#TravelPH - 360 Hong Kong Moments: New Adventures at Every Turn!
You can experience thrilling and all-encompassing excursions in Hong Kong! The city is ready to be explored now that you have a list of recently curated experiences! Hong Kong is calling, and you won't want to miss out on everything the new attractions, lesser-known outdoor beauties, and brand-new arts and culture district has to offer!
Hong Kong is excited to welcome Filipino travelers back. In order for Filipinos to begin making their new Hong Kong bucket lists, I curated a list highlighting the city's hidden beauties. These new offerings cover 4 aspects that Hong Kong is famous for; Arts & Culture, Great Outdoors, Shop & Dine and Explore & Play.
Arts and Culture
M+
Highly anticipated by art lovers, M+ opened in the heart of the West Kowloon Cultural District in Nov 2021 and is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. It exhibits twentieth and twenty-first century visual culture encompassing visual art, design and architecture, and moving image.
Located at the southernmost edge of Kowloon overlooking Victoria Harbour, the M+ facade with its huge LED that can be seen across the harbour, has now formed the new harbour skyline that can be viewed from Hong Kong Island. It is among Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks, both monumental in its architectural form and radically open in its position in the urban landscape.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/interactive-map/m-plus.html
HK Palace Museum
The latest addition to Hong Kong’s vibrant arts and culture scene, the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) opened its doors to much fanfare on 3 July 2022. HKPM presents over 900 priceless treasures from the Palace Museum Beijing. Many of them are on display in Hong Kong for the first time, while others have never been shown to the public before. The Museum regularly presents special exhibitions featuring Chinese art and culture, as well as art and treasures from other parts of the world.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum offers a Hong Kong perspective and a global vision, presenting the finest objects from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through innovative research and travelling exhibitions, as well as educational, cultural, and professional exchange programmes, the Museum will build international partnerships and help position Hong Kong as a hub for art and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/interactive-map/hong-kong-palace-museum.html
Xiqu Centre
Xiqu Centre is a world-class performance venue promoting Chinese traditional theatre, Cantonese opera and regional forms of xiqu.
Established with the goal of preserving, promoting and developing the heritage art of Chinese opera, the Xiqu Centre presents performances from Hong Kong, mainland China and around the world. Catering for seasoned fans and newcomers alike, Xiqu Centre showcases award-winning troupes, master artists and emerging talent, and offer large-scale classic dramas, rare regional productions and experimental contemporary creations.
It also presents a specially-curated introduction to Cantonese opera, Tea House Theatre Experience – performed by the centre’s resident troupe of emerging local artists - the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe – as well as film screenings, music performances and a range of related educational activities.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/arts/a-guide-to-cantonese-opera.html
West Kowloon Art Park
The Art Park is a stunning urban oasis located West Kowloon Cultural District. The sprawling waterfront promenade offers probably the most mesmerising vistas of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline.
Manicured open lawns and landscaped green spaces along the promenade in the pet-friendly Art Park are ideal not only for recreation and relaxation, but also open-air performances, exhibitions and events. A diverse range of dining venues dot the promenade, delivering refreshing cuisines and experiences, from fine-dining to bistros and cosy cafés.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/explore/arts/west-kowloon-cultural-district.html
Great Outdoors
Cycling in Hong Kong - Tuen Mun to Sha Tin / Ma On Shan route
The 60km New Territories “Super Bike Track” cycling track connects Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan in the New Territories. The 11km middle section of the track connecting Yuen Long to Sheung Shui opened in September 2020, completing the longest cycling route in Hong Kong.
The 6 hour route takes the cyclist through ecological beauties of wetlands, parks and mountains and offers diverse cultural history as it passes ancient temples, historic buildings and monuments.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/wellness/cycling--tuen-mun-to-sha-tin.html
Cycling on Cheung Chau
Most of Hong Kong’s offshore islands are car-free and the best way to explore the islands is by bicycle. Take a leisurely ride around Cheung Chau and discover why this is one of the most beloved islands in Hong Kong.
