Running from the 1st to 8th March 2025, the Hong Kong International Literary Festival invites you to engage with established and emerging writers in a specially curated selection of events. And for the hours in between those exciting talks, readings and other activities, here are 31 specially selected places that offer insights into Hong Kong’s rich cultural tapestry: institutions that bear the torch for remarkable local cuisine, arts, culture and heritage.
Hong Kong Island
Eastern
Art
1/ Oil Street Art Space (Oi!): Vibrant Cultural and Community Life
12 Oil Street, North Point. Tel. +852 2512 3000.
Photo courtesy Oi!
The original home of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, built in 1908, has been transformed into Oi!, a community-led cultural space that hosts workshops and art exhibitions. The programming is often thoughtful and ambitious, with support for local talents like writer Vivienne Chow’s Soko Island photos, multimedia artist Choi Sai-ho and Nadim Abbas, and a recent expansion has added even more space inside an eye-catching contemporary pavilion. On the weekends, local families flock to enjoy the tree-shaded garden, where visitors are welcome to sit on the grass and lounge the day away.
2/ Para Site: Hong Kong’s Original Contemporary Art Space
22/F, Wing Wah Industrial Building, 677 King’s Road, Quarry Bay. Tel. +852 2517 4620.
Photo courtesy Para Site
When a group of artists banded together to open Para Site in 1999, Hong Kong had no other spaces dedicated specifically to contemporary art. Since then, Para Site has become a pillar of Hong Kong’s art community, with thought-provoking exhibitions like A Journal of the Plague Year, a brilliant reflection on Hong Kong culture in the midst of the SARS epidemic, and How to Be Happy Together, an homage to the influence of eminent filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. Even as Hong Kong’s cultural scene has grown, Para Site continues to stand out as a resolutely independent non-profit space.
Causeway Bay / Wan Chai
Art & Lifestyle
3/ ACO Books: Indie Bookshop in a Vertical Art Village
14/F, Foo Tak Building, 365-367 Hennessy Road, Wanchai. Tel. +852 2893 4808.
Photo courtesy ACO Books
ACO, which stands for Art and Community Outreach, is an independent, not-for-profit bookstore and community-oriented event space that forms the heart of the Foo Tak Building (富德樓 fu3 dak1 lau4), one of Hong Kong’s most exceptional creative spaces. Founded by artist May Fung, the building offers affordable studios to emerging artists, community groups and creative organisations, forming a vertical art village right in the heart of Hong Kong. Visit ACO not only for its excellent and eclectic selection of fiction and non-fiction books but also for the window it opens onto a more grassroots creative side of Hong Kong.
4/ Kiang Malingue Art Gallery: Art and Architecture
10 Sik On Street, Wanchai. Tel. +852 2810 0317.
Photo courtesy Kiang Malingue Art Gallery
There are many good reasons to visit Kiang Malingue, a contemporary art gallery tucked into a secluded ladder street in Wan Chai. First and foremost is the programming, which focuses on some of the most exciting artists working in Asia and beyond, including Hong Kong provocateur Wong Bing, cheeky Beijing-based artist Tao Hui and Berlin-based Yuan Yuan, known for paintings based on architecture. But there’s also the gallery itself, a tall, narrow and quirky structure designed by Hong Kong-based Beau Architects, with thoughtfully placed windows and a pared-back aesthetic that is eye-catching without ever overshadowing the art.
5/ PHD Group Gallery: Art in a Unique Setting
Goose Neck Bridge, Wanchai. Tel. +852 5943 7541.
Photo courtesy PHD Group
There aren’t many art galleries like PHD Group, which is located in a former clubhouse hidden inside the penthouse of an otherwise unremarkable commercial block. Open by appointment, the gallery is known for presenting thought-provoking contemporary art that often takes full advantage of the space’s unusual architecture, which retained the 1970s aesthetic of the clubhouse rather than converting it into a white cube. With exhibitions by artists like Christopher K. Ho, Wong Kit-yi, and Chan Ting, curators Ysabelle Cheung and Willem Molesworth are pushing the boundaries of contemporary art in Hong Kong.
Food & Drink
6/ Fook Lam Moon (福臨門): A Culinary Landmark of Cantonese Excellence
Shop 3, G/F, Newman House, 35-45 Johnston Road, Wanchai. Tel. +852 2866 0663.
