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colour-changing illuminated bar to accompany the twinkling skyline. The West Kowloon area encompasses historic Jordan and Yau Ma Tei and the newly-developed West Kowloon Cultural District, set to be Hong Kong’s premier cultural hub when completed in 2023. For now culture vultures can Wander Shanghai Street to see beautifully preserved Chinese shop-houses and join fisher-folk to pray to the goddess of the sea at Tin Hau Temple. Must-sees include the panoramic view from Sky100’s Observation Deck and the bustling Temple Street Market. Old Town Central is where East meets West and past meets present. Here you can eat noodles at dai pai dongs (open air food stalls) or enjoy Michelinstarred dim sum amongst high-end art at Duddell’s. The area has buzzing nightlife ranging from the quirky speakeasy
Foxglove, hidden behind an umbrella shop, to penthouse Sevva with its vertical garden. Soak up arts and culture at the former Central Police Station Compound, Tai Kwun. Fancy shopping? PMQ, the old Police Married Quarters, is a series of studios and shops for creative start-ups while colourful Graham Street Market is bursting with fresh produce and atmosphere. The Western District has transformed itself from one of abattoirs and brothels to a magnet for hip restaurants and desirable property. Historic pockets remain, like the dried goods stores along Connaught Road West, along with seafood markets which draw chefs and food lovers. The further west you go, the quieter it gets, as residential buildings and greenery spill down to the sea at Kennedy Town and Sai Wan, and you’ll find old-timers taking a dip in the harbour.
Dubbed Hong Kong’s ‘back garden’, Sai Kung is known for its fishing villages, floating seafood market, hiking trails and beautiful scenery – and all less than an hour from the city. Sai Kung Town is as busy as it gets, with fishermen selling their catch. The area is home to the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, two country parks and a marine park. Hikes range from a gentle stroll around the High Island Reservoir to a hike up the steep Sharp Peak. Hop on the MTR South Island line in Central and you can be in the sandy Southern District in no time! From the surfer vibes of pretty Big Wave Bay to the prime real estate-backed sands of Repulse Bay, each beach has its own character. There’s plenty of contrast here, from contemporary arts hub Wong Chuk Hang to Aberdeen, where fishing boats moor in the typhoon shelters. Head to Skek O for holiday vibes. •
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top 10 Hong Kong V6.indd 19
8/24/21 05:05 PM
