Despite the metropolis for towering skyscrapers, Hong Kong is actually an outdoorsy city with access to outlandish natural environment. There’s no denying that Hong Kong is a busy city but one can easily escape the crowd by exploring the path less travelled. Beyond the city’s urban streets lies a wealth of hidden gems, still pretty much untouched.
If you’ve already been to the popular Hong Kong tourist spots and want to experience something new, boy do we have something unique curated just for you! Whether you’re a nature seeker, culture vulture or an adventurer hungry for a fresh exposure, come soak up Hong Kong and see what else it has to offer.
Cultural & Neighbourhood Attractions
1. Tsz Shan Monastery (慈山寺)
Tucked in the edges of Tai Po and overlooking Tolo Harbour sits the spectacular Tsz Shan Monastery. It’s not only rich in Buddhist culture, the Tang dynasty-style architecture is also enveloped in a serene environment – offering locals and tourist a slice of zen away from the city. Tsz Shan Monastery is famously known for featuring the world’s second tallest Guan Yin statue (also known as Goddess of Compassion/ Mercy).
At 76 meters tall, the goddess (cloth in white) holds the Pearl of Wisdom on her right hand and a vase on her left which “she pours sacred water to cleanse the world”. Visitors can head to the Thousand Wishes Pond, scoop a bowl of water from a large bronze water vessel and make an offering to Guan Yin. Other spiritual practices and activities available here include tea meditation, zen calligraphy, and walking meditation.
In addition to the 3 gigantic gold statues (the Great Medicine Master of the East, Amitābha Buddha of the West, and the founder of Buddhism, Śākyamuni Buddha) in the main hall, another highlight here is the Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum. Situated underneath the Guan Yin statue, the museum exhibits curated Buddhist artefacts and relics from across the globe to promote Buddhist art and culture
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.
Details:
- Address: 88 Universal Gate Rd. Tai Po
- Contact: 852 2123 8666
- Official website: https://ift.tt/8kM3RbK
- Public transport: Take the minibus directly from Tai Po Market Station
2. Aberdeen Tour (Boat Tour & Museum Visit)
Travel back in time and explore the origins of Hong Kong when you hop on the Sightseeing Boat and cruise through various local landmarks around the charming Aberdeen Fishing Village. During the 1-hour excursion, visitors will get to learn about the traditional fishing customs and heritage via an individual audio guide (available in 5 languages including Cantonese, Mandarin, English, Korean and Japanese) with tales of folk stories, lullabies and narratives of the surrounding area.
You’ll make a stop at the Floating Museum (aka Aberdeen Houseboat) that was previously home to water dwellers. The exhibit not only provides interactive activities onboard and photo opportunities, but visitors can also gain an insightful look into what used to be their living conditions. Additional highlights include passing by the famous Tai Pak Floating Restaurant and purchasing souvenirs and HK-branded crafts on the Aberdeen Pier 6.
Tour Details:
- Check-in location: Aberdeen Pier 6
- Nearest station: MTR Lei Tung (Exit A1)
- Website: https://ift.tt/HpEkcWe
3. Cheung Chau Cinema
As one of the oldest cinemas in Hong Kong, Cheung Chau Cinema is one of the few pre-war cinemas still standing today. After closing its curtains back in 1997, it was finally reopened in 2023 after getting a facelift. This venue is divided into 4 major themed sections, including 1931 Studio (where you’ll get to learn about behind-the-scenes production when it comes to movie-making) and Open Piazza (that hosts outdoor screening events from time to time).
Details:
- Address: No. 120 San Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau
- Phone: +852 2155 1313
- Website: https://ift.tt/KHVwsXx
4. Sham Shui Po Neighbourhood Tour
While Sham Shui Po isn’t exactly hidden, it’s more than just your average blue-collar neighbourhood. To experience the old Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po holds a rich history behind their humble façades. Among the open-air street markets and traditional street-vendors, you can find all sorts of electronic gadgets (Apliu Street), children’s toys (Fuk Wing Street), beads and sewing supplies (Yu Chau Street), as well as the side-by-side temples – Sam Tai Tsz and Pak Tai.
A must-visit is the Kung Wo Beancurd Factory (Pei Ho Street). Founded in 1960, this iconic store has remained famous for its signature bean curd puddings. The classic tofu is smooth like silk that boost a rich soybean flavour that elderly folks reminisce about.
Fancy something more exotic? When we were exploring Apliu Street in Sham Shui Po, we also came across a Cantonese restaurant that specialises in serving snake soup. It’s a delicacy that’s rooted in Chinese medicinal methodology where consuming snake meat can bring out healing properties.
If you’re brave enough, the owners of Shia Wong Hip (蛇王協) – Mr and Mrs Chau – might also offer customers an opportunity to hold and pose with their pet snake. Fret not, (according to them) the serpent pet is used to humans and isn’t poisonous.
5. Exciting Workshops
What better way to immerse yourself in the local culture by signing up for a workshop (or two)? Mahjong is still a popular pastime activity among older folks these days. Join an introductory workshop guided by hand-carving masters where you’ll not only learn about the history of this craft but also take part in colouring your very own crafted tile. You can even ask the master to engrave your name onto your mahjong tile to take home as a memento.
