Public holidays in 2024

In 2024, Hongkongers can enjoy six long weekends.

Public holidays in 2025

In 2025, Hongkongers can enjoy five long weekends.

Header image credits: Pavel Muravev via Canva

When Are The Next Fireworks In Hong Kong?

The next fireworks show is on June 15, and starts at 8pm at the Wan Chai harbourfront area to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. Hong Kong hosts three spectacular annual displays every year at Victoria Harbour for Chinese New Year, on National Day (October 1), and on New Year’s Eve. This year, there will also be a series of monthly shows for public holidays like Labour Day and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival.

Avenue of Stars — Tsim Sha Tsui

This is the definitive place to watch any fireworks display in the 852 as spectators get to view the show against the iconic backdrop of Hong Kong Island. This area gets crowded pretty quickly, and you’ll barely have any standing room, so get there well before midnight to get your front-row seat to the spectacular nighttime event. If you aren’t able to get a coveted spot there, walk east along the harbour and pick a place on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

How to get there:
– MTR: Access Avenue of Stars via Exit J of the East Tsim Sha Tsui Station.
– Ferry: Take the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui, then walk along the TST promenade for about 10 minutes.
– Bus: Alight from any bus near Salisbury Road or East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Cultural Centre Station or Star Ferry Station, then head east along Salisbury Road. Get the full bus list here.

Golden Bauhinia Square — Wan Chai

While this is a popular tourist spot and easy to find, it isn’t a prime fireworks viewing area. And drinks and snacks are usually not easy to come by here. But this should be the place to go if you don’t want to be in the midst of a heaving crowd while watching the fireworks.

How to get there:
– MTR: Leave Wan Chai Station via Exit A5, head to Central Plaza via a footbridge, and take the overhead walkway to reach the waterfront. 
– Ferry: Board the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai, and reach Golden Bauhiia Square after a five-minute walk from the pier. 
– Bus: Take any of the following buses to the Hong Kong Cultural and Exhibition Centre: 25A, 307C, 905, 905P, 914X, 914P, 961, 961P, 978, 978A, 978B.

Tamar Park — Admiralty

Bring a blanket, food, and drinks and make this year’s fireworks show a picnic experience at this wide, grassy expanse, which will give you a great harbourside view of the event. It’s an easy walk from the Admiralty MTR station, and is a great place to bring kids. If, however, you feel up to braving the crowds, get here super-early and find a spot on the observation deck right by the harbour.

How to get there:
– MTR: Hop on the Island Line to Admiralty Station, take Exit A, and cross Harbour Road via the pedestrian walkway.
– Ferry: Take any ferry that gets to Central Piers 1-7, walk east towards AIA Vitality Park, and then along Victoria Harbour until you get to the park. Or take the Star Ferry to Wan Chai Pier and then head west on the promenade by the harbour.
– Bus: Take the 18, 97, 720, 780, 905, 905P, 914X, or 979 and get off at Harcourt Road. Here’s the full list of bus and minibus stops closest to Tamar Park.

Central Piers — Central

The best place along the Central side of the harbour is near the Star Ferry Terminal or Central Pier 8 as you will get an unobstructed view of the fireworks show. If you want an aerial view of the event from this area, you could even book a seat on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.

How to get there:
– MTR: Take the Island Line To Central and access the piers via a walkway that starts from Exit A, or hop on the Tung Chung Line to Hong Kong Station and take Exit F to walk to the piers through IFC Mall. 
– Ferry: There are many ferries that sail to Central from Kowloon and the outlying islands.
– Bus: Those who prefer the bus will find several going to the Central Bus Terminus at Exchange Square. 

Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade — Wan Chai

This 5.5 km stretch has several places along Victoria Harbour from where you can catch the fireworks display. And as a bonus, you can head to the new Water and Sports Recreation Precinct, which is a five-minute walk from the promenade, to see the railway-themed Christmas Tree.

How to get there:
– MTR: Take the East Rail Line to Exhibition Centre, leave via Exit A2, and get to the promenade via Hung Hing Road.
– Ferry: Star Ferry passengers from Tsim Sha Tsui will find that the venue is a five-minute walk from the Wan Chai Ferry Pier.
– Bus: Board any bus that terminates at the Wan Chai North Temporary Public Transport Interchange.

West Kowloon Art Park — Kowloon

If you’re looking for a chilled-out spot to take in the fireworks on the Kowloon side of the Harbour, head to this wide open space. Feel free to pack a stool, pitch a tent, or even bring your pets — if crowds and loud noises don’t scare them too easily, that is.

How to get there:
– MTR: Head to Kowloon Station on the Airport Express or Tung Chung Line and get to the park via Elements mall (Exits C1 or D1) or Nga Cheung Road (Exits E4 or E5). 
– Ferry: Access the park via the harbour on a Water Taxi, which goes from East Tsim Sha Tsui to West Kowloon on weekends and public holidays.
– Bus: There are many bus and minibus options that take passengers to Museum Drive and Nga Cheung Road. 

Lugard Road — The Peak

This is the place to be if you want a bird’s-eye view of the fireworks display. Hike up to The Peak, or head up there via bus or tram. While you’ll have to pay for a ticket to check out the action from Sky Terrace 428, we suggest going to Lugard Road for a free-of-charge view. This is a photographer-favourite spot, though, so you’d do well to get here early. If you’re going with kids, this is an easy walk, and you can combine it with a pit stop at Victoria Peak Garden and Mount Austin Playground.

How to get there:
– Tram: Hop on the Victoria Peak Tram, and walk from the Peak Terminus to Lugard Road.
– Bus: Take the No. 15 bus from the Central Bus Terminus at Exchange Square. 

Kowloon Peak — Ma On Shan

If you decide to head up to Kowloon Peak, also known as Fei Ngo Shan, you will get sweeping views of Hong Kong, but the fireworks will be obstructed by skyscrapers. However, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, this is one of the more adventurous ways to check out the display against the twinkling lights of the city. The hike via Fei Ngo Shan Road is of moderate difficulty, and takes 25–35 minutes along a mostly paved road with a steep rocky path towards the end.

How to get there:
– MTR: Take the MTR to Choi Hung Station and walk to Fei Ngo Shan Road via Clearwater Bay Road from there.
– Bus: Take the 1A, 1S, 11B, 11S or 11 to Clearwater Bay Road to Fei Ngo Shan Road at the base of Kowloon Peak and start your hike.

East Coast Park Precinct — North Point

This is a bit further out than most people usually venture for a Hong Kong fireworks show, but it will be a promising vantage point as this year’s display will extend to Causeway Bay. It’s smaller than the other spots we’ve mentioned, but it’s also generally not as crowded as the other more popular spaces. Grab a place along the 100-metre-long breakwater that extends into the harbour and try to get a north- or west-facing view.

How to get there:
– MTR: Make your way to Fortress Hill on the Island Line, and the park can be reached by undertaking a short walk via Oil Street and Electric Road.
– Bus: Minibus No. 56 stops at Merlin Street, while several other buses make stops at Electric Road and King’s Road, which are also short walks away from the park.

IFC — Central

This has the advantage of being a wide open space on a rooftop bang in the heart of the city. You can order a quick bite from Shake Shack, or even make a run to the supermarket downstairs to get snacks and drinks to enjoy as you watch the show.

How to get there:
– MTR: This mall sits atop the Hong Kong Station, which is on the Airport Express and Tung Chung lines, and you can get to the mall via Exits F or E1.
– Ferry: The mall is a five-minute walk from Central Ferry Piers 1-7, and can be accessed by two walkways from Pier 3 and Pier 7.
– Bus: The Central Bus Terminus at Exchange Square just outside the mall provides access to more than 30 bus or minibus routes.

Ocean Terminal Deck — Tsim Sha Tsui

Many photography enthusiasts flock to the rooftop of this five-storey extension building of Harbour City to get the best click of the fireworks, as it boasts a 270-degree view of the city’s skyline. The mall will also open the Ocean Terminal Rooftop Car park to the public, which they can access if they redeem a charity admission ticket.

How to get there:
– MTR: Harbour City is within a 10-minute-walk from three MTR stations: Tsim Sha Tsui (Exit A1), East Tsim Sha Tsui (Exit L5), and Austin (Exit F). 
– Ferry: The mall is directly in front of the TST Star Ferry Pier, which is convenient for passengers from Central and Wan Chai.
– Bus: Take any of the several buses to Tsim Sha Tsui Bus Terminal, which is directly in front of the mall.

Braemar Hill — Eastern District

Braemar Hill is popular among photographers who want to capture a picture-perfect Hong Kong sunset, especially from the Mount Butler viewpoint. It has great west-facing views of the harbour and tends to be secluded if you hike up there, which makes it a great vantage point for a view of the fireworks against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

How to get there:
– MTR: Make your way to Tin Hau Station on the Island Line, then walk to the beginning of the hiking trail by way of Tin Hau Temple Road, Cloud View Road, which connects to Braemar Hill Road. The trail begins just behind St Joan of Arc Secondary School. 
– Bus: Catch the 49M minibus From King’s Road to Upper Braemar Hill Bus Terminus, then hike up to the peak.

Hung Hom Bypass — Tsim Sha Tsui

This may be one of the busiest streets in Hong Kong, but it’s ideal for those who want an Avenue of Stars view of the fireworks, but at a slight elevation. Sections of this thoroughfare will be closed from 6pm onwards during New Year’s Eve, so spectators can get a street-party vibe in a spot that usually has fast-moving traffic.

How to get there:
– MTR: Take the East Rail Line to the Hung Hom MTR Station and leave via Exit D4. From there, it’s a 15-20 minute walk down to the promenade.
– Bus: Catch the 606S to Mody Road and walk through Cody Road Garden to get to the bypass.

Water and Sports Recreation Precinct — Wan Chai

This recently opened nine-kilometre-stretch that connects Kennedy Town and Fortress Hill has a breakwater with a viewing deck, ideal for west-facing views of the fireworks spectacle. While you’re there, check out the two MTR cars on display that used to ply the East Rail Line.

How to get there:
– MTR: Walk from Exhibition Centre MTR Station (Exit A2) on the East Rail Line via Hung Hing Road, or from the Causeway Bay station (Exit C) on the Island Line by way of the footbridge at Canal Road West. 
– Ferry: Take the Star Ferry to Wan Chai Ferry Pier, and walk eastwards on the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade.
– Bus: Hop on board the buses that head to the Wan Chai North Temporary Public Transport Interchange.

Header image credits: Nick Kwan via Pexels

Community care

Asian Charity Services

Asian Charity Services is a community connector that bridges skills-based volunteers with NGOs. Leaders of small-to-medium sized NGOs lack access to professional training and the know-how to grow their organizations to better help the most vulnerable. As a skills-based volunteer, you can engage with NGOs directly through their pro-bono capacity building programs to expand your social reach, meet like-minded professionals and make our society a better place. Visit their website and connect.

ImpactHK

ImpactHK works with homeless individuals to help them find a secure place to live, recover their health and wellbeing, increase their self-esteem and social standing, and find their purpose. You can become a kindness walk leader, join the walk or do skill-based long-term volunteer work.

Hong Kong Red Cross

Most people around the globe are familiar with the work of the Red Cross and the iconic logo often seen amidst disaster relief areas worldwide. The Hong Kong branch has more than 22,000 volunteers who take part in diverse projects in community service. Caring for mentally and physically challenged students at local schools is one of the ways you can help, or by bringing a dose of happiness to others through the “Red Cross Volunteer Puppet Theatre”.

Crossroads Foundation

The Crossroads Foundation deals in global distribution – they collect donated quality goods and send them to people in need, both locally and abroad. They always want help to pack goods, as they get a lot coming in. But there is a range of other opportunities for volunteers of all ages. You can pick a specialization that interests you, for example, IT, theatre, retail, or administration. You can register as an individual, group, student, organization, and even do an internship.

Po Leung Kuk

Po Leung Kuk is committed to providing services to all members of the community to achieve holistic development. They hope to provide public enjoyment, protect the environment, pass on cultural heritage, and bring good to society. You can volunteer in recreational events, workshops, medical appointments, household upkeep, childcare, schoolwork assistance, and translation.

Society for Community Organization

SoCO strives to aid the impoverished and politically disadvantaged in the community in recognizing their rights. They also work in mobilizing resources and people from many domains to assist with social welfare. You can help by providing tutoring sessions and individual therapy to help youngsters.  You might also help with administrative work or fundraising efforts.

Oxfam Hong Kong

The international organization fighting poverty and injustice employs volunteers for a lot of their work, from providing admin support at their North Point headquarters, to helping out at their secondhand shop in Jardine House. For those wanting to get out and interact more, they also need people to pitch in at their fundraising events in the community like the Oxfam Trailwalker and Oxfam Musical Marathon.

Food Angel

Food Angel is a food rescue initiative that saves excess edible food from the food industry to give to the deprived. They are looking for volunteers to assist with the preparation and sorting of fresh veggies. However, volunteers must be Hong Kong residents or have valid working or student visas.

St. James’ Settlement People’s Food Bank

There are often calls to donate food items to those less fortunate around Christmas and other major holidays, but we tend to forget that the need for food donation is yearlong. St. James’ Settlement People’s Food Bank sorts and delivers food for struggling families and individuals throughout Hong Kong and relies on volunteers when it comes to food drives, fundraising, and other services. You can donate your time on a short-term or weekly basis.

Feeding Hong Kong

Feeding Hong Kong transfers surplus food from places where it is abundant to others in short supply. Individual and group volunteers are vital to Feeding Hong Kong’s efforts to decrease wasted food and feed charity. If you’re interested in helping, you can sign up as an individual or as a group.

HandsOn Hong Kong

HandsOn Hong Kong is a volunteer network with a focus on meeting pressing social needs. They recruit and manage volunteers to take part in activities run by local charities, like helping students learn English, taking care of the day-to-day at a local food bank, escorting youngsters with impairments on trips, visiting isolated seniors in their houses, and tending to infants from refugee families so their moms may participate in sports. They regularly put up posts that need filling on their website.

Hong Kong Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability

They offer various sporting events for people with intellectual disabilities, intending to maximize their athletic potential, cultivate great sportsmanship attitudes, and facilitate their inclusion into society. Volunteers receive training to improve their awareness and knowledge about people with intellectual disabilities and their sense of togetherness.

Soap Cycling

Soap Cycling collaborates with schools, hotels, corporations, volunteers, and WASH organizations around Asia to recycle soap to minimize avoidable hygiene-related illnesses by delivering this resource where it is most required. People may contribute directly by participating in Soap Cycling, which provides an enjoyable volunteering environment.

Cause Corps

Cause Corps is a non-profit grassroots initiative whose purpose is to make ‘doing good’ a lifestyle. If you want to get more involved in volunteering, this is the place. You can meet like-minded people in cafés and public spaces throughout the world to craft, knit, plant, and educate, and make helping others a daily habit.

Make It Work HK

Make it Work HK aims to empower Hong Kong’s working poor by giving them the means to make their lives better. They do this through food distribution, job placement, and training. Volunteers are constantly needed to share their knowledge during exercises, serve meals, and assist their team.

