Hong Kong is known for many things – stunning skyline, exciting attractions, amazing shopping, halal Chinese food and more. But did you know that Hong Kong is also a haven for vibrant art spots?
Credit: giphy
From colourful street art to refurbished spaces and art exhibitions, Hong Kong has art spots for everyone, even if you’re not an arts enthusiast. In this article, we’ve rounded up 8 of these spots for your art trail. To make it even easier for you, we’ve provided the halal food options near the art spots too ?
#HHWT Tip: Need help planning your Hong Kong trip? Our 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary will make sure you have an epic time!
Sai Ying Pun
1. Artlane (Street Art)
Once under the radar, the up-and-coming district of Sai Ying Pun is now characterised by its Instagrammable street murals. Stepping out of the Sai Ying Pun MTR station, you’d immediately be able to see old residential buildings which have been revitalised with a splash of colour, thanks to the works of local and Hong Kong-based international artists.
These murals are inspired by street art in major cities like New York and London, and they were painted with the themes of art and music of the SoHo district.
Credit: @massan.dan.b on Instagram
The bulk of these artworks can be found at Ki Ling Lane and Chung Ching Street. With such bright colours and striking characters, it’ll be hard to miss them, especially this iconic flight of stairs (pictured above). Be sure to take your time to explore not just the area’s shop facades, but also its back alleys!
Directions: Take the MTR Island Line to Sai Ying Pun Station and take exit B3.
Halal food options:
Chrisly Café
Artlane is just a short distance away from what is possibly Hong Kong’s most authentic halal bakery, Chrisly Café! Co-owned by a Muslim, Chrisly serves halal egg tarts, pineapple bun (bo lo bao) and more. While traditional egg tarts use lard, Chrisly uses peanut and vegetarian oil instead ☺️
Do note that although the entire café is not halal, Chrisly’s bakery is separate from the main kitchen and they went to great lengths to ensure that all ingredients used in the bakery are halal.
P.S. We had a chat with Martin Khan, the co-owner of Chrisly Café, on our last visit to Hong Kong. Find out more about his story here!
Halal status: Halal-certified bakery (only the bakery section of the café is halal)
Address: Shop 3018, 3/F, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm daily
Directions: Take the MTR Island line from Sai Ying Pun and alight at Sheung Wan Station. The café is tucked at the far end of level 3/F in Shun Tak Centre. You’ll pass by Starbucks and the Macau ferry counters. Continue walking straight till you see the café!
Central
2. PMQ, Old Town Central
Once a dormitory for police officers, PMQ (short for Police Married Quarters) is now a refurbished space where art meets shopping and food.
Credit: @arianiaron Instagram
Here’s where you can get an all-in-one shopping experience – uncover unique souvenirs, local designer boutiques while going in and out of art galleries and design studios. Almost 100 design and creative enterprises call PMQ home. What’s also interesting about PMQ is that its stairs and corners are dotted with artworks, so you can snap that perfect photo for the ‘gram ?
Credit: @hlsy.131 on Instagram
PMQ also holds art shows or fairs regularly such as Draw HK which showcases the works of hundreds of local students. Plus, for those of you who are interested to learn an art form, you can occasionally sign up for art workshops. There’s always something interesting happening at PMQ!
#HHWT Tip: Be sure to check out the street art on the sloped streets around PMQ too. Head over to Hollywood Road or Graham Street for the most iconic murals.
Address: 35, Aberdeen St, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 7am – 11pm (shops open 11am – 8pm)
Directions: PMQ is about 5-10 minutes’ walk from Sheung Wan (Exit E2), Hong Kong (Exit E1) and Central (Exit C) MTR Stations
P.S. There’s so much to see and do in Hong Kong that it can be a tad overwhelming sometimes. But don’t worry, our handy digital guide will help you out!?
3. Tai Kwun
In a sea of skyscrapers in the Central district, Tai Kwun stands out as a fragment of Hong Kong’s past, with its restored colonial architecture. While PMQ used to be the police dormitories, Tai Kwun used to be the former Central Police Station, including the iconic Victoria Prison.
Fun fact: Did you know that former Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh was once held at Victoria Prison??
