Know & Tel: Free Classes and Activities in Hong Kong
A funday for your Sunday.
Harbour Runners
Harbour Runners is a social community-based running crew founded in Hong Kong that aims to connect people through running as well as advocate for exploring Hong Kong’s beautiful cityscape. Started as a group of friends running regularly for the sake of health, the group eventually transformed into a public group workout, meeting every Wednesday at 7:45am.
9774-3322, www.harbourrunners.hk
Hong Kong Arts Centre
The Hong Kong Arts Centre offers free 45- to 60-minute guided tours to the public under four different themes. Participants will get to meet people from different backgrounds and ages, who have all come to share their appreciation for art. The tour can be conducted in Cantonese, English or Putonghua. Reservations are required. Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2582-0231, www.hkac.org.hk
Hong Kong Hiking Meetup
This is a group of enthusiastic hikers who organize about 1,500 hikes a year, which on average, adds up to about four hikes a day! HKHM also has a strong focus on safety and competence when organizing and running the hike. With quality hikes, the group also manages to serve the community by participating in charity, and volunteering to help those in need. This group is free of charge, but participants will need to arrange their own transportation to the trails.
9188-5565, www.facebook.com/hongkonghikingmeetup
Kumi Drum Jam
Tap in your inner wild child at Kumi’s monthly free drum jam on Sundays at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, where you can pick up some drum sticks and join in the fun—no experience necessary. The sessions are facilitated by Japanese drum maestro Kumi Masunaga, whose passion in life is sharing the power of the beat, and you can take your pick from dozens of percussion instruments on offer. Check out the website for more details.
Piazza, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd., 9750-4212, www.drum-jam.com
Language Exchange Hong Kong
Language Exchange Hong Kong is a community of local and international language learners who come together to socialize and improve their foreign language abilities at the same time. It’s a great opportunity to learn from each other and make new friends from all walks of life. There are free weekly language exchanges in English and Putonghua, or English and Cantonese, which usually start with a fun ice breaker that gets you talking, then moves to a quick vocabulary lesson. Check out the website for more details.
11/F, Win Century Centre, 2A Mong Kok Rd., Mong Kok, 9438-0945, www.lexhongkong.com
Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is all about cheering yourself up through aerobic exercise together with laughter practice, body movement, yogic breathing and a little bit of imagination. You’ll be able to meet others who share the same interests in staying healthy and fit. With many branches across Hong Kong, laughter clubs are free for everyone and there’s none of the fuss of membership fees or application forms.
9381-0802, laughteryogahongkong.com
Project X Team
Excelling in the art of adrenaline rushes, Project X Team is a diverse group of individuals who love extreme sports and living on the edge. Whether it’s on land, under the sea or high up in the sky, Project X Team is out to take on blood-pumping activities, as well as community events, volunteer initiatives and environmental causes. Climbing and diving make up the most popular outings, but there’s always something new.
www.projectxteam.org
Sahaja Yoga
Sahaja Yoga provides free meditation classes in various locations around Hong Kong. The practice of meditation is meant to help people find deep peace, mental control and a sense of awareness, which occurs when the mind is calm, silent yet completely alert. Check out the site for more details.
Unit C, 4/F, Gee Lok Industrial Building, 34 Hung To Rd., Kwun Tong, 2915-0092, www.sahajayoga.org.hk
The Art of Living
Founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Art of Living provides creative types with a way to de-stress. With an aim to provide a healthy outlet and a relaxing environment away from the city’s busy daily grind, Art of Living puts on free group yoga sessions every Saturday from 3-4:30pm at different locations around town. Yogis can join in with other like-minded individuals or find out more about the other free classes, which cover meditation and breathing techniques.
2311-2298, www.artofliving.org