Women

Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (RainLily)

Since 1997, the Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (ACSVAW) has been a pivotal NGO in Hong Kong, dedicated to raising awareness about female sexual violence. They launched RainLily in 2000, Hong Kong’s first 24-hour crisis centre for sexual violence, offering one-stop comprehensive support from medical treatment to legal advice. Over the years, they have helped victims of sexual abuse over the age of 14 receive counselling and crisis assistance. ACSVAW believes in upholding basic human rights, promoting freedom for all women, and fostering a society that is respectful and free from violence.

MicroForests

MicroForests is a social enterprise that sells MicroForests artwork and hosts workshops to give training and career possibilities for females who are single moms, immigrants, or from low-income households. They want volunteers to assist with babysitting, activity support, promotional material assistance, developing a social support network for mothers, and participating in their outreach initiatives.

The Women’s Foundation

The Women’s Foundation is a non-profit committed to enhancing the wellbeing of Hong Kong’s women. Their goal is to break down gender stereotypes, empower impoverished women, and offer women a chance to lead. They’re seeking volunteers to teach English or run skills workshops, help in their activities or just spread the word.

HER Fund

Through funding, skill training, and resource linkage, HER Fund supports women’s rights and enhances poor living situations, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged women. If you want to discover and share your unique abilities, there are positions open. You can do volunteer work in office support, fundraiser support, graphic design, marketing and communications, and writing and editing.

Mother’s Choice

Mother’s Choice is a heartfelt charity in Hong Kong focused on a mission: to support children without families and pregnant teenagers. Since 1987, they’ve been changing lives by providing care homes, foster programs, and non-judgmental support for young mothers. They also run educational workshops to prevent crisis pregnancies and facilitate adoptions, creating loving families for children in need. Led by experienced professionals and a strategic board, Mother’s Choice is dedicated to ensuring every child finds a loving family.

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation

Breast cancer has long been the most common cancer affecting women in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF) stands as the pioneering non-profit organisation fighting against breast cancer, focusing on education, support, research, and advocacy. They advocate the mantra “Early Detection Saves Lives”, providing comprehensive services for patients and their families, including free screenings, financial aid for treatment, support groups, and educational talks. Every International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they host the “Pink October” campaign to ramp up awareness with a range of activities and collaborations.

Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres (HKFWC)

The Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres (HKFWC) is a non-partisan and non-religious organisation in Hong Kong, dedicated to supporting grassroots women and promoting gender equality. Through a variety of services, including but not limited to counselling, legal support, training, and childcare, HKFWC empowers women to build their Confidence, Independence, and Competence. With programmes ranging from gender education to volunteer development, they are committed to making a difference in women’s lives and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

The Association for the Advancement of Feminism

Founded in 1984, The Association for the Advancement of Feminism (AAF) champions women’s rights and combats discrimination. AAF promotes equality across all genders through policy advocacy, research, and resource development. They offer a free legal advice service hotline at +852 2708 3600 for women experiencing discrimination or sexual harassment, and house a free-entry Women Resource Centre filled with informative materials.

Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry

The Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry is the first to create a biobank for Chinese hereditary cancer research, offering a vast database and genetic counselling to battle hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Partnering with leading institutions, it helps advance precision medicine and cancer management. Moreover, the annual Pink Run event raises awareness and funds for high-risk families, promoting knowledge of BRCA gene mutations and supporting the community with testing and counselling.

Children & youth

Pathfinders

PathFinders is an organization that provides child protection, counselling, accommodation, healthcare, education, and legal assistance to vulnerable and poor children. They ensure that their migrant moms have the resources they need for a brighter future. Be a volunteer if you want to help guarantee that every kid in Hong Kong has a fair chance at a good life.

Changing Young Lives Foundation

Changing Young Lives Foundation aims to motivate underprivileged children to work towards a better life through educational and developmental projects that nourish the mind, body, and soul. They give them the information and skills required for the children to grow and thrive. You may sign up to volunteer, and they will call you when opportunities arise!

Autism Partnership Foundation

The Autism Partnership Foundation uses professional Applied Behaviour Analysis treatment to help autistic children reach their full potential and assists families in improving their quality of life. They accept Hong Kong residents above the age of 15 as registered volunteers. APF will allocate appropriate responsibilities based on each volunteer’s capabilities and interests, as well as their workload.

Mother’s Choice

Mother’s Choice helps Hong Kong’s numerous orphaned children and pregnant adolescents. Their vision is that every child should be raised in a loving home. You may help children without families and pregnant teens in the community by offering your talents as a photographer or translator, perhaps, caring for a kid without a family, or assisting in generating funds and awareness.

KELY Support Group

KELY aims to provide young people with the skills, information, and opportunities they need to help themselves. Their work revolves around drug and alcohol awareness, mental health and wellbeing, and positive youth development. You may assist in program development and execution, seminars, events, guidance, and consultation, as well as administrative tasks.

Make-A-Wish Hong Kong

The purpose of Make a Wish is to grant life-changing wishes to children with severe diseases ages 3 to 17 to enrich their life with optimism, strength, and happiness. This will have a life-changing influence on the child and his family. There is volunteer work available in Wish planning, administrative work, photography, and event participation.

Life Buddies

Life Buddies is a mentoring program in the community to help children from low-income families advance in society. Businesses and public members can actively participate as youth mentors, providing ambitions and guidance, especially to senior secondary students, to help them build a vision for their future.

Sprouts Foundation

The Sprouts Foundation helps impoverished children in Asia improve their quality of life by delivering excellent educational programs that are generally unavailable to them. Any time you spend with the kids is much appreciated. You may help by teaching a class or a sport, narrating a tale, supervising a weekend activity, and more.

Adoptive Families of Hong Kong (AFHK)

The AFHK consists of members who have in some way been touched by adoption. The organization hosts social gatherings, educational events, support groups, and advocates on behalf of those affected by adoption and foster care. They’re always on the lookout for volunteers to assist in the running of events, and are currently looking to fill several coordinator (marketing and social media, membership, children and family events) and translator roles.

Marginalized groups

Vision First

Vision First is an NGO that works to improve the living of refugees in Hong Kong. They have volunteers working at their office, from home, and at events. You can utilize your skills and do administrative work, writing, or even researching. Volunteers can also open up their workplaces to be used as venues for refugee programs or counselling rooms.

Justice Centre Hong Kong

They are a non-profit body that visualizes Hong Kong as a just and inclusive society where even the marginalized have access to essential privileges. Their team provides legal information, quality legal representation, counselling, and social welfare. If you share their vision, explore opportunities to join the team at Justice Centre as a volunteer.

Resolve

Rising leaders from disadvantaged and neglected communities are given fellowships to help them become change-makers and social activists. Resolve recruits experienced and devoted interns, volunteers, and staff focused on social progress in areas like fundraising and development, project management, and communications.

Christian Action

Christian Action seeks to help marginalized, displaced, or abandoned individuals by providing hope, respect, and self-sufficiency. There are projects for ethnic minorities, migrant domestic workers, refugees, among others. From clerical employment to photography, tutoring, and translating, Christian Action offers many possibilities.

Education

Bring Me A Book

Bring Me a Book is a renowned NPO in Hong Kong that works to create the love of learning. Volunteers can engage in storytelling to young people in community centres and libraries across the city. You can also assist them in making plastic protective covers for the books they distribute, training as a narrator for storytelling activities, or marketing on their website and social media pages.

Rainbow Project

The Rainbow Project provides unique educational facilities as well as therapies to autistic children. They seek to educate families impacted by autism and assist low-income families with therapy at a reduced cost. You can volunteer as IT support, a classroom assistant, a photographer for events, or an outing helper.

Music Children Foundation

The Music Children Foundation’s mission is to give free music programs to underprivileged kids in Hong Kong aged 16 and under. There are volunteering opportunities for documentation, musical instrument training with children, accompanying children to concerts and plays, and organizing regular courses, orchestra, and choir sessions.

The Child Development Centre

The Child Development Centre envisions a Hong Kong where all children have equal access to education. They provide specialized instruction, treatment, and evaluation. You have marketing, visual design, human resources, staff mentoring, and training as options for volunteer work. You can also volunteer in a classroom or at an event.

Public health

Beyond Vision Projects

BVP focuses on social inclusion, social equality, and social engagement to improve the lifestyle of both the visually impaired and elders with poor eyesight. You can volunteer individually or as a group to assist the visually compromised in experiencing art, culture, history, and historical sites.

Orbis Hong Kong

Orbis is a global charity that educates, mentors, and encourages eye care professionals in low-resource areas so that they may help save and restore eyesight for people in their communities. As a volunteer, you can help with outdoor activities like fundraising walks, spreading awareness among districts, social media management, or administrative tasks.

Health in Action

Hong Kong’s Health in Action is an NGO with a mission to reduce health care access disparity in society. They believe that everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or political allegiance, has an equal right to good health. They are in need of volunteer psychotherapists, social workers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, attorneys, and others.

Hong Kong Alliance for Rare Diseases

The organization is dedicated to raising awareness of rare diseases and working together to strengthen rare disease regulations and treatments. Their work allows patients with rare illnesses to have access to medical treatment, social benefits, and schooling. They rely on volunteers to raise social awareness and support patients with rare diseases and their caregivers.

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation

The HKBCF is the first non-profit organization committed to reducing the risk of breast cancer in the community via education, intensive care, research, and outreach. They are looking for volunteers to help with patient support, charity events, translation, proofreading, reviewing, and administrative duties.

AIDS Concern

The organization aims to see zero new HIV infections, zero stereotyping for HIV-positive persons, and zero AIDS fatalities in Hong Kong. They call this the ‘Triple Zero’ initiate. With excellent support and participation from the community service done by committed volunteers, they aim to create HIV care and preventive programs for the community.

Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre

Maggie’s aids people in preparing for and manage cancer diagnoses, therapies, and the mental and emotional effects of the disease. To ensure that their monthly fundraising events operate well, there are ample volunteering opportunities. You may also help out by tending the centre’s garden, organizing the library, or assisting with administrative tasks.

Environmental

Green Earth

Green Earth is an NPO that hopes to transform Hong Kong into a healthy green economy. Their work mainly revolves around three major areas: plastic reduction, minimizing solid waste, and energy conservation. You can join this voluntary service and bring about change, given you are at least 16 years of age.

EcoDrive HK

The NGO EcoDrive raises awareness about the plastic crisis and encourages the decrease of single-use plastic in Hong Kong. They educate the public, engage with businesses, and offer potential solutions like their My Impact App that tracks your recycling actions. You can assist them by participating in their multiple community outreach programs like beach clean-ups or recycle collection days.

Hong Kong Cleanup

Hong Kong Cleanup seeks to enable Hong Kong residents to become active participants in keeping the city’s beautiful coastline regions, parks, and streets secure, tidy, and garbage-free. Their yearly Cleanup Challenge is accessible to the entire public from January 1st through December 1st. All you have to do is register your team of 3 or more!

World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF)

WWF organizes its activities around oceans, wetlands, biodiversity, wildlife, and green cities to have a genuinely global preservation effect. Volunteers are needed at all levels of the WWF, from event helpers to fundraisers to fieldwork in places like Hong Kong’s Mai Po. You should either be over 18 or have a guardian’s permission to volunteer.

Clean the World

Clean the World delivers recycled soaps and sanitary supplies donated by over 8,000 hotel partners to areas where pneumonia and cholera are common causes of death. Volunteers must be at least eight years old, with guardian supervision required for children aged 8 to 15. The most typical volunteer work is to filter through incoming goods from their hospitality providers and prep them for reprocessing.

e-Farm

E-Farm grows fresh organic veggies for the community, increases environmental consciousness, researches on many farming topics, and encourages community gardening.  You may try your hand at animal care, vegetable gardening, and educating children about the natural world. Volunteers are given training and instructions.

Green Power

Community service at Green Power is an excellent option if you are interested in local environmental problems. Eco-monitoring, climate, butterfly surveying, community education, coastal clean-up, and recycling are just a few of the initiatives they provide. You can sign up as an individual or as an organization to take part in their projects.

Green Hub

The goal of Green Hub is to “help people help themselves” by encouraging individuals to pursue a lifestyle that is in touch with nature and their surrounding community. Volunteers must be Hong Kong residents who are at least 16 years old and under 63. They must also be able to communicate well in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.

Hong Kong Wetland Park

Interested in nature conservation and preserving Hong Kong’s wetlands? Give your time and energy to the Hong Kong Wetland Park and be a visitor guide or help out with ecological monitoring projects, habitat conservation work and educational events at this popular, and important, ecotourism spot.

Animals

Hong Kong Dog Rescue

The goal of Hong Kong Dog Rescue is to save dogs who have been abandoned. Along with rescuing and rehoming, they also host seminars aimed at improving dog-human understanding. HKDR offers a variety of dog rescue volunteering opportunities, including dog walking and fostering. You can also work in other areas as a handyman, photographer, or designer.

Hong Kong Alley Cats Watch

HK Alley Cats Watch was founded with the primary purpose of assisting Hong Kong’s street cats. They seek to inspire people to be more tolerant of animals in general and educate the public on ethical pet ownership in collaboration with other animal welfare organizations. Hong Kong Alley Cats Watch constantly needs foster homes to care for young cats while they search for their forever home.

Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society

The Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society (HKDCS) is a non-profit organization committed to preserving Hong Kong’s whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The program seeks volunteers to assist with various activities, including program implementation, administrative labour, design, and event assistance, among others. Specific task training is provided.

Hong Kong Shark Foundation

The organization works to spread awareness about shark protection, notably the unsustainable shark finning activity, and to minimize shark product consumption in Hong Kong. They want volunteers to work as interns, IT persons, administrators, student Shark Ambassadors, and animal activists.

Kirsten’s Zoo

Kirsten’s Zoo Limited is a non-profit animal rescue organization managed entirely by volunteers. They offer a haven and medical treatment to abandoned, lost, and frequently tortured animals until they are adopted. The aim is to stop the influx of homeless ‘undesirable’ animals. To learn more, animal lovers can fill out a volunteer form.

Lifelong Animal Protection (LAP)

The mission of LAP is to help animals in distress and ensure each one has a safe home. They need volunteers for transporting the little critters to and from veterinary clinics, dog-walking, matching shelter pets with prospective adopters, event organizing, and more. When filling out their volunteer forms, be sure to specify your area of interest.

Sai Kung Stray Friends

Sai Kung Stray Friends is a Hong Kong volunteer group that rescues abandoned, sick, injured, and stray dogs and extends the chance to fully recover until they find permanent families and homes. You can spend time with the dogs, adopt them, or help spread awareness. Volunteers under 13 need an adult accompanying them.

Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong

They are dedicated to advocating for and facilitating Asian wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on Chinese white dolphins and giant pandas and their habitats. Volunteers can help with everyday operations, documentary work, videography, translation, fundraising, and promotional events, among other things. Every volunteer must be at least 16 years old.

