We’ve all done the typical Hong Kong — skylines, shopping malls, and street markets. Looking for something new this time? We’ve got you covered! Here is our guide on some not-so-basic things to embark on a new adventure on your trip to Hong Kong!
+852 calling! We love Hong Kong and we miss it dearly. With the compulsory quarantine for arrivals requirement finally getting out of the way, our wanderlust takes us to Asia’s World City — but not for the regular touristy stuff. This time, we dig deeper and find ourselves in the hidden delights the city has to offer, from gardens to bird markets, and museums to hikes. Ready to see Hong Kong in a new light? Here are 10 things to do in Hong Kong, that you probably won’t find in your guidebook!
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1. Ride The Dragon’s Back
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
Athletic travellers, this one’s for you! Dragon’s Back is one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong that’s well-connected and accessible from the city by MTR (the metro). A scenic hike that runs along the undulating ridge towards the south of the island, the trail resembles a dragon’s spine. Flanked by waters on both sides, the hike is a thin strip of green in blue seas, giving us a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the southwest side of Hong Kong Island.
Take a moment to soak in the photogenic view at Shek O, the highest point of the hike that overlooks the Shek O Golf Course and country club, surrounded by poetically empty beaches and waves.
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about Dragon’s Back here.
2. Pretty In Pink: Spend Some Time With These Pink Dolphins
Image Credits: TatlerAsia
Due to the pollution and loss of habitat in the megacity, sadly the numbers of these adorable pink dolphins were depleting. But during the two years of the pandemic (after some time away from humans), these adorable chirping mammals have returned! You can find them hola-hooping in and out of the coastal waters of Lantau Island and Tai O.
Book a dolphin sighting tour, so you can watch them in the best and most sustainable manner! Here’s a tip: try to hop on one of the official tours to keep from getting scammed!
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about how you can find Pink Dolphins here.
3. Immerse In Culture At Tai Kwun
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
Tai Kwun was the central police station, prison, and magistracy in the 1800s. But now it’s reborn as an arts and heritage centre ensconced in the same 16 heritage buildings. Missioned to avail visitors of quality arts and heritage, Tai Kwun immerses you in local culture and heritage through multi-disciplinary and contemporary arts and lifestyle.
With quality bars, restaurants, and art galleries, aesthetes can revel in theatre arts and exhibitions. While foodies can appreciate themed eateries. Give yourself a few hours on your trip to completely soak in the vibes at the Tai Kwun.
Admission Fee: Free
Address: 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about Tai Kwun here.
4. Reflect On The Remains Of Kowloon Walled City
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
The history of the infamous Kowloon Walled City remains cherished in the city park that now sits in its place. With artefacts and plaques telling the story of one’s of the largest slums in the world, this is one spot history buffs should not miss! If urban history fascinates you, this is completely up your alley (no pun intended!). Ironically, now it is also one of the calmest and most pleasant places to visit in Hong Kong, blooming with flower gardens and ponds, Chinese gates, and pavilions that hark back to the Qing Dynasty.
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Address: Tung Tau Tsuen Road, Kowloon Walled City, Hong Kong
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about the Walled City Park here.
5. Ruffle Some Feathers At The Bird Market
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
Where are my bird lovers at? Surround yourself with birdsong at Yuen Po Bird Garden. With cages full of exotic and beautiful birds from around the world, these markets capture the memory of traditional Chinese-style bird gardens. Be there early and you’ll witness pet owners take their feathered friends for a walk in swinging cages or feed them insects and crickets using chopsticks! If you can’t bring a bird back with you, you can always grab a souvenir from the multitudes of charming cages on sale.
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 7 AM – 8 PM
Address: 222-224 Prince Edward Rd W, Prince Edward
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about the Bird Garden here.
6. Reach For The Stars At Hong Kong Space Museum
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
It’s hard to see the stars in the cities, but not in Hong Kong. Give yourself a celestial treat at the Space Museum! With a plethora of interactive exhibits, gadgetry, vivid lighting, and decorations. Sit inside the iconic egg dome of the planetarium as various programmes and shows deluge you with fascination and facts about the cosmos. You can also watch occasional movie screenings under the curved ceiling of the planetarium!
Admission Fee: Starting at HK$10
Opening Hours: 1 PM – 9 PM (Monday, Wednesday to Friday), 10 AM – 9 PM on Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays. Closed on Tuesdays.
Address: 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about the planetarium here.
7. Run With The Horses At Happy Valley Race Course
Image Credits: TravelAdvisor
Alongside the stunning skylines of Hong Kong, an unmissable experience is the drinks, food, and races at the Happy Valley Racecourse, for thrilling excitement both on and off the tracks! Usually, races are held on Wednesday nights, with gates opening at 5:15 PM. But place your bets wisely — Hong Kong is rather expensive as is!
Whether or not you place your bets, watching the races admits all the excitement is an absolutely exhilarating experience, putting an international touch to a once cultural and traditional experience for the people of Hong Kong.
Admission Fee: Starting at HK$10
Opening Hours: Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday, 7 PM – 11 PM
Address: 2 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Island
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about the races here.
8. Find Peace At Victoria Peak Gardens
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
Nope, not Victoria Peak — we’re talking about Victoria Peak Gardens, a 10 to 15-minute walk further from the Peak Tower. You’ll find some very nondescript stairs going up to Victoria Peak Gardens. Keep walking further, and you’ll find a beautiful Victorian (very aptly named) garden sprawled in the calm summit. If you climb up the hill, you’ll also see a magnificent nearly-360-degree view of Hong Kong, removed from the crowd and bustle of Victoria Peak.
Admission Fee: Free but you’d have to take the Peak Tram up here!
Opening Hours: Open all-day
Address: Mount Austin Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about the gardens here.
9. Take A Risky Trip Down Chungking Mansions
Image Credits: AtlasObscura
While Hong Kong is generally safe for tourists, one exception remains the notorious Chungking Mansions. A retail emporium filled with guesthouses, electrical shops, foreign exchange offices, and food stalls. A sanctuary for the dark underbelly of Hong Kong, with drug dealers and other black sheep, the jumbled architecture attracts curious tourists who can’t resist a little adventure on their trip. If you choose to go, don’t be too surprised by what you see!
Admission Fee: Free
Address: 36–44, Nathan Road, Hong Kong
YouTrip’s Not-So-Basic Guide To Hong Kong: Find out more about Chungking Mansions here.
Got Your Fresh Itinerary For The World City?
Now that you’re equipped with a specialised, not-so-basic-anymore list of Hong Kong attractions, all that’s left is to take your passport and get on the plane, and let the winds carry you! While booking your hotel or getting your tickets to these niche spots, don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates and skip those pesky bank fees.
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Stay safe and happy travels!
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