Hong Kong is a destination known for its family-friendly spots, nature reserves, museums and historical landmarks. The city has continued to thrive throughout the years and has even opened new attractions and shopping places much to the delight of locals (and tourists of course). If you’re excited about your next trip to Hong Kong here are 8 new attractions for you to explore on your next visit!
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1. Shop at the newly opened Central Market
Photo Credit: 中環街市 Central Market on Facebook
After going through a four year long renovation, Hong Kong’s historic Central Market is finally open to the public! ? The building itself has been listed as a Grade 3 historic building, which means that there have been a notable effort to preserve a part of the building’s history when it was renovated. On the first floor of the Central Market, you’ll find over 500 bronze lamps hanging from the ceiling as a nod to the original wet market lamps and part of history as one of Hong Kong’s most prominent marketplaces.
Photo Credit: 中環街市 Central Market on Facebook
Now, the new Central Market has been revitalised as a “Playground for All”, and features a bountiful mix of retail shops, restaurants, event spaces and much more! ? Just a word of caution: You’ll definitely be overwhelmed by the sheer number of places to visit here. We suggest visiting the local shops like Bathe to Basics, a homegrown organic skincare, bath and body brand located on the second floor! If you’re in the market (no pun intended! ?) for more traditional souvenirs, make sure you visit Seon Hong Kong for their selection of handmade lifestyle accessories and prints inspired by Old Hong Kong.
Central Market
Address: 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Halal food nearby
- SAFFRON
As the first ever Persian restaurant in Hong Kong, SAFFRON boasts a traditional and authentic menu of BBQ Ground Lamb with Naan, homemade Sweet & Sour Chicken Stew and much more. The cosy and family-friendly atmosphere is perfect to help you recharge after a day of exploring the Central Market!
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: Shop E, Garley Building, 53 Graham St, Central, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Open daily; 11:45AM–3PM, 5PM–10PM
2. Ride to the top of the mountain on the Peak Tram
If you’ve been to Hong Kong, you most definitely would have heard of the Peak Tram. Most travellers who have experienced it once would agree that taking the Peak Tram is one of the best ways to fully experience Hong Kong’s natural beauty! ? Standing at 396 metres high above the sea level, it’s one of the oldest tourist attractions in the entire city. After being closed for about a year, this attraction has been reworked for better wheelchair accessibility and longer train cars have been added to accommodate more people on the ride up.
The Peak Tram, as its name suggests, is a tram service that takes you up a hill to the peak. Besides the panoramic view at the top, what’s most interesting about this attraction is ‘The Tram Peak Illusion’. ? A study by The University of Hong Kong suggests that passengers riding on The Peak Tram will experience a spectacular visual illusion. When going uphill, the buildings would look like they’re leaning close towards the passenger which is the body’s perception of the environment due to how steep the tram is! It’s a unique experience you’ll have to try for yourself!
Address: The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak
Halal food nearby
- Ebeneezer’s Express Kebab & Pizzeria
Looking for food you can enjoy quickly on-the-go? Ebeneezer’s Express Kebab & Pizzeria has 17 branches across Hong Kong offering kebabs, wraps and various Middle-Eastern finger foods that’ll comfort you on colder and chilly days! Grab a seat and dive into their freshly baked pizza, curries, biryani and more. ?
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: G/F, Cheung Fai Building, 45-47 Cochrane St, Central, Hong Kong (near the tram alighting station - Lower Terminus)
Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-10PM
3. Relive your childhood at Hong Kong Disneyland
The Happiest Place On Earth has been quietly working on a few new surprises for you since the pandemic! If you’re visiting soon, keep an eye out for the new Castle of Magical Dreams. The castle's design is meant to pay tribute to all of the Disney Princesses, including Anna and Elsa from Frozen in celebration of the Park’s 15th anniversary! It’s definitely a magnificent sight and the perfect photo opportunity for a nostalgic return to your childhood princess/prince fantasies.
It goes without saying that a visit to Disneyland isn’t complete without seeing your favourite characters live in action! Depending on the season and time of year you’re visiting, you can get in on the brand new immersive experience with iconic Disney characters like Duffy and Friends, Marvel superheroes, and even some villains! ?
Photo Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Another event you can look forward to is the Momentous Light Show also known as The Most Magical Show on Earth! There will be music and multi-sensory elements you can see at the Castle of Magical Dreams. Make sure to spot your favourite Disney and Pixar characters too as they illuminate onto the Castle. ? We recommend having your phone ready to capture the spectacular show as the night time backdrop is absolutely breathtaking. There’s a lot to look forward to especially as the park works to bring more experience next year!