SPCA Hong Kong

Their goal is to promote animal compassion, safeguard animal health and welfare, and prevent cruel treatment while developing a great respect for life in the community so that all living creatures can coexist in peace. You’ll be able to get up close with animals by cleaning, feeding and grooming them… and there’s probably room for some play time too. Or help out in animal care support by volunteering as a veterinary assistant, although this is currently only open to veterinary science and nursing students/graduates. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

Featured image credits: Hannah Busing via Unsplash

Hong Kong Disneyland is a great option for a day trip in the 852, a half-day outing, or even a staycation at any of the park’s three hotels. As a bonus, it has several indoor attractions where you can get a respite from Hong Kong’s hot, humid, and rainy weather. This theme park is much smaller than its American counterparts, but the upside is that, with a little planning, you can cover most of the attractions in a single visit.

And if you thought that a trip to Disney is only for children, think again! While there are rides that go a slower pace for kiddos — think the Cinderella Carousel, Flying Dumbo, and Orbitron — there are attractions that will give adults their fair share of fun, such as the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop and Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

So check out our handy guide to Hong Kong Disneyland, complete with the most popular attractions, ticket prices, restaurants, and tips for how to plan your visit to the park to get the most out of your time there.

How is Hong Kong Disneyland different from other Disney parks?

At 68 acres, Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest of all the Disney parks. Its compact size means that it’s pretty easy to hit all the major rides and shows in one visit, even with the long wait times on busy days. It’s close to the Hong Kong International Airport, so a trip to the park during a long layover is very doable and convenient if you use their luggage and locker storage options.

And when you take the MTR — the city’s vast network of trains — you can hop aboard the Disneyland Resort Line at Sunny Bay Station. The train carriages are designed to get you primed for your day at Disney, with its plush velvet seating, Mickey-ears windows and handles, and statues of characters from the Disney universe.

What makes the Hong Kong theme park unique is that it has two attractions not seen at any of the other Disneylands. The first is Mystic Point, which has a Disney’s Haunted House-meets-Indiana Jones vibe. The other is the World of Frozen — Disney’s only zone dedicated to the characters and locations of the hit film Frozen and its sequel — which will open on November 20, 2023.

Opening hours of Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is open six days a week and closed on Wednesdays, unless it’s a public holiday or a special day. It is generally open from 10.30am-8pm. The operation hours may be extended on weekends and during the holiday season, so make sure you check the park calendar before your trip there.

We recommend that you start your date with Disney early so that you spend as little time as possible waiting to board the rides or watch the shows. Finish your top picks by noon, as wait times for the attractions can be quite long after lunch. And as with most large-scale theme parks, it’s best to visit Disneyland on a weekday if you don’t want to spend most of your time there standing in queues — especially if you’re with kids.

Hong Kong Disneyland tickets and pricing

The first step on your Hong Kong Disneyland journey is to buy tickets to enter the park. This is fairly easy as you can purchase them on the park website, on the Hong Kong Disneyland app, at the park entrance, or at any of the hotels.

One-Day Tier Tickets

There are different prices for One-Day Tier Tickets, depending on whether the day you intend to visit the park is a regular weekday, weekend or public holiday, or a “popular day”:

• Tier 1 Tickets: HK$639 (adults), HK$475 (children)
• Tier 2 Tickets: HK$719 (adults), HK$539 (children)
• Tier 3 Tickets: HK$799 (adults), HK$599 (children)
• Tier 4 Tickets: HK$879 (adults), HK$659 (children)

Senior citizen tickets for all tiers are HK$100, while guests with disabilities get 30% off one-day ticket tiers. Children under three years old can enter Hong Kong Disneyland for free.

Magic Access pass

If you’re a frequent park visitor, it may be worth picking up a Magic Access pass, AKA an Annual Pass, which gives you unlimited entry to Disneyland for a year as long as you plan a trip when the pass is valid and not on blockout dates. You’ll also get discounts on tickets, merch, parking and meals, as well as special birthday offers. There are three types of annual passes:

• Silver (access only on weekdays): $1,468 (adult), HK$1,088 (child), HK$1,148 (student)
• Gold (all-year access except for certain public holidays) : HK$2,558 (adult), HK$1,818 (child), HK$1,918 (student)
• Platinum (unlimited access): HK$4,678 (adult), HK$3,368 (child), HK$3,558 (student)

Early Park Entry Pass

Want to start your Disney day early? Then get your hands on an Early Park Entry Pass—a one-time ticket priced at HK$199 that gives you access to Main Street U.S.A., and select Fantasy Land and World of Frozen attractions up to an hour before the park’s official opening.

Disney Premier Access

The Disney Premier Access pass is an add-on to a ticket or pass that you can buy to help you skip the queues at certain rides and shows. You can choose from any of the following passes:

• 1 Attraction: HK$99-HK$129
• 3 Attractions: HK$299-HK$599
• 8 Attractions, Momentous Castle Show, and 2 entertainment shows: HK$799

If you’re looking for great deals on Disney tickets, we suggest buying them on Klook or KKday. You also need to make a reservation before visiting the park, which can be done online or even by scanning a QR code on any of the standees at the entrance area.

Main zones in Hong Kong Disneyland

There are eight main areas in Hong Kong Disneyland, with a total of more than 30 attractions. Here are our top picks from each of them:

Main Street U.S.A.

Walk down Main Street U.S.A., which runs from the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad Station to the Castle of Magical Dreams. The street has a turn-of-the-century — 20th, not 21st! — aesthetic, and is lined with souvenir shops, food stalls, cafés (yes, there is a Starbucks), and restaurants. Once you’re done strolling down the street (and presumably getting that iconic castle pic), you can make your way to the other “lands”.

Tomorrowland

If you’re a fan of all things Marvel or Star Wars, then you’ll want to make a stop at Tomorrowland. Head to the Iron Man Tech Showcase to meet the superhero himself — try and get there early enough to watch him make his mind-blowing entrance — or engage in a heroic battle to vanquish Arnim Zola and his Swarmbots at the Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! Visiting with kids? Then hop aboard one of Orbitron’s flying saucers or meet their fave heroes at the Tomorrowland Stage. Star Wars fans can be part of the Battle of Jakku at Hyperspace Mountain.

Fantasyland

This is the best place in Hong Kong Disneyland for kiddos as they can ride on the Cinderella Carousel, go dizzy with excitement on the Mad Hatter Tea Cups, or get airborne with Dumbo the Flying Elephant — though you can skip that last one if you’ve already done Orbitron, especially since the wait times for this are usually long. It’s got several indoor attractions — from the relatively short It’s a Small World boat ride (with that trademark earworm song) and Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, to longer shows like Mickey’s PhilharmonicMagic and Mickey and the Wondrous Book (both very popular in the afternoon when it gets hot).

Princess-mad visitors will enjoy a stroll through Fairy Tale Forest to check out vignettes featuring Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, and several other Disney beauties. The Castle of Magic Dreams is the place to go if you want to get some face-time — and pics, of course — with the princesses, but remember to book a free Standby Pass after you enter Disneyland first! You can also stroll through Fantasy Gardens, where you can meet Mickey and his pals if you’re there before 6pm.

Adventureland

Make a beeline for this zone if you want a river safari courtesy the Jungle River Cruise, on which you will be guided through jungles from around the world and see rhinos, hippos, elephants, apes — and even cannibals and headhunters! For Tarzan’s Treehouse, which is currently closed, you have to take a raft to get to the treehouse and explore its bridges and small rooms. If you want to cool off, head to the steam- and water-spewing totems at Liki Tikis or grab a seat to watch Moana: A Homecoming Celebration. Need a longer break from all that outdoor activity? The Festival of the Lion King has got you covered with a good half-hour of air-con time, along with spectacular music, acrobatics, and singing to boot!

Grizzly Gulch

Fancy a trip to the Wild West? Look no further than Grizzly Gulch, with its Frontierland-inspired locales, complete with mining mountain, gushing geysers, gold nuggets, the town jail, and roller coaster. The main attraction here are the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, which take visitors on a thrilling ride all over the mountain that gives it its name. Take a break at the Geyser Gulch, where water erupts from the ground to help you cool off after a day of walking through the park. Take pictures at the town jail and meet Mickey and his pals in their Old West avatars.

Mystic Point

The standout attraction at this zone, the smallest at Hong Kong Disneyland, is Mystic Manor, which houses Lord Henry and his mischievous monkey Albert who take visitors on a tour of the mansion and its collection of antiquities from Henry’s travels around the world. If you prefer something less intense, check out the sculptures and treasures at the Garden of Wonders.

Toy Story Land

This was the first area in the Hong Kong park dedicated to a single film franchise and has a great mix of rides for kids and adults. Younger fans of the movie franchise will be tickled pink to hear larger-than-life replicas of Woody and Rex greet them as they enter Toy Story Land, and they can even meet their favourite characters from the films at the Barrel of Fun. Young children can head to the Slinky Dog Spin, a toned-down version of the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, while older kids (and grown-ups too) can get their share of thrills at the RC Racer and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop.

World of Frozen

Arendelle will finally open up its gates at Hong Kong Disneyland and give anyone who’s Frozen-obsessed the adventure of their lives. The biggest attraction is Frozen Ever After, which will take visitors on a musical voyage to Elsa’s Ice Palace. Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs is the park’s third coaster ride and will take adventurers through Arendelle Forest. Explore Anna and Elsa’s childhood safe space at Playhouse in the Woods, which will give guests the chance to immerse themselves in an interactive experience during which they will meet characters from the Frozen films.

Parades and shows in Hong Kong Disneyland

While you walk around the park, keep your eye out for the live interactive performances that can pop up anytime at Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Grizzly Gulch. Head back to Main Street for the Mickey & Friends Street Celebration or watch Follow Your Dreams, a 20-minute show at the castle at which fan-favourite Disney songs will be performed.

The biggest extravaganza at the park is undoubtedly the Momentous Nighttime Spectacular — a closing-time light show that features 150 characters from about 40 Disney and Pixar films, all synchronised with large-scale projection mapping, lasers, theatrical lighting, choreographed water fountains, and of course, fireworks. 

If you want to get a great spot to watch all these shows, download the Hong Kong Disneyland app to find out when each performance or parade begins so that you can line up for the best seats. Don’t have the time to wait? Then pick up a Disney Premier Access to save yourself the hassle in case you have a packed day.

Where to stay when visiting Hong Kong Disneyland

While you could stay at a hotel in neighbouring Tung Chung, Discovery Bay or at the airport, if you want the full Disney experience, we suggest making a booking one of the park’s hotels. The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is straight out of a fairytale, with its Victorian mansion-inspired décor and new Frozen-themed suite, along with an on-premises pool, playground, and outdoor maze.

If you want something a little more low-key, relatively speaking, make a reservation at the Explorer’s Lodge or the newly reopened Hollywood Hotel. Check the park’s hotel website for deals and offers they may have, especially during holiday seasons.

Restaurant and dining options at Hong Kong Disneyland

There are several cuisines and dining options at the park. Super-size your experience at Hong Kong Disneyland by trying the Disney-themed dim sum at Crystal Lotus or the Cantonese food at Plaza Inn — for which you may need to make a reservation if you plan to eat at a busy time. Starliner Diner at Tomorrowland has fried chicken-and-fries combos that are good value for money, while The Explorer’s Club at Mystic Point has international fare like Italian, Indian, and Singaporean on its menu.

Prefer to eat on the go? Grab some Mickey-shaped doughnuts and waffles at Main Street Bakery or Disney-themed ice cream at any of the carts dotted around the park. Jessie’s Snack Roundup at Toy Story Land serves up churros, ice cream and fruit cups, while you can get Korean squid and turkey leg at Karibuni Marketplace.

Seasonal shows at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland pulls out all the stops during the holidays by decking out the park in festive décor and organising special shows. Every Halloween, visitors can catch the Let’s Get Wicked show where Disney villains take centre stage in a musical performance, while the highlight of the year-end celebrations is the Disney Christmas Live in Concert show in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams. Check the website before you go to the park to find out if there are any special events or performances during your planned visit.

When is the best time to visit Hong Kong Disneyland?

The best time of year to visit Disneyland’s Hong Kong park is between October and January as the weather is great — clear, blue skies and low humidity — and the park gets into festive mode then, with its back-to-back Halloween, Christmas, and Chinese New Year celebrations.

While the park does have special events organised during the summer, the weather can be tricky as July-September is peak typhoon and rainy season in the city, apart from being extremely hot and humid. According to the Hong Kong Disneyland adverse weather protocol, if a T3 warning is in place, all outdoor rides and attractions are closed. When a T8 signal or anything higher is raised, the entire park will close.

Getting to Hong Kong Disneyland

There are several ways for you to get to the park as it’s very well connected by public transport:

• MTR: Take the Tung Chung Line — easily accessible from major MTR stations like Central and Kowloon — to Sunny Bay Station and then take the Disneyland Resort Line to the park. If you’re coming from the airport, take the Airport Express to Tsing Yi Station, and transfer to the Tung Chung Line.
• Bus: Hop aboard the R42 (from Tai Wai Station), R33 (from Tuen Mun Station) or 36 (from Tung Chung) to get to the park. If you’re heading there via the Lantau Link Interchange, take any ‘A’ or ‘E’ bus there and then hop on the R8 to head to Disneyland.
• Taxi: You can take a taxi to get to the park and hail either a red, green, or blue taxi out of the park, depending on whether you’re going to Central or Kowloon (red taxi), the New Territories (green taxi), or Lantau (blue taxi).
• Car: There is car parking available at Disneyland for anyone who prefers to drive to the park.

Guests at any of the Disney hotels can use the free shuttles to and from the park every 10-20 minutes between 6am and 1am.

FAQs about Hong Kong Disneyland

How much does it cost to visit Disneyland Hong Kong?

A one-day ticket costs anything between HK$639 and HK$879 for adults, and HK$475 and HK$659 for kids. However, you can save on ticket costs by picking up a Magic Access pass or purchasing tickets on online platforms like Klook or KKday.

What are the 5 must-see attractions at Disneyland Hong Kong?

World of Frozen, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, It’s a Small World, Hyperspace Mountain, and Mickey and the Wondrous Book.

Are there hotels within Hong Kong Disneyland?

There are three hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney Explorer’s Lodge, and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. There are free shuttles that take hotel guests to the park every 10-20 minutes.

Can we bring food to Hong Kong Disneyland?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks to Hong Kong Disneyland. There are plenty of benches where you can sit while you eat, or you can find a table at a food court like Chopin’s Festival of Foods. You can also refill your water bottles at stations near the restrooms.

How can I navigate the park efficiently?

Download the Hong Kong Disneyland app, which tracks your location and tells you where the nearest attractions are and how long the wait time at each one is.

Header image credits: Hong Kong Disneyland

Tai Tong Sweet Gum Woods — Yuen Long

This is the No. 1 spot in Hong Kong to catch the changing colours of autumn, and is popular among photography enthusiasts because the contrast between the red leaves of the sweet gum trees and green foliage of the evergreen trees makes for striking images. Since it gets pretty crowded during December, which is usually peak red-leaf time, we suggest going at the beginning or end of the season.

How to get there: Take the West Rail Line to Long Ping Station, get out at Exit B2, then take the MTR Bus K66. Get off at the Tai Tong Shan Road stop, and the roughly 2.5km walk to the Sweet Gum Woods should take about 40 minutes from here.

