Unique activities in Hong Kong
A vacation in Hong Kong typically incorporates the following textbook itinerary for us Malaysians: hit up Disneyland, get stuffed on dim sum, and shop at Causeway Bay.
But there’s a whole gamut of other activities and attractions in HK that tourists can spend their mint Hong Kong dollars on beyond the buzz of Kowloon.
From revelling in street art at bustling back alleys, to retreating to a serene seaside village, we rounded up 10 unique activities in Hong Kong to discover. If you’ve already got your fill of fun at the city’s famed theme parks and night markets, this guide will help you unearth its hidden gems.
Table of Contents
1. Glocal Mahjong
Create your own mahjong tile at a workshop
Hong Kongers love a game of mahjong, so much so that the tossing of tiles has become something of a national essence. It would be a shame to not learn about it while you’re in the city.
We can’t all be Michelle Yeoh in Crazy Rich Asians, totally bossing it at mahjong. But we can enjoy making our own bespoke tiles in true Hong Kong fashion at Glocal Mahjong.
The homegrown Hong Kong brand offers a Mahjong Tile Colouring Workshop that lets you paint your very own hand-carved mahjong tile.
Choose from an assortment of one-of-a-kind designs that include iconic buildings in Hong Kong, food, animal illustrations, Chinese characters, and even customised letters.
You’ll be guided on mahjong tile colouring and painting techniques during the workshop, to create your very own customised mahjong tiles to show off back home.
A 1.5 hour workshop is priced at HKD797 (~ RM477) for two individuals, with classes conducted in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Advanced bookings can be made on Glocal Mahjong’s website.
Address: S405, 4/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 1:30pm–7pm | Fri & Sun 2.30pm-7pm | Sat 1pm-7pm
Contact: +852 2546 3178 | Glocal Mahjong’s website
2. Sheung Wan & Sai Ying Pun
See the artistic side of Hong Kong through its street art
Beyond the food haunts and retail shops that line its busy streets, Hong Kong is also a canvas for creative explorations. Plenty of neighbourhood nooks and alleys here are inked up with artworks for shutterbugs.
While you’ll find splashes of urban graffiti along almost every street in the city, take a trip to the eclectic neighbourhood of Sheung Wan to pose with the absolute masterpieces of street art found on the walls of its buildings.
Located just a 9-minute walk from the Central MTR station, Hollywood Road at Shing Wong Street also boasts a stunning mural of two swimming koi fishes. This mural was completed by Danish artist Christian Storm to reflect the juxtaposition of chic and old-school aesthetics in the area.
Roam a little deeper into the area to discover more gorgeous street art for your ‘Gram shots. There’s a rain-washed neon-lit night scene of the city by muralist Dan Kitchener, as well as a tasteful illustration of Kristopher Ho’s ‘lone wolf’ being petted by a hand amidst a bed of flowers.
Just a 20-minute walk away is another street art lane to discover – Sai Ying Pun’s Artlane. As part of an urban renewal project, the district has been transformed into something of a “mural village”, with vibrant murals plastered on walls of old buildings and gracing stretches of walls in alleyways.
Spot these colourful canvases along Ki Ling Lane, Shek Chan Lane and Chung Ching Street, as well as a life-sized masterpiece hidden within Sai Ying Pun MTR station.
Getting there: Take the MTR to Central station, then walk for about 10 minutes to reach Hollywood Road. Shing Wong Street is just 3 minutes from here.
3. Sindart
Shop for handmade Chinese embroidered shoes
Getting the usual keychains and magnets as souvenirs to commemorate your trip to Hong Kong simply won’t do. Especially not when you have old-school gift item shops such as Sindart offering handcrafted souvenirs that embody the city’s culture and heritage.
Founded in 1958, this traditional shoemaker is one of the oldest stores in Hong Kong, having been helmed by several generations of founder Wong Wing’s family.
Currently in the hands of the founder’s granddaughter Miru Wong, the quaint store nestled in Jordan displays a myriad of embroidered footwear on a wall. Each pair of shoes is meticulously handcrafted with intricate patterns and auspicious images including florals, phoenixes, and goldfishes.
Many of the slippers sold here have touches of modern designs infused with more traditional ones, making them suitable for casual everyday wear or for formal events.
Their current bestsellers incorporate adorable animal motifs such as pandas and peacocks on contemporary materials like denim.
A gorgeous pair of slippers from Sindart costs about HKD399 (~RM239).
Address: Shop 16–17, 1/F, Bowring Centre, 150–164 Woosung Street, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 2pm-8.30pm, Daily
Contact: +852 6623 3015 | Sindart’s Facebook | Instagram
4. Tai O Fishing Village
Buy the village’s famous shrimp paste
Tai O Fishing Village in Lantau Island is the perfect place to spend the day when you’re itching for a dose of the idyllic life in Hong Kong. This fishing village is home to stilt houses over water, picturesque hiking trails, and fresh seafood fare.
