Tiara Tales

In the 1970s and 1980s, the annual Miss Hong Kong Pageant was one of the biggest entertainment events of the year. But with the rise of sensationalist tabloid-style media, changes in Hongkongers’ lifestyles and the status of women, the competition and the idea of beauty queens can seem like old-fashioned.

Snapping Me, Myself and I

From schoolchildren to celebrities to presidents, anyone with a smartphone can and does take selfies these days. Some people go to extreme lengths and exotic locations, such as from high altitude and even space, to make their selfies more creative and unique. Varsity looks at selfie culture and the different reasons people have to snap their own images.

The Weather Chasers

When others bunker down with instant noodles and television updates at home, Hong Kong's weather geeks put on their waterproof clothing, grab their wind meters and rush out to chase the storm. But there is also more to metereology than just typhoons. Varsity meets the amateur meteorologists who form Hong Kong's weather underground.

It’s a RAP!

They have roots in the Philippines, India and Brazil but they are all Hong Kongers, and they are rapping about life in the city. Varsity meets members of the multicultural hip hop outfit Dope Boy and hear how rap helps them to break down cultural barriers

Dressing across Gender Borders

Living in a city with traditional gender norms, cross-dressing is prone to misunderstanding and controversy. For many corss-dressers, wearing the clothes of the opposite sex is a way of expressing their individuality and is not neccessarily related to sexual orientation.

The Body Politic

Performance art has been around in Hong Kong since the mid 1970s but many members of the public are probably still baffled by what it means. Although you may not be familiar with the concepts and theories of performance art, you have probably seen it at protests and social events as the city's performance artists are doing more and more political works.

Eat, Taste, Blog

Food writers and restaurant reviewers are some of the most envied people in the media, especially in food-crazy Hong Kong. These jobs were once the preserve of the expert and the famous, but with the advent of food blogging, anyone with a love of food and an internet connection can be a food writer. Varsity meets some of the city's leading food bloggers and traditional food critics.

Fasten Your Seatbelt

There is no denying that car-racing in Hong Kong has been in the doldrums in recent years. While nearby Macau hosts an annual Grand Prix, Hong Kong does not even have a car-race track. Few are aware of the city's glorious racing past, but now, some local motorsports enthusiasts are planning to revive car and kart racing in Hong Kong.

It’s Not Only Rock ‘n’ Roll

Mention concerts in Hong Kong and most people think of glitzy shows by Cantopop stars in venues like the Hong Kong Coliseum. But in recent years, the territory has been playing host to a very different kind of music event. An increasing number of outdoor music festivals are attracting big name international headliners and showcasing local indie talent and changing the way Hong Kongers experience live music.

Boccia – A Game with No Barriers

Boccia is a ball game that can be played by the able-bodied, the disabled and the elderly. It's a paralympic sport in which Hong Kong has an impressive track record. Yet few in Hong Kong have heard of it. Varsity takes a closer look.