Tai Tong Shan Road, Tai Tong, Yuen Long, Hong Kong

Tsing Yi Park — Tsing Yi

If you want an autumn-in-Europe sort of vibe, then make a trip to Tsing Yi Park, which has elements of Continental architecture in its pavilions, amphitheatre, and statues. But the standout feature is the lake with its sabino tree-lined shore, which will add a pop of colour to your fall photo portfolio.

How to get there: There are several buses and minibuses that take visitors directly to Tsing Yi Park or to stops in its vicinity. If you’re going there by MTR, take the Tung Chung line, alight at the Tsing Yi Station, and access the park via Maritime Square.

60 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Zoological And Botanical Gardens — Central

Don’t want to head out of town to get your fill of fall? You can find red leaves Island-side in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, which are especially scenic during this season. When the leaves of the half-century-old trees on the Avenue of Sweet Gum fall on the path they flank, they create a bright red carpet of foliage that’s worth every camera click.

How to get there: Take the MTR to either the Central or Admiralty MTR station and catch a cab to the gardens. Alternatively, you can take any of these buses or minibuses to get there.

Albany Road, Central, Hong Kong

Chinese University Of Hong Kong — Sha Tin

Planning a trip to the northeastern part of the New Territories? Then make a pit stop at the Chinese University of Hong Kong — specifically at Lake Ad Excellentiam. The lake is lined with sweet gum and sabino trees, and the contrast between the leaves — the sweet gum’s are star-shaped, the sabino’s more feathery — make for beautiful photographs.

How to get there: Get out of MTR University Station via Exit D and walk via the Philosophy Path to get to the lake.

Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong

Pineapple Dam Nature Trail — Tsuen Wan

Visitors flock to Shing Mun Reservoir — which is where the Pineapple Dam Nature Trail takes you — for its stunning paperbark trees. But the one-kilometre-long nature trail, which runs along the shores of the reservoir, is particularly picturesque during the fall because the leaves of the trees turn a vibrant red.

How to get there: There are two ways to get to Shing Mun Reservoir. The first is taking the green minibus 82 from Shiu Wo Street from Tseun Wan, which will take you straight to the start of the Pineapple Nature Trail Dam. If you’re coming from the direction of Kwai Fong, take any bus going towards Lei Muk Shue Estate from the Kwai Fong MTR Station, and then walk towards the Shing Mun Reservoir.

Shing Mun Reservoir, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

Tai Po Kau — Tai Po

Originally called the Tai Po Kau Plantation, this 440-hectare nature reserve has a wide variety of flora. While the dominant tree is Chinese pine, there are sweet gum trees that typically change colour in autumn. The reserve is also home to wildlife such as birds, fish, frogs, and toads.

How to get there: The closest MTR station is the one at Tai Wo, which you can get to by taking the East Rail Line. Then head to the Tai Wo Bus Terminal and take bus 72 to Chung Tsai Yuen, which is a short walk from the reserve. Otherwise, the closest bus stops are the ones for 72, 72A, 73A, 74A and minibus 28K.

Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Kau Tam Tso — Sheun Wan Tai Po

Hikers on their way to Tiu Tang Lung during red-leaf season should stop at the old Hakka village of Kau Tam Tso. Here, you’ll get pictures of sweet gum trees at their glorious fall best away from the crowds of other popular autumn-tree spots in the city.

How to get there: You’ll need to get to Tiu Tang Lung first by getting to the Tai Po Market station via the East Rail Line. Get out at Exit B, then head to the Tai Po Market Station Public Minibus Terminus and catch the green minibus 20R or bus 275R to Wu Kau Tang.

Kau Tam Tso, Shuen Wan Tai Po, Hong Kong

Lau Shui Heung Reservoir — Pat Sin Leng

This is a great alternative to Tai Tong as it’s less crowded and can be combined with a relatively easy hike to Hau Tok Reservoir. The water in the reservoir is quite calm, which means you can get stunning images of the cypress trees along the shore reflected on the mirror-like surface of the water.

How to get there: Head to the Fanling MTR and head towards the exit for the Fanling Station PLB Terminus. Ride the green minibus number 52B to the junction of Hok Tau Road and Lau Shui Heung Road, and follow the signs towards the Lau Shui Heung Reservoir.

Pat Sin Leng Country Park, Pat Sin Leng, Hong Kong

Kowloon Walled City Park — Kowloon City

This park has a storied past as it is built on the site of the infamous Kowloon Walled City. It is now one of many green spaces in the city just north of Boundary Street, complete with walking and bike paths, a pavilion, as well as artifacts and plaques dedicated to the site’s historical significance. There is also a Red Leaf Path where you can experience the changing colours of the season, courtesy its queen crepe myrtle, mountain tallow, and copper leaf trees.

How to get there: Take the Tuen Ma Line and alight at the Sung Wong Tai MTR station and head towards Exit B3. From there, you can walk to the park or take a cab. Otherwise, there are several buses and green minibuses that stop around the park. 

Kowloon City, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Wetland Park — Tin Shui Wai

The main attractions of this park are the wetland habitats specially designed for waterbirds. And while the Wetland Park does have sweet gum trees, the bald cypress trees along Succession Walk are what make it worth visiting during red-leaf season as they lend the surroundings a distinctly melancholic beauty.

How to get there: If you want to use the MTR, you’ll need to get to the Tin Shui Wai Station on the Tuen Ma Line, and then take Light Rail Train 705 to Wetland Park Station. Alternatively, there is a vast network of buses and minibuses that you can take.

Wetland Park Road, Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong

Jordan Valley Park — Kwun Tong

This sprawling park that is built on the site of a former landfill is best known for its wide open spaces where visitors pitch tents and take time out to explore the botanical gardens, get a spot of exercise on the jogging track, or indulge their need for speed on the model car racing circuits. But the area has about 50 sweet gum trees that turn crimson in winter.

How to get there: The closest MTR station is Choi Hung, which you can leave via Exit B and take a taxi to the park. There are three buses you can take to get there — the 27 or the 29M from Choi Hung, or the 23 from Kwun Tong.

71 New Clear Water Bay Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon

North District Park — Sheung Shui

The design of this picturesque park located between Fanling and Sheung Shui is inspired by the Yangzhou style and has strikingly unique pavilions. And at the heart of this green space are 16 bald cypress trees along the banks of an ornamental lake, which change colours in the autumn and stand out from the surrounding evergreen trees.  

How to get there: There are several buses and two minibuses from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and even the Hong Kong International Airport that will take you to this park.

Jockey Club Road, Sheung Shui

Kent Road Garden — Kowloon Tong

This “secret garden of Kowloon Tong” is tucked away in among a cluster of buildings. It is a great place to take in red leaves away from the bustle of the city from the comfort of a pavilion or the wooden chairs on the premises.

How to get there: Take the East Rail Line to Kowloon Tong MTR Station. You can access the station from Exit G2, and the park is a five-minute walk from here.

Kent Road Garden, Kowloon Tong

If you want to keep track of the progression of the season’s fall foliage, visit the red leaves index on the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Flower Appreciation website

Header image credits: Ivan Lau via Flickr

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has a typhoon signal and rainstorm warning system by which it keeps Hongkongers updated about the latest weather warnings. It usually gives residents a few days’ notice about severe weather. Read on to know how you can prepare for a typhoon, whether you’re in the city or heading out for a trip in the summer.

How to prepare for a typhoon when you’re in the city

Use the following checklist when you’re prepping for a typhoon:

• Take care of outdoor furniture: Bring any outdoor or balcony furniture inside. This applies to everything from clothes stands to lawn furniture.
• Do a garden check: If you have trees in your garden, trim any overgrown branches so they don’t break off and fly into windows during a storm.
• Stock up on food and essentials: It isn’t advisable to step out during a typhoon, especially a severe one. Do a grocery run a couple of days earlier and pick up everything you’ll need to ride the storm out. Don’t rely on delivery services as they’ll probably be suspended.
• Be ready for leaks: Keep lots of newspaper, towels or anything absorbent handy in case your windows or balcony doors spring leaks.
• Prepare for power outages: Pack an emergency kit with a flashlight and first-aid essentials. Charge your devices and power banks, and get a portable WiFi router, especially if you’re working from home.
• Clear your roof and balcony drains: Remove any leaves that cover drains and move anything that could prevent water from flowing into them.
• Secure boats: If you live in a houseboat, consider checking into a hotel or staying at a friend’s place. Other boat owners should ensure their vessels are securely moored.

How to prepare your home for a typhoon when you’re travelling

Here are some extra precautions you can take before you leave the city on holiday:

• Check the house for potential leaks: Seal and waterproof any windows or glass doors that are prone to leaks. Place towels or any other absorbent material on the floor near these places. Move furniture and electrical equipment away from these areas.
• Lock and bolt balcony and garden doors: While lower-level homes may escape window breaks, high winds can still blow doors open.
• Use glass protection film on your windows: Taping windows before a typhoon is a common practice in Hong Kong, but it’s safer to use glass protection film during a severe storm, especially for an apartment in a high-rise building.
• Empty your fridge and turn it off: Don’t rely on a post-trip freezer food stash for your meals after your return to the city. Clear out your fridge and turn it off in the event of a power outage during a typhoon.

You can monitor the path of a typhoon on the HKO website or on its app, whether you’re in the city or abroad. You can also use other weather websites (and their corresponding apps) like Windy for a weather forecast visualisation or AccuWeather for district-wise updates. If you need help during a typhoon or heavy rains, call any of the emergency numbers on this list.

Header image credits: He Jun Ran via Canva

Hongkongers will get differing amounts at different points in time between April and October 2023, depending on their resident status – HK$5,000 for permanent residents and HK$2,500 for residents – and when they qualify to receive the vouchers.

Existing registrants, or those who successfully registered for the first and second phases of the 2022 edition of the scheme, do not have to sign up for the 2023 round. However, newly eligible residents must register for the initiative to avail the vouchers.

Read on to find out who qualifies for the scheme, when they can sign up for it, and when they will receive their vouchers this year.

Who is eligible to receive the consumption vouchers?

You can receive this year’s consumption vouchers if you have, or are, as of May 29, 2023:

• 18 years old
• A Hong Kong permanent resident
• A Hong Kong resident
• A dependent of a Hong Kong resident
• Not permanently left Hong Kong

Hongkongers, who as of May 29, 2023, are under the age of 65 and who have applied to withdraw their mandatory provident fund on the grounds of ‘permanent departure’ will not qualify for the scheme. Those who have been away from the city for at least 36 months are also ineligible for the initiative. Exceptions will be made if they are:

• Studying in a school or university outside Hong Kong
• Hospitalised outside Hong Kong for medical reasons
• Posted outside Hong Kong on work for the government or a Hong Kong-based company

How are the vouchers paid?

All eligible registrants can decide whether they would like to get their vouchers on their Octopus cards or one of five e-wallets – AliPayHK, BoC Pay, PayMe, Tap&Go and WeChat Pay HK – when they register for the scheme. Octopus users can tap their cards at transport subsidy collection points, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Circle K and Wellcome, Octopus service points, or their Octopus app to collect their vouchers.

Existing registrants can also change how they receive their payments, but only during specified periods. They can apply to change their preferred payment method between June 5 and 27, 2023.

Where can I use the vouchers?

The vouchers can be used at any local retail, food and beverage, and service outlet that accepts payments via Octopus or any of the six e-wallets mentioned earlier. They can be used for spending at retail shops, market stalls, department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, fast food shops, coffee shops, recreational facilities, beauty salons, and on public transport.

However, the vouchers cannot be used to pay utility bills, taxes, education expenses, or to make donations, among other restrictions.

What are the rules for existing registrants?

Existing registrants will get their consumption vouchers in two instalments this year according to the following schedule:

• April 16, 2023: Hong Kong permanent residents received HK$3,000 and Hong Kong residents got HK$1,500 on their e-wallets and Octopus cards. The vouchers disbursed to e-wallets will be valid until October 31, 2023.
• July 16, 2023: Hong Kong permanent residents will get HK$2,000 and Hong Kong residents will get HK$1,000. The vouchers paid to e-wallets will be valid until February 29, 2024. Those who chose to get their vouchers on their Octopus cards will get their second instalment on this day only if they have finished spending the first instalment. They can get the remaining HK$2,000 no later than November 16, 2023.

What are the rules for new registrants?

New 2023 registrants must sign up for the consumption vouchers from June 5-27 to receive them in two instalments during the second half of this year according to the following timetable:

• July 16, 2023: Hong Kong permanent residents will get paid HK$3,000 and Hong Kong residents will receive HK$1,500 on their e-wallets and Octopus cards. The vouchers disbursed to e-wallets will be valid until February 29, 2024.
• October 16, 2023: Hong Kong permanent residents will get HK$2,000 and Hong Kong residents will get HK$1,000. The vouchers paid into e-wallets will be valid until February 29, 2024. Those who chose to get their vouchers on their Octopus cards will get their second instalment on this day only if they have finished spending the first instalment. They are eligible to receive the remaining HK$2,000 no later than February 16, 2024, and must collect it by June 30, 2024.

This is the fourth year that the Hong Kong government announced vouchers to stimulate the economy. In 2020, residents received HK$10,000 via transfers to their bank accounts. In 2021 and 2022, the government gave residents HK$5,000 and HK$10,000 respectively using e-wallets and Octopus cards. While non-permanent Hong Kong residents only became eligible for the consumption voucher scheme in mid-2022, foreign domestic helpers still do not qualify for it.

Header image credits: Tap&Go

Tai Tong Organic EcoPark — Yuen Long

This all-in-one fun family destination is a popular spot for strawberry-picking when the season comes around, and you can eat as you go. You can also take your bounty home, but remember you have to pay for it by weight. Check out their other offerings, which include horse-riding, summertime lychee-picking sessions, and a petting zoo.

11 Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long, Hong Kong | +852 2470 2201

Kam Tin Country Park — Kam Tin

Kam Tin Country Park’s 10,000 square feet of fields gives visitors a chance to choose from a wide variety of strawberries — from nearby Korea to faraway France. If you’ve brought kids along for your outing, they can burn off any excess energy at the club’s playground, archery range, and petting farm. There are also other sporting activities and war games available for the truly adventurous.

30 Tin Mei Mei Estate, Kam Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong | +852 5132 5131

Long Ping Strawberry Farm — Yuen Long

Winter is a great time to head here as you can choose between filling your basket with Japanese strawberries or grapes (which you can pick between September and January). Entry to the farm is free and you only pay for what you pick. Bonus: There are goats and lambs that kids can pet and feed.

DD117, Lots 500 & 501, Section A, Tai Tong Village, Tai Tong Road, Yuen Long, Hong Kong | +852 9251 8926

Living Farm — Tai Po

At Living Farm, you can rent a plot of land and grow organic produce, including strawberries. You could make trips to the farm to tend to your plot — don’t worry, the farm will provide you with all the tools, soil, seeds and fertiliser — or ask the staff to do it for you. If you’re new to organic farming, you can take the farm’s four-session course that covers soil and water management, seedling care, nurturing and fertilising, the essentials of bird and pest control, as well as harvesting and arrangements for changing seasons.

