HIDDEN HONGKONG: High 10 Off-The-Crushed-Path Sights to Keep away from the Crowd

You assume you’ve seen all of Hong Kong? Assume once more. On the world map, Hong Kong seems as a teensy, tiny dot, however what most vacationers get to see barely scratches the floor.

We frequently think about Hong Kong as a bustling city jungle with Disneyland and the Large Buddha on its outskirts. However in actuality, its full borders go method past the standard vacationer map. It covers over 1,100 sq. kilometers — comparable in dimension to all the Rizal Province — together with the peninsula and the assorted islands off its coast. It’s divided into three foremost areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. [ READ: WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG ✅ ]

Vacationers principally flock across the similar websites. The ever stressed Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and its widespread theme parks are surrounded by a novel model of freneticism. However if you happen to take the time to concentrate to its typically missed nooks and its extra distant crannies, you’ll discover that an unusually quiet Hong Kong awaits extra curious vacationers. Not too long ago, the Hong Kong Tourism Board confirmed us across the lesser-known sides, and on this article we’ll share all of them with you.

1. Tsz Shan Monastery

Whereas the Tian Tan Buddha typically graces Hong Kong’s postcards, one other gigantic construction of a Buddhist divinity could be discovered within the metropolis’s Tai Po district. Right here on the Tsz Shan Monastery, all eyes are on the 76-meter tall statue of Guan Yin, one of the vital revered deities in Buddhism. Just like the Large Buddha, it’s manufactured from bronze however this one is coated in stunningly white fluorocarbon self-cleaning paint.

The colossal Guan Yin clutches a vase in her left hand, symbolizing purification, and a pearl within the different, representing knowledge. It stands on a three-tier lotus flower, crowning the Buddhist Artwork Museum, which showcases a powerful assortment of Buddhist photos, relics, and different artifacts.

The monastery was formally opened in 2015 as a sanctuary that gives areas for tranquility, meditation, and religious purification. Therefore, the variety of guests allowed is restricted to solely 400 per day. Advance registration is required, and it may be completed on-line by visiting this web page.

TSZ SHAN MONASTERY

Tackle: 88 Common Gate Highway, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong

Easy methods to get to Tsz Shan Monastery: Take the MTR East Rail Line to Tai Po Market Station. Then, take Bus 75K certain for Tai Mei Tuk. Alight at San Tau Kok cease. Fare: HK$6.40. Stroll for 10 minutes alongside Tong Tsz Highway till you attain Common Gate Highway. Flip proper and stroll for 20 minutes.

Working Hours: 9:30am – 5:00pm

Entrance Charge: FREE

2. Sha Tau Kok

Of all of the cities inside Hong Kong, Shau Tau Kok is probably probably the most curious. For a lot of outsiders, it’s virtually remarkable. It’s the territory’s northernmost settlement. And it’s a closed city.

Wait, what? A “closed” city? What does it imply?

Positioned simply south of the boundary with Shenzhen, Shau Tau Kok is inside a regulated border zone referred to as Frontier Closed Space. In response to the South China Morning Submit, it was closed off by the British colonial authorities within the Nineteen Fifties in an effort to fight smuggling, espionage, and unlawful immigration.

It’s the final remaining main city within the zone, and is accessible solely to native residents and people with the right allow. Therefore, unsurprisingly, solely a restricted variety of vacationers get to see and step into it, and they’re allowed to remain within the space from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM solely.

However what’s in Sha Tau Kok?

Novelty, principally. Don’t anticipate thrilling theme parks, large buying malls or vibrant meals markets. What’s ready for you right here:

• Solar Moon Pavilion, a easy bayside nook the place you could possibly spend a quiet morning.
• Fish Lantern Sq., the place mascots Enggue Pup and Arttie Kitty stand, symbolizing the Sha Tau Kok fish lantern dance, which has been historically carried out for over 300 years and has been declared a nationwide intangible heritage.
• Chung Ying Road, which straddles the border with Shenzhen. One a part of it’s in Hong Kong whereas the opposite in mainland China. A backyard subsequent to it if typically a tour cease, as it’s a great place to look at the road.
• Murals are throughout city — on the partitions, within the corners, on the bottom — depicting principally festivals and characters.
• Salmon Home, inbuilt 1988 as relocation for a lot of indigenous residents.
• Shau Tau Kok Pier, the longest pier in Hong Kong, spanning 280 meters. It was constructed within the Sixties. It’s also the gateway to Lai Chi Wo, which I can be discussing within the subsequent part.

