Registrations will open in two rounds. Priority entry for runners who qualify with HKAAA-recognised race results from events like 2023 edition of this half marathon and this year’s Hong Kong Marathon are open from 2pm on July 16 to 6pm on July 20. Registrations for the public ballot are open from 2pm on July 25-6 pm on August 1. The entry fee is HK$550 for Hong Kong residents and US$85 for non-local participants.

Participants must be at least 16 years old as of 2025, and the top prize is US$15,000 (approximately HK$117,080). There are special prizes for Hong Kong Permanent Residents totalling HK$60,000 for men’s and women’s challenge race participants. The Challenge race will begin at 7.15am, and from 7.45am onwards for Non-Challenge runs. There will be cut-off times at specific checkpoints so that roads closed for the event can be reopened to traffic.

Image credits: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon

The local forecaster stated that it is generally believed that the low-pressure system will “maintain a weak intensity”, but that some models predict the low-pressure area may form into a tropical cyclone. If this happens, it will take a westward track towards central Vietnam. However, it is likely that there will be unstable weather over the Central South China Sea during the next few days.

Hong Kong is currently under a Very Hot Weather warning, which has been in force since the morning of July 1. Current forecasts show that the weather will continue to be hot over the weekend, with highs of 34 degrees Celsius. This will be followed by cloudier skies with a few showers next week, as well as more unsettled weather in the latter part of the week.

Hong Kong already experienced its first typhoon of the year when Typhoon Maliksi came within 300 kilometres of the city in late May. The observatory raised Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, or T3, and the typhoon brought strong winds and heavy showers to the territory.

For more weather updates, visit the Hong Kong Observatory website.

Header image credits: Ryan Lane via Canva

According to the new fare chart, base charges for red taxis will increase from HK$27 to HK$29, while those on green cabs will rise from HK$23.5 to HK$25.5. Blue taxi passengers will pay HK$24 for the first 2 kilometres they travel, up from the current HK$22. Passengers who use cabs beyond the 2-kilometre minimum need to pay HK$0.2 for every 200 metres they travel up to 20km, depending on the taxi they’re in. Those who travel even farther will pay HK$0.1 for every additional 200 metres.

Earlier this year, Hong Kong taxi operators applied for an up to 20% on base fares in a proposal they submitted to the Transport Department. According to the documents, the city’s cab operators asked that the flag-fall charges on red taxis be increased to HK$32, green cabs to HK$28, and blue taxis to HK$26.5. However, the HKSAR government eventually approved an average fare increase of 8.86%, 9.56%, and 10.92% for urban, New Territories, and Lantau taxis respectively.

Hong Kong’s Transport Department also revealed that grievances against the city’s taxi drivers rose by 75% in 2023 for a variety of offences, including overcharging, refusing hire, and failure to take the quickest or easiest routes to a destination. This news came after the Hong Kong Taxi Council launched a three-month courtesy campaign to help cab drivers understand the importance of politeness and to improve communication with passengers.

Header image credits: Andrey X. Via Canva

When is the next Hong Kong drone show?

The next drone show will be held on Saturday, July 20 at East Tsim Sha Tsui area to celebrate the 100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Exhibition. Apart from the date and the venue, no other details about the show have been confirmed yet — except that it will feature the Time Machine. However, the previous 15-minute-long show had around 1,000 drones take the shape of imagery associated with Doraemon like the Anywhere Door and Copter, along with the famous fictional feline and his pals.

Where to watch the next drone show?

The organisers of the drone show, AllRightsReserved, have not yet said where the best viewing spots for the event will be. However, it will over the Avenue of Stars on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour. During this time, there will also be a variety of Doraemon-themed installations on display, including a 12-metre-tall inflatable Doraemon, along with 34 1:1 life-sized sculptures of the fictional feline from manga and animation series, and 10 of Doraemon’s friends and family. 

If you’re taking the MTR, the closest station is the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station (Exit J), from where you can head to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade via the Avenue of Stars on foot. Alternatively, you can reach the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier by taking the Star Ferry from the Wan Chai or Central Star Ferry piers, and then walk to the drone show venue.