Additionally, you can also sign up for a keychain workshop. Red minibuses (with hand-painted acrylic route signs) used to be a popular mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Mak Kam-sang is said to be the last minibus sign-writer in Hong Kong keeping this artform alive. During the 2-hour workshop, visitors will learn about the industry, art and aesthetics over the past few decades. You and your friends can then partake in a hand-painted minibus sign or keychain
6. Sha Tau Kok
Sha Tau Kok used to be a closed town, acting as a frontier between colonial Hong Kong and communist China. Back in the day, the district was only limited to its residents. In an effort to boost local economy, the government has been gradually opening this area to more tourists. To enter, one must either possess a residency pass or a permit.
In addition to the various temples around its vicinity, you can visit the Cape of Sha Tau Kok to enjoy a panoramic view of the natural coastline of Starling Inlet and walk along the Sha Tau Kok Pier. At 280 metres long, it’s the longest pier in Hong Kong where visitors can take Instagrammable shots and hang the “wish fish” on the dedicated railings.
Other highlights to look out for:
- Mural paintings at Shun Ping Street
- Old Sha Tau Kok fire station
- Starling Inlet (nickname: Mirror in the Sea)
- Fish Lantern Square
- Locomotive model of retro Sha Tau Kok Railway Station
While Sha Tau Kok is worth considering for a day trip, security remains strict here and getting the Tourism Closed Area Permit (a necessary requirement) may prove too much of a hassle for travelers. Since driving on your own into Sha Tau Kok isn’t permitted, one must either opt to enter via bus/mini bus from MTR Sheung Shui Station or take the kaito ferry from either Lai Chi Wo Pier, Ap Chau Pier or Kat O Pier.
In Nature
7. Lai Chi Wo: Scenic Walk & Village Exploration
Setting off from Sha Tau Kok, we’d recommend visiting one of the oldest Hakka walled village – Lai Chi Wo – in the Northeast New Territories. Since winning UNESCO’s prestigious 2020 Special Recognition for Sustainable Development award, Lai Chi Wo has been undergoing a revitalisation. Built more than 300 years ago, the walled village has over 200 hillside homes – auspiciously arranged in 3 columns and 9 rows with original features of Hakka architecture still intact. Feng shui is also a huge influence here as these traditional Hakka homes are surrounded by ‘fung shui’ woods, planted in accordance with the feng shui philosophy to invite good luck and greater wealth.
Hikers and nature lovers will also enjoying exploring Lai Chi Wo’s Nature Trail. You’ll find various species of mammals and butterflies alongside mangrove forest and stunning coastal scenery. Walk along the white-flowered Derris Boardwalk and identify mangrove species native to Hong Kong in the freshwater wetland area. The Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera littoralis) mangroves – for example – is one of the largest species and can grow up to 15 metres tall.
If you’d like to learn more about its rich history, drop by the Lai Chi Wo Cultural Hub to learn about the fascinating Hing Chun Alliance (which comprised of the Seven Alliance Villages). Over 100 years ago, villages in the New Territories formed formed a rural alliances where they traded food and resources, as well as band together for protection.
- How to get there: Take the kaito ferry to different ferry piers (Ma Liu Shui Landing No. 3, Shatin Area 77 or Sha Tau Kok Ferry Pier), before catching a bus or taxi to the nearest MTR stations.
8. Hiking in Cheung Chau: North Lookout Pavilion
Two things you’d notice a lot as soon as you step foot on Cheung Chau – fishing boats and seafood restaurants. In recent years, more and more locals have been visiting this island to escape the hectic city life. In addition to the sandy beaches, nature lovers love coming here for its hiking trail. Walking from the historic Pak Tai Temple to the North Lookout Pavilion is challenging as you’ll encounter a fair bit of steep stretch, but the payoff once you reach the island’s highest point is absolutely worth it.
Your reward? A stunning panoramic view of the island’s tombolo formation and plenty of photo opportunities for the Gram. On a clear day, you’ll be able to spot Lamma Island, Tsing Ma Bridge, Tung Wan Beach, and Kwun Yam Wan Beach. Not forgetting, it’s also a perfect spot to enjoy the view of sunrise or sunset. If time permits, you could add the Mini Great Wall to your itinerary.
Honourable mentions:
- Mui Wo: Art-jamming at The Hideout
- Peng Chau: 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.
- Tai Ping Koon is a historical restaurant known for its fusion of Western and Chinese cuisine, including these must-try eats: roasted pigeon, swiss style chicken wings and baked soufflé.
World’s Biggest Doraemon Inflatable Sculpture
Beloved cultural icon Doraemon and friends have used the ‘anywhere door’ to make a special appearance at Victoria Dockside, K11 Art and Cultural District in Hong Kong. In addition to the world’s largest Doraemon inflatable sculpture towering at 12 metres in the expansive “100% Doraemon Outdoor Exhibited Area”, visitors from around the world can also escape into the colourful universe of Doraemon at the various exhibitions, Doraemon cafe, interactive displays and immersive installations from now till mid August.
In conjunction with Hong Kong Tourism’s “Summer Chill” campaign, travelers can enjoy savings from over 100 merchants, including airlines, attractions, dining, retail, shopping malls, and travel agents. For more of Hong Kong’s hidden gems and exclusive deals, click here.
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