To handle your expectations: None of those are significantly exhilarating, overwhelming or dramatic. However altogether, they symbolize a facet of Hong Kong that one may say is commonly missed, virtually forgotten, and close to remoted, away from the chaos of downtown. Additionally they lend a cultural look into closed border cities that many individuals get to see.

Sha Tau Kok is open to guests however provided that they’ve a Tourism Closed Space Allow, which is FREE of cost. You’ll be able to apply for one on-line on Hong Kong Police Drive’s official web site at the least three working days earlier than your meant arrival. The net utility system opens in the beginning of every month for visits scheduled within the following month. (For instance, slots for February visits are made out there beginning January 1.) It’s on a primary come, first served foundation.

3. Lai Chi Wo

Established round 400 years in the past, Lai Chi Wo is among the oldest however greatest preserved Hakka settlements in Hong Kong. At one level in its historical past, the village’s prosperity began to say no, so the feng shui masters beneficial developing partitions round it to maintain success in and dangerous fortune out. At present, this walled village encircles over 200 homes neatly organized in rows.

Due to its distant location, a lot of the agricultural settlement has not modified, as if it’s been frozen in time. Simply exterior its partitions, the Hok Shan Monastery and Hip Tin Temple stay standing.

You’ll be able to go contained in the village and stroll down its centuries-old alleys, comply with the Lai Chi Wo Nature Path and admire the mangroves surrounding it. You may also simply discover and get wrapped in its old-world appeal or be part of a guided tour to be taught extra about Hakka historical past and tradition.

In 2020, the village was awarded a UNESCO Particular Recognition for Sustainable Growth for selling cultural conservation. It’s additionally a part of the Hong Kong UNESCO World Geopark.

HOW TO GET TO LAI CHI WO:

From Downtown Hong Kong: Catch a practice on the MTR East Rail Line to College Station and take Exit B. Hop onto Bus 272K and alight at Ma Lui Shui Pier, the primary cease. Journey on foot for 100 meters to Ma Liu Shui Touchdown No. 3 and board the kaito ferry certain for Lai Chi Wo. Alternatively, you may also simply stroll straight from the MTR College Station to the pier to catch the identical ferry, which ought to take roughly 12 minutes. Kaito ferries can be found on Saturdays and Sundays. Ferry journey time: 1.5 hours.

From Sha Tau Kok: Should you’re visiting Sha Tau Kok and Lai Chi Wo on the identical day journey, you may board a ferry from Sha Tau Kok Public Pier straight to Lai Chi Wo. Ferries from right here can be found every day. Journey time: half-hour. Notice {that a} Closed Space Allow is required to entry Sha Tau Kok and its pier.

4. Peng Chau

Except for the peninsula, Hong Kong additionally covers a number of outlying islands off its coast. Considered one of them is Peng Chau or “flat island”.

Peng Chau is sort of small, spanning only one sq. kilometer. However a few of its foremost sights embrace:

• Lung Mo Temple, devoted to the Chinese language goddess of water, who’s revered by native residents.
• Tai Lei, a small island linked to Peng Chau by a bridge with a jagged offshoot referred to as “Turtle Rock” and a sandy mini-beach.
• Tung Wan Seaside, an extended sandy stretch near the temple.
• Fook Yuen Leather-based Manufacturing facility, the island’s most visited attraction, because of the heritage constructing that homes it and its historical past. It’s not functioning as a workshop however an inventive “secret backyard” which options varied installations and graffiti.

Should you’ve seen the movie Beneath Parallel Skies, starring Janella Salvador and Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, you’ll most likely discover a few of its key sights acquainted just like the Peng Chau Bridge and a small Asian ingredient retailer.

