Hong Kong
My home for the past two decades, where East meets West
I’m not convinced someone can claim they are passionate about travelling if they don’t love their hometown and know it like the back of their hand.
During the pandemic, travelling overseas for leisure was not an option. My trick to staying sane in these weird times? Curiosity, day in, day out. In a way, it rekindled my love for running around my neighbourhood.
The Chinese saying goes, “a square foot of land is worth a square inch of gold” (寸金尺土 — IRL, it’s probably worth a million ounces in gold) — land is so scarce in Hong Kong, hardly any part of the city doesn’t have history to it. Sometimes Eastern and Western cultures mix in the most interesting of ways, going way beyond what society defines as “gimmicky” or “Instagrammable”.
If you’re curious about the city I call home, this is your one-stop shop for bite-sized travel guides suited for immersive day trips so that we can explore the town together, one location at a time.
Shop
Save time and effort researching for your next trip!
This digital map works with all our local guides to Hong Kong, covering Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories and the Outlying Islands. It includes 800+ recommendations on:
Sights and attractions
Art and culture hubs
Nature trails and viewpoints
Coffee joints
Local eats (the absolute best of the best)
International cuisines
Bars and nightlife
Street markets
Independent shops
Boutique hotels and luxury accommodation options
You will have access to the travel map I use myself, with key sights and hidden gems for those looking to venture off the beaten path. Everything is pre-categorised and colour-coded for easy reference—no gatekeeping or withholding any secrets!
After checking out, you will receive a secure link to a PDF that will last 24 hours after your first download. The file contains a private link to the Google Maps list and a guide on loading it onto your device, so you can always keep it handy.
Blog Posts
From puddings and cakes to deep-fried foods and desserts, here’s a roundup of auspicious foods you need to know about and where to pick them up in town.
From the colour red to firecrackers and the animal zodiac, dive into the rich tapestry of folklore behind the most important festival in Chinese culture.
Whether you seek romance or happiness, wealth or health, these auspicious flowers and green plants are bound to reel in luck and prosperity for the coming year.
From spring cleaning to couplet hanging and reunion dinners, explore the unique customs and practices that make the celebration special in this vibrant city.
Step off the city’s busy streets into a world of herbal tea, where ancient remedies stand the test of time. Here’s my roundup of the city’s most iconic brews.
In the miniature world of Tatsuya Tanaka, your favourite MUJI products are transformed into Hong Kong’s skyline and street life.
Step into M+’s Found Space, where an enduring collection of glowing lanterns transforms the brutalist space into a sanctuary of light.
Join me in celebrating gratitude and togetherness with the city’s best traditions under the magic of a full moon.
Hej! Discover a time capsule of blue-and-yellow magic that celebrates IKEA’s half-century journey in the Hong Kong community. (Limited-edition meatball not guaranteed)
White dinosaur eggs by day, glowing ombre against a glittering skyline by night.
The third stop of Kongkee’s solo exhibition lands in Tai Kwun, with selected works from the Asian Art Museum and newly commissioned pieces.
A throwback to my favourite exhibition of 2023, Vital Signs, curated by Tetra Neon Exchange to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant neon heritage.
Inspired by the crossroads between East and West, The Fleming pays homage to Hong Kong's maritime heritage with an air of elegance from the 1950s.
Supersized, out-of-place and boldly coloured animal sculptures. What’s not to like about them?
Looking for somewhere chic to stay during a layover in Hong Kong? Here’s a glimpse of the MGallery property located atop the largest outlet mall in town, surrounded by Lantau Island’s natural scenery.
The hip hotel of 2021, the Arca is Yulan Group’s latest boutique hotel located in the budding commercial area of Wong Chuk Hang. The property features inviting aesthetics, lush outdoor space, and a rooftop infinity pool.
Housed in a glittering tower on Wan Chai’s waterfront, The St. Regis Hong Kong is Marriott’s 7,000th property globally with interiors curated by André Fu to embody contemporary luxe.
The Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is one of the newer additions to the city, opening in late 2018. It’s situated right on the doorstep of Ocean Park’s entrance in Wong Chuk Hang, a mere 15 minutes away from Admiralty.
Growing up in the neighbourhood, Shek Kip Mei has always appeared a mellow district but its history was far from that.
A quaint boutique hotel located on Queen’s Road West, halfway between Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun, the Figo is one of the few dog-friendly hotels in town, with dedicated packages inclusive of amenities and even a dip in the doggie pool!
Kowloon Tong started out as a small village near Boundary Street with a pond (the name literally means “Kowloon Pond” in Chinese).
Wishes galore for the Year of the Horse! Wow friends and family with fail-safe greetings that will keep you prepared for all your prospective red packets.