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The most recent drone show that was held in Hong Kong was on July 7 to celebrate the birthday of Anson Lo — one of the members of the Cantopop boy band MIRROR. The show featured images associated with the popular singer and most of the motifs were pink, his signature colour.

Header image credits: Hong Kong Tourism Board, Allrightsreserved

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Doraemon, a blue robotic cat from the future, is an iconic figure in Japanese manga and anime. Created by Fujiko F. Fujio, he is famous for his time-travel adventures and futuristic gadgets, which have enchanted generations of fans worldwide.

The upcoming drone show promises fresh content and a unique visual experience. Scheduled for 7:30 pm on July 20, it will illuminate the skies of East Tsim Sha Tsui with new drone formations, ensuring a different spectacle from the May event.

Adding to the Doraemon fever this summer, two Doraemon exhibitions will be hosted in the 852. The “100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Exhibition” a ticketed event, will run from July 13 to August 18 at K11 Musea, with tickets available on Klook. Additionally, the “100% DORAEMON Outdoor Exhibition Area” will offer a free display from July 13 to August 11 at the Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

Fore Doraemon fans, other attractions are being held in the city. The Siu Hong Light Rail station will feature a Doraemon-themed platform, and three limited-edition ‘100% Friends-Calling Bell’ trains will operate on the Light Rail, East Rail Line, and the Airport Express. Visitors to Ngong Ping 360 can enjoy Doraemon-themed cable cars between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping village from June 14 to September 1, making it a Doraemon-filled summer for fans of all ages.

Header Image Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

When and where is the Hong Kong Doraemon exhibition?

There are two exhibitions planned for Hong Kong’s summer of Doraemon: a ticketed show and a free display, both in Tsim Sha Tsui.

100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Exhibition (Ticketed Exhibition)

Fans can head to the indoor 100% Doraemon Manga Art Exhibition Hall that will screen an animated short film made exclusively for Hong Kong. The space will also feature interactive installations, an immersive room, replicas of original artworks, scenes from Doraemon’s long tales and featured movies, and 17 sets of sculptures. The paid exhibition will include the 100% Doraemon Sculpture Park — an outdoor display of 36 Doraemon sculptures, including 13 movie Doraemon sculptures and 23 special sculptures like the transformation of Sweet Potato Doraemon, Wild Wolf Doraemon, Nobita-and-Doraemon hybrid forms, and much more.

When: July 13-August 18, 2024
Where: 6F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening Hours: 11am-9pm (Monday-Thursday), and 11am-10pm (Fridays), 10am-10pm (Saturday & Sunday)

100% DORAEMON Outdoor Exhibition Area (Free Exhibition)

The main attraction of the free-to-enter exhibition will be a 12-metre-tall inflatable Doraemon – touted to be the world’s tallest – along with 34 1:1 life-sized sculptures of the  fictional feline from manga and animation series, and 10 of Doraemon’s friends and family. Hardcore fans can also check out the special tribute to Hong Kong’s film industry, when Doraemon and his pals will dress up in formal attire and walk the “blue carpet” on the Avenue of Stars, along with 13 of the city’s biggest big-screen stars.

When: July 13-August 11, 2024
Where: Avenue of Stars & Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Doraemon and his buddies will also pop up across the 852, where a 1:1 sculpture of each of the 45 Doraemon movies will be on display during different times at various public spaces. He will also step out of the ‘Anywhere Door’ along with the ‘100% Friend-Calling Bell’ to connect with fans.

How do I get tickets for the Doraemon exhibition?

While there are no tickets or reservations required for the free exhibition on Tsim Sha Tsui, you’ll need to get tickets online for the event in K11 Musea. Tickets for July 13-August 11 are sold out, but passes for the extended run from August 12-18 will be up available on Klook from June 17. You must book tickets for this event in advance as there won’t be any walk-in passes available at the venue. Each person can buy a maximum of 4 tickets per transaction.

Tickets are priced at HK$120 (kids aged 3-11) and HK$150 (visitors aged 12 and above). Those who buy General Admission tickets will get an acrylic pin chosen at random. There were 3,000 Premium Sets that cost HK$320 that included 9 acrylic pins and stickers, but they are currently sold out.

What are the other Doraemon attractions in Hong Kong?

There are several other Doraemon-themed attractions and activities during this time so you can get into the spirit of the summer event.

