4 Ways to Survive HK’s Summer Heat
Karen Chan
Guest Blogger
If you’re in Hong Kong from June to August: beware. The Hong Kong Tourism Board describes summer in Hong Kong as “hot, humid and sunny, with occasional showers and thunderstorms” – but that’s just putting it euphemistically.
When you’re in Mongkok fighting your way through the sweaty hordes of shoppers, vendors and salespeople, “hot” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Roasting, perhaps. Or sweltering, broiling, hellish, but often we’ll just settle with a handful of choice expletives.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make the heat a little more tolerable. Try the following tips, and sail through summer as coolly and serenely as girls in deodorant ads.
1. Invest in a portable electric fan
Think only little old ladies use portable fans? Think again. These handy lifesavers now come in all kinds of snazzy designs – from floral-patterned to animal-shaped – and will save you from withering away in a bus terminal.
You can even go the extra mile and get a portable air cooler. Simply fill it with water, turn it on, and refresh yourself with a gently cooling mist!
So cute that you’ll want to use it all the time!
Be the envy of other commuters with this genius portable misting cooler.
2.Stock up on cooling gel pads
Cooling gel pads were originally invented to provide relief for feverish patients, but they’re now a staple for many locals during summer. Just stick it anywhere on your body (we recommend the back if you want to be more discreet) and enjoy the icy coolness for four hours.
There’s now a Shirt Cool Spray from Netsusama that will cool down your entire outfit!
3.Deodorant, deodorant, deodorant
We can’t stress this enough. Many locals still don’t use deodorant regularly. But if you have 50 sweaty non-deodorant users crammed together in the same MTR carriage… you can probably imagine how pungent it gets.
Don’t add to the stench. Consider this a Public Service Announcement.
Imagine being stuck here… and everyone around you skipped their deodorant.
4. Dress in linen
Of all fabrics, linen is the best for Hong Kong’s hot and humid weather. It’s naturally absorbent, but unlike cotton, it also very porous, which means moisture evaporates very quickly. Instead of feeling clammy, your linen clothes will stay crisp and fresh all day long.
And with so many high-street brands offering reasonably priced linen clothing, there’s every reason to expand your wardrobe!
Muji and UNIQLO are good places to shop for affordable yet fashionable linen clothing.
Source: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan-your-trip/know-hong-kong/climate.jsp#ixzz3bDFo54MB
Karen Chan is a local English copywriter who churns out social posts and taglines for a living. Inspired by her fellow copywriter, she has discovered the joy of working out, and is currently on a quest to live as healthily as her sweet tooth allows. In her spare time, she also loves trying new cafés and restaurants around the city.