Easy methods to get to Peng Chau: From the MTR Hong Kong Station, make your option to Central Pier No. 6. Catch a ferry to Peng Chau. Journey time is 30-40 minutes.

5. Mui Wo

Amongst vacationers, Lantau Island is greatest identified for Disneyland, the Large Buddha, and maybe Tai-O Village. However there’s one other seaside village alongside its coast that’s worthy of consideration — Mui Wo.

Mui Wo was as soon as identified for its silver mines, which is why lots of its key factors of curiosity bear the phrase “silver” in its identify — Silver Mine Bay Seaside, Silver Mine Waterfall, and Silver River. However at this time, its largest treasures are its calm ambiance and valuable waterfront views.

It’s additionally residence to Hideout, a novel and trendy restaurant-slash-art-space-slash-retreat that additionally helps native communities. That’s a variety of roles for a single institution, however it’s one thing that Hideout strives to do unexpectedly. They provide a spot of rest to vacationers, nourishing meals and drinks that keep on with farm-to-table beliefs, and wellness actions with little to no influence on the setting.

You may also be part of artwork workshops, too, when out there. I used to be capable of take part in an acrylic portray exercise throughout our go to.

Easy methods to get to Mui Wo: From the MTR Hong Kong Station, make your option to Central Pier No. 6. Catch a ferry to Mui Wo. Journey time is 35-55 minutes, relying on the vessel. Fare: HK$ 17.20 – 48.90, relying on the day and vessel. You’ll find the schedule and ferry data right here.

6. Cheung Chau

Should you want to go off the crushed path, one other outer island that you just would possibly wish to embrace in your itinerary is Cheung Chau, south of Lantau Island.

With an space of three sq. kilometers, Cheung Chau is bone-shaped, which seems like two separate islands linked by a slender beach-laced strip of settlement. Amongst Hong Kong locals who want to escape the fixed jolt of town, it’s identified for its climbing trails and stress-free seashores.

On our day journey in Cheng Chau, we had been capable of go to the next:

• Cheung Chau Household Stroll and Pak She Praya Highway, two linked waterfront walkways near the principle pier which might be lined with numerous seafood eating places with out of doors seating so you could possibly additionally admire the view from the promenade whereas indulging in contemporary and scrumptious ocean bounty. Most institutions supply Cantonese delicacies however Indian, Thai, and different worldwide choices can be found albeit restricted.
• Pak She Road, one other slender alley that’s flanked with intriguing institutions, from IG-worthy cafes and tea homes to handmade memento shops. Probably the most widespread retailers right here is Guo Jinji Bakery, which serves so-called “fortunate buns” with candy purple bean or sesame paste fillings. The island’s Cheung Chau Bun Pageant are held yearly in Might in honor of those signature fortunate buns. We received to pattern it as a result of it’s offered right here at Guo Jinji and different bakeshops any time of the yr.
• Yuk Hui Temple, also referred to as Pak Tai Temple, was accomplished in 1783, which locations it among the many oldest Taoist temples in Hong Kong. It was established for the worship of Pak Tai, one of many 5 types of the best deity in Taoism. Throughout the Cheng Chau Bun Pageant, this temple hosts the Bun Towers, that are three colossal 60-foot towers manufactured from the island’s fortunate buns. Islanders would then attempt to climb the tower and snatch the buns on high. Locals consider that the upper the buns they accumulate, the larger the fortune that the longer term will maintain for them.
• Cheung Chau Statement Deck (aka North Lookout Pavilion), which crowns a hill and marks the tip of a brief however slightly exhausting strolling path that begins at Pak Tai Temple. Everything of the path is paved, bookmarked by steep units stairs, so it’s nonetheless usually simple however not for these with mobility points. On high, a shocking view of the Cheung Chau and close by islands await you. Should you’re climbing in the summertime, know that it’s far more difficult due to the warmth. Deliver water and a change of garments.
• Cheung Chau Cinema Multicultural Park, with a historic 1931 edifice as its centerpiece. This pre-war cinema constructing is among the longest preserved in Hong Kong. It’s not practical as a film home, because it ceased business operations in 1997, however it nonetheless presents loads of enjoyable to at the present time. An open piazza hosts movie screenings at evening and musical performances on some days. The 1931 Studio additionally serves as a museum the place you may be taught extra about filmmaking. Fruit stalls and memento retailers additionally dot the neighborhood.