Photo courtesy Wine Ng
Fook Lam Moon (fuk1 lam4 mun4 福臨門), often referred to as Hong Kong’s “tycoons’ canteen,” has been a culinary landmark since its establishment in 1972, with roots tracing back to a catering service founded in 1948. Spanning four floors that accommodates up to 150 diners, this Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant is renowned for its impeccable dishes, including barbecued suckling pig and dried abalone, attracting a clientele of local elites and celebrities like Hong Kong star actor and singer Louis Koo Tin-lok. The restaurant’s ambiance is both elegant and discreet, featuring private dining rooms that cater to high-profile business meetings and celebrations.
7/ Sang Kee (生記飯店): An Ode to Excellence and Freshness
3-4F, Sunshine Plaza, 353 Lockhart Road, Wanchai. Tel. +852 2575 2339.
Photo courtesy Sang Kee Restaurant
An iconic landmark in Wan Chai since 1976, Sang Kee Restaurant (saang1 gei3 faan6 dim3 生記飯店) has been a beloved institution for nearly 50 years. Recently relocated from Hennessy Road to Lockhart Road, the restaurant remains committed to traditional Cantonese cuisine. The owner is determined to ensure freshness and quality in every dish: she personally selects seafood daily.
Diners often find themselves reminiscing about the hearty meals long after their visit, solidifying Sang Kee’s status as a must-try dining experience in Hong Kong. Signature offerings include siganus guttatus congee and salt-baked chicken, alongside classic favorites like fried snapper and braised fish with bitter melon.
8/ Shun Kee Typhoon Shelter (信記避風塘海鮮美食): Seafood Dining Adventure Aboard Shun Kee’s Sampans
Causeway Bay Water Selling Kiosk, Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, Causeway Bay. Tel. +852 8112 0075.
Photo courtesy A Spark of Madness
Experience a unique seafood dining adventure aboard traditional sampan boats at Shun Kee Typhoon Shelter (seon3 gei3 bei6 fung1 tong4 hoi2 sin1 mei5 sik6 信記避風塘海鮮美食) in Causeway Bay, the last remaining sampan restaurant operating from what was historically a floating village. Guests enjoy fresh seafood dishes, including the famous typhoon shelter crab, while taking in stunning views of the harbor and city skyline. Each dining party has its own boat, creating an intimate and memorable atmosphere that transports diners back to a bygone era of Hong Kong’s maritime culture.
This unique dining experience is connected to the Tanka boat community in Aberdeen, known for their rich maritime heritage as traditional boat dwellers. While many have moved to land, their legacy continues to influence Hong Kong’s coastal traditions, making a meal at Shun Kee a celebration of this cultural connection.
9/ Tung Fong Siu Kee Yuen (東方小祇園): Celebrating Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine
241 Hennessy Road, Wanchai. Tel. +852 2507 4839.
Photo courtesy Lord Jaraxxus
One of the oldest Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong, Tung Fong Siu Kee Yuen opened its doors in 1905 under the name Siu Kee Yuen (siu2 kei4 jyun4 小祈園) on Caine Road. The name is derived from the Diamond Sutra, with “Kee Yuen” being an abbreviation for The Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Solitary, a significant location mentioned in the text where the Buddha shared his teachings. The owner, Au Yeung Cho-seung, aimed to create a space for sharing, hence the addition of “Siu,” meaning “little,” to signify its humble beginnings.
Now located in Wan Chai, Tung Fong Siu Kee Yuen (dung1 fong1 siu1 zi2 jyun4 東方小祇園) continues to delight patrons with signature dishes like truffle fried rice and vegetable rolls, making it a go-to spot for those looking to enjoy flavorful vegetarian meals steeped in tradition.
10/ Diving into Culinary Adventures at Wan Chai Wet Market
G/F, 258 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai.
Photo courtesy Hong Kong Tourism Board
For those willing to embrace adventure, the Wan Chai wet market offers a captivating glimpse into Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary scene. Fresh meat, a panoply of local vegetables and seafood so fresh it’s still alive, the market underlines how freshness is key to Cantonese cuisine.
As you navigate through the stalls, you’ll encounter everything from gigantic abalone and crabs to off-cuts of meat that are prized here even if they are discarded in other countries. It’s an eye-opening experience for families, especially children, as they learn about different food traditions and the importance of keeping an open mind. Like many markets, there is a cooked food centre that offers excellent dishes, such as the signature duck rice and mutton curry at Wai Kee Halal Restaurant.
Heritage
11/ History Comes Alive at the Blue House
G/F, No. 72A Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai. Tel. +852 2833 4608.
