About Hong Kong
Weather & Clothing
- Summer outfit: Light clothing such as T-shirts with jeans or skirts is appropriate for the summer. While Hong Kong can get very hot and humid during the summer months, most indoor areas are air-conditioned, including campus facilities.
- Winter outfit: Warmer clothing such as sweaters, jackets or coats is required for the winter months. There is practically no central heating in most indoor areas and winter temperatures can drop below 10°C (50°F) but cold spells are usually short.
| Season | Months | Average Temperature |
|---|
| Spring | March to May | 17°C to 26°C |
| Summer | June to August | 26°C to 31°C |
| Autumn | September to November | 19°C to 28°C |
| Winter | December to February | 12°C to 20°C |
(Information in this section is extracted and adapted from www.discoverhongkong.com.)
- Class arrangements under adverse weather conditions: Tropical storms and typhoons occur mainly between May and November. See University’s guidelines on adverse weather arrangements.
- Signals and warnings: When there is a heavy rainstorm or typhoon in the vicinity of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Observatory will issue different signals for weather conditions. The following signals and warnings will be broadcasted on TV, radio and the University’s homepage. You can also visit the Hong Kong Obervatory's website to obtain the latest weather update.
| Typhoon Signals |
|---|
| No. 1 or No. 3 |
  |
- A tropical cyclone is centred within about 800 km of Hong Kong/ is approaching Hong Kong
- Most activities will be unaffected
|
| No. 8 or above |
 
 
  |
- A tropical cyclone is close to Hong Kong and may hit the territory directly
- Activities should cease and people should stay indoors
|
| Rainstorm Warnings |
|---|
| Amber or Red |
  |
- Heavy rain is expected and will affect some areas
- All CityU outdoor activities will be cancelled
- Most indoor activities remain unaffected
|
| Black |
 |
- Intense and heavy rainfall is expected
- Activities should cease and people should stay indoors
|
Electricity
- Standard voltage: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz
- Sockets: The majority of electrical sockets allow the use of three-pronged plugs. Voltage transformers and adaptors are widely available and can be purchased in most convenience stores, supermarkets and even the canteen at the Student Residence.
Health and Safety
- COVID-19: The Hong Kong SAR Government has taken a series of measures to tackle COVID-19. The city has managed to keep the number of confirmed cases at a relatively low level in this pandemic. Follow this link and keep yourself posted on the pandemic development in Hong Kong.
- Vaccinations: To safeguard public health and to allow the resuming of normal activities of society gradually, the Hong Kong SAR Government has implemented a territory-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme free of charge and the “Vaccine Pass” policy for all Hong Kong residents. Starting from 24 February 2022, all people wishing to enter CityU campus are required to have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, except for those who are unfit for vaccination due to medical condition supported by a valid medical exemption certificate. “Vaccine Pass” requirements are also applicable to some other premises. For details, please visit www.vaccinepass.gov.hk.
- Influenza: People in Hong Kong are vigilant about flu prevention, especially during the peak season for influenza from January to March and July to August every year. For more information, visit the Department of Health website.
- Water: Tap water in Hong Kong is not fit for drinking. You are advised to drink boiled water or water from drinking water fountains. Bottled mineral or distilled water is available at the food outlets on campus, convenience stores and supermarkets.
- Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in most indoor areas, including the CityU campus and Student Residence, malls, restaurants, karaoke lounges and bars and some outdoor areas such as public beaches and swimming pools, transport interchanges and outdoor escalators. Any person who smokes or carries a lighted tobacco product in a statutory no-smoking area commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500. Please visit smokefree.hk for details.
- Environmental hygiene: In an effort to keep Hong Kong clean, any person caught littering or spitting faces a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.
- Armed violence: Armed violence and serious crime rates are comparatively low in Hong Kong. However, it is in your best interests to remain vigilant at all times regarding your personal safety.
- Petty crimes: Petty crimes are common in tourist spots such as Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok. Always hang out with people you can trust, especially when clubbing and in bars, and always stay in groups.
- Pickpockets: Beware of pickpockets on public transport, especially the MTR. Coffee shops, student canteens and libraries are also areas in which thefts are common. Do not leave your personal computer, mobile phone or other belongings unattended. Students may report the loss of identity documents, objects of value and other non-emergency reports to the police via the e-Report Centre.
- Traffic: Hong Kong has left-hand traffic. Always check on your right-hand side before crossing the road. While waiting for the signals to change before crossing the road, please be patient. Jaywalking is an offence and pedestrians who cross a road without regard to the traffic light signal are liable to a fine of HK$2,000.
- Emergency contacts: In case of an emergency, call one of the following 24-hour hotlines for help.
| Police/Fire/Ambulance: | 999 |
| CityU Campus Security: | (852) 3442 8888 |
| Student Residence Security: | (852) 3442 1999 |
| Jockey Club House Security: | (852) 3442 4509 |
Languages
English is the teaching medium at most universities, including CityU, but both Chinese and English are the official languages in Hong Kong. English is widely used within the government and also by the legal, professional and business sectors. There is no shortage of well-educated, competent bilingual or even trilingual professionals who speak English, Cantonese and Putonghua.
Working Hours
- Remarks: The working hours listed here are generalised for reference only.
| General Working Hours |
Financial & Commercial Sectors |
Government & University Offices |
Shops & Restaurants |
|---|
| Weekdays |
9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
10:00 am - 10:00 pm or even longer hours |
| Saturdays |
9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Closed |
| Sundays & Public Holidays |
Closed |
Culture
With a population that is mainly ethnic Chinese and a special historical background, Hong Kong is a global city in which Chinese traditions intertwine harmoniously with Western culture. You will find multiple denominations of churches sharing space with Chinese joss houses, temples, mosques, and synagogues. It is not surprising to see elderly residents playing ancient Chinese board games on digital tablets. In Hong Kong, people celebrate the Christmas and Easter holidays with the same fervour as they enjoy Buddha’s Birthday and Chinese New Year. Hong Kong is also an inclusive and innovative city where state-of-the-art skyscrapers are designed in consultation with Feng Shui masters.
(Information in this section is extracted and adapted from www.discoverhongkong.com.)
Religion
Hong Kong is a multicultural city where people enjoy the freedom to practise their own faiths. Most religions are represented in Hong Kong including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Jainism, etc. It is easy to find temples, monasteries, churches and mosques in Hong Kong. At CityU campus, a quiet room is available for quiet reflection, meditation and prayer.