Once a restricted space, you’re now free to explore all of the buildings in Tai Kwun to admire its architecture or even sign up for interactive tours and attend exhibitions to learn more about Hong Kong’s history.
Credit: @bernardblee on Instagram
Tai Kwun is also an important hub for performances and art. Head over to Tai Kwun Contemporary which holds 6-8 exhibitions a year. Arts enthusiasts can also catch films or watch theatre, music or dance performances here – in both its indoor and outdoor spaces ?
Address: 10 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 10am – 11pm daily
Directions: Take the MTR to Central Station and exit at D1. From there, cross Wellington Street and Lyndhurst Terrace to Hollywood Road.
Halal food options:
Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria
After immersing yourself in art at PMQ and Tai Kwun, head over to Ebeneezer’s to fill your tummy. This halal chain specialises in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
Credit: @iinnnnnaa on Instagram
Take a bite into their scrumptious doner kebabs, biryanis or curries which are sure to satisfy your hunger!?
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: G/F, 24 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 10.30am – 6am (Sun – Thur), 10.30am – 7am (Fri – Sat, PH)
Directions: Ebeneezer’s is just outside Tai Kwun and a 5-minutes’ walk away from PMQ.
Wan Chai
4. Gaia Exhibition, Lee Tung Avenue (and Citywalk)
Ever wondered how the Earth looks like from the moon? Well, head over to Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai for the Gaia exhibition where a replica of the Earth is displayed.
In case you’re wondering, the exhibit, which is 1.8 million times smaller than the real Earth, is designed by UK artist Luke Jerram with a detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. It has toured in England, Ireland and Taiwan before coming to Hong Kong. And guess what? This Earth rotates too, albeit at a much faster speed (1 rotation every 4 minutes) ?
#HHWT Tip: To see how the Earth really looks like from the moon, you’d have to stand 211 metres away from it.
Besides Lee Tung Avenue, the Earth will also make an appearance at Citywalk Shopping Centre in Tsuen Wan. Not only is this exhibition a marvel, but it also hopes to raise public awareness on environmental issues. Art with a purpose? We’re all for it!?
Lee Tung Ave
Address: Central Piazza, Lee Tung Ave, 200, Queen’s Rd East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 19 Mar – 7 May, 3pm – 11pm daily
Citywalk
Address: Vertical Garden, Citywalk 1, Tsuen Wan, Yeung Uk Rd
Opening hours: 19 Apr – 19 May, 10am – 10pm
Halal food options:
Islamic Centre Canteen
You’re in luck because the Islamic Centre Canteen is only a 3-minute tram ride (or 11-minute walk!) away from Lee Tung Avenue. With a wide range of steamed and fried dim sum, you’re guaranteed to satiate all your cravings for Chinese food here!
Our top picks here are their soft and succulent steamed siew mai, har kow (shrimp dumplings) and the deep fried shrimp wanton, so be sure to get a bite of those ?
#HHWT Tip: Do remember to visit before 3pm as dim sum is not available after. However, they do serve Cantonese dishes in the late afternoon to dinner time.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: 5th floor, Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10am to 3pm (dim sum), 6pm to 9pm (only Cantonese dishes)
Directions: Take the tram from Luaroad Road stop and alight at Tonnochy Road stop. Alternatively, you can also walk along Wan Chai Rd from Lee Tung Avenue to the Islamic Centre Canteen.
Wai Kee
Craving for roast duck instead? Then head over to Wai Kee located in the Bowrington Road Market.
One bite into their tender duck meat and you’ll realise why it’s so highly raved! The meat is well-marinated and the skin is slightly crispy. While you’re here, you should also try their Mutton Curry rice and tasty wonton noodles too.
#HHWT Tip: Love dim sum and roast duck? Then our guide to 10 awesome halal eateries in Hong Kong will surely keep your tummy full!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: Shop 5, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (only take-away orders after 5.30pm)
Directions: Take the tram from Luaroad Rd stop and alight at Canal Rd West. The food centre is located on the 2nd floor of the Bowrington Road Indoor Market building. Enter via the escalator on the Bowrington Road side of the building.
Tsim Sha Tsui
5. Avenue of Stars (AoS)
Film and TV enthusiasts will love the newly renovated Avenue of Stars (AoS)!