Visit the Pak Tai temple (one of the oldest Taoist temple in Hong Kong) on Buddha’s birthday and witness the exciting traditional Cheung Chau Bun Festival where contestants race to the top of three “lucky bun” bun towers.
Although the island was previously known for seafood restaurants and village life, in recent years, many younger people wanting a slower pace of life have moved to call the island home. New hipster, contemporary, Instagrammable cafes and retail shops now dot the streets alongside centuries-old family owned establishments like Kwok Kam Kee, the island’s oldest lucky buns bakery.
After exploring the villages, cycle to the sandy white beaches to enjoy panoramic ocean views.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/wellness/cheung-chau.html
Sai Kung
Water and Outdoor Activities
Hong Kong is so much more than just a concrete jungle, and the UNESCO GeoPark in Sai Kung is arguably the perfect example of this. Featuring exquisite volcanic rock formations and some of the clearest waters in Hong Kong, the GeoPark is the perfect retreat for kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The hilly terrains around the Sai Kung region make an excellent spot for Paragliding. Paragliders and activity centres congregate at Sai Kung Country Park and Ma On Shan in the vicinity.Discover the water activities at Sai Kung: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/wellness/kayaking.html
UNESCO
Located in the eastern part of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark comprises two geological regions within its single, unified boundary: the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region. Two separate clusters of islands and islets, Ung Kong Group and Ninepin Group, featuring globally rare hexagonal rock columns — Formed as the mixture of volcanic ash and lava cooled following a supervolcano eruption 140 million years ago — lie within the Geopark’s Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region in Hong Kong’s southeastern waters, and they are not to be missed.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/marine-parks-to-geoparks-a-taste-of-hong-kong-s-eco-diversity.html
Yim Tin Tsai
Did you know that Hong Kong once had a salt producing village that was abandoned in the 1990s? “Yim Tin Tsai”, which translates to ‘small saltpan’ in Cantonese, is an area where Hakka settlers developed salt farms on the island and made their living from its sale. The saltpans were used to dry out the salt before it was used as a prime trading good. However, with international competition, Hakka villagers were eventually priced out of the global market.
Today, the saltpans have been restored and are fully functioning, making it a prominent site for day trippers. The revitalised saltpans are for demonstration purposes only, but the finished product can be taken home as souvenirs by its visitors. In 2015, the historic saltpans earned a UNESCO Asia-Pacific for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/explore-the-local-hakka-culture-yim-tin-tsai.html
Peng Chau
Once a sleepy island, Peng Chau, which literally means flat island – has been revitalized with the new arts enclave on the island. It’s hard to believe that this small island was once a commercial hub, housing factories and small businesses within the island, and was a thriving trading town during the Qing dynasty.
Just a short boat ride away from the Central Ferry Pier, Peng Chau is the perfect idyllic island where you can explore historical treasures along with arts spaces, hipster cafes to dine at and quaint little shops to shop for knick-knacks.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/great-outdoor/wellness/peng-chau.html
Sha Tau Kok
Being right next to Shenzhen’s Yantian district, Sha Tau Kok was once a closed border town which required a permit and a guarantee from a local resident to visit. It has since gradually reopened and the redeveloped Sha Tau Kok pier started operations in June 2022. Built in the 1960s, the pier is the longest pier in the city and visitors can take a ferry ride to explore Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau nearby.
Lai Chi Wo
The enchanting village of Lai Chi Wo is one of Hong Kong’s oldest, largest and best-preserved rural settlements near the New Territories’ northeast coast. The 300-year-old Hakka village is home to 211 hillside homes flanked by the ‘feng shui’ woods and mangrove forest, home to many species of mammals and butterflies.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/wellness/lai-chi-wo.html
Kat O and Ap Chau
Just a thirty-minute boat ride away, the tiny Ap Chau and larger neighbour Kat O islands are part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Ap Chau – "Duck Island" in Cantonese – got its name from the island’s shape which resembles a duck when viewed from the north. Best known for its spectacular, Instagram-friendly ochre-coloured rock formations, including one shaped like a duck’s head with a sea arch forming its ‘eye’, the small island can be explored in under an hour and visitors can hop back onto the boat to the “Crooked Island” of Kat O.