After a day of exploring, we got here full circle at Cheung Chau Household Stroll. And there’s no higher option to finish a tour than with a hearty dinner at So Bor Kee, a dai pai dong (eatery) that gives a big selection of inexpensive however delicious seafood and meat dishes served family-style. Don’t miss its Sichuan boiled beef with loads of chili peppers and fish pores and skin combined with peanuts and sesame seeds.

HOW TO GET TO CHEUNG CHAU

From Hong Kong metropolis heart: Take the MRT to Hong Kong Station and make your option to Central Pier No. 5. Catch a ferry to Cheung Chau. Journey time is 35-60 minutes, relying on the vessel. Fare: HK$ 14.80-42.30, relying on the vessel and day of the week. See schedule and extra particulars right here.

From Ngong Ping/Po Lin Monastery: It’s potential to go to the Large Buddha/Ngong Ping 360 and Cheung Chau on the identical day. Simply board Lantau Bus No. 2, which makes a cease at Mui Wo ferry pier. Then catch the inter-island ferry to Cheung Chau.

7. Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a city on the southwestern coast of Hong Kong Island, greatest identified for its floating village and eating places. Traditionally, it’s been residence to the Tanka individuals, who historically dwell and work in junk boats. However at this time, the Aberdeen Harbour is sort of populated and developed, with high-rise buildings now dominating the panorama. That stated, it isn’t as crowded or as widespread amongst vacationers as Central and different city spots in Hong Kong.

Among the best methods to get acquainted with Aberdeen is by becoming a member of a ship tour. From the Aberdeen Promenade, you may board a tour boat and be taught extra concerning the city alongside the way in which and admire key sights from afar just like the Tai Pak Floating Seafood Restaurant and the Water World Ocean Park.

At one level, you’ll make a cease on the Aberdeen Houseboat, a floating museum that showcases its historical past and its group’s lifestyle. The tour often lasts 60 to 90 minutes, with one other cease at a floating memento store in direction of the tip.

Easy methods to get to Aberdeen Pier (for Fishing Village Tour): Take the MTR to Lei Tung Station, which is on the South Island Line. Take Exit A1 and stroll alongside Wah Ting Road till you attain the harbor. Flip proper and proceed strolling to Hung Shing Temple. The pier is good across the nook.

8. Sham Shui Po

On Hong Kong’s Kowloon facet, most vacationers solely get to discover Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, and Mong Kok. However north of Mong Kok lies Sham Shui Po, which is brimming with compelling sights by itself.

So what’s one of the simplest ways to get to know Sham Shui Po? By joing a strolling tour led by a information, who can share significant insider insights about every attraction. Our tour was led by Miranda, a Sham Shui Po native. A few of the stops alongside the way in which embrace:

• Kung Wo Beancurd Manufacturing facility, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee that has been working within the space since 1960, promoting out a thousand bowls of its signature tofu fa or beancurd pudding a day. The silky tofu is drowned in cane sugar water, however be happy to sprinkle further brown sugar on high. It prices HK$12-14 per bowl. We additionally received to attempt its deep-fried tofu, topped with a skinny slice of seasoned pork, which prices HK$14 per serving.
• Apliu Road Flea Market, which is a hotspot for devices and different digital objects together with laptops, cell phones, and equipment. You’ll additionally discover home equipment and souvenirs. However some pay a go to right here to empty a bowl of snake soup, which is a well-liked winter delicacy amongst locals. It’s positively not for me, although.
• Fuk Wing Road, aka Toy Road as a result of it’s flanked principally by dozens of shops promoting kids’s toys and equipment.
• Yu Chau Road, aka Bead Road, as a result of it’s the place it is best to go if you happen to’re on the lookout for beads, buttons, and different stitching provides. It’s additionally punctuated by costume and jewellery shops.
• Sam Tai Tsz Temple and Pak Tai Temple, two historic temples in a single advanced. Each are housed in heritage buildings. The previous was inbuilt 1898 by Hakka residents as a tribute to the deity Sam Tai Tsz (also referred to as Na Cha somewhere else) for saving Sham Shui Po from a plague outbreak. It’s the solely temple in Hong Kong devoted to Sam Tai Tsz. The latter was inbuilt 1920 by fishermen to worship Pak Tai (the North deity that can also be honored at Cheng Chau’s Yuk Hui Temple).