Featuring handprints of over a hundred celebrities emulating the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, the AoS pays homage to the Hong Kong entertainment industry. The handprints can be found on the wooden handrails overlooking the stunning Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour ?
Other than handprints, be sure to look out for the iconic statues of Hong Kong stars Bruce Lee and Anita Mui. Not only can you pose for photos with them, but you can even interact with the superstars using Augmented Reality (AR) technology.
As part of the new features of the AoS, you can also expect stalls and mobile carts selling all sorts of creative local souvenirs including those from popular brands like Mei Lok Store and even limited edition AoS knick-knacks and exclusive Bruce Lee souvenirs.
Address: Waterfront Podium Garden, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Directions: Take the MTR and alight at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Exit at P1, use the staircase or the escalator adjacent to Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus to reach AoS.
6. Xiqu Centre
If you’re interested to immerse yourself in Cantonese opera and traditional Chinese theatre, then Xiqu Centre is perfect for you.
#HHWT Tip: To help you get acquainted with local culture even more, we’ve prepared a list of 17 useful Cantonese phrases to help you blend in with the locals!
Credit: @gordana_c_micic on Instagram
This newly opened performing arts venue boasts designs inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns, but with a modern twist. What’s really interesting is that its entrance is made to resemble parting curtains. Definitely perfect for a photo opportunity ?
P.S. If you’re a photo enthusiast, you’d want to check out our list of the top 15 picture-perfect spots in Hong Kong!
Credit: @westkowloon on Instagram
The most striking feature of the Xiqu Centre is its Tea House theatre as it brings you back in time to create the atmosphere of Hong Kong’s early 20th-century tea house. Believe it or not, while watching a performance here, the audience will be treated to tea and dim sum too!
#HHWT Tip: Even if you don’t watch the performances, you can also learn more about traditional Chinese theatre by attending film screenings, workshops, talks, exhibitions and guided tours.
Address: 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Halal food options:
Hung’s Chinese Restaurant
You can never get enough of Chinese food while in Hong Kong, so why not head over to Hung’s Chinese Restaurant for a scrumptious meal? Located in Chungking Mansion where there’s a whole lot of halal food options, Hung’s stands out for being the only one here serving yummy Chinese cuisine.
Our favourite dish has got to be their crispy roasted chicken which is so juicy and crispy. Pair it with their tantalising black pepper beef and fried rice for an unforgettable meal ?
#HHWT Tip: Chungking Mansion is also home to other great halal eateries like Khyber Pass Mess, Sedique Halal Mess, Syed Bukhara and more.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: Chungking Mansion, 36-44 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm daily
Directions: Hung’s is about a 10-minute walk from Avenue of Stars and 17-minute walk from Xiqu Centre.
Tsuen Wan
7. The Mills
What used to be a cotton mill in the 1960s has now been refurbished into a heritage and art space. One of Hong Kong’s latest creative spots, The Mills is now a design hub with plenty of local designer shops, cafes and Instagram-worthy corners ?
For those of you who are interested to learn more about the history of Hong Kong’s textile industry, head over to the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT). There are exhibitions, artist talks and even workshops for you to get acquainted with textiles.
But if you’re just here to soak in the nostalgic vibes, you’d be pleased to know that the renovated space has retained some of the architecture of the original cotton mill. Taking a walk in the compounds of The Mills will definitely take you back in time! Be sure to head outside to snap some shots with the picturesque murals reflecting life in the cotton mill.
Address: 45 Pak Tin Par St, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Directions: Take the MTR Tsuen Wan Line to Tai Wo Hau Station. Then, take bus 302 (bound for Hong Kong Garden) and alight at Thriving Industrial Centre. From there, walk 4 minutes to The Mills.
Halal food options:
Lanzhou Halal Beef Noodles
Just down the road from The Mills, you’ll find a halal eatery selling Lanzhou hand pulled beef noodles! Take your pick from soupy or dry beef noodles and the best part is, they are wallet-friendly and come in generous portions.
As the stall has recently just opened, the menu is fairly limited but they have added some new dishes too such as stuffed minced lamb and beef puffs. After having a satisfying meal, wash your meal down with their fragrant herbal tea!
