10 Reasons to Visit Hong Kong
Energetic and vibrant Hong Kong always offers something new. So what's hot in Hong Kong right now?
Four Seasons Magazine recently asked one of the most plugged-in PR directors around—Nicola Chilton of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong—to tell us all about her city.
“Hong Kong is so much more than the typical harbour view skyline that springs to mind when you think of the destination,” she says. “Yes, it’s a big city with incredibly tall buildings that seem to climb their way up the hillsides, but there’s so much more to the city than that—old temples, fishing villages, islands with no motorised transport, incredible hiking trails, pink dolphins, etc, etc. The list goes on!”
The list does go on. Here are Chilton’s 10 reasons to visit Hong Kong right now.
The Chairman
For delicious Cantonese cuisine that’s inventive yet accessible, dine at The Chairman in the NoHo neighbourhood. Try the pan-fried fresh prawn cakes with kaffir lime leaves at this critically acclaimed restaurant.
Local Brews
Not traditionally known for its beer, Hong Kong is an up-and-comer on the microbrewery scene. “In summer, there are few things better than sitting back at one of the outdoor restaurants or bars with a cold beer,” says Chilton. “There are a couple of microbreweries in Hong Kong, so why not try one of our local brews such as Typhoon?” Typhoon can be found at The Globe or The Pawn. Or try one of the Hong Kong Beer Ltd. brews at East End Brewery and its sister bars Inn Side Out in Causeway Bay and the Hong Kong Brew House in Lan Kwai Fong.
Rupert Sanderson Shoes
Step out in style when you wear a pair of Rupert Sanderson shoes. A Hong Kong store just opened at the end of March. The artful heels have been lauded as ultra-stylish and, believe it or not, comfortable thanks to cushioning that works and a set-back heel. Chilton recommends staying on top of Hong Kong fashion by following these blogs: Secret Stylist and Hong Kong Fashion Geek.
Tazmania Ballroom
“Dragon-i has always been the club where people go to see and be seen, but the newest venue on the scene is Tazmania Ballroom, also from the Dragon-i team,” says Chilton. Tazmania Ballroom is both a billiards hall and a stylish lounge. When it gets crowded, the pool tables can be suspended from the ceiling to create more room.
Balcony Nightlife
“With summer coming up and warming evenings, outdoor balconies are the place to be,” says Chilton. “Try SEVVA (25th floor, Prince’s Building), any of the bars on the Podium level of the IFC Mall—Red Bar + Restaurant in particular for spectacular views—or our very own Pool Terrace for early evening drinks before dinner.”
Art Galleries
Visit Ooi Botos gallery for contemporary photography, digital media, multimedia, video and installation art; 10 Chancery Lane Gallery for a fresh take on the Hong Kong art scene; and Schoeni Art Gallery for contemporary Chinese art. These galleries are must-sees for art lovers visiting Hong Kong.
Gai Dan Zai With Bubble Tea
Go to the night markets for gai dan zai (little chicken eggs). This waffle-type treat is crispy on one side, soft on the other and is made on the street on something like a waffle iron. “They’re served piping hot in a paper bag. Cheap, tasty, and good with a cup of bubble tea,” says Chilton.
Surfing
“Who’d have thought you could surf in Hong Kong? We have some beautiful remote beaches here and with some good, although admittedly not huge, waves. In the right season you can have some fun surfing in the waters around Hong Kong,” says Chilton. Big Wave Bay on Hong Kong Island is the only designated surfing beach, but you can surf at a number of spots in the area. Summer is a great time for beginners to take lessons at surfing schools that have recently opened. Kids who want to surf this summer should check out Treasure Island Surf Camp on Pui O beach on Lantau Island. For experienced surfers, the biggest waves roll in at the end of the year.
The 852
Sip The 852 cocktail made with Kwai Feh lychee liqueur, grapefruit juice, lychee puree and Absolut Mandarin. “Our Blue Bar created this as part of Time Out Hong Kong’s search for Hong Kong’s signature cocktail, and it’s turned out to be a very popular drink,” says Chilton.
Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus
“For those wanting to see the city from dry land, try the Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus, which launched just a few months ago,” says Chilton. “It’s a great way to see the city, and it’s hop-on, hop-off so it’s really convenient.” Symbolising the Hong Kong icon of the rickshaw, the service shows passengers Hong Kong’s past and present.