Outdoors of the tour, we had been additionally capable of go to the Jockey Membership Artistic Arts Centre (JCCAC), which was initially inbuilt 1977 as a posh of tiny family-run factories however was reworked into an artist village.

We additionally received to dine at Tai Ping Koon. Established in 1860, it’s regarded by the South China Morning Submit as “one of many oldest regularly working Chinese language eating places on the earth” and by CNN as “the very first Chinese language-owned Western restaurant in China”. It focuses on roasted pigeon, which is greatest eaten by hand, with out utensils.

Easy methods to get to Sham Shui Po: Take the MTR to Sham Shui Po Station (on Tsuen Wan Line). Most sights are inside strolling distance from the MTR Station.

9. Nan Lian Backyard and Chi Lin Nunnery

On a separate event, we had been additionally capable of drop by Nan Lian Backyard, a peaceable 3.5-hectare oasis in the course of the huge city jungle that’s Kowloon.

The backyard is designed in classical Tang dynasty style. It’s adorned with manicured bushes surrounding the tranquil “Blue Pond” that’s straddled by a vermillion bridge that results in a small pagoda referred to as the “Pavilion of Absolute Perfection”.

Inside its buildings are varied reveals together with the Chinese language Timber Structure Gallery, which showcases the standard method of constructing timber homes throughout the Tang dynasty.

The backyard is located simply subsequent to Chi Lin Nunnery, so preserve quiet throughout the neighborhood. Large group images are additionally prohibited inside.

NAN LIAN GARDEN

Working hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, however the reveals are open from 10:00 AM to five:00 PM.

Entrance payment: FREE of cost.

Easy methods to get to Nan Lian Backyard: Take the MTR Tuen Ma Line to Diamond Hill Station. Entrance to the Nan Lian Backyard is roughly 350 meters from right here (about 4-minute stroll).

10. Sheung Wan

On paper, Sheung Wan ought to be fairly touristy on condition that it lies inside spitting distance from Central. However in actuality most vacationers visiting Central keep inside its confines and infrequently wander away to neighboring Sheung Wan.

Sheung Wan is considered one of my favourite areas to remain in Hong Kong. Except for its shut proximity to Central, its map is dotted with numerous attention-grabbing websites just like the Man Mo Temple, constructed over 160 years in the past in honor of Man (Man Cheong), the God of Literature, and Mo (Kwan Tai), the God of Warfare. These two deities are the patrons of students, so traditionally, college students who want to cross exams or do higher in research pray to them.

Hong Kong harbors quite a few Man Mo temples, however the one in Sheung Wan is by far the most important. It was additionally declared a historic constructing and monument.

Sheung Wan can also be a foodie’s paradise. A stroll right here will allow you to uncover eating places and eateries which might be principally frequented by residents. Considered one of these is Lin Heung Kui, greatest identified for its dimsum at lunch, however additionally they serve killer roasted meats like duck and soy hen.

We additionally received to attempt Samsen, a slightly expensive however worth-it resto serving delectable Thai favorites. We additionally joined a guided Sheung Wan Meals Tour final yr!

A giant stretch of the Dr. Solar Yat Sen Historic Path, which extends from the College of Hong Kong all the way in which to Central, additionally passes by means of Sheung Wan. By looking for the 16 plaque-marked stops alongside the strolling path, you’ll get to be taught extra concerning the lifetime of the historic revolutionary, significantly his time and training in Hong Kong.

Easy methods to get to Sheung Wan: Take the MTR Island Line to Sheung Wan Station. Most factors of curiosity could be reached on foot from this MTR station.