Hong Kong Life

Most people would not be able to tell apart a hand-crafted violin from a factory produced one. But the pursuit of the perfect sound and the appreciation of true aficionados keep Hong Kong's violin makers committed to their craft.

Hong Kong's colourful protest culture is increasingly infused with artistic elements, just as themes of politics and protest are increasingly expressed in artworks by local artists. Varsity takes a look at Hong Kong's art of protest.

Imagine songs with lyrics but without words. Imagine sign language songs. Some advocates of sign language songs think they are a great way to bring the deaf and the hearing together and promote mutual understanding in a fun manner. But reality seems far more complicated. Varsity finds out why.

Hong Kong is home to more than 50 species of snakes, some of which are poisonous. The territory also boasts a tradition of "snake kings", trained snake handlers who are experts at capturing wild snakes. Although snake kings also offer health tonics and delicacies made from snakes, they also work with conservationists to protect local snakes while keeping them away from humans.

It started in the 1960's as gatherings where the young and cool went to dance, listen to the latest bands and just be seen, but the tea-dance is alive and well in 21st century Hong Kong. The world of the tea-dance is a world away from the hustle and bustle of urban Hong Kong. In dance-halls above street-level in commercial buildings, couples spend their afternoons practising their waltzes and striking poses for Latin dances.

Smartphone cameras are no longer being used to just take snaps of kids and pets. They are being used by professional photographers and photojournalists to create news pictures and even art. Meet the Iphoneographers, the professionals and hobbyists who love the convenience, intimacy and immediacy of smartphone photos.

Foo Tak Building in bustling Wan Chai is an unexpected oasis of art and culture. The artists and cultural workers based here are able to do so due to the largesse of a mysterious benefactor.

Dance may not be the most popular career choice for most university graduates but for some who have been bitten by the dancing bug, a life without dance is unthinkable.

Biker groups are not all about bad boys in black leather and chains. Varsity talks to members of local motorbike clubs, who count doctors and businessmen among their number.

Hong Kong's cross-harbour ferries used to be the only mode of transport for crossing the harbour between Kowloon and Hong Kong. The Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry crossing is still an icon of Hong Kong, but the golden days of cross-harbour ferry transport have faded. Varsity looks at the last day of the Hung Hom to Central route and the history of the cross-harbour ferries.