Uncovering Hong Kong's Hidden Gems
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, it’s time to talk about where to go in Hong Kong. Taking a closer look at distinct areas and neighborhoods, this overview of what place you should explore and where to venture out in your next stay.
| Hong Kong Island | Kowloon | New Territories |
|---|---|---|
| Central & Western | Kowloon City | Islands |
| Eastern | Kwung Tung | Kwai Tsing |
| Southern | Sham Shui Po | North |
| Wan Chai | Wong Tai Sin | Sai Kung |
| Yau Tsim Mong | Sha Tin | |
| Tai Po | ||
| Tsuen Wan | ||
| Tuen Mun | ||
| Yuen Long |
It’s important to note that Hong Kong is a specialized administrative region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China situated on the South China Sea. Like its half-sister Macau, it’s a city-state that adopts the principle of “one country, two systems” that runs independently. It comprises a collection of islands split into 18 districts between three regions.
From its origins that started as a British colony to what is now present-day Hong Kong Island, it continues to serve as the economic center. As you walk the streets, you’ll come across several areas where old meets new, depicted in the modern and traditional architecture. Nothing more obvious comes to mind than the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world. It spans approximately 800 m across three movable walkways that local commuters rely on to get to work, run errands, or head home. It’s the best way to get up or down the steep incline. From 6-10 AM, it travels downwards towards Queen’s Road and other MTR stations, but from 10 AM to midnight, it travels upwards to Conduit Road, where you’ll find several residential buildings.
Taking the steps that run parallel to this massive walkway, you’ll spot several types of establishments ranging from classic Cantonese staples such as Lan Fong Yuen and Tai Cheong to the infamous LKF (Lan Kwai Fong), which is known for its nightlife with its many bars. From afar, you’ll spot many iconic buildings that several significant banks occupy as Central serves as a major financial hub.
During my stay on the island, I stayed primarily in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, one of the more urban neighborhoods surrounding shops, eateries, and hotels. This is where I found a majority of tourists and expatriates, ex-pats for short, as everything is conveniently located close to each other. One place you should add to your itinerary is Victoria Peak, or “The Peak,” as locals call it, the tallest point on Hong Kong Island. The Peak Tram leads up to the top, where you can get sweeping views as you go up, but there are other ways to get up. You can decide to take the bus, ride a taxi, or even hike to the peak. It’s one of the best sights to see the entire skyline. I suggest going during blue hour, which is the time before sunrise and after sunset, to take the best photos.
Taking a quick ferry ride onto the Kowloon side lies the lively neighborhood of TST (Tsim Sha Tsui). While near the waterfront, be sure to walk to the Avenue of Stars between the K11 Musea and the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art). If you’re there at night, grab a seat to catch the Symphony of Lights, a free daily light and sound show that over 40 buildings partake in. As you look on the map, there are several mansions and arcades, but not quite the ones you’d expect. Mansions are primarily meant for residential use in large buildings, whereas arcades are used as a hub for shopping.
Now walking up Nathan Road towards SSP (Sham Shui Po), there are many things to check out, whether it’s trying some food from street stalls to the nearby night markets. One of the most notable areas that are a great place to start is the Temple Street Night Market near the Jordan MTR station. If you’re hungry, stop by Australia Dairy Company to immerse yourself in a cha chaan teng in English as a Hong Kong-style cafe. They’re most known for their steamed milk pudding which you can order as a single item, or you can get their set menu which you can try other staple foods like twisted macaroni and scrambled eggs with toast. These types of eateries operate efficiently and move quickly. I kid you not, I ordered my food, and it arrived in less than 30 seconds! Dining culture, in general, is very fast-paced in Hong Kong, so it’ll be best to have an idea of what to order or ask for the English menu if there’s one available.
Suppose you’re still craving something to eat; head to MK (Mong Kok) and grab a couple of pastries from Kam Wah Cafe. It’s famous for its pineapple buns and classic egg tarts, so definitely order them when you get the chance! For more baked goods, Ki Tsui Cake Shop is a couple of blocks away. This is not your typical cake shop as they serve traditional Cantonese pastries from cookies to puffs and everything else. My favorite thing to get would be their glutinous rice cake with red bean filling, which I regret not bringing with me on my flight back!
Often overlooked and sometimes forgotten is NT (New Territories). Hong Kong is not entirely made up of urban developments; most of the land belongs to country parks and nature reserves because of the mountainous terrain. If you love hiking and the great outdoors, I recommend staying here to conquer a few trails! Remember to pack well, and light since some trails can be pretty tricky. I’d recommend using the AllTrails app to help prep for your next adventure. This is the Yelp of hiking trails since it provides reviews, estimated completion times, and downloadable maps.
Shifting gears and moving onto some wheels, you can rent a bike to cycle alongside the Shing Mun River daily. It’s a great way to explore an area that not many tourists get to see. During my stay here, I stayed in Sha Tin as there are a limited number of hotels in NT. What surprised me the most that I enjoyed was the coffee scene that Tai Wai has to offer. This is an underrated area with a decent selection of cafes just minutes from each other.
There are so many places that I enjoyed and missed dearly. From the massive urban landscapes to the picturesque views on top of Hong Kong’s peaks, I hope this gives you a better idea of Hong Kong, what to see, and how you can plan your next trip! Thank you for reading this. Make sure to subscribe if you haven’t, and share this with a friend who you think would find this helpful.
As always, until next time!