While you’re discovering the town, it’d be a shame not to get your hands on some local souvenirs that it’s known for: shrimp paste and salted fish.
Overlooking a striking view of the sea and mountains, Sing Lee Shrimp Sauce and Paste Manufacturer is a cosy shop run by an elderly couple that sells their signature shrimp paste for HKD70 (~RM42), as well as a selection of dried shrimp condiments.
Visitors here can get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the process of shrimp paste-making – there are humongous tubs filled to the brim with thick paste curing under the scorching sun, as well as blocks of shrimp paste sunbathing across from the shop.
Sing Lee Shrimp Sauce and Paste Manufacturer
Address: G/F, 10 Shek Tsai Po St, Tai O, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: +852 2985 7330 | Sing Lee Shrimp Sauce and Paste Manufacturer’s Facebook
5. K11 Musea
Immerse yourself in the glitz of K11 Musea
Image credit: KPF via website
What makes malls and retail therapy in Hong Kong any different from our country’s, you may wonder. But one visit to the resplendent K11 Musea complex will sufficiently answer that question.
The formidable 10-storey building sits in the heart of Hong Kong’s Victoria Dockside. To be fair, it isn’t enough to call it a mere mall – it’s a cultural artistic retail destination with over 250 stores and 70 restaurants and museum-worthy spaces to boot. There are also art galleries and art installations that are frequently updated at K11 Musea.
Image credit: K11 Group via website
Venture into its soaring atrium and you are greeted by wave-like copper panels, intertwining light fixtures, and a dome-shaped ceiling that looks something out of an otherworldly spacecraft. Hovering unmistakably at the apex of the atrium is the seemingly floating bubble of The Gold Ball, which serves as a media art space.
Pose for pictures with everyone’s favourite childhood robot cat at K11 Musea’s latest Doraemon exhibition.
Image credit: @timmy727 via Instagram
K11 Musea also regularly plays host to must-visit exhibitions, including their latest ticketed exhibitions which are part of the 100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Tour that’s happening city-wide.
While the mall’s exhibitions to celebrate everyone’s favourite robot cat Doraemon are now sold out, you can still head to its pop-up store on the ground floor that’s open to all till 18th August 2024. The nearby free-entry Avenue of Stars is also showcasing Doraemon and his friends dressed adorably in formal attire, alongside famous Hong Kong film stars.
Address: 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +852 3892 3890 | K11 Musea’s website | Instagram
6. Clearwater Bay Country Park
Stargaze after a scenic hike
Image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board via website
If you’re looking for an easy breezy activity to burn off some holiday calories, a hike to the scenic Clearwater Bay Country Park for a dazzling stargazing sesh is for you. To head to the country park, follow the Lung Ha Wan Country Trail which offers a relatively short and easy hike with breathtaking views every step of the way.
Image credit: @wanderfie via Instagram
The starting point of the circular hike begins at Tai Au Mun Road in Clear Water Bay where hikers can choose if they want to proceed in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, depending on their destination.
Take the anti-clockwise route and walk straight down Clearwater Bay Road. Upon arriving at the Tai Au Mun Kite Flying Area, walk a little further up the cliffs, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by the vast blue of the sky and ocean and lush greens. Come night, the peaceful dark befalls, only interrupted with speckles of twinkling stars – a sight to behold indeed.
Getting there: Take Bus 91 from MTR Diamond Hill Station or Minibus 103M from MTR Tseung Kwan O Station. When you alight at the roundabout near Tai Au Mun Road, walk straight down Clearwater Bay Road.
7. Tai Kwun
Sip on cocktails at bars at a former police station compound
Image credit: @thedragonflyhk via Instagram
Formerly the Central Police Station Compound, Tai Kwun on Hollywood Road has been revamped into a lifestyle and cultural hub of art galleries, boutiques, and pop-up exhibitions. It also houses some of Hong Kong’s best swanky restaurants and ritzy bars.
Image adapted from: @thedispensaryhk via Instagram & @bello_food via Instagram
To discover the glitzy side of Hong Kong’s nightlife beyond its night-time dai pai dong, head to The Dispensary Bar inside Tai Kwun. It stunningly and poshly embraces that East-meets-West concept, with drinks such as the Opium Old Fashion reflecting the fusion too.
Or head to the unconventional but exquisite Gishiki Lounge, designed with the concept of Japanese folktales in mind, to enjoy their 18-drink Japanese-inspired cocktail menu.
Image credit: @unica_lila via Instagram
Hong Kong’s very first speakeasy bar 001 sadly closed their doors in 2022, but the beloved watering hole is now settled in the historic Tai Kwun.