Larger in size, Kat O, a former fishing village, can be explored on foot in approximately four hours. Take a leisurely hike around the island to admire the view from the lookout at Ko Tei Teng which offers views of distant vistas of Yantian, Shenzhen and other regions in the north. Stop by Kat O Tin Hau temple, which was built during the Qing dynasty in 1763 to honour Tin Hau, the ‘Goddess of the Sea’, who protects sailors and fishermen. The view. The temple was listed as a Grade III historic building in 2010. Before you leave, stroll down Kat O’s main street to taste local favourites like Hakka-style braised pork, traditional hand-rolled squid balls etc.
Both islands have a “Story Room” that offers visitors backgrounds of the island’s geographical features and history of the area.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/wellness/ap-chau---kat-o.html
Explore & Play
Hong Kong Disneyland – Castle of Magical Dreams and Momentous lightshow
Hong Kong Disneyland’s new Castle of Magical Dreams was unveiled in Nov 2020 after a revamp of the former Sleeping Beauty Castle. The new castle is inspired by the stories from thirteen inspiring Disney Princesses and Queens and pay tribute to each of these Disney heroines for pursuing their dreams. The architectural elements embrace the characteristics of each heroine through the interpretation of colours, icons, patterns and cultural features, with uniquely designed towers, turrets and spires dedicated to their respective stories.
Alongside the new castle, Hong Kong Disneyland also introduces the story of “Momentous,” the breathtaking new night-time spectacular at Hong Kong Disneyland. The Castle of Magical Dreams becomes a canvas, illuminated with large scale projection mapping technology that highlights and transforms the castle’s features as the narrative unfolds.
“Momentous lightshow”, depicts a journey of life, from falling in love to overcoming obstacles. Along the way, reminisce with dozens of beloved characters from Disney Animation and Pixar stories including “Dumbo,” “The Lion King,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Zootopia,” “Coco,” “Up,” “Tangled” and so many more!
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/interactive-map/hong-kong-disneyland.html
Find out more: https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/
Ocean Park Waterworld
A brand new addition to Ocean Park, Ocean Park Waterworld opened in Sep 2021 after 4 years of construction, and is Asia’s only year-round, all-weather water park. This mega water park is nestled amongst the rolling hills and has sublime views of the South China Sea.
Having some splashing fun in this impressive 400,000 square foot park, home to five zones containing 27 attractions, including a mega indoor wave pool and nine water slides.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/attractions/guide-in-water-world-ocean-park.html
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong is the ultimate indoor playground. The new attraction features a range of 10 exciting LEGO® themed play areas including Kingdom Quest, MINILAND®, LEGO® Friends, Master Builder Classroom, DUPLO Farm, Café, Magic Bikes, Build & Test, 4D Studio as well as a LEGO® retail shop.
The attraction’s unique key feature, MINILAND® Hong Kong is a miniature LEGO® replica of Hong Kong’s most loved buildings and landmarks. Built from over 1.5 million LEGO® bricks, involving 46 LEGO Builders, 9 LEGO Designers, 4 Technicians over 7150 hours.
MINILAND® Hong Kong features iconic local landmarks and street views in miniature. These include some of the most visited tourist points in town such as the Star Ferry Central Pier, Peak Tram, Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, Tai O, Temple Street as well as icons of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage such as Blue House in Wan Chai and Mei Ho House, one of the first public housing blocks in Hong Kong.
Find out more:
https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/hong-kong/en/
The Peak
Victoria Peak, known simply as The Peak, is a must-see Hong Kong destination — both day and night — offering iconic views of skyscraper-flanked Victoria Harbour, Kowloon peninsula and craggy mountain peaks.
