Mainland Chinese student Vixie Zhao arrived from Beijing six months ago to start her master’s degree programme and the first thing she bought was an annual pass to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
A long-time Disney fan, the 23-year-old has been heading to the theme park at least once a week to study, rather than take in the attractions or ride the roller coasters.
“The ambience here is so uplifting, it’s like being in a sanctuary and it helps you forget life’s worries,” she said.
The trend of young people buying annual memberships to study in Disneyland took off in Shanghai last year, and has caught on with some mainland students in Hong Kong recently.
They say it allows them to “do the most painful thing at the happiest place on earth”.
Some have gone on social media to share photos showing themselves with their books and laptops in the theme park, while others describe their favourite study spots and eateries.
