Believe you know everything about Hong Kong? Prepare to be surprised! The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is launching its new regional campaign focusing on curating a list of Hong Kong’s hidden gems for visitors to experience. Beyond its spectacular skyline and vibrant streets lies a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. Whether you're an adventurer, a culture vulture, a shopaholic, or a foodie, there are special experiences that are uniquely Hong Kong to be discovered.
As part of this campaign, HKTB has curated a list of 12 hidden gems to visit, and categorised by experiences – nature & adventure, arts & culture, shop & play, and food & drinks.
Nature & Adventure: Hiking in Hong Kong has gained popularity over the years, but little did many know that Hong Kong is connected to 263 islands with 535 hiking, cycling and mountain biking trails. What’s so unique about Hong Kong is that some of these islands and trails are located close to the urban centres, which makes commute time within an hour via public transport. Embark on exploring Hong Kong's breathtaking landscapes and serene escapes, where natural beauty and tranquillity await at every turn.
Peng Chau: Escape the city's hustle and bustle by visiting Peng Chau, a quaint car-free island offering scenic hiking trails, traditional temples, and a glimpse into Hong Kong’s slower-paced lifestyle. Peng Chau was an industrial hub with more than 100 factories. Now the defunct Fook Yuen Leather Factory has been revitalised by a passionate Peng Chau native into a charming art junkyard with quirky displays and vibrant graffiti. These art installations are changed regularly to offer fresh visual experiences for visitors.
Address: Peng Chau, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take a ferry from Central Pier No. 6, which is accessible from MTR Hong Kong Station. The trip takes about 25 minutes for the Fast ferry and 40 minutes for the Ordinary ferry. Fares range from HKD 9.90 to HKD 28.40 for Ordinary ferry and HKD 18.40 to HKD 54.30 for Fast ferry.
Must-try activities: Take photos at the defunct leather factory and at the scenic beach spot where Thai actor Win Metawin and Filipino actress Janella Salvador filmed one of their scenes overlooking Hong Kong Disneyland for the movie Under Parallel Skies. Great place to look out into the calm waters and relax.Cheung Chau: Famous for its annual Bun Festival and Ping An Bun, this charming island boasts beautiful beaches, historic sites, family-friendly hiking trails and a destination for foodies. Explore Cheung Chau’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage by renting a bike to tour the island, visiting the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, or relaxing on Tung Wan Beach. After a long day of activities on the island, indulge in delectable seafood and local street food, such as the giant curry fish ball and chewy mochi filled with real fruits.
Address: Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take a ferry from Central Pier No. 5, accessible from MTR Hong Kong Station. The trip takes about 25 minutes for the Fast ferry and 40 minutes for the Ordinary ferry. Fares range from HKD 7.40 to HKD 22.00 for Ordinary ferry and HKD 14.50 to HKD 42.30 for Fast ferry.
Must-try activities: Explore the Cheung Po Tsai cave, which used to house treasures by the infamous pirate named after the cave in the 19th century.
Red Incense Burner Summit: Also known as Braemar Hill, this relatively easy and short hiking trail offers a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. This vantage point is one of the popular local spots to witness the sunset and captivating night views of Hong Kong. As long as there are clear skies. Check the sunset time before heading up.
Address: North Point, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
How to get there: Hike in the late afternoon for the full hiking course or take an easier path by taking a bus up to Upper Braemar Hill Bus Terminus and taking a 5-minute hike.
Things to note: Photos are best taken with clear skies. Do check the weather and sunset time and bring along a flashlight if you’re going there in the evening.
Mai Po Nature Reserve: A haven for bird watchers, this wetland reserve is home to a vast array of bird species. Guided tours educate visitors about its ecological significance, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Discover the diverse wildlife, learn about conservation efforts, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Mai Po.
Address: Mai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take a mini bus or bus from Sheung Shui and Yuen Long or take a taxi
Must-try activities: Participate in a guided bird-watching tour and spot rare migratory birds.
Arts & Culture: Indulge in Hong Kong’s rich heritage and vibrant arts scene, where history and creativity converge to offer a journey through time and culture.
Tsz Shan Monastery: Nestled in the lush hills of Tai Po, this serene and spiritual retreat provides a tranquil setting for meditation and reflection. One of the notable features of Tsz Shan Monastery is the towering 70-metre tall bronze-cast white Guan Yin statue built upon a 6-metre high granite base. Beneath the statue sits Hong Kong’s first museum exclusively dedicated to Buddhist art and relics. Opened in 2015 by Mr. Li Ka-Shing who has built Tsz Shan Monastery as an institute of Buddhist practice and learning, visitors can engage in many mindfulness activities, including tea meditation, zen calligraphy, walking meditation, and water offerings.