Peak Tram
Hong Kong's Peak Tram went into service in 1888 as Asia's first funicular railway, connecting The Peak to Central. Originally it served the colonial governor and residents of luxury properties on The Peak, but has since transported tens of millions of passengers and become one of the city's top tourist attractions
Having served Hong Kong for over 130 years, The Peak Tram is in the midst of a major upgrade and refurbishment project. The new Peak Tram will reopen soon with a facelift including an increased capacity of 75% per trip and reduced waiting times.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has over 100 wax figures of local and international icons and has added more well-loved Asian celebrities such as Jackson Wang, Pia Wurtzbach, Lee Chong Wei and Manny Pacquiao over the past two years.
Love Rocks @ Sky Terrace 428
Sky Terrace 428 presents a brand new heart-shaped Love Padlock decoration coated in pink and iridescent elements with love locks as a sweet AR-enabled special Instagram effect check-in hotspot including “Northern Starry Light” and “Message Cloud” to spread around romance to every visitor to create memorable experiences and a wonderful photo opportunity.
Monopoly Dreams
Opened in 2019, Monopoly Dreams is the first Monopoly-themed attraction in the world. Enter the world of Mr. Monopoly and embark on an exhilarating adventure at the Train Station 4-D cinema, print your own unique Title Deed at the Monopoly Property or try to grab as many banknotes as possible as use them to exchange for snacks at the Monopoly Cafe.
Discover more: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/wellness/the-peak.html
Shop and Dine
Neighborhood
Tucked away in a nondescript lane in Hollywood Road, comes Neighbourhood, a restaurant with no website or social media presence but is booked weeks in advance and recently bagged the No.9 spot on Asia Best Restaurant list!
Neighbourhood is the brainchild of chef-owner David Lai whose motto is to “cook what we (and our guests) like, use ingredients that excite us, and try to ignore trends.” His seemingly simple, home styled French cooking which features seasonal menus focus on locally-sourced quality ingredients.
MUST TRY: Salt-baked chicken served with rice in a creamy yellow wine and morel mushroom sauce.
Wing
Award winning Chef Vicky Cheng’s new restaurant, Wing, is an experience that stems from his understanding of the diversity of Chinese culinary cultures, and a personal reinterpretation of Chinese cuisine.
Opened in 2021, Wing has racked up numerous accolades including the prestigious Asia Best Restaurant list at No.34. Wing’s menu is highly seasonal, with a focus on local produce that is served as a tasting journey that features dishes such as crispy skin sugarcane glazed pigeon, as well as fish maw with morel mushroom, abalone sauce on rice.
MUST TRY: Crispy skin chicken, king crab congee with chicken oil
Central Market
The Central Market was Hong Kong’s first modern wet market and a Grade III Heritage Building. Opened in 1842, the building was fully functional for more than six decades before the local government handed over the landmark site to the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) with the aim of revitalising the property.
Opening to the public in August 2021, the new and revitalised Central Market was transformed into a vibrant community hotspot with 255 market stalls have been reconstructed into a “boundary-less spatial concept” with open storefronts, a semi-open courtyard and two levels of shopping, artisanal dining and events space for community building exercises. The Central Market focuses on showcasing homegrown talents and small businesses in retail and the food and beverage industry.
PENICILLIN
Inspired by the farm-to-table movement, PENICILLIN is Hong Kong’s first closed-loop bar, that focuses on sustainability and zero waste. This means not only recycling and upcycling ingredients, but also brainstorming new ways of minimising waste, reducing the bar’s carbon footprint and sourcing produce locally and seasonally.
JAJA
Art lovers can look out for fun and interactive art installation by local artists in the restaurant.
MUST TRY: Soup-er Wontons, the whopping 1-Metre Red Curry Pizza and the colourful “Shake It Off” milkshake series.
For more info: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/what-s-new/highlights/newadventures.html
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