Hong Kong Doraemon Hong Kong MTR stations

Hongkongers will get to see the first-ever Doraemon-themed platform at the Siu Hong Light Rail station. In addition, there will be three limited-edition ‘100% Friends-Calling Bell’ trains running on the Light Rail, East Rail Line, and the Airport Express.

Doraemon at Ngong Ping 360

Visitors who want to head to the Big Buddha Lantau can hop aboard Doraemon-themed cable cars that will take them between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping village between June 14 and September 1. There will even be a passenger-free car that will be filled with 31 Doraemon plushies. At Ngong Ping, check out the giant gashapon machine, click pics with a ‘Gian Recital Work Tour’ installation, and spot the 1:1 life-sized Doraemon sculptures placed around the area.

Hong Kong-only Doraemon collectables

Get your hands on exclusive Doraemon collectables that will include high-quality print, wooden sculpture (limited to 500 worldwide), plush toys, and more at the exhibition site from July 13. You can also get early access to these goodies on the DDT Store from July 8. There will also be merchandise available exclusively at the exhibition venue.

Doraemon ID digital avatar

If you missed your chance to attend the paid exhibition, you can still get in on the fun by creating your own Doraemon ID digital avatar by customising your own manga art character with elements like body type, face shape, skin colour, hairstyle, and clothing. Ticketed visitors who’ve made their own Doraemon IDs can unlock interactive experiences and gather six ‘100% Digital Stamps’ at the exhibition.

Anywhere Doors

The Dokodemo Door, aka The Anywhere Door, is used by Doraemon and his pals to travel instantaneously between places. These doors will pop up across Hong Kong from July 9-August 8. And if you post a picture of one of these doors on Facebook, Instagram, or Xiaohongshu with the hashtags #DORAEMON100 and #discoverhongkong, you may even win a pin or a premium gift. Here’s where the Anywhere Doors will be:

1. Hong Kong Museum of Art
2. The Peak Tower
3. Kwun Tong Promenade
4. Cochrane Street, Central
5. Central Pier
6. Chater Garden, Central
7. West Kowloon Cultural District
8. Temple Street
9. Water Spots and Recreation Precinct, Wan Chai
10. PMQ (from July 12-August 8)

Find out how to get your prize here.

Header image credits: AllRightsReserved, Ngong Ping 360

The Exit and Entry Administration of Mainland China will issue the permits, and eligible Hong Kong permanent residents can apply for them through China Travel Service in Hong Kong. Applications for the permit will cost HK$260, and will take 20 days to process. Anyone who needs to renew or replace their permits while they are in Mainland China will have to pay 230 yuan. Hong Kong Permanent Residents who get the new permits can use the Mainland self-service clearance at control points instead of the manual channels where they need to fill out entry cards and get fingerprinted.

Currently, all Hong Kong residents need to apply for separate visas to enter Mainland China, and only Chinese citizens who have either acquired the right of abode or been granted unconditional stay in Hong Kong can apply for an HKSAR Re-entry Permit. This document, also known as a Home Permit, allows eligible Hong Kong residents to travel to Macau and Mainland China for a single trip in a six-month period or multiple journeys over five years.

This development comes after Mainland Chinese authorities introduced a series of measures to make travel between Hong Kong and cities north of the border easier. Last month, China Railway launched overnight High Speed Rail services between Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai that reduced travel time between the three cities substantially. In addition, there are several long-term plans to build new railway lines and MTR stations to link Hong Kong and Shenzhen over the next two decades.

Header image credits: N509FZ via WikiCommons

Star Ferry rides

Passengers can take unlimited trips for free on the Star Ferry between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. However, if you want to take the Central-Tsim Sha Tsui ferry, you’ll have to pay the full fare.

Tram trips

Hop on board any HK Tramways tram on July 1 and get rides across the northern part of Hong Kong Island for free, courtesy the Hong Kong Youth Patriotic Education Foundation.

Fortune Ferry journeys

Sail across Victoria Harbour on for free two of Fortune Ferry’s routes: Central-Hung Hom and North Point-Kwun Tong-Kai Tak. You need to book your tickets in advance before you board by heading to Central Pier 8 and the North Point Pier. If it’s your birthday on July 1, you can get free trips on the Central-Hung Hom, North Point-Kwun Tong-Kai Tak, and Tuen Mun-Tai O routes.

