tai Kwun. Besides enjoying Hong Kong’s beautiful views, I was also delighted to meet students from other programmes. Hong Kong is a diverse and inclusive city that shows care and consideration for others. For example, braille signage to assist people with visual impairments can be found in many places.”

Another student from HAM programme, Krishna Kripa Suresh Kumar, said excitedly, “My favourite part of the trip was riding the Peak Tram. Standing at The Peak and taking in the scenery, I had just one thought: ‘This view never gets old!’” She added that, through the historical stories and interesting facts shared by the tour guide, she gained a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s culture and what makes it unique. “As someone of Indian descent, I felt that this experience brought me one step closer to becoming a true Hongkonger.”

The trip gave postgraduate students a first-hand experience of different sides of Hong Kong beyond the campus, and also a chance to get to know one another and strengthen ties within the Lingnan community. We sincerely thank all participants. GS LEAP will continue to enrich students’ learning experiences and foster connections among postgraduate students.