Hong Kong Can Be Experienced Like This? Discover the Hidden Treasures of Smooth Travel

What do you usually do when you go to Hong Kong?

Shop till you drop, eat to your heart’s content, take the kids to Disneyland…

No, no—that’s not all.

Old buildings, hiking, exhibitions, limited-edition finds, Cantonese opera…

Hong Kong’s wonders far exceed your imagination.

Here are ways to play in Hong Kong you’ve never heard of.

After reading, you’ll exclaim:

So this is how Hong Kong can be explored!

△ The everyday Hong Kong lives only in its old buildings.

Skyscrapers define Hong Kong’s glamour, but its true soul lies in old structures. For these, tenement buildings (tong lau) and walled villages are must-sees.

To see tong lau, head to the Wan Chai Heritage Trail. The Wo Cheung Pawnshop at 60–66 Johnston Road is especially worth a look. Its ochre exterior, though shorter than surrounding buildings, stands out with a weathered charm. From the protruding balconies and high ceilings to the creaking old fans and vintage railings, you’ll glimpse an old Hong Kong.

As for walled villages, anyone who has watched Hong Kong dramas will be familiar. Today, several areas in the northern New Territories—such as Fanling, Sheung Shui, and Yuen Long—still preserve many walled village structures, often inhabited by the same clan. Kat Hing Wai is one of Hong Kong’s largest walled villages. Enter its high encircled gate, and you’ll find villagers still living in traditional ways. Though some houses have been replaced by modern buildings, red lanterns, red couplets, old bricks and tiles, and historic cannons tell tales of Hong Kong’s past.

△ Checking out exhibitions in old factory buildings is a favorite among hipsters.

Just like Beijing’s 798 Art Zone or Shanghai’s 1933 Old Millfun, Hong Kong has its own old factory art districts. These industrial art spaces are mainly concentrated in Quarry Bay and Chai Wan.

Chai Wan Industrial City is a favorite among young hipsters. With a cluster of galleries, exhibition halls, and studios, you can easily spend a whole day there. Drop by YY9 Gallery, which focuses on local Hong Kong artists, featuring paintings, photographs, ceramics, and sculptures.

Not far away, Wang Yip Building looks ordinary from the outside, but from the 3rd to the 13th floor, it’s occupied by AO Vertical Art Space. On the 13th floor, you’ll see the Asia One logo. Push open the door on your right to enter a world of art—black flooring and minimalist round metal stair railings perfectly complement the white walls displaying various artworks. Here you can see old photos of Hong Kong from the 1980s and 1990s, and senior Hong Kong artists often hold exhibitions. Check in for smooth travel treasures.

Moreover, every May, the Chai Wan Tail hosts an Art & Design Festival, during which many galleries hold special exhibitions open to the public.

In addition, factory buildings along Wong Chuk Hang Road also house many galleries.

△ Shopping at trendy stores is a fresh way for seasoned shoppers.

If you’ve only aimed for Harbour City as your shopping destination, consider this: Hong Kong has far more celebrity-owned boutiques and independent designer stores than you might think.

You can hunt for leather goods at Volare, a local Hong Kong brand hidden in an upstairs shop, or visit Liger, opened by Hilary Tsui, in Causeway Bay’s Fashion Walk.

The Star Street Precinct gathers many Hong Kong designer brands, boutiques, and antique shops. Even the renowned international magazine Monocle has opened a store here, selling limited-edition collaborations with famous brands, such as notebooks, bags, and clothing.

△ Islands: we go for the offbeat, getting smooth travel treasures.

Hong Kong’s islands are not just Lamma Island and Tai O—there are far more than you imagine.

Sam Mun Tsai Village is a quieter spot than Tai O, offering no less charming fishing village scenery. As the sun sets, fishing boats dot the water, and you can feast on seafood until you’re stuffed.

Po Toi Island faces the South China Sea. The traditional fisherman’s lifestyle remains, and the island is very peaceful, dominated by rocky hills and narrow paths.

Tap Mun Island still preserves some old buildings. There’s a grassy lawn facing the sea—you could sit there and daydream all afternoon without getting bored.

If you want to experience Hong Kong’s Hakka culture up close, head to Yim Tin Tsai. Here you’ll find traditional Hakka village houses and a small St. Joseph’s Chapel, an early Catholic missionary site. The village is named “Yim Tin Tsai” (Little Salt Field) because salt was once produced here. Take a stroll around the abandoned salt pans and the nearby mangroves—you’re sure to find something interesting.

△ Cantonese opera: even the movements are fascinating.

Cantonese opera is easy to catch in Guangdong and Guangxi, but have you ever considered watching a performance in Hong Kong?

The actors’ every gesture and pose, along with the makeup, costumes, and stage sets, are enough to captivate you. At that point, understanding the lyrics is not so important.

To fully enjoy Cantonese opera, visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which holds daily performances starting at 3:30 pm. The Ko Shan Theatre and New Wing and the Yau Ma Tei Theatre also host regular Cantonese opera shows. Check performance schedules beforehand.

△ For kids, there’s more than just Disney.

When traveling with children, besides Disneyland, a trip to Hong Kong’s country parks is truly worthwhile.

In autumn and winter, visit the Mai Po Nature Reserve to see migratory birds—the spectacle is indescribable unless you see it yourself.

Or take your kids to the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark for a vivid geology lesson. The park features rock specimens from around the world, important ancient volcanic remains, products of multiple eruptions, and coastal erosion landforms essential to Hong Kong’s geography. Lonely Planet also highly recommends this spot.

The Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden is another great choice. Show your children how vegetables are grown, or visit the animal pavilions and farm buildings at the foot of the hill to see butterflies, wild boars, black-eared kites, parrots, owls, and other animals up close.

△ Go hiking—outdoor activities are popular in Hong Kong.

That Hong Kong is a hiker’s paradise is an undisputed fact among seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

The famous MacLehose Trail is the most popular hiking route. Almost everyone who visits Hong Kong goes to Lamma Island for a round-island walk and tofu pudding.

If you’re a beginner, start with the section from Victoria Peak to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. The first half offers a panoramic view of the city, while the second half is lush with greenery, making you feel like you’ve returned to nature.

Of course, Hong Kong’s hiking trails go far beyond these. If you enjoy strenuous climbs, choose the Wilson Trail (from Yangming Shan to Stanley Gap). If you prefer ancient villages, try the Plover Cove Country Park route (from Wu Kau Tang to Lai Chi Wo). If you want to face the sea with spring blossoms, Dragon’s Back is the best choice.