MTR Light Rail and New Territories bus trips

All passengers who take MTR’s light rail and New Territories buses will get fare-free rides on July 1. Children aged between 3 and 11 years old can travel for free on all of Hong Kong’s MTR lines — including the Airport Express and on journeys to and from Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations. The city’s rail corporation will add more than 400 trips to six of its lines and boost its Light Rail services on July 1 to handle the increased passenger traffic on this day.

Sun Ferry rides

Sun Ferry will distribute 400 free ferry tickets for various routes between Hong Kong Island, the outlying islands and Kowloon. Anyone interested in getting fare-free rides from Central-Mui Wo, North Point-Hung Hom, and North Point-Kowloon City should head to Central Pier No. 6 or North Point Pier on June 27 to collect their tickets. Those who wish to travel between Central and Cheung Chau for free should go to Central Pier No. 5 on June 28 to pick up their passes.

KMB and Long Win Bus rides for kids

Children aged 3-12 can ride for free on all KMB routes (except the K12, K14, K17 and K18) and Long Win buses for 10 days from July to September this year. The fare-free ride offer begins on July 1, and kids who tap their Child Octopus Cards on the fare readers on these buses will not be charged.

Entry to Hong Kong Wetland Park

All visitors can enter Hong Kong Wetland Park without registering or buying a ticket. However, they cannot enter the Wetland Challenge, What are Wetlands, Living Wetlands and Human Culture galleries, as well as the Swamp Adventure Indoor Play Area and Souvenir Shop as they are closed for renovations.

Guided tours

There will be free guided tours, dining, consumption, and accommodation offers from late June to the end of July for the 13 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. Some of the free tours will be at:

• Green Hub
• HKFYG Leadership Institute
• Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre
• Viva Blue House

Entry to government-run leisure facilities

Anyone can use the following indoor and outdoor facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department as long as they make a booking first:

• Indoor leisure facilities such as badminton courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, netball courts, volleyball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, American pool tables, billiard tables, sport climbing walls, bowling greens, golf facilities, fitness rooms, activity rooms, dance rooms, and a cycling track
• Outdoor leisure facilities like tennis courts, tennis practice courts, bowling greens, batting cages, sport climbing walls, archery ranges and golf facilities (except camp facilities, sports grounds and artificial as well as natural turf pitches)
• Public swimming pools except for the Wan Chai Swimming Pool and the Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool (no prior bookings required) 
• Water sports centres, except for recreational kayaks, pedal-driven boats, sampans and colour boats at Chong Hing Water Sports Centre, which are available only for campers

Museum exhibitions

Entry to the following museums and exhibitions are free on July 1:

• Hong Kong Palace Museum: General Admission exhibitions, which require pre-booking on the West Kowloon Cultural District website, the West Kowloon Cultural District mobile app, or on Cityline.
• M+: General Admission exhibitions, which do not require pre-booking. Enter the museum through the Artist Square Entrance.
• Hong Kong Space Museum: All permanent exhibitions except for the Space Theatre shows.
• Hong Kong Science Museum: All permanent exhibitions.
• Hong Kong Museum of Art: All free exhibitions, including ‘The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Fragrance of Time – In Search of Chinese Art of Scent’.

In addition, admission to several exhibitions will be free at the following museums:

• Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
• Hong Kong Railway Museum
• Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
• Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery
• Law Uk Folk Museum
• Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum
• Sheung Yiu Folk Museum
• Hong Kong Film Archive
• Sam Tung Uk Museum
• Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) 
• Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre

Other discounts on July 1

Several Hong Kong attractions and restaurants will give visitors and customers discounts for the forthcoming long weekend to celebrate HKSAR Establishment Day. Here is the list of the special offers during this time:

• Hong Kong Ocean Park: Up to 30% off on an Ocean Park Hong Kong All Day Delight Tickets, from June 29-July 1. Adults will pay HK$270 (original price HK$398) and children’s tickets in this category will cost HK$189 (original price HK$239). Tickets can be bought at the park gates and on the website.
• Ngong Ping 360: Children and senior citizens will get 73% off Ngong Ping 360 Standard Cabin cable car tickets. Kids aged between 3 and 11 years old will pay HK$36 for their passes, while tickets for seniors will cost HK$42.
• sky100: Hong Kong residents will get 73% off when they buy admission tickets for the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck if they use with the promo code of “27HKSAR” from June-July 1. A quota of 130 tickets will be available each day, and standard tickets for adults, children, and senior citizens will cost HK$53.
• Restaurant offers: Several restaurants across the city will give customers discounts on beverages, à la carte menu, and special menus. Check out the full list here.