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: 283 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Directions: From The Mills, take bus 302 or 84.
Yau Ma Tei/Mongkok and Sham Shui Po
8. Shutter Art by Urban Canvas
The shopping streets of Yau Ma Tei, Mongkok and Sham Shui Po have been around for decades and at first glance, you won’t think that you’ll find art here. But thanks to a community art project called HK Urban Canvas, some of the shutters of shops in these districts have been turned into vibrant artworks ?
What’s really unique about these graffiti art is that they reflect the stories of the shop owners and their profession. So, it’s really interesting to see how the artists portray the shop owners!
P.S. There’s more to Sham Shui Po than just street art! Check out our Muslim-friendly guide to Sham Shui Po as we uncover the best things to see and do in the district.
It’s also really fascinating as the project signifies that art isn’t only for art enthusiasts. These streets are frequented every day by locals so it’s intriguing to see how everyday life is mirrored into these artworks. Not to mention that they make picture-perfect spots too!
#HHWT Tip: To help you navigate your way through these shutter artworks, make sure you download the HK Urban Canvas app on your phone! Not only will you be able to find them, but you’ll also get to learn more about the stories behind the artworks.
Halal food options:
Ma’s Restaurant
Feeling hungry while finding these artworks? Then don’t forget to stop by Ma’s Restaurant in Sham Shui Po which specialises in halal Xinjiang cuisine! It’s just steps away from the shopping haven of Apliu Street.
The signature veal goulash steals the show here. Stuffed with beef and yummy stew, this is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making it a really comforting treat. Order their chilli beef and sweet and sour fish for a perfect meal ?
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: 21-25 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Hong Kong
Opening hours: 11.30am to 11pm daily
Directions: From MTR Prince Edward, take Exit E and walk for 5 minutes to Ma’s Restaurant.
#HHWT Tip: While you’re already at Sham Shui Po, you must head over to A1 Tofu Company for their mouthwatering silky beancurd. There’s a wide variety of flavours to choose from but the most popular ones are black sesame, Horlicks and almond paste. It’s located right outside Sham Shui Po MTR Station exit C2!
BONUS: Must-see temporary installations
KAWS: HOLIDAY
As part of the Hong Kong Arts Month, the city will be having a giant art installation by US street artist, Kaws.
The installation is a 37-metre inflatable of the artist’s signature character Companion called the KAWS: HOLIDAY and it will float on the Victoria Harbour in end March (pictured above is the test float in Tai O Fishing Village).
This artist’s impression shows how big the inflatable looks beside the Star Ferry! So, art enthusiasts can definitely look out for it against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s glitzy skyline. In case you’re wondering, this is not the first time that a giant installation has made its way to Hong Kong. 6 years ago, the city had a giant yellow rubber duck which formed a cute addition to the cityscape, and we’re excited to see what else is in store in future ☺️
Location: Victoria Harbour
Viewing location: Central and Western District Promenade (can be accessed by Central MTR Station)
Dates: 22 – 31 Mar 2019
Arts Train
As part of the Hong Kong Arts Month 2019, you’ll be treated to a visual feast when you step into the city’s MTR Island Line trains which passes by several art districts. For a moment, you’d probably think that you’re in an art gallery!
There are 5 different art zones, where you can admire various artforms from Hong Kong’s signature neon signs to street art, traditional Chinese art and even Chinese opera. Look out for the iconic Nathan Rd neon signs or catch the well-loved Cantonese opera characters like Monkey King, Princess Changping and Bao Qingtian.
You’ll also be able to spot Hong Kong’s most photographed street art by Alex Croft (original art is at Graham St) which is a colourful depiction of the city’s old townhouses. To make your commute even more exciting, why not make the artworks come alive by using Augmented Reality (AR) and the face swap function on your mobile device?
Date: 7 – 27 Mar 2019
Location: MTR Island Line (limited service hours)
Now that you know where all these hotspots are, it’s time to start planning your art trail and explore Hong Kong’s lively art and culture scene! Whether you’re a passionate art enthusiast, a curious traveller or simply just looking for the perfect photo spots, there’s bound to be something in store for you ?
P.S. Before you go, make sure you read these 16 essential budget tips to help you make the most out of your trip!
This article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.