Oozing opulence with their 20th-century-American-train theme, the bar is back with a new selection of much-loved old signatures. There’s the Earl Grey Marteani, as well as new innovations like the summery Piñacillin and the umami-milk punch What We Do In The Shadows.
A drink at these watering holes will set you back around HKD170 (~RM100).
Tai Kwun
Address: 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 8am-11pm, Daily
Contact: +852 3559 2600 | Tai Kwun’s website
8. The Hideout
Immerse in wellness activities in nature like art jamming and yoga sessions
Image credit: The Hideout via website
Spare a day or two away from the flutter of the city and embark on a wellness journey at The Hideout, on the eastern coast of Hong Kong’s Lantau Island. Set amongst lush greenery, the serene hideout offers full-day retreats packed with wellness activities of your choice.
Start your morning with a fresh mind by joining a Hatha Flow yoga and meditation class guided by trained instructors for HKD300 (~RM180). The session lets you soak up breathtaking views of sparkling lakes and verdant trees while you work off those dim sum calories.
Image credit: The Hideout via website
If unleashing of creativity is what you need to clear your head instead, there are also 4-hour art jamming workshops that you can partake in alone for HKD380 (~RM228), or with a buddy for HKD680 (~RM407).
Image credit: @thehideouthk via Instagram
You need not worry about your meals here either. The sanctuary has a cafe that offers a range of farm-to-table food and drink options – locally produced ingredients that come directly from their farms and landscapes of gardens and orchards.
Address: Ngan Kwong Wan Road, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Mon, Wed – Fri 9am-6pm | Sat & Sun 9am-7pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +852 9660 2625 | The Hideout’s website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region Sea Tour
Sail through jaw-dropping rock formations
Image credit: UNESCO Global Geopark via website
There’s more than just the concrete jungle in the city centre that’ll leave you in awe of Hong Kong. The rock formations at Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region are just as impressive.
Part of Hong Kong’s UNESCO Global Geopark, this iconic natural landmark with 400 million years of geological history comprises otherworldly structures – rugged peaks, jagged cliffs, and rock columns. A short hike offers a good view of these rock formations, but an exciting sea tour on a boat promises stunning up-close views.
Image credit: UNESCO Global Geopark via website
The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Sea Tour is one service that takes you on a scenic boat ride on the vast emerald waters for a closer encounter with the coastal erosion landforms. A knowledgeable tour guide will be onboard to provide you with more information on the landmark, in several languages including Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.
Bookings for the sea tour can be made via Hong Kong Geopark’s website, with fees priced at
HKD340 (~RM203) for adults and HKD190 (~RM114) for children under the ages of 12.
Address: 6/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Saturdays & Sundays
Contact: +852 8200 0248 | +852 2394 1538 | Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region Sea Tour’s website
10. Xiqu Centre
Catch a Cantonese opera over a traditional yumcha session
Image credit: West Kowloon Cultural Centre via website
In a city so vibrant with culture, it’s no doubt that the theatrical arts, namely Chinese opera and its branches, take centre stage in the local cultural scene. Whether for a love for the ancient art or just to enjoy a visual feast, you can experience Hong Kong’s most renowned theatre art form at Xiqu Centre.
Image adapted from: West Kowloon Cultural Centre via website
Towering magnificently in the West Kowloon Cultural District, the venue’s architecture is as dramatic and exquisite as the performances that take place within. Its curtain-like entrance mimics the opening of stage curtains, welcoming guests into a traditional yet contemporary atrium.
Image credit: West Kowloon Cultural Centre via website
Sit back and be wowed by opera performances at the 1,075-seat Grand Theatre, where actors perform entrancing narrations of historic stories and legends in high falsetto.
Else, enjoy a 90-minute show over dim sum and Pu’er tea at the Tea House Theatre with a ticket to the Tea House Theatre Experience. The more intimate venue is meant to give audiences the feeling of a 20th century teahouse, with shows narrated in Cantonese and subtitled in Chinese and English.
Address: 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 10:00am–10:30pm, Daily
Contact: +852 2200 0217 | Xiqu Centre’s website
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Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveller to Hong Kong, don’t limit yourself only to famous and overcrowded touristy attractions. The city is abound in mind-blowing sights, cultural activities, and extraordinary gastronomy – everything that makes for a diverse travel experience.
For more places hidden gems to fill out your itinerary with, head over to Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website to discover the city’s variety of attractions and activities.
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So for those who have yet to discover Hong Kong and its different sides, now’s the time to plan an itinerary of your own with the help of our guide to unique activities and attractions in the city.
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This post was brought to you by Cathay Pacific.
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia, K11 Group via website & Hong Kong Tourism Board via website