For the full list of freebies and discounts, visit the official website.

Header image credits: YuenWu, urban cow, and seaonweb via Canva

Anyone who wishes to board the Fortune Ferry should book their tickets in person at specific piers, on a first-come-first-served basis. They need to register their phone numbers and can then collect two tickets per phone number. Passengers can pick up their tickets based on the following schedule:

In addition, passengers born on July 1 can also ride Fortune Ferry’s Central-Hung Hom, North Point-Kwun Tong-Kai Tak, and Tuen Mun-Tai O routes for free. Bring documents with proof of your date of birth to claim your free tickets.

Header image credits: samxmeg via Canva and LN9267 via WikiCommons

The new fares were calculated by taking into account factors like inflation, a wage index for transport workers, and MTR’s productivity and profitability. Based on these criteria, the fare increase for this year was 3.2%, but was capped at 3.09% thanks to the MTR’s affordability ceiling. The remaining 0.11% will be recouped over the following two years.

MTR will also roll out a special offer for frequent travellers called “Ride 10 Get 1 Free”. As part of this offer, passengers will get a free domestic MTR ride for every 10 trips they take from July 1-28, 2024, as long as they use an Adult Octopus linked to MTR Mobile accounts. Passengers can get a maximum of 4 free trips during the month-long promotion period on all territory-wide routes, except the Airport Express.

The rail giant will continue to give travellers frequent commuters’ tickets, such as the City Saver that covers 40 single journeys to 67 specific stations in the MTR network, the Tuen Mun-Nam Cheong Day Pass, and five Monthly Passes for certain routes on the Tung Chung Line, Tuen Ma Line, and East Rail Line.

Header image credits: MTR

The offer covers 10 days during the summer holidays: July 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28; August 4, 11, 18 and 25; as well as September 1. During these days, the fare for passengers who tap their Child Octopus cards on the readers in these buses will be set to HK$0. 

The news comes after Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced a series of freebies and discounts to mark HKSAR Establishment Day on July 1. During this public holiday, residents and tourists in the city can ride the city’s trams, light rail, and New Territories buses for free, and even get free entry to Hong Kong Wetland Park and indoor and outdoor venues run by the Leisure and Cultural Department.

Header image credits: LN9267 via Wiki Commons

However, there will be thunderstorms and showers over the territory early next week, due to a low pressure system that is expected to affect southern China during that time. Next week is also predicted to be very hot, but with occasional showers. Humidity levels over the next 10 days will range between 65% and 95%.

The observatory issued the first Very Hot Weather warning of the year last week, when the mercury crossed 33 degrees in parts of the New Territories. When this alert is in effect, authorities urge the public to stay hydrated, stay indoors if possible, and to wear wide-brimmed hats and loose, light-coloured clothing if they venture outdoors.

For more weather updates, visit the Hong Kong Observatory website.

Header image credits: Leung Cho Pan via Canva

Hong Kong Island

While plans to build the North Island Line that was first proposed in 2014 have been shelved for now, there will be more MTR connections within Hong Kong Island and to connect it to Lantau Island, the New Territories, and Shenzhen.

Hong Kong Island West-Northeast Lantau Link

This railway line will link the HKU MTR Station to the planned Hung Shui Kiu station on the Tuen Ma Line. Trains on this route will stop at the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, Sunny Bay, and Tuen Mun East and terminate at the Hung Shui Kiu station, allowing passengers in these areas to get to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link.

Length: 13 km
New stations: 2
Expected completion: 2034-2038

South Island Line (West)

The proposed extension of the South Island Line will add five more MTR stations between Wong Chuk Hang and HKU: Aberdeen, Tin Wan, Wah Fu, Cyberport, and Queen Mary Hospital, before terminating at HKU Station on the Island Line. Passengers can then head to Shenzhen via the Hong Kong Island West-Northeast Lantau Link.