Hong Kong Disneyland
Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Halal food nearby
- Explorer’s Club Restaurant
Located within Hong Kong Disneyland, the Explorer’s Club Restaurant offers vegetarian options for you to choose from including Plant-based Crab Cakes with Mixed Vegetables Pasta in Tomato Sauce and much more! The ambience is a little more fancy, so you can feel like you’re enjoying a fine-dining experience like a Disney character.
Halal status: Vegetarian options available, dine at your own discretion
Address: Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island Hong Kong
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 12PM-7:30PM | Sat-Sun; 12PM-8PM
4. Go cycling on Cheung Chau Island
When you think of Hong Kong, you’d envision a metropolis city brimming with life and culture but as with every modern city, Hong Kong has a more idle story to tell from its past. A little away from the hustle and bustle of the city lights and tall buildings, you’ll find Cheung Chau, also known as “Long Island”. The dumb-bell-shaped island is famous for it’s distinct waterfront filled with fishing boats and seafood eateries. Not to mention, it’s car-free! ?
In recent years, younger Hong Kong residents have moved to the island and called it their home. The scenic beaches and family-friendly hiking trails are one of the draws to escape from the fast-paced city life. ? But don’t think there’s nothing to do here just because it’s away from the mainland! The younger residents have opened new hipster, Instagrammable cafes and retail stores along the streets. Why not cycle by and look for the island’s oldest lucky buns baker - Kwok Kam Kee, while you’re exploring?
P.S. Pack some food to bring with you while exploring Hong Kong’s islands as halal food is far away!
Location: Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong
5. See more of the city’s art scene at Peng Chau Island
Photo Credit: Vogue
Can’t get enough of Hong Kong’s peaceful side? What used to be a quiet and sleepy island, Peng Chau Island, also known as “Flat Island”, is now home to a thriving art scene that can rival the ones in the inner city! ? Just a short ferry ride away from the Central Ferry Pier, it’s hard to believe this idyllic island was once a trading town during the Qing Dynasty now that there’s an abundance of small businesses and commercial hubs. If you’re looking for more touristy things to see and do, explore historical treasures along with arts spaces, hipster cafes to dine at and quaint little stores to shop for knick-knacks.
Location: Peng Chau Island, Hong Kong
6. Indulge in delicious IG-worthy vegetarian food at JAJA
Eating clean doesn’t have to be boring. At least, that’s what JAJA stands for! ? Driven by the passion for spreading happiness and wellness, JAJA is a restaurant where original innovative vegetarian delights come to life. The whimsical pink-themed eatery boasts adorable and delicious delights like fluffy stacks of pancakes, avocado ‘burgers’ on tomato buns, milkshakes and much more! Unwind yourself by choosing to dine al fresco at JAJA’s spacious balcony and let your eyes feast on the view of the Victoria Harbour. ✨
Halal status: Vegetarian food
Address: 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Open daily; 11:30AM-10PM
7. Take a stroll along West Kowloon Promenade
Photo Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong’s harbour views are a breathtaking sight and are something you can’t miss when you visit! That’s why you have to visit West Kowloon’s Promenade to take in the fresh air and sea breeze. ? We suggest packing some food to bring over for a picnic! The waterfront is unlike any other you’ve seen before with the water level thrillingly close to the shore.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike and cycle over to the Art Park just a stone’s throw away. City dwellers come to relax and catch the sunset against the city scape. Once the sun goes down, the waterfront completely changes into a romantic hot spot and is truly a visual feast for your instagram feed!
8. Visit WinterFest when the sun sets
Photo Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, soak in the festivities at Christmas Town and Christmas Wonderland located in West Kowloon District! Be amazed by the giant sparkling Christmas tree (surrounded by numerous smaller trees!) and Hong Kong’s signature light and sound show, ‘A Symphony of Lights’! ? Stroll along the harbourfront and wait for the sky to turn dark to catch a glimpse of the Christmas tree against the sunset and enjoy the blissful and romantic atmosphere.
On top of that, this year, Hong Kong Tourism Board has organised a Christmas Wonderland from 23 to 27 December 2022 that you and your loved ones can visit to see spectacular performances and a series of DIY workshops (that the kids will love!). ? If you’re visiting the city during the New Year, you can visit the event to enjoy a special multimedia display against the stunning background of Victoria Harbour to conclude the year and usher in 2023. Now, that’s one way to ring in the new year!
No matter what time of year it is, Hong Kong has lots to offer - from historical sites, modern and contemporary arts, and much more! Regardless of who you’re visiting with, there’s plenty of new things to see and do in beautiful Hong Kong.
This article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.