199 Tai Hang Tsuen, Tai Wo Service Road West, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong | +852 6999 8006

Law’s Strawberry Farm — Yuen Long

Looking for a strawberry farm with free entry, untimed picking sessions, and no minimum spend? Then head to Law’s. And if you decide that you’d like to grow your own strawberries, you can go home with a plant and great advice from the staff on the farm about how to look after it.

Pak Sha Village, Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong | +852 2429 1977

Fruitful Organic Farm — Yuen Long

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, pick up a hoe, and learn the basics of organic farming at Fruitful Organic Farm. Take part in their two-hour-long guided tours for various kinds of produce, including strawberries, watermelons, lettuce, water spinach, tomatoes, and ginger. Learn about food waste utilisation, organic farming, and tilling the soil. Once you’re done, you can pick and purchase the produce of your choice. Remember, the minimum number of people per group is 10. If you’re serious about growing your own food, you can rent farmland here for a minimum of four months.

Sipai Shek Village, Kam Sheung Road, Yuen Long, New Territories | +852 9478 7797

Header image credits: dominic_siupakho via Flickr

Transport & taxi apps

Citymapper

Never be lost in Hong Kong again! Simply tell it where you want to go and it will figure out your whole journey on public transport and give you a street map for any walking that needs to be done too.

Download: App Store – Google Play

HKTaxi

HK Taxi app is an effective and simple taxi hailing app. Just enter your pickup point and contact number and a nearby driver will call you to arrange the ride.

Download: App Store – Google Play

FlyTaxi

FlyTaxi is another Hong Kong taxi app which offers discounts on rides that you can’t get through HKTaxi. It helps to develop a relationship if you find a driver you like, as you can find them and book with them again.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Protaxi

Similarly to FlyTaxi, ProTaxi also offers taxi ride ordering with discounts that you can’t find on other platforms. Different drivers are on a few or all of these platforms, so if you find a reliable driver that you like, you can stick with the platform they use.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Hong Kong Taxi Cards

Hong Kong Taxi Cards translates place names from English into standard Chinese characters displayed on a large “taxi card” that a driver can read at a glance.

Download: App Store – Google Play

GoGoX

This convenient app gives you the flexibility of not needing to plan ahead and locates your nearest driver and van available to shift your stuff.

Download: App Store – Google Play

MTR Mobile

MTR Mobile helps riders plan their MTR journey, as well as to identify locations of all sorts of useful facilities inside stations and exit points to major attractions.

Download: App Store – Google Play

CitybusNWFB

Sometimes the bus is more convenient than the MTR, and for these times the CitybusNWFB is on hand to help you get where you need to go, with live bus arrival times and route information.

Download: App Store – Google Play

APP 1933 – KMB/LWB

The KMB app focuses on Kowloon bus routes and may offer some more accurate estimated arrival times for bus routes outside Hong Kong Island.

Download: App Store – Google Play

HKTraffic

HKTraffic allows users to select from a list of traffic cameras (sorted by district) to check on traffic conditions in dozens of busy trouble spots before hitting the road.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Uber Hong Kong

Well-known ride sharing service Uber operates in Hong Kong and although it isn’t licensed by the Hong Kong government, Uber shows no signs of giving up on the city anytime soon.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Dining apps

Eatigo

Discounts on your food bill varying from 10% off right up to 50% are available on Eatigo’s restaurant booking app. Browse your favourite cuisine or restaurants near you and start saving.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Chope

Browse hundreds of restaurants, sort them by location or cuisine, check out the prices and menus and then instantly book your table. There are regular discounts and deals too.

Download: App Store – Google Play

OpenRice

This restaurant booking website has a convenient app which includes the input of a huge online community of self-proclaimed ‘foodies’ sharing their honest opinions on the restaurants around the city. You can also find some take-out and OpenRice-specific deals.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Food delivery apps

Foodpanda

Get your dinner delivered via the Foodpanda Hong Kong app. Major food delivery companies, Foodpanda and Deliveroo each cover a different selection of restaurants so it’s worth exploring both to see which you prefer.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Deliveroo

Deliveroo is the second of Hong Kong’s two main food delivery apps, since UberEats’ exit in late 2021. Compared to Foodpanda, Deliveroo is more focused on deliveries on Hong Kong Island.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Black Sheep Restaurants GO

Black Sheep Restaurants GO delivers food from that specific restaurant franchise, such as Burger Circus, Motorino, Maison Libanaise, Rajasthan Rifles, and even Gelato Messina and Butter Cake Shop.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Chillers

One of the exclusive Hong Kong apps, Chillers is on-hand to deliver cold beverages (particularly alcoholic ones) quickly to your door, or to parks, beaches, and junks throughout Hong Kong Island, Sai Kung, and Discovery Bay.

Download:  Google Play

Entertainment & movie apps

Klook

Klook gives you discounts on all manner of activities and attractions around Hong Kong, for example Disneyland, Sky100, Ocean Park, or the Peak Tram. Perfect if you have visitors in town!

Download: App Store – Google Play

TicketFlap

Browse events and reserve tickets on the Ticketflap app. Some events are only available on this platform, so it’s worth checking if you’re looking for things to get up to in the city.

Download: Google Play

HK Movie

View screening times, buy tickets from over 40 cinemas (with its one-of-a-kind, real-time seating plan), browse reviews, and share comments on this handy Hong Kong movie app.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Broadway

The Broadway app has all the functionality of the cinema’s website, with a bit more user-friendliness in terms of finding movie showing times at all Broadway Circuit cinemas quickly and ticket purchasing with a handling fee.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Social networking apps

Meetup

There’s an active meetup community in Hong Kong and it’s a great way to build your social network. Find an established ‘meetup’ with people that share your interests, or be bold and organise your own group.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Hey! VINA

Like a dating app, but for female friendships rather than romance, this Hong Kong app matches women that are open to making new friends. Perfect if you’ve just landed in Hong Kong and need to establish a new social life here.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Shopping & grocery apps

Amazon

Amazon have upped their game in Hong Kong and the Amazon app makes it easy to filter items that ship here. You’ve got the whole world at your fingertips and all kinds of goodies that are just not available in the stores here.

Download: App Store – Google Play

HKTVMall

Since its launch in 2015, HKTVMall has become one of the largest online marketplaces in Hong Kong. Find everything from snacks, electronics, and pet food to toys, beauty, and clothing and get it delivered to your home or a smart locker near your house or office for self pick-up.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Carousell

The marketplace website and app from Singapore for consumer to consumer buy and sell is popular in Hong Kong for finding almost anything you can think of secondhand. You can even find new items with discounts on this HK app.

Download: App Store – Google Play

SparkTake

Buy and sell secondhand books and share reviews and thoughts about your reading on this app founded by two Hongkongers, sparked by their feeling that there was a communication element missing in the exchange of secondhand books in Hong Kong.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Vivino

Used worldwide, Vivino allows you to search for wine reviews and ratings from everyday people. Users can even scan the bottle they’re interested in at the grocery store and easily find instant information. The HK app also has a purchasing functionality, using your location to suggest nearby stores where the wines are sold.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Fitness & wellness apps

TrailWatch

This app allows hikers to plan and track their adventures on Hong Kong’s many breathtaking trails.

Download: App Store – Google Play

ClassPass

Now there’s no excuse to miss a workout. Search for and book fitness classes on the go at studios all around Hong Kong with ClassPass. This app requires a membership to use it but there’s a free trial period if you want to check it out and make sure it’s for you.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Sleep Cycle

Track your sleeping patterns and durations, record your dream mumbling, and allow the app to wake you up at the best time in your REM cycle for optimal restedness. There are paid functions, but Sleep Cycle’s basic free functions get the job done.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Finance & payment apps

YUU

YUU is a customer rewards program launched by Dairy Farm Group, Hang Seng Bank, and Jardine Restaurant Group in 2020. Each time you spend HK$1 in one of the 2,000 shops available across the city, you get YUU points that you can then exchange for rewards.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Octopus

The Octopus app can track transactions on up to 20 cards and keep them topped up. You can also shop online and transfer money directly to other app users’ Octopus cards or bank accounts.

Download: App Store – Google Play

PayMe

One of the most widely used payment HK apps, PayMe from HSBC allows users to send money across various banks with just a phone number, scan of their personal QR code, or bank info. You can even send group lai see to make giving red pockets easy during holidays.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Tap & Go

Tap & Go is a simple, easy-to-use contactless mobile payment app accepted at most retailers. You can also transfer money quickly, like with PayMe.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Every day essentials apps

Wi-Fi.HK

This app helps you find free Wi-Fi on the go, simple but effective! However, bear in mind that free Wi-Fi can be unsecured, and in this case, a VPN can help to secure your connections.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Water For Free

Do your bit for the environment and stop buying bottled water. With this Hong Kong app, you can easily find your nearest water fountain and re-fill your reusable water bottle around HK.

Download: App Store – Google Play

My Observatory

My Observatory from Hong Kong Observatory has all the weather info you need for tracking daily weather and storm/rain warnings.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Hong Kong Air Pollution

This app displays the current air quality in Hong Kong using a variety of different air pollution indexes from around the world.

Download: App Store

Air Visual

Similarly, Air Visual has air pollution forecasts, alerts, and tracking functions. It also tracks air pollution in cities all around the world, so it’s useful for travelling, too.

Download: App Store – Google Play

HK AQHI

Direct from the Environmental Protection Department, get the latest information from government pollution monitoring stations around Hong Kong, including a useful forecast for the next day.

Download: App Store – Google Play

Header image credits: Leung Cho Pan via Canva

#1 – Booking a flight out of Hong Kong

Booking tickets out of Hong Kong may be a challenge, as the government can suspend flights on a certain route for 14 days if four or more passengers on the route test positive within seven days. Although route bans do not affect outbound flights, once a non-Hong Kong airline is restricted from entering the city, the number of flights operated by that airline out of the city may decrease. Some European airlines have even stopped operating flights into and out of the city indefinitely due to air crew quarantine requirements.

So, when booking tickets, keep in mind the following points:

• Plan your departure based on which airline is least likely to receive a ban. One way to do this is by checking if a particular country has been the origin of multiple recent route bans. If, for example, multiple routes out of Jakarta have recently been suspended, it may be best to avoid booking a flight with an airline that has a major route out of Jakarta. Keep up-to-date with current route suspensions here.
• Check whether the airline you’re using will issue a refund or reschedule a flight free-of-charge in the event it gets cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
• Have a backup airline and departure date in case your flight gets cancelled.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to book a flight on an airline that has a history of getting banned by the Hong Kong government, keep track of their active bans (if any) and book the first flight after they are lifted.

#2 – Check destination vaccination requirements

If you are vaccinated, there are chances that you will be exempt from certain travel restrictions, depending where you are heading to. Research whether:

• You have to undergo a PCR test upon arrival in your destination country and if you are exempt from quarantine if you are vaccinated.
• You will be denied entry to your destination if you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
• Your Hong Kong vaccination record is accepted by the health authorities of the country you are travelling to. If it isn’t, you will need to get it converted into an acceptable format.

#3 – Prepare your Covid-19 test results

Many countries still require international arrivals to present proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test. You will need to check:

• If your destination needs you to fill out a health declaration form and submit it online before your departure.
• Whether you need to undergo a pre-departure PCR test; research which Hong Kong clinics’ test results are approved by the government of your destination country.
• Book your test for the correct timeframe (usually 24 to 48 hours before departure), remembering to take transit times into account.

Note: Anyone entering Hong Kong International Airport without a ticket showing departure, transfer, or transit information needs to be vaccinated under the vaccine pass scheme.

Pro tip: Testing centres are busy, so you may not get an appointment that works with your flight test result requirements. Consider booking a PCR test first, and then booking your flight ticket based on that date.

#4 – Be aware of the visa requirements

If you are not returning to your home country (i.e. your ability to enter the country is assured), ensure that you have right to land at your destination. Certain countries only allow citizen, residents, and/or people with a valid work visa to land. If you have a valid tourist visa that was issued before the pandemic, you may still be denied entry if the country has not yet opened up to international tourists. The same may apply to pre-Covid visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements.

#5 – Check if there are quarantine requirements

Certain countries may still have mandatory hotel or home quarantine requirements. Ensure you are aware of them and, if applicable, make the necessary arrangements for where to stay and transportation to the location before your departure.

#6 – How to clear your taxes in Hong Kong?

One of the major things to cross off your checklist is clearing your taxes. If you are employed, here is what you need to do:

1. Inform the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) of your departure from Hong Kong one month before you plan to leave.
2. Complete your final tax return by taking the following documents to the tax office:
   • A copy of Form IR56G completed by your employer
   • Notice of termination of employment
   • Notice of final payment and any other documents to support claims for deductions and allowances
3. Settle your taxes and obtain your Letter of Release. You may get it on the same day if you pay your taxes in cash, via EPS, or cashier order. However, it will take up to 10 days to receive the letter if it is paid via bank transfer or cheque.
4. You can expect to get your salary and final settlement from your employer after you receive your Letter of Release.

If you have other avenues of income, like rent from a property or as a businessowner, you also have to notify the IRD of your departure at least one month before you leave Hong Kong.

#7 – How to withdraw your MPF?

If you have built up a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) and are planning on leaving the city for good, you can bypass the normal ‘withdraw at retirement’ timeline and withdraw the funds early by following these steps:

1. Call the Home Affairs Department to confirm that you are leaving the city.
2. Apply for an early withdrawal of your MPF under the ‘Permanent departure from Hong Kong’ option. You will need documents such as:
   • A copy of your HKID
   • A completed MPF claim form
   • A completed statutory declaration form
   • Copy of evidence that you have the right to live in a place outside Hong Kong, such a passport or visa
   • A copy of a Letter of Release by the Inland Revenue Department
3. To receive your MPF from your fund provider, provide them with the following documents:
   • A copy of your HKID
   • A copy of your passport
   • Proof you are leaving Hong Kong
   • A forwarding address
4. Expect the money to be deposited in your account one month after you leave.

Note: You can only withdraw your MPF early once. If you return to work in Hong Kong and create another MPF account, you can only withdraw it once you retire.

#8 – How to give notice on your rental or sell your property?

Here is what you have to consider if you rent property and need to hand in notice to the owner.

• If your departure date coincides with the end of your two-year lease period, you need to hand in your notice to the property owner, clean the property before you leave, and hand the keys back to the owner. After the owner has inspected the property and is satisfied with its condition, they should return your deposit no later than two weeks after you have handed the keys back to them.
• If you break your lease, you need to find someone to take over the lease until the existing terms expire. The new tenant may also enter into a new two-year lease with the property owner.

If you own the property that you’re leaving, contact an estate agent to discuss renting it out or selling it.

#9 – Closing your bank account

Head to your bank and ask how you can close your account or whether you can access your funds in your account from abroad. If you need to close your Hong Kong account and transfer money to a new account in a foreign currency, you can use services like Western Union, Wise, or Instarem. It’s worth it to spend a bit more time comparing transfer providers to make sure you lose as little money as possible in transfer rates and service fees.

#10 – How to leave with your pets?

Many pet owners who leave Hong Kong want to take their furry friends with them. There are many pet travel agencies in the city that provide an IATA Travel Crate, assistance with transporting pets to the airport, and help with check-in. However, these services can be quite expensive. You can make the arrangements yourself and save quite a bit in the process.