Length: TBA
New stations: 5
Expected completion: 2034-2038

Lantau Island

Lantau Island has only one MTR connection, the Tung Chung Line, which connects the outlying island to Kowloon and Hong Kong, and in turn provides a railway transit point to Hong Kong Disneyland. There will be three more stations added to this line, which will give it a new westward terminus near Yat Tung Estate.

Oyster Bay Station

This is the third new station that will open on the Tung Chung Line, after Tung Chung East and West. The Oyster Bay stop, also called the Siu Ho Wan Station, will be located between the Sunny Bay and Tung Chung stations, just before the proposed Tung Chung East stop. It will provide easy access to key transport hubs and facilities like the Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities, the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel, and the Tsing Ma Bridge.

Stations: 1
Expected completion: 2030

Tung Chung Line Extension

Under this project, there will be two more stations on the existing Tung Chung Line. The Tung Chung East Station will be between the Sunny Bay and Tung Chung stops. The MTR will also extend the Tung Chung Line another by about 1.3 kilometres to include the Tung Chung West stop near Yat Tung Estate. Preliminary work has already begun on the tracks, and the stations are expected to open in 2029 at the earliest. This will allow residents of these neighbourhoods to travel to the new Oyster Bay Station, which connects to Kowloon, Hong Kong and the High Speed Rail at West Kowloon.

Length: 1.2km (Tung Chung East), 1.3km (Tung Chung West)
New stations: 2
Expected completion: 2029

Northern Metropolis

The Northern Metropolis is a 30,000 hectare area that spans the Yuen Long District and North District, including new towns in Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long and Fanling/Sheung Shui. It includes various New Development Areas in different planning and development stages and their neighbouring areas. The HKSAR government plans to link various parts within this development project to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the mainland by building new railway lines and stations.

Northern Link

The Northern Link will connect the East Rail Line and the Tuen Ma Line, forming a railway loop in the Northern New Territories. The under-construction Kwu Tung Station, between the Lok Ma Chau and Sheung Shui stations on the East Rail Line — an important link to Shenzhen — will be the first stop on the Northern Link, and is scheduled to be completed in 2027. The Northern Link will include three more stations — San Tin, Ngau Tam Mei and Au Tau — before terminating at Kam Sheung Road Station on the Tuen Ma Line.

Length: 10.7 km
New stations: 4
Expected completion: 2034

Northern Link Spur Line

This proposed line will begin from the San Tin Station on the proposed Northern Link, and pass through the San Tin Technopole and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop, and will connect the new Huanggang Port in Shenzhen. This cross-boundary transport link — meant to be another option for residents and tourists travelling within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area — is currently in the planning stages.

Length: 5.8 km
New stations: TBA
Expected completion: 2034-2038

Northeast New Territories Line

This line will run from Heung Yuen Wai, going through areas such as Ping Che and Queen’s Hill, and connect with Fanling Station on the East Rail Line. The line will improve access to the Heung Yuen Wai boundary control point and provide an interchange with the East Rail Line.

Length: 8.5 km
New stations: TBA
Expected completion: TBA

Northern Link Eastern Extension

This will extend the Northern Link eastward from Kwu Tung Station to Ping Che, passing through areas like Lo Wu and Man Kam To — both cross-boundary control points. The plan is for the line to connect to the proposed Northeast New Territories Line at its terminal.

Length: 9.5 km
New stations: 8
Expected completion: TBA

Hung Shui Kiu Station

Construction on the Hung Shui Kiu station between the Tin Shui Wai and Siu Hong stops on the Tuen Ma line will begin this year. It will provide train services to the Hung Shui Kiu or Ha Tsuen New Development Area and the surrounding districts. Hung Shui Kiu will be an important jumping-off point for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link.

New station: 1
Expected completion: 2030

Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link

The proposed Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link — of which an 8-kilometre-long section will pass through Hong Kong — will begin at the Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line. It will pass through Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan, cross the Deep Bay, and connect to Qianhai via Shenzhen Bay Port. The railway line aims to connect Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen innovation and technology corridor.

