Advertisement
Advertisement
Asia travel
Get more with myNEWS
A personalised news feed of stories that matter to you
Learn more
The graffiti polar bear in Sham Shui Po. Photo: Tessa Chan

10 surprising reasons to visit Hong Kong

As tourism industry shows signs of recovery, we explore the city’s less obvious attractions

Asia travel

Hong Kong is experiencing a much-needed recovery in its tourist numbers after a disappointing slump.

But what of this bustling metropolis’ lesser-known attractions? Here we bring you some of the city’s unique sights you may not have considered.

1. You can pick up free mushrooms on public transport: The city’s weather sometimes become so humid that fungus are seen growing on the wooden windowsills of some tram carriages. You’ll need to be quick if you’re hoping to use them in your spaghetti bolognese though, as officials tend to be speedy at clearing them away.

2. There’s some pretty incredible street art: The ever-evolving urban jungle is proving to be the perfect setting for graffiti artists to make their mark. In the working-class district of Sham Shui Po, a giant multi-coloured polar bear now features on the side of an apartment block, bringing a new vibrancy to the neighbourhood.

3. The city is home to some famous cats: Hongkongers love their cats as much as the rest of the world and two in particular have become household names. One moggy at a local pharmacy, dubbed the Wan Chai Cat, has attracted thousands of fans for her shop-counter performances. Another, Brother Cream, has received extensive television coverage and even has his own book. Sadly he’ll only be on show at his owner’s newsagents in Tsim Sha Tsui for another month after rent hikes forced them to move out.

4. You’re bound to see something funny on the MTR: The city’s subway system is incredibly efficient, but it’s also a source of entertainment if you’re lucky. Impromptu dance performances, heated rows over passengers defecating and people trying to smuggle live lobsters home are just some of the bizarre events witnessed in recent years.

A photo posted by @nadiasham on Mar 19, 2016 at 1:43am PDT

5. You can eat rainbow-coloured grilled cheese: At Kala Toast in Tsuen Wan, you can reportedly sample this incredible snack, photos of which recently went viral, for just HK$42. Just don’t expect it to provide you with one of your five-a-day.

6. You can even try dim sum buns which vomit and poo: It might not be to everyone’s taste, but at Dim Sum Icon in Tsim Sha Tsui, they offer special smiley-faced buns which ooze a sweet liquid from their mouths or behinds when you prod them. We’re still not sure which end is preferable. You can also try similar buns at Tsim Sha Tsui’s other dim sum eatery Yum Cha.

Hong Kong’s skyscrapers can prove a useful source of exercise. Photo: AFP
7. You can get fit just by climbing the stairs of skyscrapers: The Hong Kong skyline is filled with towering buildings where you can work up a sweat for free. The 118-storey International Commerce Centre, the city’s tallest and the ninth tallest in the world, could be a good place to start.

8. There’s a man who dresses up as a frog: We’re not really sure why but artist Kwok Mang-ho, who goes by the name of Frog King, is a common sight on the city’s art scene. He dons a unique frog costume and claims he can communicate with amphibians. We think he’s great.

A Virgin Mojito at Paradis Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, in Wyndham Street, Central. Photo: SCMP Pictures

9. There’s no shortage of happy hours: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, as the saying goes, and in Hong Kong you’ll never struggle for somewhere to grab a cheeky drink or two. For the extra tight cheapskates among you, it’s even legal to skip the late night bar price hikes by finishing your evening with 7-Eleven beers in the street.

10. You might even bump into at least a D-list celebrity: Paris Hilton recently graced Hong Kong with her presence for the annual Art Basel festival, although admittedly she couldn’t spell the event’s name correctly in her own promotional posters. On a better day, you might run into David or Victoria Beckham, who frequently visit Hong Kong for their various fashion and business ventures.
Post