Beyond Disneyland, Here Are 10 Hidden Gems In Hong Kong To Satisfy Your Wanderlust

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This Spotlight is sponsored by Hong Kong Tourism Board.

But more than the usual highlights, there are a number of overlooked attractions in the region that will surprise you with how fun they are.

Taking nothing away from places like Disneyland and Victoria Peak, anyone visiting Hong Kong should also consider visiting these other destinations for a fun time.

The car-free island of Peng Chau boasts scenic hiking trails and serene temples, offering a look into the slower pace of life that can be had in Hong Kong. Formerly a busy industrial hub, Peng Chau has the revitalised Fook Yuen Leather Factory, which has been transformed into a junkyard factory with interesting displays and graffiti showcases that switch up regularly.

When you visit: Take the time to unwind and be sure to snap photos at the leather factory and the beach spot where Thai actor Win Metawin and Filipino actress Janella Salvador filmed scenes for the movie Under Parallel Skies.

Cheung Chau is known for having scenic beaches, historic sites, and hiking trails suitable for families. The island also hosts the annual Bun Festival and is famous for its hallmark 'Ping On' Bun, which is easily identifiable by the large red mark on top.

When you visit: Rent a bike so you can explore the island's scenery and cultural heritage. You can visit the Cheung Po Tsai Cave (which used to house treasures owned by the infamous 19th-century pirate Cheung Po Tsai) or relax by Tung Wan Beach.

There are also great seafood options to be had alongside local street food fare like curry fishballs and chewy fruit mochi.

This spot, also known as Braemar Hill, offers short and easy hiking trails that lead to great vantage points overlooking Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. For an especially spectacular view, be sure to be there at sunset.

When you visit:  Take a hike in the afternoon if you want to experience the full hiking trail, or go the easier route by taking a bus up to the Upper Braemar Hill terminus and hiking for five minutes.

Mai Po Nature Reserve is a must-visit for bird watchers. Home to a wide variety of bird species, you can go on guided tours where you can learn about the reserve's ecological significance.

When you visit: Take a bus from Sheung Shui and Yuen Long or take a taxi. Be sure to take one of the guided bird-watching tours to learn about conservation efforts amid beautiful natural scenery.

Located along the serene eastern coast of Lantau Island, The Hideout in Mui Wo offers regular wellness and art activities that nurture the mind, body, and soul. If you need a pick-me-up, there's always excellent coffee and comfort food to enjoy.

When you visit: Begin the morning with 90-minute hatha flow yoga, breathwork, and sound bath sessions guided by skilled instructors. Get your creativity flowing amidst the lush greenery during the four-hour art jamming sessions while savouring signature drinks and desserts. You can also go on full-day retreats that consist of silent walking, art jamming, breathwork, meditation, and yoga workshops, supplemented by hearty vegetarian meals.

Opened in 2015 by Li Ka-Shing, this monastery sits amid Tai Po's lush hills and is a serene getaway spot where visitors can meditate and reflect in peace. It has a towering bronze-cast white Guan Yin statue reaching 70 metres in height, which is great if you want to snap a memorable photo.

When you visit: Take a moment to experience the tranquil setting of the monastery or try out several mindfulness activities including tea meditation, zen calligraphy, walking meditation, and water offerings.

An innovative mahjong artist and event specialist, Karen Aruba has family links to one of Hong Kong's largest mahjong factories.

Fans of mahjong will relish the chance to experience a mahjong craft workshop conducted by her father Ricky Cheung, himself a master artisan in the craft.

When you visit: The workshop allows you to learn about the history of the craft, drill a mahjong tile, and bring home a handmade title that's uniquely your own.

With Hong Kong's streets known for being illuminated by vibrant neon signboards, you won't want to miss the chance to take home a customised sign of your own.

When you visit: You'll be able to enjoy a hands-on session where you'll bend and splice tubes, attach electrodes, and work with fire to produce a small neon sign that you can easily take home with you.

Tai Ping Koon has been serving customers since 1860 and is one of the oldest Cantonese-Western fusion cuisine eateries in Hong Kong.

When you visit: Try the roasted pigeon, Swiss-style chicken wings, and baked souffle.

The joint is inspired by Wong Kar-wai's classic films and serves a large selection of speciality cocktails. The cosy film-inspired setting is great for a night out with friends or on your own.

When you visit: Be sure to try out the Kowloon Dairy cocktail, a unique interpretation of Hong Kong's beloved Milk Punch. There are also other local snacks and desserts such as curry squid and yin-yang pudding with black sesame and walnut puree.

In case you didn't know, Hong Kong has been transformed into a summer paradise with the 'Summer Chill Hong Kong' campaign, which includes the 'Summer Triple Rewards' promo.

During the campaign, Hong Kong will be decorated with fresh summer-themed decorations across various tourist attractions to liven things up.

All overnight visitors to Hong Kong are eligible to receive a “Summer Triple Rewards” set. Each set will come with spending discounts up to HK$500 and three coupons that offer other discounts on transport/sightseeing, retail, and dining.

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