Length: 18km (8km in Hong Kong)
New stations: 3
Expected completion: TBA

Central Rail Link

The Central Rail Link (CRL) will link Kam Tin in Yuen Long and Kowloon Tong via Kwai Chung, thereby connecting the Northern Metropolis and the Harbour Metropolis. In the process, it will link several current and proposed railways, including the Tuen Ma Line, the Tsuen Wan Line, and the Kwun Tong Line in the New Territories. It will also connect the East Rail Line, the Northern Link, and the Northeast New Territories Line, thereby providing better connectivity to Mainland China.

Length: 17 km
New stations: 6
Expected completion: TBA

New Territories

The infrastructure plans for the New Territories mainly include expansions of the current Tuen Ma, Tseung Kwan O, and Tsuen Wan lines, as well as the addition of a new station near the Hong Kong Science Park.

Tuen Mun South Extension

Billed by MTR as a “community railway”, the Tuen Mun South Extension will add two more stations to the Tuen Mun line after its current termination point at Tuen Mun. The line will extend southwards by means of a viaduct to include an intermediate stop at Area 16 and a new terminal at Tuen Mun South near the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal. This will give residents of these areas access to the Hung Shui Kiu Station, where the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link will begin.

Length: 2.4 km
New stations: 2
Expected completion: 2030

Pak Shek Kok Station

In her 2021 policy address, former Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that the public transport service connections between Pak Shek Kok and the Science Park needed to be improved. Therefore, the government recommended the construction of a new Science Park/Pak Shek Kok MTR Station of the East Rail Line on the site of The Hong Kong Education University (EdUHK) Sports Centre. As of 2023, the station was still in the planning stages.

New stations: 1
Expected completion: 2033

Tsuen Wan Line West Extension

This extension will add three new stations to the Tsuen Wan Line: Northeast Tsuen Wan, Northeast Kwai Chung, and Tsuen King Circuit. These stations will also be connected to the Central Link to allow passengers from Hong Kong and Kowloon to transit to the Tsuen Wan Line, which will in turn provide access to the Northern Link and its associated lines.

Length: TBA
New stations: 3
Expected completion: TBA

Tseung Kwan O Line Southern Extension

In his policy address in 2022, current Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said that the Tseung Kwan O line would extend southwards towards Area 137 — a new residential part of Hong Kong that will have 50,000 homes that residents can start moving into from 2030 at the earliest. However, there is no word yet and when the station will open.

Length: 4 km
New stations: TBA
Expected completion: TBA

Header image credits: MTR

According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the park will link the existing Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and Brothers Marine Park, as well as the Hong Kong International Airport Approach Areas. This will increase the area for the conservation of marine ecology, fisheries resources, and marine biodiversity in the western part of Hong Kong. The newly designated protected marine space will also border the Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve in Guangdong, and therefore will link the protected areas for the marine mammal between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

The North Lantau Marine Park is Hong Kong’s eighth marine park, and will come under the Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476), which provides a legal framework for the designation, control, and management of all the territory’s marine parks and its sole marine reserve at Cape D’Aguilar. The Marine Parks (Designation) (Amendment) Order 2024 was tabled in the Legislative Council on June 19, and will come into effect on November 1, 2024.

Earlier this year, Hong Kong got its 25th country park — Robin’s Nest in Sha Tau Kok. When it opened in March, the 530-hectare park had two hiking trails accessible to the public: Robin’s Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail. Authorities are working on building a wider hiking trail network in the park, along with picnic sites and viewing points.

Header image credits: gionnixxx via Canva, Hong Kong Dolphinwatch

Mercer evaluated the comparative costs of over 200 items in 226 cities — from housing and transportation to food, clothing, household goods, and entertainment. The American consulting firm used New York as the base city and currency movements were measured against the US dollar. They analysed the costs of everyday items such as eggs, olive oil, a cup of coffee, 1 litre of petrol, men’s jeans, and a woman’s haircut to see how much they increased from 2023. The prices for all these products increased in Hong Kong, except for jeans. In addition, rental costs in the territory increased by 8% over the past year.

