HKUSTours Invite Public to Explore Scenic Campus and Surrounding Neighborhood

2023-10-31
Bernadette

HKUST has a superb campus on a hillside commanding a breathtaking view of the sea, adjacent to the beautiful and pleasant Port Shelter. The clear waters also provide the University with valuable research resources. Bernadette (in the white shirt), one of the docents, is a graduate of the master’s program at HKUST. She was deeply attracted to the University's waterfront when she enrolled. After graduation, she has been waiting for a suitable job vacancy at HKUST that matches her research background. Eventually, she successfully joined the University’s Ocean Research Facility as Technical Officer three years ago.

Bernadette

Bernadette (first left), who has great enthusiasm for the ocean, introduces participants to HKUST’s waterfront and the surrounding marine science teaching and research facilities. At the Research Facility, Bernadette introduces the history and current status of Hong Kong's marine ecology. She showcases various marine animals, such as starfish and horseshoe crabs, while inviting participants to observe and interact with them up close.

Bernadette says she feels fulfilled that everyone is getting excited, actively asking questions, and taking photos.

Bernadette

Participants visit the Ocean Research Facility.

Edwin

Despite retiring last year, Edwin (in the white shirt), who served at the HKUST Library for over three decades since the University’s founding, still feels a strong sense of belonging to the campus. Edwin believes that the HKUSTours program is meaningful because it allows more people to gain a deeper understanding of the University and connects different individuals. Therefore, he signed up promptly when he saw the registration link for the event.

Having worked at HKUST for many years, the most memorable experience for Edwin was during the COVID-19 pandemic when he and his colleagues worked together seamlessly, ensuring that students could safely access library resources for their studies under various disease prevention measures. During that time, we faced many challenges that were not easy to overcome. He says, “After we retire from the University, our email domain will change to 'family.ust.hk,' symbolizing that HKUST is always my second home. I’m very much looking forward to sharing my HKUST stories with the public and with more people.”

Wisdom Stone

Another tour, led by HKUST alumni, takes participants on a walk through the campus, introducing points of interest and their stories. Photo shows the Wisdom Stone, a large square rock situated at the Bridge Link connecting to the seafront. It is said that if students successfully jump over the Wisdom Stone, they will achieve excellent performance in their studies; but if they fail, their performance will drop, and they will get kicked out of the University.

Bridge

The tour is pictured on the Resonance Bridge, another well-known spot at HKUST. The bridge connects Staff Quarters Black B and the exits of Lift 29–30 of the academic building. The bridge connects Staff Quarters Block B with the exits of Lifts 29–30 of the Academic Building. It is said that the bridge was built many years ago based on the design proposed in a Final Year Project by a student from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The structure of the bridge is uniquely designed to match its resonance frequency. The Bridge has been given this name because of the resonance effect created whenever a vehicle passes underneath or someone jumps on the bridge and it vibrates.

Group Photo

HKUST's connection with Hang Hau is closely intertwined. Not only is Hang Hau a major route for students and staff returning to campus, but HKUST is also actively involved in various community initiatives there. For example, in July of this year, HKUST's South China Research Center collaborated with the Joint Association of Traditional Hakka Unicorn in Sai Kung and Hang Hau, Hong Kong, to hold a Hakka Unicorn Dance Training Workshop on campus. This workshop supports the preservation and promotion of the Hakka unicorn dance in Hang Hau, Sai Kung, which was inscribed onto the fourth national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2014. The tour is pictured in front of a mural depicting traditional Hakka culture and the Unicorn Dance in Hang Hau Village.

Hanghau

The tour also visits the Hang Hau Rural Committee, where they explore the New Town Development of Hang Hau and Tseung Kwan O. Through this visit, they delve into the rich culture and history of HKUST's surrounding areas.

Red Bird

The Sundial Sculpture at the Piazza has become the icon of HKUST since the University's founding. Officially called the “Circle of Time”, it is often called the “Red Bird”. Docents and participants are pictured in front of the “Firebird” before the tour concludes.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has initiated HKUSTours, an ongoing tour program in collaboration with Kaifong Tour, an alumni-founded social enterprise. This initiative is designed to promote sustainable tourism practices and to foster importance of ecosystem conservation within our local community.

HKUSTours focuses on the region's natural heritage and biodiversity, offering visitors a glimpse of the rich natural resources and captivating stories at HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus. Participants discover the University's sustainable development initiatives and learn about the importance of environmental and biodiversity resources conservation.

Led by passionate guides from diverse backgrounds, including staff, faculty, and alumni, these tours unveil hidden gems on campus and in the Hang Hau community. Participants explore scenic hillside and waterfront complex overlooking the Clear Water Bay peninsula and learn to appreciate the natures and importance of preserving the environmental and biodiversity resources around us.

In addition, visitors gain valuable insights into marine conservation efforts through guided tours of HKUST's state-of-the-art ocean science facility. This unique experience allows participants to explore live marine animals kept in carefully maintained habitats, providing a hands-on understanding of marine ecosystems. During the tour, attendees learn about:

  • Marine Biodiversity: Visitors observe a diverse array of marine life, from colorful coral reef inhabitants to fascinating deep-sea creatures, gaining appreciation for the complexity and fragility of ocean ecosystems.
  • Conservation Techniques: Experts explain various conservation methods employed to protect marine species, including breeding programs for endangered species and habitat restoration efforts. Also, visitors learn how individuals can contribute to ocean conservation in their daily lives.

This community engagement initiative deepens understanding of the local landscape, culture, history, and ecosystems while strengthening ties with the surrounding community. The tours not only enhance environmental awareness but also actively promote environmental education and stewardship.

In the past month, we organized six successful tours. Our 26 dedicated guides, all members of the HKUST community, played a pivotal role, in sharing unique stories and creating an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for upcoming tours and join us on this captivating journey!

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