Travel

Hidden Gems in Hong Kong | Places to Visit Aside from Disneyland

July 31, 2024 Ruth Dela Cruz

With over a million Filipino tourists having already visited Hong Kong early this year, the city continues to
be a favorite destination. Surveys indicate Filipino travelers are increasingly seeking hidden gems and
culturally immersive experiences. In response, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has curated a list
of must-try activities perfect for every type of traveler:

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle by visiting Peng Chau
A quaint car-free island, Peng Chau offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s slower-paced lifestyle. Once a
bustling industrial hub with over 100 factories, one of its now-defunct factories has been transformed by a local resident into an art junkyard, showcasing quirky displays and vibrant graffiti.

Bike around Cheung Chau island
Get the best of Hong Kong’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while exploring this island by bike. For
an adrenaline boost, explore the Cheung Po Tsai cave, a former treasure hideout of a 19th-century pirate.
After a long day, treat yourself to delectable seafood all while enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

Savor sunsets at the Braemar Hill
Also known as the Red Incense Burner Summit, this easy and short hiking trail offers a panoramic view of
Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour, perfect for capturing those golden-hour selfies.

Experience birdwatching bliss at Mai Po Nature Reserve
A haven for bird watchers, this wetland reserve is home to rare migratory birds. Guided tours provide
fascinating insights into the reserve’s ecological importance, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Embark on a spiritual retreat at Tsz Shan Monastery

Nestled in the lush hills of Tai Po, this monastery houses a majestic 230-foot bronze-cast white Guan Yin
statue. Below it lies Hong Kong’s first museum dedicated to Buddhist art and relics, enriching visitors with
mindfulness activities like tea meditation, zen calligraphy, and water offerings.

Related Read: Monasteries in Greece

Step Back in Time with a Water Tour Around Aberdeen
Delve into the life of local fishermen and history of floating houses all at once. Indulge in a bowl of boat
noodles, traditionally prepared by fishermen, while enjoying the picturesque view of Aberdeen Harbour
from a sampan, a traditional flat-bottomed boat.

Enroll in a Mahjong Workshop
Mahjong is a beloved tradition deeply rooted in Hong Kong culture. Learn the process and enjoy the
creative process of designing a mahjong tile that’s uniquely yours with metallic colors and patterns.

Create your own neon sign

What’s Hong Kong without its bright neon sign boards? They’ve become synonymous to the city’s vibrant nightlife. Now, you could take home a piece of this iconic scene by crafting your own personalized neon sign in a fun, interactive workshop.

Learn a new skill from a local artists at 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.

Hunt for rare collectibles at the 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.

Taste tradition at Tai Ping
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. Their roasted pigeon and swiss style chicken wings are a must-try!

Enjoy a nostalgic evening at Kinsman
Inspired by Wong Kar-wai’s classic film In the Mood for Love, this bar pays homage to Hong Kong’s rich
heritage and traditions while showcasing the best of Cantonese and Chinese spirits. Be sure to try their
Kowloon Dairy, which is the bar’s innovative interpretation of Hong Kong milk punch.
Explore Hong Kong to the fullest with the “Summer Triple Awards”

Discover these hidden gems and more with HKTB’s Summer Triple Awards which will be available
starting July 11, 2024. Visitors can pick up their card from designated locations and enjoy over 500,000
sets of offers from restaurants, shops, transportation, and sightseeing tours. Eligible participants only
need a non-local registered mobile phone number to register. The promotion and its offers are available
in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis.