Insider Tips: 7 Attractions You Must-Visit in Hong Kong

By Nathaniel YU

Well, people always say ‘Expect the unexpected.’ If this is your first time to Hong Kong, then you do need some tips from insiders, unless you just want to visit all the tourist attractions, like Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, The Peak and what else? Boring! Read this article and find out the ‘secret garden’ of Hongkongers.

1. Ha Pak Nai （下白泥）

Can we just forget about shopping and instagrammable restaurants for a second? Look at the stunning sunset view in Ha Pak Nai, which is incredibly amazing! Ha Pak Nai is a well-known sunset spot and wetland area located at Yuen Long, the northwestern side of New Territories. In here, you can capture the romantic moment with your beloved and see the biodiversity of Ha Pak Nai – intertidal mudflats, mangroves and rare sea species. By the way, DO NOT forget to check the sunset time!

Photo: Credit to man_arick @IG

• Address: Lau Fau Shan, Yuen Long, Hong Kong
• How to get there: Get off at the Yuen Long Station and take minibus No. 33 or taxi

2. Cattle Depot Artists Village（牛棚藝術村）

Throwback to 1908, Cattle Depot Artists Village was used as a central abattoir and a cattle quarantine for more than 90 years, until mid-1999. Trust me! I do feel bad for the cattle but now this depot has become a lovable place to at least 20 local artists. (Nice!) Once you come, you will fall in love with its vintage red-brick buildings with roof tiles, which is definitely a good photography spot and a best way to get to know about the local art in Hong Kong.

Photo: Credit to jpariscdg @IG

• Address: 63 Ma Tau Kok Road, Kowloon
• How to get there: Take MTR to the Hung Hom Station. Interchange with bus No. 11K then get off at the ‘China Gas Company’ bus stop. You will see the Cattle Depot is just in front of you

3. The Mills（南豐紗廠）

In 2018, a new tourist attraction was ‘born’ in Hong Kong. Located in Tsuen Wan, near one of the biggest shopping centres in New Territories, and the most interesting part is this cultural spot that was originally a best-known textile factory in the 1960s. After 4-year revitalization, you still can see the historical past greatness of The Mills, such as an original staircase, the signature restoration, sand buckets and more. Come and explore more!

Photo: Credit to The Mills 南豐紗廠 Facebook

• Address: 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan
• How to get there: Get off at the MTR Tsuen Wan West Station Exit A2. Walk around 15-20 mins to there

4. Discovery Bay（愉景灣）

I’d say that Discovery Bay captures the most gorgeous urban side of Hong Kong and it’s only a 25-min ferry ride from Central. You can spend some quality leisure time with your companions at the beach, cycling surrounded by the local mountains, and then enjoy dinner with extremely impressive open sea views. Also, don’t forget to visit the signature landmark here with your beloved – White Chapel, the only church in the shape of a triangle in Hong Kong.

Photo: Credit to foodiebeautyhikingcan @IG

• Address: Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
• How to get there: Take 24-hour ferry provided by Discovery Bay at Central Piers no. 3

5. Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre（JCCAC）

If you are obsessed with handicraft then you must visit the seasonal handicraft market held at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), which is located in Shek Kip Mei（石硤尾）. Four different times a year you can find unique artworks from more than 140 artists with different backgrounds in visual arts, performing arts, applied arts and more.

Photo: Credit to winwin_kamkam @IG

• Address: 30 Pak Tin Street, Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon
• How to get there: Take MTR to Shek Kip Mei station （Exit C）. Go straight down the Wai Chi Street（偉智街）and then turn left. About walk 10-to-15-min walk to JCCAC

6. Mui Wo（梅窩）

Perhaps you’ve heard about the Island districts like Lamma Island（南丫島）, Cheung Chau（長洲）and Lantau Island （大嶼山）, if this is not your first time to Hong Kong. Well, then Mui Wo should be the island you do not want to miss out on next time. Mui Wo is a rural town located on the South side of Lantau Island, with many unique restaurants and fewer people, either weekdays or weekends. Locals like to go hiking, visit the temples, go for a walk at the Silver Mine Bay Beach. And you can see water buffalo if you are lucky enough!

Photo: Credit to archangelo111 @IG

• Address: Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Outlying Islands
• How to get there: Take ferry at the Central Piers no. 6

7. Foo Tak Building（富德樓）

Foo Tak Building is being called ‘A paradise for art enthusiasts’ since 2003. This building is a 14-storied mixed-use development located in between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. You can find independent bookstores, art galleries, different types of Arts and Crafts studios, all in one building.

Photo: Credit to Foo Tak Building Official Facebook

• Address: 365-367 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
• How to get there: Get off at the MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit B then turn left, walk along the Hennessy Road and turn right at the Marsh Road

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not serve as an endorsement of any kind.