Photo by William Furniss for Zolima CityMag
One of the last few buildings in Hong Kong that is more than a century old, the Blue House and its neighbouring buildings were once a typical block of working-class tenements. Notably, some tenements were used for different purposes such as a kung fu studio of Lam Sai-wing (the famous student of legendary martial artist and physician Wong Fei-hung in the early 20th century), Chinese clinics and charity school. Now they’ve been given a new life as Hong Kong’s first ground-up, community-led revitalisation project, which restored the historic structures while keeping most of its original community intact, with creative newcomers, grassroots business and cultural events added to the mix. Learn about the Blue House’s history through regular guided tours, visit an interpretive exhibition open daily, or check out some of the bars, cafés, restaurants and shops in this characterful corner of Wan Chai.
12/ Pak Tai Temple (北帝廟): An Atmospheric Temple
Lung On Street, Wan Chai. Tel. +852 2573 2086.
Photo Courtesy Tom Billinge
Yuk Hui Kung (玉虛宮 juk6 heoi1 gung1), located at the end of Stone Nullah Lane in one of the most atmospheric corners of Wan Chai, is an unusual temple. That’s because, in a city of more than 600 temples, it is one of only four dedicated to Pak Tai, the god of the north. Built in 1863, it contains a three-metre-tall statue of the god crafted in 1603, during the Ming Dynasty. There are also 19th- century bells and many other historic elements. With a well-preserved grey brick exterior and many intricate details typical of Cantonese temples, it’s an easily accessible piece of history – and a window into Chinese religious practices that are still an important part of everyday Hong Kong life.
13/ Across the Goose Neck: A Cultural Crossroad of Fortune and Folklore
Canal Road Flyover, Wanchai.
Photo courtesy Wpcpey
In the bustling streets of Hong Kong, a captivating cultural practice thrives on the site of a now-demolished crossing named for its resemblance to a goose’s neck. Known as Goose Neck Bridge (ngo4 geng2 kiu4 鵝頸橋), this site — today located underneath the Canal Road Flyover — has become a hub for “villain hitters” – women who offer services to curse enemies and fortune telling into their clients’ lives.
Visitors can witness these practitioners performing rituals that often involve slapping slippers together to symbolize their intentions of sending away negative energies and attracting good luck.
Central / Western
Art Galleries
14/ 10 Chancery Lane Gallery: A Hub of Artistic Dialogues
G/F, 10 Chancery Lane, SoHo, Central. Tel. +852 2810 0065.
Photo courtesy 10 Chancery Lane Gallery
10 Chancery Lane has been a significant player in Hong Kong’s art scene since its establishment in 2001 by California-born Katie de Tilly. Specializing in contemporary art from the Asia-Pacific region, the gallery emerged during a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s cultural development – a time when there were few venues available to showcase this growing artistic movement.
Over the years, it has built a rich programme of exhibitions, showcasing both established and emerging artists, including notable figures like Franco-Chinese master sculptor Wang Keping, iconic Hong Kong art figure Frog King and legendary Chinese contemporary artist Ma Desheng. And as it celebrates over two decades of contributions to the local and international art community, 10 Chancery Lane continues to illuminate the Hong Kong art scene with its commitment to cultural exchange.
15/ Blue Lotus Gallery: Picturing Asian Narratives
G/F 28 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan. Tel. +852 5590 3229.
Photos courtesy Wing Shya and photo by William Furniss for Zolima CityMag
Founded by Belgium-born Sarah Greene in 2007, Blue Lotus Gallery is a captivating photography gallery nestled in the serene Tai Ping Shan area of Sheung Wan. With a strong emphasis on Asian contemporary culture and heritage, the gallery serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing powerful narratives that shape the region’s identity. Featured artists include local and international eminent artists such as Ho Fan, Wing Shya, Tugo Chan, Greg Girard and Romain Jacquet-Lagreze, offering a vivid glimpse into Hong Kong’s unique urban environment and human muses through their evocative photography.
Food & Drink
16/ Reviving Tradition: Lin Heung Lau’s Dim Sum Legacy
G/F, 160-164 Wellington Street, Central. Tel. +852 2116 0670.
Photo courtesy Lin Heung Lau
After reopening in April 2024 following a two-year closure due to the pandemic, Lin Heung Lau (lin4 hoeng1 lau4 蓮香樓) is keeping the spirit of traditional dim sum dining very much alive in Central. One of Hong Kong’s oldest restaurants with over 100 years of history, this tea house is celebrated for its distinctive dining experience, where patrons can enjoy their meals served from classic dim sum carts, with a unique stamp card system for ordering. Known for its lively atmosphere and nostalgic charm since its relocation to Wellington Street in 1996, it remains one of the few establishments left in Hong Kong that still offers this traditional service. The menu features beloved favorites like pork liver siu mai and steamed buns, all enjoyed in a setting that transports guests back to a bygone era.
