So, you’re in Hong Kong for the long haul and those endless weekends of brunching and beaching (as great as they are!) aren’t exactly making you feel fulfilled. Why not step outside your comfort zone and try your hand at a new activity or hobby? You might learn a new skill, discover a new talent or even end up making new friends.
If you’re now staring at the Google homepage and realising you have absolutely no idea where to even begin, don’t worry. We’ve got your back (as always!). We’ve picked six unique activities and hobbies to get you started, or least give you a bit of inspiration. Go on, get our there and try something new!
For Sassy Girls looking to test out their artistic side…
If you’re looking for a weekly mud bath for your hands, why not try a pottery class? For many, it’s therapeutic, calming (great if you have a high-pressure job!) and a great way to release your creative energy. There are many shops that hold pottery classes in Hong Kong, from The Pottery Workshop to Cobo Ceramic Workshop. Both are in convenient locations, SoHo and Causeway Bay respectively, so you won’t be going too out of your way if you live Island side. Zen out for a couple of hours and enjoy that sense of accomplishment when you actual create something using your own two hands! An added bonus? New mugs, bowls and weird but lovable presents that you can give to your closest friends!
For those who’d like to explore other creative activities, check out The Crafties (Sassy approved! Check out our review here). They offer classes in multiple mediums so you can test the artistic waters under expert hands.
Read more: Top Hobbies to Try in 2015
The Pottery Workshop, 24 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2525 7949, www.potteryworkshop.com.cn
Cobo Ceramic Workshop, 1/F Fortune Court, 33 Morrison Hill Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2525 7949, www.coboworkshop.com
With all the technology around us these days, it’s rare to really take the time to write out something nice for a friend or even, yourself. But let’s face it, a hand-written card is far more meaningful than a Facebook message with lots of emojis… with this in mind, consider calligraphy as a new hobby to take up. Calligraphy is the art of handwriting, a skill that has been valued for centuries across different cultures. Not only it almost addictive to practice and perfect, but it’s practical – you can use your new skills for special invitations, place-cards and even to make your own decorative art work.
For Chinese calligraphy lessons, try out Miss Laisee Wong. With locations in Wan Chai, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun, you’re sure to find the perfect after-work spot to test out your handwriting skills. For English calligraphy, we highly recommend Kalo Make Art. Check out our Sassy review to get an idea of what it her classes are like!
Miss Laisee Wong: For more information and to set up a lesson schedule, email: [email protected]
Kalo Make Art Studio, 18 – 20 Wyndham Street, Ivy House, Room 201, Central, Hong Kong. To book an appointment, email [email protected]
For Sassy Girls who are looking to get physical…
What releases stress, builds muscle endurance, improves mental health, strengthens your sense of balance and is just generally really fun? Kickboxing! Regarded as one of the best sports to learn with its high cardio burn and engaging nature, kickboxing is the perfect way to release pent up frustration (at a boyfriend or coworker – we’ve all been there!) and a great way to stay fit while doing so. I mean, it’s definitely a step up from stress eating (guilty as charged). There are some great kickboxing gyms and classes across Hong Kong, like Kickstart, Impakt, JAB and Pure Fitness, so give it a go and let off some steam!
Read more: Top 6 Fitness Classes to try in Hong Kong
Pure Fitness, L/3, Two IFC, 8 Finance St., Central. 8129-8000. Pure Fitness has multiple locations across Hong Kong so be sure to check out their website to find a gym nearest you!
Kickstart, 26/F, Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen St. East, Central. 2167 8248
If you’re looking for other hobbies to try that get you in the gym and moving, check out these Top 5 Muay Thai spots in HK!
For those looking for a hobby with results…
We can’t be the only ones tempted by fun new hobby – brewing your own beer! So there aren’t many health benefits to this particular activity, but there are definitely some serious long term money-saving benefits to acquiring this new talent. For a comprehensive 3-hour crash course on how to make your own brew, check out HK Brewcraft. Bring some friends with you and get a group discount – you’ll have serious bragging rights when you know how to make your own cold one!
HK Brewcraft, 4/F, 15 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong. 5925 2739. Book on their website here or email [email protected].
Looking to add to your life skills? Look no further…
In an ideal world, everyone would know basic CPR and First Aid. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, so the more people who learn these important life-saving skills, the better! Nothing can be more motivating than knowing you could potentially help save a life with the skills you have. Check out St. John’s extensive course list to see the full range of courses available; from beginner’s first aid and refresher courses, to home nursing, they’ve got a selection of different levels to suit what you’re looking for.
St. John Ambulance Headquarters, St. John Tower, 2 MacDonnell Road, Mid-Level, Hong Kong. 2530 8020-8024. Check out their other locations here.
Get out in the open!
We all know the struggle of finding consistently fresh fruit and veg in Hong Kong, often having to make several supermarket sweeps before finding an acceptable packet of tomatoes and less than crisp iceberg. Got a green thumb? Well why not start growing your own? Rooftop Republic hosts a series of hands-on workshops throughout the year that teach the fundamentals behind growing greens in the HK heat, setting you on the path to ripe and ready urban farming. Keep your eye out for new workshops throughout the year!
Read more: Click & Grow: No Green Thumb? No problem!
www.rooftoprepublic.com