#11 – How to terminate your domestic worker’s contract?

If you employ a domestic worker, you will have to give them proper notice and settle all their final payments before you leave the city. Here’s what you should do:

• Give your domestic worker one month’s notice or one month’s wages in lieu of notice in writing.
• Clear all outstanding payments for:
  • Untaken annual leave
  • End-of-year payment
  • Severance payment (if your domestic worker has worked for you for over 24 months)
  • Long-service payment (if your domestic worker has worked for you continuously for five years or longer)
• Notify the Foreign Domestic Helpers section of the Immigration Department using this form about your decision to terminate your domestic worker’s contract within 7 days of their last working day.

Note: All payments should be made within seven days of the domestic worker’s last working day. However, the severance payment should be paid within two months after you’ve served them notice. Use this guide to calculate severance and long-service payments.

#12 – How to disconnect your utilities?

Most utility providers in Hong Kong need deposits for residents to avail their services. When you decide to leave the city, you’ll need to settle your bills, and most importantly, get your deposits back. The process is usually very straightforward. You can get in touch with your providers even a couple of months before you leave to ask them the best way to go about it. It’s important to make a list of service providers you need in get in touch with to avoid missing any; the major ones are electricity, gas, Internet, water, and phone plan.

#13 – How to get rid of your furniture?

Shipping costs in Hong Kong can be expensive, so it’s hardly surprising that most people who are relocating want to offload larger items such as furniture before their departure. There are quite a few ways to do this that do not involve sending your furniture to a landfill.

Sell online:

• Try selling your furniture on websites such as Geoexpat, Asiaxpat, Carousell, or Facebook Marketplace.
• There are Facebook groups such as HK Home Decor Furniture Buy, Swap, Sell & Trade Hong Kong, Swap-it-Furnitures Hong Kong, or 2nd Chance. Also try selling furniture within your neighbourhood using area-specific Facebook groups as a platform.

Donate:

• Crossroads Foundation: The organisation collects furniture and home products that can be recycled, as well as stationery, electronic items, kitchenware, clothing, and educational items for donation.
• Happyshop: This company promotes sustainability by recycling and repurposing all kinds of furniture. Just make sure that your donations are in good enough condition to be used by someone else.
• Green Dot Home: You can donate sofas, TV stands, coffee tables, bookshelves, office tables, and bed frames in usable condition that don’t have visible signs of wear and tear. Some of your items will be given away to those in need, while others will be sold and the proceeds donated to charitable organisations.
• DB Mothers & Friends: This Discovery Bay-based social enterprise provides a collection and redistribution service for donated items to people in need across Hong Kong. Collection appointments are scheduled on Saturdays and you have to pay for the service.
• Rehoming & Donating Goods to Reduce Waste in Hong Kong: This group connects charities looking for donated goods with people who want to donate furniture and other used products. (Note: Check whether these organisations provide pick-up services and whether there is a charge.)

If you haven’t been able to sell or donate your furniture, find the nearest refuse collection centre and either get it delivered or transport it there yourself.

#14 – How to ship your belongings out of Hong Kong?

Once you’ve gotten rid of your furniture and pared everything down to a ‘keep’ pile, you have to ship your belongings to your destination. Here’s what you should consider when picking a moving company:

• Pricing: This will depend on the number of rooms and the number of boxes and items you have, how accessible your house is (e.g. stairs versus lifts), and whether you have specialty items that require special packing (e.g. antique furniture or a piano). Here’s a pro tip: Weekends may be more convenient for you, but moving services are generally more expensive then. Try scheduling the movers to come on a weekday.
• Services offered: Do you need movers who can also help with pet relocation? Would you prefer them to handle the hassles of customs clearance? Do you need storage for your belongings if you haven’t figured out where you’re staying once you arrive at your destination? Factor all of this in when you get an estimate.
• When to book a company: Try to book as early as possible because this will give you time to dispose of things you don’t want to take with you. You may also be able to avail discounts and offers if you book early.
• Local versus international companies: Some local companies can also be very experienced with international moves and tend to be cheaper than their international counterparts. However, if you want additional services like customs clearance and a contact point at your destination, you may want to consider a global moving company.

#15 – Don’t forget to cancel your memberships

Remember to cancel your gym membership or transfer it to someone else before you leave Hong Kong. If you’re a member of a recreational club, you should cancel your membership and get your deposit back.

#16 – Will you leave without a Hong Kong-themed souvenir?

Don’t forget to pick up some keepsakes from your time in the 852, whether it’s for yourself or family and friends. Here’s our list of Hong Kong-inspired souvenirs that you should find the space in your luggage for.

If you have any specific questions about moving out of the city, you can always reach out to fellow Hongkongers online for helpful information. Your best bets on Facebook are Hong Kong Moms, where not just parenting topics are supportively answered but also common questions about life in the SAR, or the newer Expatriating out of HK support group.

Local movers

The following moving companies specialize in local moves. Scroll down to find our breakdown of international relocation companies.

Asian Express

Certified by the FIDI Accredited International Movers, Asian Express has over 44 years of relocating experience, particularly in the Greater China region. They can attend to your every moving need from fine antiques to pianos. For local moves, within Hong Kong, not only do they manage the entire process, but they also have additional services such as handymen, carpenters, and cleaning. Across China, their extensive network provides the same standards of care and attention no matter the location.

Contact: +852 2893 1000, hongkong@aemovers.com.hk

GogoX

Gogo Vans can be used not just for helping deliver your latest online shopping order, but they offer great moving services as well. If you prefer to pack by yourself, you can get great deals for delivery starting at just HK$55! You have the option of three sizes of vehicles, the Van (max 700kg), the 5.5 Ton Truck (max 1.3 tons), and the 9 Ton Truck (max 3-3.5 tons). To help you move, you can borrow carts for just HK$10 and also negotiate with the driver for support. This is a great, affordable option if you are willing to do some of the hard work yourself!

Contact: +852 3590 3399, info@gogox.com

IKA Removal

IKA Removal is known for their per-piece moving charges, offering an affordable and reliable service if you are relocating within Hong Kong. With prices ranging from HK$15 for a carton, HK$70 for dining tables, HK$120 for a display cabinet to HK$200 for a King size bed, you can easily calculate what the total cost would be. This relocation company also offers a range of extra services such as dismantle and assembly, full packing and unpacking, and garbage disposal. So whether you are moving a small piece or your whole life, IKA removal can help you!

Contact: +852 2323 2233 or +852 9172 9229, info@ika.com.hk

Lalamove

Similar to GogoX, you can book a Van, 5.5 Ton Truck, and a 9 Ton Truck to move your items across Hong Kong. With minimum charges starting at HK$50, HK$135, and HK$239 respectively, it’s a steal to move your furniture. You can also request your driver directly to help with the loading and unloading. And if you have a long laundry list of tasks to finish, you can also rent by the hour, with a minimum of three hours.

 Contact: +852 3701 3701, info.hk@lalamove.com

International movers

The following relocation companies do both international and local moving. They are well-equipped to facilitate overseas relocations with special services like pet relocation, large furniture packing, visa applications, etc.

Allied Moving Services

As global movers, Allied has a network that extends to over 600 locations and assists in more than 50,000 moves each year, so you know you are in good hands. We love their moving checklist which can help you plan for the big move. Internationally, they take the stress out by handling everything from the complexities of language barriers, customs regulations, global security clearances and requirements, and more.  They also provide additional services such as storage, pet relocation, insurance and vehicle relocation.

Contact: +852 2736 6032

Asian Tigers Group

Asian Tigers Group has a network of offices across 14 primary commercial centres in Asia. They provide end-to-end relocation and moving services both locally and internationally. To ensure you have a hassle-free experience, they provide services such as visa, immigration, move management, home search and more. With CSR and environmental factors also being a key priority, they established a Tiger Action Fund in 2001, donating over US$625,000 and partnering with WWF to protect these creatures from extinction.

Contact: +852 2528 1384, info@asiantigers-hongkong.com

Crown Relocations

Crown Relocations is here to make your relocation journey a breeze. They have extensive experience with international relocations and provide services throughout your move. With offerings such as home search, school search and preview, and orientation trips before your move, they take care of all the little details that make relocations stressful. They also provide intercultural and language training once you reach your destination. You will have a dedicated move manager to take care of all the steps from door-to-door.

Contact: +852 2636 8399, hongkong@crownrelo.com

Going Moving

Whether you are moving within Hong Kong or relocating internationally, Going Moving will take care of all your logistics and transportation needs. With a presence across all social media platforms, you can easily get a quote within 5 minutes at the earliest. All you need to share is the name of the building and photos of the goods to be transported. Globally, they provide a One-stop Door-To-Door Moving Service including tax, customs and immigration support.

Contact: +852 3594 4466 or +852 5595 7455, admin@goingmovinghk.com

ReloSmart

ReloSmart is known for its reliable, sustainable packing solutions. Their smart packing uses only the most high quality supplies in Hong Kong. Moreover, the moving company is dedicated to their green initiative which uses material responsibly sourced from sustainable softwood plantations. They also ensure that their packaging is reused and recycled. For international moves, ReloSmart offers storage for items you want to leave behind, pet relocation, and furniture moving services.

Contact: +852 2561 3030, enquiry@relosmart.asia

Santa Fe Relocation

With 96 offices in 47 countries, 120 years of experience and over 30 awards in the last decade, Santa Fe is a behemoth in the shipping and moving industry. For international moves they work with you to ensure each and every aspect is perfect, right down to the very smallest details. Their add-ons range from storage, to settling-in services, to pet relocation, to visa support. And as part of International Association of Movers (IAM) and the FIDI alliance of movers, you know their credentials are strong.

Contact: +852 2574 6204, hongkong@santaferelo.com

Seven Seas Worldwide

With operations across continents, Seven Seas is a reliable and customer beloved shipper and house mover. Their innovative solution, the MoveCube®, is a personal, small shipping container designed for both international and domestic moves. They leave a cube in one of three sizes with a starter pack, containing tape, bubble wrap, knife and more, at your doorstep, to be filled at your convenience and then delivered to your final location. They also specialize in international student shipping.

Contact: +852 2724 6698, customerservice@sevenseasworldwide.com

Swift Relo

Swift Relo is a leading provider of international and domestic relocation. Whether it’s a few boxes or a full apartment, they promise great prices and even better service. They are also partner with EcoMatcher to offset the environmental impacts of relocation. For each move, they plant a tree for no extra cost! They also offer a baggage service for when you just have a couple of extra boxes that need moving, the cheapest way to send a small shipment overseas.

Contact: +852 2363 4008, contact@swiftrelo.com

Trade Winds Transport

Highly recommended by the expat community, the Trade Winds Transport movers are known for their hassle-free local moving business, although they do support with international projects as well. In terms of prices they are also known to be affordable, with one customer paying less than HK$6000 to move a big 3 bedroom apartment 20 km away. Some of the many other convenient services they offer include van hire, secure storage (both long-term and short-term), undesired item disposal, and professional packing.

Contact: +852 2803 2561

Unigroup Asia

As one of the leading global moving companies, Unigroup knows all the hiccups and stresses that come alongside an international move. So they have services that can support at each stage of the relocation. The movers work extensively with companies to help relocate expats with everything from home and school search, temporary accommodation, partner support and settling-in services. Most importantly, they assess the needs of each individual based on their personal circumstances.

Contact: +852 2418 4333

Yan Yan Movers

Serving Hongkongers since 1960, Yan Yan Movers provides an effortless moving process both locally and internationally. This relocation company also provides end-to-end service including free packing material, furniture assembly and disassembly, professional packers, and a dedicated account manager to support you through the process. For international relocation, Yan Yan Movers can help you with tedious tasks such as custom clearance, pet relocation and insurance. They have an extensive network in the UK and provide a seamless process for UK immigration.

Contact: +852 6822 7288 or +852 2388 6883, info@yanyan.hk

Wilcan Logistics Group

Wilcan, established in Canada in 1994 and has almost 30 years of international relocation experience. They provide one-stop solutions based on each individual needs with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and affordable pricing. Their professional packers have received high standard training complemented with a dedicated English fluent team. They also provide personal LiftVan (wood crated box) in three sizes and small baggage service to provide convenient and hassle-free moving to the UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore, etc.

Contact +852 2898 3131 or Visit www.wilcan.com

Header image credits: XiXinXing via Canva

Tips: If you want to keep your caller ID hidden from the person you’re calling, dial 133 first. Your call will show up on the receiver’s phone as “No Caller ID.”

To make overseas calls, dial 001 first. Note that you may have to set up your temporary SIM card/phone plan’s IDD service (International Direct Dialing) before being able to make a long distance call.

Emergency

• Emergency (fire, ambulance, police): 999
• Fire: 2723 2233
• Rescue: 2735 3355
• Police hotline (Enquiries): 2527 7177
• Dial-a-Weather Service for cyclone and weather warnings: 1878 200
• Directory enquiries (English): 1081

Transportation

• Hong Kong Transport Department (General enquiries): 2804 2600
• MTR Lost Property Office: 2861 0020
• Taxi Lost & Found 24-Hour Hotline: 1872 920

Red taxi (covering H.K. Island and Kowloon)

• ABA Taxi Radio Call Services Centre: 2729 6600
• Chuen Lee Radio Taxis Association: 2398 1881
• Digital Taxi Telecommunication Center: 2720 6877
• Happy Taxi Operator’s Association: 2728 8282
• Hong Kong Taxi Owners’ Association: 2574 7311
• Quadripartite Taxi Service Association: 2332 2571 or 2697 4333
• The Kowloon Taxi Owners Association: 2760 0411
• United Friendship Taxi Owners & Drivers Association: 2760 0477
• Wai Yik HK & KLN & NT Taxi Owners Association: 2776 7885 or 2776 7888

Green taxi (covering New Territories)

• Association of N.T. Radio Taxicabs: 2657 2267
• Fraternity Association of N.T. Taxi Merchants: 2476 2266
• N.T. Taxi-call Service Centre: 2383 0168
• New Territories Taxi Merchants Association: 2476 4247
• Sun Hing Taxi Radio Association: 2450 2288

Blue taxi (covering Lantau Island)

• 2984 1328 or 2984 1368

Hospitals

• Department of Health (General enquiries): 2961 8989 / 2961 8991

This list highlights general hospitals with emergency and accident facilities. 