17/ The Metropol Experience: A Dim Sum Pioneer
4/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty. Tel. +852 2865 1988.
Photo by Billy Potts for Zolima CityMag
Metropol Restaurant (ming4 dou1 zau2 lau4 名都酒樓) has been a staple of Hong Kong’s culinary scene since its establishment in 1990, with its gilded sign welcoming diners at the United Centre. Owned by the Heichinrou Restaurant Group, which has roots in the Chinese diaspora of Yokohama dating back to 1884, Metropol is a family business that embodies the meticulous standards and dedication to craft characteristic of Japanese culture.
Hayashi, who joined the family firm after learning about Cantonese cuisine and culture in Hong Kong, has helped maintain Metropol’s reputation as one of the handful tea houses that serves food from dim sum carts. While it may appear similar to other dim sum restaurants, Metropol was instrumental in setting standards for Cantonese cuisine and continues to emphasize continuity and tradition amidst a rapidly changing culinary landscape. Signature dishes include barbecue meats and classic dim sum offerings, making it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.
18/ Ping Pong 129: A Vibrant Escape in Sai Ying Pun
129 Second Street, L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun. Tel. +852 9853 5061.
Photo courtesy Ping Pong 129
Nestled in Sai Ying Pun’s Second Street, Ping Pong 129 Gintonería beckons with its unmistakable bright red entrance that reads 乒乓城 (bing1 bam1 sing4, literally “ping pong city”), a playful homage to its past as a table tennis gym in the 1960s. As guests descend the stairs, they are greeted by a vibrant neon sign that reads 鍛鍊身體 (dyun3 lin6 san1 tai2, “train your body”), setting the tone for a unique culinary and sensory experience.
Founded by Spanish entrepreneur Juan Martínez Gregorio and his partner Hugh Zimmern in 2014, this stylish bar fuses local Hong Kong culture with Spanish Mediterranean influences, offering an impressive selection of gin-based drinks and tapas. Additionally, it serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions that showcase the works of contemporary artists and DJs from around the world.
19/ Wah Lok Café (華樂冰室): Culinary Gem Radiating in Hong Kong’s Community
16 Tung Street, Sheung Wan. Tel. +852 2543 9559.
Photo by May James for Zolima CityMag
Wah Lok Café (waa4 lok6 bing1 sat1 華樂冰室), a cherished and traditional cha chaan teng in Sheung Wan, has been serving the neighbourhood’s community since the late 1940s, founded by Yu Tak-wah and Chan Lok. With its retro interior featuring orange and cream tiles dating back to the 1980s, this cozy café offers an authentic taste of Hong Kong-style breakfast and lunch. Diners flock to enjoy highlights like the pineapple bun with butter (bo1 lo4 jau4 菠蘿油), Hong Kong-style French toast, and fish cutlet, complemented by the must-try Hong Kong-style milk tea or Horlicks for a true local experience.
What sets Wah Lok apart is not only its delicious menu but also its rich history and warm atmosphere. The café has weathered the ups and downs of Hong Kong life, becoming a beloved gathering spot where generations of patrons return for hearty meals and familiar faces, making it a true gem in the city.
Heritage, Art & Lifestyle
20/ Asia Society: Art, Nature and Heritage
9 Justice Drive, Admiralty. Tel. +852 2103 9511.
Photo by Kevin Mak for Zolima CityMag
Located in a former Victorian-era munitions depot — once part of the vast military complex that dominated the part of Hong Kong now known as Admiralty — the Asia Society Hong Kong Center combines natural beauty, striking contemporary architecture, heritage and a robust calendar of cultural events. The dramatic hillside site hosts art exhibitions, film screenings, performances, lectures and more. Designed by architects Billie Tsien and Tod Williams, an elegant modern pavilion leads seamlessly into a cluster of historic buildings nestled in lush greenery. It’s an escape from the city right in the middle of it.
21/ Sai Ying Pun Community Complex (High Street Haunted House): From Hospital to Community Space
2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun. Tel. +852 2540 2812.
Photo courtesy Home Affairs Department
In the heart of Sai Ying Pun, the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex stands as a chilling reminder of Hong Kong’s often eerie past. Once the largest mental health hospital in the city, this site also bears the dark legacy of being the reported site of a massacre by Japanese invaders during World War II. Today known as the “High Street Haunted House,” it is notorious for ghost sightings, drawing curious visitors and photographers alike.
