Hong Kong is a global city full of opportunities, and its strong economy, quality education and world-class healthcare have long made it a magnet for mainland talent. This year, the HKSAR Government has rolled out a series of talent attraction measures, including expanding the university list under the Top Talent Pass Scheme and relaxing visa restrictions. Whether you’re a high earner, a top university graduate or a professional with specialised skills, there’s a pathway for you to come and build your career here. If you’re thinking about working in Hong Kong and starting a new chapter in your career, this visa guide for mainland talent is a must-read.

The H3 boarding point is located just outside Central Ferry Pier 8, almost directly beneath the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. There are plenty of staff members on the ground at Central Pier—if you can’t find the stop, just ask. If you haven’t taken this ride yet, you definitely should—go and give South Island a proper look.

Hong Kong’s public library system is organized into eight tiers: the Central Library, major libraries, district libraries, small libraries, mobile library vans, self-service library kiosks, book drop boxes, and community libraries. The first seven tiers are all directly managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Across the city, there are currently 71 public libraries: one Central Library, six major libraries, 32 district libraries distributed across various neighborhoods (including the Yau Ma Tei Library, which I often visit), and 32 small libraries located within municipal buildings, public housing estates, and shopping malls in densely populated areas that do not yet have a full district library. Examples include Fanling South Public Library, which covers 560 square meters and holds around 50,000 books; Pok Fu Lam Public Library, approximately 600 square meters in size; Tsz Wan Shan Public Library, situated on the 7th floor of Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre; and Sau Mau Ping Public Library, located within a public housing estate.

Many undergraduate programs at Hong Kong universities, similar to those in mainland China, have a duration of four years. Master’s programs are categorized into two types: taught and research-based. Research-based master’s programs resemble PhD programs in that applicants must submit a research proposal. Successful candidates typically possess an academic or creative background and a record of publications; otherwise, admission is challenging to obtain. Those admitted generally receive scholarships and benefit from well-established research support systems. Students work as researchers, collaborating with their supervisors to engage in and contribute to cutting-edge research.

Many people have taken the ferry from Zhuhai, Shenzhen, or Macau to Hong Kong, arriving at either China Ferry Terminal or the Macau Ferry Terminal—but those are long-haul routes. Inside Hong Kong, there’s also an extensive network of piers and ferries shuttling between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Lantau, and the outlying islands. Key terminals include Central Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, Sai Kung Pier, and Wong Shek Pier, etc.. I’ve taken ferries from Central to Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau, and Mui Wo on Lantau (returning from Discovery Bay), from Sai Kung to Yim Tin Tsai and Sharp Island, and from Tsim Sha Tsui across the harbour on the Star Ferry.