Public Hospitals

H.K. Island

• Queen Mary Hospital — Pok Fu Lam: 2255 3838
• The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital at Sandy Bay: 2817 7111
• Tsan Yuk Hospital — Sai Ying Pun: 2589 2100
• Tung Wah Hospital — Sheung Wan: 2589 8111
• Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital — Chai Wan: 2595 6111
• Tang Shiu Kin Hospital — Wan Chai: 2291 2000
• St. John Hospital — Cheung Chau: 2981 9441

Kowloon

• Hong Kong Children’s Hospital — Ngau Tau Kok: 3513 3888
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital — Yau Ma Tei: 3506 8888
• Kwong Wah Hospital — Yau Ma Tei: 2332 2311
• Caritas Medical Centre — Sham Shui Po: 3408 5678
• Princess Margaret Hospital — Lai Chi Kok: 2990 1111
• United Christian Hospital — Kwun Tong: 2379 9611
• North Lantau Hospital — Lantau Island: 3467 7000

New Territories

• Pok Oi Hospital — Yuen Long: 2486 8000
• Tin Shui Wai Hospital — Tin Shui Wai: 3513 5000
• Tuen Mun Hospital — Tuen Mun: 2468 5111

Private Hospitals

• Evangel Hospital, Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital — Kowloon City: 2711 5222
• Hong Kong Adventist Hospital — Happy Valley: 3651 8888
• Hong Kong Adventist Hospital — Tsuen Wan: 2275 6688
• Matilda International Hospital — The Peak: 2849 0111
• Union Hospital — Tai Wai: 2608 3388

Veterinarians

• Hong Kong Island Veterinary Clinic — Happy Valley: 2982 0222
• Veterinary Specialty Hospital (24 hr. emergency) — Wan Chai: 2408 2588
• Wan Chai Animal Hospital — Wan Chai: 2572 5422
• The Ark Veterinary Hospital (24 hr. emergency) — Sai Ying Pun: 2549 2330
• The Hong Kong & Kowloon Pet Hospital — Ho Man Tin: 2712 2918
• Victoria 24-Hour Veterinary Hospital — Yuen Long: 2477 8929
• CityU VMC — Sham Shui Po 3650 3000 / 24 hr. emergency hotline: 3650 3200
• Sai Kung Animal Hospital — Sai Kung: 2792 2206

Foreign Consulates & Embassies

• Australia: 2827 8881
• Canada: 3719 4700
• France: 3752 9900
• Germany: 2105 8788
• India: 3970 9900
• Indonesia: 3651 0201
• Japan: 2522 1184
• Nigeria: 2827 8813, 2827 8824 or 2827 8834
• Philippines: 2823 8501
• Russia: 2877 7188
• Singapore: 2527 2212
• South Korea: 2529 4141
• Thailand: 2521 6481 (ext. 5)
• United Kingdom: 2901 3000
• USA: 2841 2211
• Vietnam: 2591 4510 or 2591 4517

Full list of foreign consulates and embassies in Hong Kong

Also:

• Hong Kong Immigration Department: 2829 4141 or 2829 4142
• Support Services for New Arrivals from the Mainland and Ethnic Minorities: 2835 2500

Associations, Community & Volunteer Organizations

• Community Legal Information Centre: 2537 7677 
• Animals Asia: 2791 2225
• Lifelong Animal Protection Charity: 9887 9494
• Changing Young Lives Foundation: 2511 0505
• The Child Development Centre: 2849 6138
• YWCA: 3476 1340
• The Conservancy Association: 2728 6781
• Harmony House (Women and children’s shelter): 2342 0072
• Enrich (Resources for domestic workers): 5981 3754 or 2386 5811
• Justice Centre Hong Kong: 3109 7359

Moving & Relocation

• Allied Moving Services: 2736 6032
• Asian Tigers (International Moving and Relocation): 2528 1384
• A1 Movers H.K: 6353 9560
• EliteMovers Hongkong: 8209 1793
• FTC Relocations and Moving Company: 2814 1658
• ReloSmart Movers: 2561 3030
• Trade Winds Transport: 2803 2561

CCW Global Ltd, a leading Hong Kong insurance broker, has access to an array of reputable insurers governed and closely regulated by Hong Kong’s Insurance Ordinance. Expert Brokers give you unbiased advice, free of charge or obligation, which helps you to determine what coverage, if any, best meets your specific requirements.

Comprehending Hong Kong insurance

Hong Kong is synonym of busy, fast lifestyle and there are many possibilities for insurance coverage, from a personal and business standpoint.

You may be a collector of sculptures and need a special art insurance, drive a car through Hong Kong’s  narrow streets and need to be covered for potential damages, have a domestic helper who needs a maid insurance, be a budding scuba diver that necessitates tailored sports insurance, or simply being a savvy person who insists on having  health and  travel insurance. Whatever your lifestyle, you might need a plan to cover at the very least your health, home and family.

If you’re not originally from Hong Kong and if you’re not that familiar with insurance products, then working with an insurance broker might be wise. An expert consultant can help you understand the insurance and introduce you to your various options.

An insurance broker will inspect and compare for you some of Hong Kong’s finest coverage offers and find the solution that works best for your unique requirements. With over 40 regulated insurance companies at their fingertips, you have complete control to choose the policy that works for you.

About CCW Global

CCW Global has been a leading bespoke broker of innovative and flexible insurance offerings to individuals, families and businesses in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region for almost a decade. They have your interests at heart and will only provide independent and impartial advice on a complete range of insurance coverage.

Laws in Hong Kong are exacting, so you can remain secure in the knowledge that you will only receive relevant and personally tailored packages.

Best of all, insurance policies offered by CCW cost exactly the same as those offered directly by the major insurance companies, allowing you to compare coverage and get expert advice secure in the knowledge that you aren’t paying more for all the extra services on offer.

At CCW, insurance brokers carefullyresearch the seemingly endless plans and present the highest quality policies that offer you the best coverage. They guide you through confusing terms and conditions and complex insurance laws in a language you understand.

Contact CCW Global* for a free quote

Collectively, the team at CCW Global Insurance Brokers has over half a century of insurance experience. They understand the complexities, unfathomable noise and sometimes overwhelming jargon used in insurance advertising; they will empathetically present clear solutions that make sense to you and your family.

For a free insurance quote, please contact info@ccw-global.com or +852 2114 2840.

* CCW Global are The HK Hub’s recommended insurance brokers, and this write-up was sponsored by CCW Global.

More about insurances in Hong Kong:

• The 3 Main Types Of Insurance Companies In Hong Kong (And Their Pros & Cons)
• All You Need To Know About Business Insurances in Hong Kong
• All You Need To Know About Employee’s Compensation Insurance In Hong Kong
• Critical Illness Insurance in Hong Kong : Are You Covered?
• Protect Your Business: 5 Must-Have Professional And Financial Insurances in Hong Kong
• Your Guide To Motor Insurances in Hong Kong
• All You Need To Know On Public Liability Insurance In Hong Kong
• Your Go-To Guide To Event Insurances In Hong Kong
• 3 Reasons To Get Insurance Before You Fly this Christmas
• Do I Need Health Insurance in Hong Kong?
• Home Insurance in Hong Kong: What you need to know
• The HK HUB Startup Insurance Guide

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today that some indoor leisure venues and cultural facilities will be reopened on 7 March

Partial Opening of Indoor Leisure Venues

Indoor leisure venues to be reopened include badminton courts, squash courts, table tennis rooms/tables, a cycling track, indoor golf driving bays, indoor bowling greens, indoor jogging tracks and indoor tennis courts.

The public can book the above facilities via the Internet Booking Service of Leisure Link within 10 days in advance from 9 March, or attend counter booking at the leisure venues from11 March.

To encourage social distancing, the LCSD will adopt special measures at the sports facilities to be reopened. The measures include limiting the number of users at venues, closing spectator stands, cancelling organisation bookings for competitions, and opening alternate courts/rinks/tables for badminton courts, bowling greens and table tennis tables. Disinfectant carpets and alcohol-based handrub will be in place and cleaning measures will be stepped up at the venues. People entering the venues will have to go through temperature checks. Changing rooms and showering facilities at leisure venues will be temporarily closed to reduce the risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

But These Indoor Leisure Facilities Remain Closed

Other team games facilities at multi-purpose arenas in the venues listed in the Annex (such as basketball courts, volleyball courts and netball courts), activity rooms (including those inside multi-purpose squash courts), dance rooms, fitness rooms, children’s play rooms, study rooms, sport climbing walls, American pool rooms (including those inside multi-purpose squash courts), the billiard centre and gymnastics training hall at Shun Lee Tsuen Sports Centre, the Sanshou Training Hall at Lei Yue Mun Sports Centre and the contact sports centre at Pei Ho Street Sports Centre will continue to be closed until further notice.

Outdoor Leisure Facilities

Non-fee charging land-based leisure facilities, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor hard-surface pitches, skateboard grounds, skateparks, roller skating rinks and cycling grounds, will maintain services. Some outdoor leisure venues, including tennis courts, bowling greens, running tracks in sports grounds (for jogging only), Ngau Chi Wan Park Archery Range, Shek O Obstacle Golf Course and the archery range, golf driving range and practice greens at Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre, have already been reopened.

Libraries

The adult, young adult and children’s libraries of Hong Kong Central Library and six other major public libraries, namely City Hall Public Library, Kowloon Public Library, Tsuen Wan Public Library, Sha Tin Public Library, Tuen Mun Public Library and Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library, will partially open on 11 March and implement special opening hours. The opening hours of the seven libraries will be 1pm to 8pm from Monday to Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays. To avoid people gathering, the libraries will arrange admission by sessions, with each session lasting about one hour. Admission slips will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for entry to each session. Children under 12 will only be allowed to enter when accompanied by an adult. Limited services, including lending and returning of library materials and picking up reserved library materials, will resume. The newspaper and periodical areas, Reference Libraries, Computer Information Centres, computer facilities and study rooms will remain closed. Please visit www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/index.html for details. Public libraries will continue to provide online services such as e-Books and e-Databases.

Museums

The Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Film Archive and the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware will partially open their exhibition facilities on 11 March, with interactive exhibits and public programmes temporarily suspended. Special opening hours from 10am to 5pm daily (except on the regular closing day) will be implemented. Among the four museums, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum will arrange visits by sessions, each lasting two hours, to limit visitor flow. Visitors will be able to enter the museums on a first-come, first-served basis. Children aged under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For details, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitieslist/museums/lcsdmuseums.html.

Visitors to the libraries and museums are advised to wear their own masks and will be subject to temperature checks before admission. Enhanced measures including cleaning between sessions will be conducted.

Many Facilities Remain Closed

Various LCSD cultural and leisure facilities, including sports grounds (except for running tracks), grass pitches, artificial turf soccer pitches, public swimming pools, beaches, the Adventure Park at Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre, water sports centres and holiday camps, will continue to be temporarily closed. Recreational, sports and cultural programmes to be held will also be cancelled until further notice.

All major facilities of performance venues will not be opened before the end of the month. All music centres of the Music Office will remain closed. Apart from the above-mentioned public libraries and museums, the rest of the relevant cultural facilities will continue to be temporarily closed.

The LCSD says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the arrangements in a timely manner, you can check their website for further updates.

Bored in Hong Kong? Check out our what’s on section where we always find the best events in town.

But in Hong Kong, knowing Cantonese trumps Mandarin every time – and it’s easier to learn with the right help!

If you’re living in Hong Kong, or have friends and family who are Hong Kong born or based, or are just interested in learning one of the world’s most fun and free-wheeling languages, then Cantonese MUST be the language you learn.

Let’s be honest … while English may get you around Hong Kong fairly well (or not!), speaking Cantonese means that life suddenly becomes SO much easier and much more enjoyable!

Plus …

Speaking Cantonese can open doors to more friends, more job opportunities, and more local experiences.

Sounds great! How do I make it happen?

Well … it used to be easy with a Cantonese language school on every corner and lots of resources to support your goal.

But now, in 2019 …

• There are fewer and fewer Cantonese language-learning books being published
• Apps are cheap, but most are listen-and-repeat with no context or feeling
• Private tutors are pricey and good ones are hard to come by
• Proper classes are few and far between and require a significant time commitment

But wait!

For the first time, there is now a better option: CantoLingo – a new online Cantonese language school created by Sue Marguerite, native English speaker and popular Cantonese language YouTuber.

What?! A native English speaker teaching Cantonese??

Yes!

Sue is a native English speaker who has learned Cantonese to an advanced degree (speaking, reading and writing) and who knows how to explain it so that YOU can actually learn to speak it.

Sue began her Cantonese learning journey as an adult soon after arriving here in 1988. “I came to Hong Kong with friends I had met in university,” she said. “At its core, Hong Kong is one of the world’s most energetic, hard-working and unique cities, and I knew I wanted to stay. But even if I stayed for only a few years, I had to learn the language – it drove me crazy not being able to understand what people were saying. I imagined, of course, that everyone was talking about me behind my back – or right in front of me, as how would I know?!”

Soon, friends began to ask Sue to help them out in sticky situations:

• in taxis when the driver didn’t know where they wanted to go
• in shopping when the shopkeeper didn’t understand what they were looking for
• in restaurants when the wait staff couldn’t understand their allergy issues

Sound familiar?

From YouTube to CantoLingo.com

Now let’s fast-forward to the summer of 2017, when Sue was asked by a colleague to actually TEACH her Cantonese.

Shocked, she replied: “But I’m not a native speaker! Why would you want to learn from me?”

“Because you’ve done it, and I’m beyond frustrated because I don’t understand my tutor when she tries to explain things!”

As Sue and her colleague both had busy work schedules, they decided it would be easiest for Sue to put her lessons on YouTube.

After a few months of posting videos, Sue’s following had grown organically from her one friend to a few hundred and then a few thousand subscribers. Now, after a little more than two years, she has an active and supportive community of nearly 5,000.

Encouraged by the positive feedback and the requests for private lessons, Sue began to explore the viability of providing more formal language courses. In September 2019, CantoLingo.com became a reality with the launch of its first online course.

What sets CantoLingo apart?

Besides the obvious difference of Sue being a non-native speaker, what really sets CantoLingo apart is Sue’s innate understanding of both languages and her talent in being able to explain the Cantonese language to English speakers in a way that makes sense and results in real learning.

Plus …

• CantoLingo courses are 100% online giving you complete flexibility and control of your study schedule
• Lifetime access to the courses means you can revisit lessons at any time
• In addition to online lessons, Sue and her native-speaking team are available to connect with you via video calls and email

OK … Let’s do it! (and there’s a discount, too!)

Learning any language – especially one known to be among the world’s most difficult – takes time and effort, and can be frustrating.

Sue knows this frustration; she’s overcome the obstacles; and through CantoLingo, she is able to help you do the same.

So whether you’re looking to achieve fluency or just need a few phrases to get you through a company dinner or make it home in a taxi, CantoLingo gives you the tools and support to make your Cantonese language goals a reality.

To celebrate the launch of CantoLingo, HKHUB readers can enjoy a special 25% discount on any course booked (using code HKHUB25 during checkout) from now until 31 December 2019.

Visit the Cantolingo website and start your Cantonese learning journey today!

Contact CantoLingo:

Website

Email: hello@cantolingo.com

Or find her on YouTube where it all started:

Feeling creative? Whatever it is you’d like to make these art and craft shops have all the supplies you’ll need. And if you’d like to join a crafty workshop and learn some new skills or meet like-minded people, you’ll find lots of options here too.

Where to buy art & craft supplies in Hong Kong

Craft Supplies Store

Whatever art project you have in mind this store has a great selection of crafts materials to help you turn your ideas into a reality. Creative types will get that kid/candy store vibe as they browse the large array of stationery, art and craft supplies on offer. Online shopping is also available, but this website is in Chinese only.

