Published By: Puja Sinha

Best Neighbourhoods of Hong Kong to Explore

A sneak peek into Hong Kong’s nearby destinations 

Hong Kong’s free-market economy, pluralism, culture and hustling streets have been tourist attraction for a long. An enigmatic metropolis and home to billionaires, the former colony of British does not shy away from providing the most scenic, serene escapades either.

Sheung Wan: The old streets of Sheung Wan silently stretch in the west of Hong Kong’s frenzied Central district and still retain the vestiges of British Empire. Tong lau tenement buildings are the charm of these quaint streets; they bear the architectural splendour of colonial rule and are beautifully juxtaposed against sprawling skyscrapers. While in this neighbourhood, stroll to experience restaurants with orange tarpaulins, tiny shrines tucked away in street corners—almost forgotten, ladder streets and traditional medicine shops.

SoHo: The working-class residential neighbourhood boasts of a few splendid landmarks like outdoor escalators, art galleries and museums, colourful restaurants with vintage décor serving traditional Chinese dishes and murals. Life is slow on the streets and you will see men with pipes sitting outside bars or at street corners languishing with a bamboo pipe stuck between lips. SoHo has a host of heritage buildings existing alongside multi-billion dollar renovations that have undergone since the end of colonialism. Old Townhouses Mural is a must-visit for its charming artwork against bright blue background that makes the street extremely Instagram worthy!

LanKwai Fong: LKF comprises a couple of streets in Central Hong Kong which was a thriving centre before the Second World War. The street had some of the fanciest hotels lined up for nocturnal partygoers. Nonetheless, not all is lost and visitors are most tempted to see its fashionable tea houses that operate round the clock, gas lamps and steps of Duddell Street that are Hong Kong’s heritage landmarks and Opera Gallery—a contemporary art gallery with beautiful artworks by Murakami, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso on display.

Jordan: Jordan is brimming with fun things to experience. Its vibrant eateries, temples, wonton soup outlets and markets assure an authentic Hong Kong experience without splurging. Tourists mostly bathe in the excitement that Temple Street Night Market summons. Here, locals and tourists hustle to make the best bargains on delicious foods, luxury and essential items and souvenirs. Several booths of Chinese fortune tellers are also available in the market. Post-sunset, the market becomes liveliest. Yau M Tei Jade Market is another attraction for its versatile collection of junk jewellery, dazzling pearls, pendants and Chinese zodiac props to shoo away bad luck.