After years of neglect and damage, including two devastating fires, the building was repurposed into the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex in 1998, preserving its distinctive granite facade. Today, despite its morbid past, this unique location blends historical charm with modernity, making it a popular spot for wedding photoshoots while embodying the neighborhood’s complex history.
22/ Lascar Row (Cat Street): Multicultural History Meets Antique Shopping
Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan.
Photo courtesy Shutterstock
Lascar Row, commonly known as Cat Street, is a vibrant collective of two streets — Upper Lascar Row and Lok Ku Road (formerly Lower Lascar Row) — nestled in the heart of Sheung Wan. Its name is derived from a term that once referred to South Asian seamen who frequented the area. This reflects the rich multicultural tapestry of Hong Kong, where diverse communities have continued to shape its identity. Today, many visitors can be found browsing through this street’s eclectic mix of antique shops, art galleries, and stalls selling everything from vintage collectibles to unique souvenirs.
23/ Man Mo Temple (文武廟): A Timeless Sanctuary for Deities and the Community
124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Tel. +852 2540 0350.
Photo courtesy Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
Step into a world where history and spirituality intertwine at Man Mo Temple (man4 mou5 miu6 文武廟), one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most enchanting temples. Nestled on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan, this vibrant sanctuary is dedicated to the gods of literature, Man Cheung, and war Mo Tai (also known as Kwan Tai), attracting both worshippers and curious travellers alike. Built between 1847 and 1862, the temple complex comprises three distinct buildings: the main Man Mo Temple on the left, Lit Shing Kung for heavenly gods in the middle, and Kung Sor, which served as a community meeting place.
Once managed by local residents, Man Mo Temple served not only as a place of worship but also as a community hub for discussing issues and resolving disputes. In 1908, it was entrusted to Tung Wah Hospital, which later expanded its role to include funding education and charitable work. Recognised as a Grade I Historical Building since 1994, the temple remains a vibrant symbol of traditional craftsmanship.
24/ PMQ: An Intersection Where Artistry and Gastronomy Meet
35 Aberdeen Street, Central. Tel. +852 2870 2335.
Photo courtesy Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong
If you were a policeman at the former Central Police Station (modern-day Tai Kwun), where would you live? The Police Married Quarters – another redeveloped building a stone’s throw away nearby.
PMQ, as it is now known, is a historic site that has undergone significant transformation since its establishment. Built in 1951 on the remnants of the Central School, which was founded in 1889, the complex served as housing for married junior policemen after being repurposed following damage during World War II. Recognised as a Grade III Historic Building in 2010, it was revitalised into a creative hub in 2014.
Today, PMQ stands as a vibrant center for arts and design, featuring studios and galleries that showcase local and international talent. It also supports local businesses and houses a variety of restaurants like Louise and 22 Ships, making it a dynamic destination for both art lovers and food enthusiasts.
25/ Tai Kwun: An Impeccably Restored Home for Art and Culture
10 Hollywood Road, Central. Tel. +852 3559 2660.
Photo by Viola Gaskell for Zolima CityMag
It’s hard to overstate just how transformative Tai Kwun has been. Once threatened by redevelopment, the historic Victoria Prison and Central Police Station compound has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind complex that brings together history, heritage, contemporary art, performance and entertainment. Wander through the sensitively restored courtyards and laneways to admire the Victorian-era architecture, learn about prison life inside real jail cells or grab a cocktail at one of several bars. Two contemporary pavilions designed by Herzog & de Meuron — the same architects as the Tate Modern — host some of Hong Kong’s best art exhibitions, along with dance, music, lectures and more. Tai Kwun also hosts regular exhibitions on history and heritage.
26/ Tram Ride (Find no. 120): 120 Years of the Ding-Ding
(From Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town). Tel. +852 2118 6338.
Photo courtesy Hong Kong Tramways
Hong Kong’s distinctive tram system, affectionately known as the “ding ding,” after the sound of its bells, celebrated its 120th founding anniversary in 2024. You can see this history in action in tram number 120, the oldest operational tram in the fleet. Designed in 1949, it showcases the distinctive and multicoloured designs that have become synonymous with Hong Kong’s urban landscape, embodying the charm of a bygone era.