According to Mercer, factors such as expensive housing markets, high transportation costs, and higher cost of goods and services contributed to high living costs in top-ranking cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich. The firm also stated that inflation and exchange-rate fluctuations directly affect the pay and savings of internationally mobile employees. Heightened economic and geopolitical volatility, as well as local conflicts and emergencies also led to additional expenses in housing, utilities, local taxes, and education. 

The rankings also included a mention of quality of living, which encompassed factors like safety and security, infrastructure, and connectivity to find cities that combine low costs with a high quality of life. Hong Kong ranked 77 when it came to quality of living, while Singapore came in at No. 29. Vienna, which is the 24th most expensive city in the world for international workers, took the No. 1 spot in terms of quality of living.

Header image credit: Leung Cho Pan via Canva

How many High Speed Rail tickets are available?

There are 25 pairs of round-trip tickets up for grabs from Hong Kong to Beijing each week, and another 25 sets of return tickets for two passengers on the Hong Kong-Shanghai route. In all, there are 150 tickets available as part of the giveaway, which includes the first round that ended on June 11. The tickets are available for only specific travel dates. If you get your tickets on June 18, you can only use them for travel between June 28 and July 1. Participants who book tickets on June 25 can only use them for travel from June 27-July 2.

How do I enter the giveaway?

Sign up on the MTR Mobile app as a registered user, and login at 12pm on June 18 and June 25. Tap the ‘Promotions’ icon on the top-left of your screen, choose your destination (Beijing or Shanghai), and tap the ‘Grab Now’ button. If you’ve managed to successfully book your tickets, you will find the eCoupons for them by tapping the ‘Gift’ icon on the home page under the ‘Valid’ tab.

How do I redeem my tickets?

Once you’ve booked your tickets, head to the West Kowloon Station during the redemption period (June 20-25 for tickets secured on June 18, June 27-July 2 for tickets reserved on June 25). Present the eCoupon and travel documents for you and your travel companion at the pickup counter. Scan the QR code that the staff gives you and claim your tickets. Remember that the same passengers must use these tickets for their outbound and inbound journeys, and they will get assigned a lower berth and an upper berth.

What are the departure and arrival times of the overnight trains?

The new sleeper High Speed Rail trains will replace the current standard-speed trains that depart from Hung Hom and cut travel times between Hong Kong and the two Mainland cities by half. All departures are on Friday evenings and arrivals on Monday mornings.

Trains from Hong Kong to Beijing will depart at 6:24pm and arrive at 6:53am the next day, while passengers returning to Hong Kong will leave Beijing at 8:13pm and arrive in the SAR at 8:47am the next day. Shanghai-bound travellers will depart Hong Kong at 7:49pm and arrive at their destination at 6:45am the next day, and will leave Shanghai at 8:15pm and arrive in Hong Kong at 7:29am the next day.

What facilities do the new trains have?

Each train has 16 carriages, of which 13 are sleeper cars, two are second-class seating cars, and one is a dining car. The Shanghai trains will also have a premium sleeper car. Each regular sleeper cabin has two bunk beds with a small table and a shared kettle. However, the premium variety has just a single bunk bed with a sofa, wardrobe, and a kettle. Tickets are priced between HK$682 (second-class tickets) and HK$2,128 (premium lower bunk).

Header image credits: Leung Cho Pan via Canva

Schools that have started classes will continue us usual, but if the warning remains after closing hours, students must remain at school premises until the weather improves. Afternoon classes will be cancelled. Public transport will operate as usual, and all child care and after-school care centres will remain open.

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For more weather updates, visit the Hong Kong Observatory website.

Header image credits: i5prof via Flickr

The warning came after the city experienced showers and thunderstorms on Thursday morning. The observatory cautioned Hongkongers against heat stroke, urging them to drink more water and avoid prolonged exposure under sunlight. The weather will be rainy over the next couple of days, followed by fine and hot conditions with occasional showers next week. Temperatures will range between 27 degrees and 32 degrees in the coming week, and humidity levels will reach 95%.

Hong Kong recently experienced its first typhoon of the year when Tropical Storm Maliksi came within 300km of the territory last month. The observatory raised the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, and there were strong winds, squally showers, and thunderstorms over the SAR. 

For more weather updates, visit the Hong Kong Observatory website.

Header image credits: Leung Cho Pan via Canva