G/F 91 Sai Yee Street, Mongkok, Kowloon (Mongkok MTR exit D2) | 2392 0969 | craftsupplieshk@yahoo.com.hk

G/F, 404 Lockhart Road, Wanchai (Causeway Bay MTR exit C) |2520 0234 | craftsupplieshk@yahoo.com.hk

PaperArt 紙品天地

This specialist craft store focuses on all things paper related. They carry a high-quality selection of inks, stamps, stencils and papers, including some beautiful handmade papers and they also have die cutting machines.

Hung Tak Building, 106-108 Des Voeux Road Central (Sheung Wan MTR exit E1) | 2545 8985 | hkpaperart@yahoo.com.uk

Artland

This long-established store is known for its professional quality art supplies and is suitable for serious artists and hobbyists alike. With a 4,000 sq ft showroom, there’s plenty of space to offer a wide selection of art materials including paints, brushes, canvas, papers, crafting materials, clays and glazes. They also have an art gallery with new exhibitions every few weeks, so you can get some additional creative inspiration during your visit.

3/F Lockhart Centre, 301-307 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai | 2511 4845 | artlandc@artland.com.hk

CN Square

One of the biggest and best craft stores in Hong Kong, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find what you need at this 10,000 sq ft mega store spread over 4 floors. As well as art supplies including paints, clays and drawing materials, they also have you covered for photo albums, gift wrapping and party supplies. If the office stationery cupboard is running low, CN Square can cover that too. As well as the megastore in Kowloon, there’s also a smaller store located in North Point.

G/F to 3/F 503 Nathan Road, Yaumatei, Kowloon (Yaumatei MTR exit C) | 2384 2430

M Floor, 135 King’s Road, North Point (Fortress Hill MTR exit A) | 2462 2265

Hands Art & Craft

A trip to this comprehensively stocked arts and crafts store will keep everyone happy from enthusiastic junior crafters through to serious creative-types. As well as your basic paints, pens, papers and clays, they also stock materials for glass crafts, wax crafts, leather crafts, making miniatures, enamelling and more.

1A , Po Wah Commercial Center , 226 Hennessy Road , Wanchai | 2575 1836

Molotow

This store specializes in calligraphy, text-art and street art supplies. If you’ve ever wanted to turn your hand to writing your own beautiful graphic art then the huge array of special calligraphy markers will inspire you. And if you have big plans to create a mural or other large scale art project, all your paint and equipment needs are covered. Available online and in-store.

2/f Easy Pack Industrial Building, 140 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong | 26222012

Tree Children’s Lodge

Keep your crafting and creativity eco-friendly with this selection of natural arts and crafts items, ideal for families. Little artists will be inspired by the chunky natural wax crayons, colourful natural finger paints, modelling clay, face paints, wooden beads and more. Available online and in store.

Unit A 18/F Vulcan House, 21-23 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, (MTR Exit A), Monday – Sunday, 11 am – 7 pm

Inside 28 Discovery Cafe, Basement, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, (Direct access from MTR Exit A4), Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

hello@treechildren.com.hk  | 6112 8081

International Art Supplies

Professional artists and designers can track down the best-known, highest quality, international brands at this store, including specialized hardware such as lightboxes and also graphic design software. Online and in-store.

Room 14, 17/F., Chai Wan Industrial City, Phase 1, No.60 Wing Tai Road, Chaiwan | 2887 7202

Shop No. 6, UG/F., Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, TST East, Kowloon | 2739 1881

Fliegen Scrapbook & Craft Store

This craft store specialises in materials for scrapbooking, card making and other paper-craft projects. Here you’ll find everything you might need, including trims, tools and papers, stickers and stencils for all occasions.

Shop 30, Basement, Phase 4, Kwun Tong Industrial Centre, 436-446 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong | 6405 5405

Living Plaza Stores

These Japanese bargain stores sell a bit of everything, including basic art and craft materials that are perfectly priced to start a kiddie’s crafting box. You can pick up threads, felts, paper, markers, trimmings, wool and more at bargain prices. We just hope that these stores will soon find a way to reduce their plastic use, which is somewhat out of control at present.

Various locations around Hong Kong

Sham Shui Po

Sham Shui Po is your one-stop-shop for everything textile related. Here you can find a treasure trove of fabrics, ribbons, beads, threads and trimmings which is sure to get your creative juices flowing. A trip to this busy district can be somewhat overwhelming, so we’ve prepared a handy map and guide to show you where to find everything you need.

Modes4U

This online store stocks a huge range of cute and colourful Japanese fabrics in fun and trendy patterns ideal for craft-projects. As well as that, they have a good selection of modelling clays, washi tape and lots of cute stationery.

Where to find Hands-On Art and Craft Workshops Around Hong Kong

Make & Do HK

Make & Do are on a mission to spread the love of all things handmade and build a creative community at their space in Chai Wan. The focus is mainly on textile crafts, and they run a wide range of one-day (and some longer) workshops covering macrame, embroidery, screen printing and more.

Three Keys Craft Space, 906 Paramount Building, 12 Ka Yip Street, Chai Wan

Hatton Jewellery Institute

Hatton Jewellery Institute runs both bench based jewellery courses and a jewellery co-working space for independent designer-makers. They teach silversmithery and jewellery design to beginners onwards, whilst the co-working space offers a fully equipped specialist work space for professional jewellers.

13/F Cheong Sun Tower, 118 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan | 2857 7751

513 Paint Shop

This eco-friendly paint store in PMQ is your go-to for green and sustainable paint for your home and furniture makeovers. As well as that, you can also pick up DIY kits and join their workshops for adults or kids, including door sign painting, a paint pour workshop, kids chair painting and more.

S513, Blog A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central | 2155 2282

Yarn in the Works

This is a welcoming space for knitters and crochet’ers to meet and connect, with weekly ‘knit nights’ and an open invitation to drop in and work on your projects in the store. They sell a range of yarns and accessories, as well as some DIY kits for beginners, both in their store and online. You can also sign up for one of their regular workshops and learn to create baskets, baby booties, blankets and more. Children’s workshops are also available on request.

20 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong | 2915 8211

Art Roof Top

Art Roof Top offers classical Russian art education at their studio in Happy Valley. They believe everyone can be creative and their teaching will help you overcome your fears and allow your inner artist to find true expression. Classes are available in various disciplines including portrait painting, nude figure painting, still life, and drawing. There are also children’s art workshops for younger creators.

1\F, 17-19 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley | 4314221

Wild at Art

Wild at Art’s workshops are about more than just art, they also benfit personal growth and mental wellness. Classes on offer include regular mandala workshops, lunchtime de-stress doodling sessions and art journaling courses designed to get you in touch with your inner voice. Bespoke classes with customizable themes for families or groups of friends are also available, as well as regular art retreats for those who want to dig a little deeper.

1/F, 2-4 Elgin Street, Central | wildatartweekly@gmail.com

Sunflower Pottery

Kids will love decorating their own ceramic keepsake at this studio in Wan Chai. Arrange a party and choose from plates, mugs, frames and other items to decorate. Your unique masterpiece will be glazed, fired and ready for you to collect in a few days.

2/F, 1 7 1 Hennessy Road, Wanchai

Choco L’ART Studio

Based on the belief that everyone has an inner artist and creativity is good for the soul, this studio offers regular art classes for kids and art jamming for all ages on request. As well as paint jamming on canvas, you can also join various home décor workshops including cushion design and jewellery box design. Perfect for relaxing with a group of friends.

2B Yan King Court, 119-121 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai | 6695-1161

Art Jamming 

This cool art jamming studio in Wong Chuk Hang can accommodate up to 80 painters and has a 1200 sq ft terrace, making it a nice choice for a corporate event or special occasion. Create your own masterpiece on canvas, a tote bag or t-shirt and take it home to enjoy.

4D Yally Industrial Building, 6 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang

Home Contents Insurance

Of the different types of Home insurance available, Home Contents Insurance is going to be the more common policy type.

As the name suggests, Home Contents Insurance insures your personal possessions. However, this is not to say that your possessions are only insured inside your home. Home Contents Insurance will normally allow for “Worldwide All Risks” insurance on your belongings.

This means that if your camera is stolen in the Philippines while you’re on holiday, or you leave your laptop on a bus, these items can be replaced under your insurance policy. Unless otherwise excluded from your policy on a specific basis,

Under home contents insurance in Hong Kong all your personal possessions are covered up to a pre-defined group limit for all assets; this is normally in the region of HK$250,000 to HK$500,000, with each item being given a maximum coverage benefit. These limits will vary dependent on the insurance company you choose to work with but can be as low as HK$10,000 per covered item or as high as HK$50,000 per item.

Insuring Valuable Items

As can be seen, these individual item limits are not very high. HK$10,000 may cover a basic off-the-shelf laptop or an iPad, but when it comes to the bigger ticket items like Artworks or Fine Wines (or even antique carpets) you will likely need a higher limit to fully protect your possessions.

If you own any highly valuable items, including watches or engagement rings, that will be valued in excess of HK$50,000 then you are probably going to need to add these possessions to your home contents insurance plan as a “specified Item.”

Specified Items can be covered for their full value under a Home Contents Insurance policy in Hong Kong. This will require a proof of valuation be given to the insurance company, and the item will then be insured for that amount. However, providing an accurate valuation by way of original purchase receipt or official 3rd party valuation is extremely important – without a valuation on record any claims in relation to a specified item cannot be upheld. This is due to the fact that there would be no way of proving the value of the item involved in the loss and the claim would only be given up to the standard policy limits.

It should come as no surprise that more expensive specified items will increase the overall premium of your home contents insurance plan, as will including additional properties – did we mention that Home Contents insurance products in Hong Kong are able to cover your possessions in multiple residences, even if you have a property outside of Hong Kong?

Hong Kong Fire Insurance

But what if something happens to the physical structure of your property? In Hong Kong, fire insurance is arguably the more valuable form of coverage, especially if you own your home (rather than renting it).

If you required a mortgage to purchase your Hong Kong property then the chances are that your bank will have required you to take out a fire insurance policy to cover their risk of the property being destroyed or damaged prior to the completion of the mortgage term.

Insuring Against Typhoon Damage

Simply put, Fire Insurance in Hong Kong will cover the rebuilding cost of your property in the event that it suffers a partial or total loss due to Fire and/or any “Allied Perils.” This is an important aspect of Fire Coverage as allied perils can include things like flooding, subsidence, wind damage and more. Due to the fact that Hong Kong often experiences a number of very strong typhoons each year (and the incidence of fire is relatively low), it can actually be the Allied Peril cover on a fire insurance policy which is more important to a policyholder.

If you’re renting your apartment or home in the city then Fire Insurance really is of no consequence to you, but your landlord will definitely have this type of cover in place.

Hong Kong Insurance Made Simple

If you have any questions regarding Fire insurance or Home Contents insurance in Hong Kong just ask CCW Global. Our expert brokers are ready to help answer any and all questions you may have.

More about insurances in Hong Kong:

• The 3 Main Types Of Insurance Companies In Hong Kong (And Their Pros & Cons)
• All You Need To Know About Business Insurances in Hong Kong
• All You Need To Know About Employee’s Compensation Insurance In Hong Kong
• Critical Illness Insurance in Hong Kong : Are You Covered?
• Protect Your Business: 5 Must-Have Professional And Financial Insurances in Hong Kong
• Your Guide To Motor Insurances in Hong Kong
• All You Need To Know On Public Liability Insurance In Hong Kong
• Your Go-To Guide To Event Insurances In Hong Kong
• 3 Reasons To Get Insurance Before You Fly this Christmas
• Do I Need Health Insurance in Hong Kong?
• The HK HUB Startup Insurance Guide

sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

For unrivalled 360-degree panoramic views, head over to sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, Hong Kong’s one and only indoor observation deck. Located on the 100th floor of the city’s tallest building – the International Commerce Centre (ICC) – this world-class attraction is a great place to enjoy the best view in Hong Kong throughout the day and night. Take a sixty second ride in the city’s fastest double-deck elevator before being treated to stunning harbour-front views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the sprawling outlying islands. To enhance your experience, make a trip to Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, where you can continue to soak in the boundless sea views or magical sunsets while enjoying a selection of exclusive treats and the acclaimed 5-star hotel service. To finish your viewing experience at night, the “Love is in the Sky” light show displays unique animated projections inspired by the night sky and patterns representative of Hong Kong and designed to resonate with the dramatic views of Victoria Harbour in the background.

Click here to book tickets to sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

The Lobby Lounge, Intercontinental Hong Kong

Whether you’re looking to enjoy afternoon tea with friends or relax over a cocktail, The Lobby Lounge at Intercontinental Hong Kong is sure to mesmerise you with its dramatic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Located on Kowloon waterfront and with floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel is also known to offer one of the best views in Hong Kong for the spectacular Lunar New Year and New Year’s Eve fireworks displays.

Ngong Ping 360

Providing spectacular views of Lantau Island and vistas of  the South China Sea and North Lantau Country Park, it’s no surprise that Ngong Ping 360 is one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions. Connecting Tung Chung and Ngong Ping, visitors can enjoy a serene 25-minute ride through the sky in a glass-bottom ‘crystal cabin’, offering an astonishing birds-eye-view of some of Hong Kong’s natural and historical highlights including Tian Tan Buddha and 360-degree views of Ngong Ping Plateau. Upon arrival at Ngong Ping Village, you can take a short walk to get a closer look at the famous giant Buddha statue and visit Po Lin Monastery.

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse (Wan Chai) and Wooloomooloo Prime (TST)

With million-dollar skyline and harbour views, it’s no secret that the Wooloomooloo group offers some of the best rooftop views in Hong Kong. Situated on the 31st floor atop The Hennessy, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse is a great spot from which to enjoy a dish of renowned Australian and USDA prime steak while gazing at dazzling city lights through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For front-row seats however, take a seat on the open-air terrace, order yourself a tasty tipple and enjoy the stunning wrap around views of bustling Wan Chai and beyond. Over in TST, Wooloomooloo Prime, perched on the 21st floor of The ONE shopping mall, offers 270-degree panoramic vistas of Victoria Harbour from its sophisticated outdoor terrace and restaurant.

The Peak

Just as the name suggests, The Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong Island, standing at 428 metres above sea level and offering remarkable panoramic views of the city to the mountains of the New Territories. For the quintessential Peak experience, purchase a Peak Tram Sky Pass, including a trip on the famous Peak Tram and entrance to the Sky Terrace 428 viewing platform where you can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of this amazing city at any time of day, be it in the morning, at sunset or night.

note: The Peak Tram is closing for renovations for 2 or 3 months from 23 April 2019

Aqua Spirit & Hutong, One Peking (TST)

For visiting guests or special occasions, begin your night at Aqua Spirit, an ultra-chic penthouse bar, located on the 30th floor of One Peking in Tsim Sha Tsui. The slanted floor-to-ceiling windows span across the entire length of the venue, showcasing the city’s iconic skyline. Here, you can enjoy a world class cocktail before heading down to Hutong, a Sichuan restaurant located on the 28th floor. Decked out in sino-chic interiors and serving an award-winning menu of Northern Chinese cuisine against sweeping harbour views, this stunning restaurant is sure to impress.