The girls with their 'spoils' at the supermarket.Some of the team members have represented Hong Kong in previous overseas competitions. So, in keeping with tradition, they visited the local supermarket in Baotou to learn more about the city - and also to buy some snacks and drinks.
Hong Kong captain Lai Lok-chi and teammates Tam Ho-yan, Koo Yung-yung and Chan Hou-yee each treated themselves to a local speciality - a fresh sour milk drink produced in Inner Mongolia.
"It tastes really good - especially the last spoonful of it," says Yung-yung.
Another Hong Kong volleyball player, Law Ho-fung, also enjoyed the trip to the supermarket.
"The walk to the supermarket suits our needs; it was nice and relaxing and we enjoyed shopping together. I bought some snacks and drinks this time and we will definitely go again later," Ho-fung says.
The girls went to the supermarket after finishing their morning's training in preparation for their first match in the competition against a team made up of girls from Beijing schools.
They showed no sign of tiredness - despite their exertions and the sultry conditions in Baotou - and used the trip as a useful way to improve bonding between players.