Now owned by RATP Dev, the international branch of the company that operates the Paris metro, Hong Kong Tramways has revitalised operations that were once on the verge of closure. With the world’s largest fleet of double-decker trams, it continues to be a vital part of the city’s public transport network, providing an affordable and environmentally friendly way to explore Hong Kong Island’s rich heritage.
In Between Hong Kong and Kowloon
27/ Star Ferry (between Central and Kowloon): A Ferry Ride Through History
Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, Salisbury Road.
Central Pier Number 7, Man Kwong Street.
Tel. +852 2367 7065.
Photo by Alice Miquel for Zolima CityMag
The Star Ferry is not simply a mode of transport, but rather a cherished cultural icon that has been sailing across Victoria Harbour since 1888. Founded by Parsee merchant Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala as the Kowloon Ferry Company, this historic service has evolved into a vital link between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Carrying over 70,000 passengers daily and offering breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline, the Star Ferry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including brinks of closure and the demolition of its historic piers due to land reclamation. But it remains a symbol of resilience and continuity. Its distinctive double-ended design and classic green-and-white vessels have largely remained unchanged for decades, preserving the charm that has captivated generations.
Kowloon
Art & Lifestyle
28/ West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK): Hong Kong’s Cultural Anchor
WestK Address: West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West
Hong Kong Palace Museum Address: 8 Museum Drive
M+ Address: 38 Museum Drive
Tel. +852 2200 0022.
Photo courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Hong Kong is rapidly solidifying its status as a premier cultural hub in Asia, with the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) leading the city’s charge. The district spans 40 hectares and hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances and arts events, with 23 hectares dedicated to public open space. Among the highlights are, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which explores historic art and artefacts in exhibitions like The Forbidden City and The Palace of Versailles and Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London.
Meanwhile, the M+ museum of visual culture has featured exhibitions like Henry Steiner: The Art of Graphic Communication, honouring the “Father of Graphic Design in Hong Kong” and his ubiquitous work, including the HSBC and Hong Kong Jockey Club logos. The museum also recently showcased the architectural genius of I. M. Pei, renowned for landmark designs such as the HSBC Building in Hong Kong, alongside the vibrant works of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama.
Food & Drink
29/ Eaton Hotel: Creative Accommodations
380 Nathan Road, Jordan. Tel. +852 2782 1818.
Photo courtesy Eaton Hotel
A rare hotel that is as much a destination for locals as it is for visitors, the Eaton stands out for its dedication to culture and its commitment to having a good time. A basement food hall is a reliable destination for affordable eats, while Terrible Baby is one of Hong Kong’s best cocktail bars, with an expansive, plant-filled terrace. But what makes the hotel stand apart is its robust programme of live music, art exhibitions and other indie cultural events, giving this corner of Kowloon a special kind of buzz.
Outdoor
30/ Dragon’s Back: A Coastal Journey Through the Mountains
Photo courtesy Edgar Ji
A highlight of the inspirational Four Trails movie, the Dragon’s Back offers a captivating coastal journey through the city’s stunning landscapes. This five-kilometre hike, part of the renowned Hong Kong Trail, begins near To Tei Wan and ascends to Shek O Peak, where breathtaking views of the Shek O Peninsula and the South China Sea await. The trail, named after its distinctive shape resembling a dragon’s spine, meanders along a picturesque ridgeline and allows hikers to immerse themselves in lush greenery and enjoy panoramic vistas.
As you traverse this scenic path, you’ll encounter various lookout points that provide Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. The trek culminates at Big Wave Bay, known for its inviting sands and surf. With its gentle gradients and well-marked routes, Dragon’s Back is accessible to all, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
31/ Victoria Peak: Embracing Majestic Heights and Stunning Vistas
Victoria Peak, Mid-Levels. Tel. +852 2849 0668.
Photo by Kevin Mak for Zolima CityMag
Rising 552 metres above the harbour, Victoria Peak is a must-visit destination that offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of experiences. Ascending from Central via the historic Peak Tram, travellers are treated to stunning panoramas of the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline. Along the way, iconic landmarks and lush greenery create an enchanting backdrop for this unforgettable journey.
At the summit, attractions like the Sky Terrace 428 provide 360-degree views of the Harbourfront and beyond. The Peak Tower and Peak Galleria offer a variety of dining options and shops, while the scenic Peak Circle Walk invites leisurely strolls through vibrant flora and fauna. A short distance away, Victoria Peak Garden also features beautifully landscaped grounds and historical significance, providing peaceful spots for relaxation amidst nature.
The Hong Kong International Literary Festival runs from 1 to 8 March, 2025. For more information visit here.
