Hidden gems of Hong Kong

Our Local Expert Says:

The neighbourhood's recreation oasis with ancient rocks and carefully planted rare conifers. Inside the zen garden is the restaurant Long Men Lou.

Description:

Not to to be missed regardless whether you are vegetarian or not, the best part is that in order to eat at Nan Lian vegetarian restaurant, you'll find a gem in the middle of the city. Tour this delightful 35,000 sq m Tang Dynasty style garden. You will find an atmosphere conducive to serenity and tranquility; an ambience in which you can enjoy moments of leisure and peace of mind. There is also the Pine Tea house right adjacent to Chi Lin Vegetarian. The Cantonese cuisine is delicious and you won't even notice that there is no meat. No fake meat like vegetarian roast goose or char siu, just vegetarian food in its natural simplicity.

The kitchen team of Chi Lin Vegetarian designs the menu using seasonal produce. The five fortune appetizer platter features good sized appetizers. For the mains, the miniature sized braised supreme assorted vegetables casserole is nowhere near as miniature as it makes out. An original portion is big enough to feed 12 people, and so a "miniature" easily feeds between two and three. Both dim sum and a la carte dishes are served during the day.

Description:

A nature reserve in the unlikeliest of spots in the northeastern New Territories designated a site of special scientific interest in 1983 and a wetland of international importance in 1995. There are over 60,000 water birds have wintered in and around the Mai Po, including endangered species such as Saunders' Gull and a quarter of the world's population of the Black-faced Spoonbill. In addition to the birds, the heart of the reserve is made up of 24 traditionally operated shrimp ponds (locally called gei wai), which are now the only such ponds in Hong Kong, and possibly in southern China.

When the gei wai is drained, the areas of shallow water or exposed mud on the pond floor would provide feeding and roosting habitats hundreds of for fish-eating birds, particularly herons, egrets and the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill. Since this traditional form of gei wai management can contribute to the ecological value of the site, WWF Hong Kong is continuing with the winter drain down of the gei wai on a rotation basis. Access to the Reserve is limited so make a reservation well in advance online.

Description:

The outlying Islands are abundant because Hong Kong has more than 80 big and small island but Peng Chau and Lamma Island are two Islands worth visiting the most. Ferries from Central Pier will take you there and the ferry trip in itself is worth it for the cool sea wind and views. Peng Chau is quite similar to Cheung Chau, just much smaller. Home to fishing hamlets, as is the case with most outlying islands. Peng Chau does also have a small rattan and hand-painted ceramics industry. A walk through the rabbit-warren lanes of the town leads past some of the shops selling these local wares, as well as many sweet Chinese desserts and local salted preserved fish and shrimp.

Lamma Island, on the other hand, has gained a reputation as a hippy expat hangout. Rumors circulate that the Japanese used Lamma during their World War II occupation. Supposedly, they used the island as a snake farm, with many snakes flown in around the world - explaining the numerous unusual breeds on the island. Now creates dangerous and exciting Lamma that numerous nature-loving residents now live on. Still quite an alternative culture from mainstream Hong Kong. Be sure to take note of the last ferry times or else... read more

Description:

From the Hakka to the Hang Seng, from Neolithic to Neocapitalist, this excellent information-stop will divulge everything you ever wanted to know about Hong Kong's history but were too afraid to ask. On show are old photographs, ancient costumes, snuffboxes used by former governors, and even a reconstruction of a 100 year old street. Guides are available and a good half-day spent roaming the exhibitions will leave you educated, elated and exhausted. Plenty of bars in the Tsim Sha Tsui area are on standby to boost faltering spirits. Free all day Wednesday.

Description:

Originally, the bird market was on Hong Lok Street, but it relocated to this Chinese-style bird garden on Yuen Po Street. There are hundreds of birds on display and the price of a bird is often decided by how well the bird sings. Apart from the birds, there are also other accessories for sale, including bamboo and teak cages, ceramic water vessels and food containers, and different types of bird food, including live crickets sold by the bag-full.

Description:

To China this may seem like a rather insignificant everyday happening, but to a westerner, seeing hundreds of voluntary Tai Chi devotees going through the paces is quite the Kodak moment. Each morning in the rising mist of dawn Victoria Park fills with the concentrated focus of Tai Chai disciples, who, through their movement, seemingly match the silent feel of the moment. It is not only a spectacle of sight, but also of Chinese culture in general.

Description:

Sham Shui Po is totally geared up for the local market and is not the place to go looking for designer goods. Computer fanatics will love the Golden Computer Centre and New Capital Computer Plaza, where all the latest computer and high-tech products are sold. Apliu Street Market, on the other hand, is a good place to look for interesting electrical accessories, including everything from old room fans to second hand mobile phones and television sets.

Description:

Both filling and wholesome, a bowl of wonton noodles from Tsim Chai Kee makes a great feed any time of the day. Wontons are quintessentially Hong Kong and people like to dip it in chilli oil or vinegar. Wontons from Tsim Chai Kee are the jumbo size of a ping pong ball and so remember to chew thoroughly to get the tastes on your tongue. Take a bite of crunchy Canton Egg noodles and then order another bowl. Fishball noodles are equally popular and just remember that tipping is not neccesary.

Description:

This museum was once a fortified Hakka village, which was established in the mid-19th century by the Wongs, who started a kiln industry producing bricks, tiles and lime. A declared monument, the restored site opened as a folk museum in 1984. On display are typical Hakka dwellings including pigsties, a cattle shed, a six metre-high watchtower, a spacious drying terrace, farm implements and other everyday objects of the Hakka people. The admission is free.

Description:

Surrounded by high-rise housing estates, this 150-year-old walled village built by the Tsang clan is still going strong. High walls with formidable corner towers enclose a warren of small passages, family dwellings and the ancestral hall. Although not all areas are open to the public, a walk around the outside and through the massive entrance gates to the ancestral hall still gives the impression that not much has changed in the lifetime of the village. For a great day out, visit the nearby Che Kung and Ku Au Tseng Yuen temples and the Man Fat Monastery.

Description:

The AMC is a recent multiplex and boasts comfortable seating with ample legroom and armrests with drinks holders. Home to 11 screens and with two films sometimes sharing the same house, you are spoilt for choice whether you are after the latest Cantonese romance, an action movie from the States, a British comedy, or a Japanese horror film. Everything seems to play here. Book in advance as weekend seats tend to fill up fast. All the usual snacks are available at reasonable prices: just a few dollars for popcorn, hot dogs, soft drinks, and sweets.