Address: 88 Universal Gate Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong
How to get there: Bus or minibus from MTR Tai Po Market Station or taxi
Things to note: Free admission. Reservation is required and slots open at the beginning of every month. Tsz Shan Monastery is able to accommodate 400 visitors on a daily basis. Dress appropriately, such as sleeved tops, mid-calf dress or mid-calf pants.
Aberdeen Tour: Experience the unique maritime culture of Aberdeen with a tour of the fisherman wharf and boat museum. Take a boat ride to see the floating village, visit the Aberdeen Fish Market, and learn about the life of local fishermen in the past. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong’s fishing heritage and maritime traditions from past to present.
Address: Aberdeen Promenade, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Must-try activities: Take a lunch boat tour and enjoy a bowl of boat noodles, traditionally prepared by fishermen with fresh ingredients.
Shop & Play: Engage with local crafts and explore innovative play spaces that showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Mahjong Workshop: Founded by Karen Aruba, granddaughter of one of the largest mahjong factories in Hong Kong in the old days and passionate about preserving the mahjong craftsmanship and cultural heritage, she created a mahjong tile colouring workshop that is being taught by her father and mahjong tile specialist, Master Ricky Cheung. During the session, you will learn about the history of the craft, drill a mahjong tile and bring home a handmade tile that is uniquely yours.
Address: Karen Aruba Studio, L6-15, 30 Pak Tin Street, JCCAC, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Must-try activities: Create a personalized mahjong tile with unique patterns and metallic colors.
Workshop Info: Karen Aruba Studio
Neon Sign Workshop: Hong Kong has been favourably remembered for its bright neon sign boards, which brought vibrance and beautiful dazzle to the streets, and these signs were the city’s innovative way for businesses to advertise their services. Now you can enjoy a hands-on experience to create your very own neon sign and bring home a decorative souvenir.
Address: Amazing Neon HK, Flat 2, 13/F, Laurels Industrial Center, 32 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Must-try activities: Design and craft your neon sign to take home as a unique keepsake.
The Mills: Once a textile factory, The Mills is now a revitalised centre for arts, culture, and innovation, featuring a mix of shops, galleries, and eateries. Discover the rich history of Hong Kong’s textile industry while exploring modern creative spaces that celebrate innovation and design.
Address: 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
Must-try activities: Check out the latest craft workshops and learn a new craft from the local artists.
Upper Lascar Row: Known for its eclectic mix of antique shops and thrift stores, this vibrant street offers unique finds and vintage treasures. It is a paradise for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind items, from antique trinkets to retro collectibles.
Address: Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Must-try activities: Hunt for rare antiques and collectibles while exploring the streets.
Food & Drink: Embark on a culinary journey through Hong Kong’s diverse variety, from hidden cafes to traditional eateries that define the city’s gastronomic scene.
Tai Ping Koon: Known to be one of the oldest western restaurants opened by Chinese in China and Hong Kong, Tai Ping Koon is a historical restaurant known for its fusion of Western and Chinese cuisine, offering a nostalgic dining experience. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to taste a piece of Hong Kong’s culinary history.
Address: Multiple locations - Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei
Must-try food: Roasted pigeon, swiss style chicken wings and baked souffle
Kinsman: This hidden gem provides a nostalgic setting that is inspired by Wong Kar-wai’s classic films and an impressive selection of innovative crafted cocktails. It is the perfect place for a relaxed evening out with friends, offering a cosy atmosphere and celebrating traditional Cantonese spirits. This bar also offers local snacks and desserts with a twist, such as curry squid and yin & yang pudding with black sesame and walnut puree.
Address: 27-33 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Must-try cocktail: Try the Kowloon Dairy which is the bar’s innovative interpretation of Hong Kong milk punch.
Discover more experiences when you visit Hong Kong this summer
From July 11, 2024, Hong Kong will transform into a summer paradise with the "Summer Chill Hong Kong" campaign, which includes a “Summer Triple Rewards” promotion, offering all overnight visitors to Hong Kong with 500,000 sets of rewards, with offers in transport / sightseeing, dining and retail totalling over HK$100 million.
Visitors can enjoy savings from over 100 merchants, including airlines, attractions, dining, retail, shopping malls, and travel agents. In addition, HKTB will install new summer-themed decorations at the Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Central-Mid-Levels escalator, various cross-boundary control ports, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, selected MTR stations, Airport Express stations, trams, Star Ferries, buses, the bus stop outside SOGO Causeway Bay Store, and shopping malls. These decorations aim to create an energetic and cheerful city-wide ambience.
It is the perfect opportunity to seek out Hong Kong’s hidden gems and experience the vibrant summer atmosphere.
For more of Hong Kong’s hidden gems and exclusive deals, please visit: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/what-s-new/highlights/hkhiddengems.html
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