Five New Hong Kong Neighborhoods

They might have started off as factory towns, or come from other humble beginnings, but these five districts in different corners of the city are worth exploring right now—because artists, restaurateurs and creatives are moving in and consequently stirring up change. Here are the stories of these areas' transformations, and how to check out the upstarts there before they become mainstream.

Ngau Tau Kok

From Off the Beaten Path to Offbeat Offerings

High up in factory buildings are hidden gems, from dim sum restaurants with a twist to an urban farm. By Yannie Chan and Rosanna Chu.


Judging Ngau Tau Kok and its neighbor Kwun Tong by their looks alone would be a shame. Beneath the intimidating cargo lifts, enormous trucks and bland factory buildings, these industrial sites cultivate an amazing selection of cultural activities—so many that one weekend will not suffice to explore them all. The diversity of things to do, ranging from crafty DIY-ing to indoor war games, belies street after street of identical-looking, rundown buildings. We may already be in the thick of summer, but in Ngau Tau Kok, where workshops, the live music scene and an actual farm are blossoming, it feels more like spring.

Sealing Stone DIY Studio

In an effort to promote

traditional Chinese handicrafts, local artist Kady Fung founded this workshop in 2011. During Sealing Stone’s courses, you can learn seal engraving or make portrait stamps, resin jewelry and accessories with wire. If Fung’s regular schedule doesn’t jive with yours, customers can also book a special daytime class for a minimum of two people.
Room 32, 11/F, Sing Win Industrial Building, 15-17 Shing Yip St., Kwun Tong, 2345-9282, www.sealingstone.com.hk.

HK Farm

This place is a

verdant oasis in a desert of gray concrete. Founded by passionate Hongkongers experienced in many disciplines—from design, beekeeping and farming to art and photography—HK Farm is a 4,000-square-foot rooftop farm that aims to grow local produce, as well as to promote its consumption. It cultivates organic food and also offers a number of opportunities to interested visitors—like mini-tours, a farmer’s market and urban beekeeping instruction—on weekends from noon to 5pm. The 2 Years Ahead space, located one floor below the rooftop farm, is a studio and retail area for sustainable projects and products.
Rooftop, Easy Industrial Building, 140 Wai Yip St., Ngau Tau Kok, 6447-5740, www.hkfarm.org and www.2yearsahead.org.

City Hunter Urban Combat Training Centre

A bit of a departure

from the artsy, indie vibe of some of these other enclaves, City Hunter is a massive indoor war games arena that’s open 24 hours a day, every day, including public holidays. For all you hard-core gamers out there, a four-hour time slot is only $120-190 with an additional gear rental cost of $80 per person. Bring long pants, sports shoes and a minimum of six people. All staff members speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English.
4/F, Mai Gar Industrial Building, 146 Wai Yip St., Kwun Tong, 3105-0666, www.cityhunter.com.hk.

Alri Workshop

Planning to sink $1,000

into a mass-produced leather wallet or bag? Instead, consider paying Alri (pronounced elle-ree) Workshop a visit, a place that offers the tools and supplies to make a unique leather bag yourself. Under the tutelage of owner Alvin, you can also make a coin purse, iPhone case, wallet, camera bag or camera straps—he can even help you if you want to craft it in the style of a brand-name item. Expect to spend at least four to five hours (and anywhere from $450 to $1,000) on your projects—leather-work is time-intensive! Book a time slot on their website first.
Flat D, 4/F, Wing Hing Lee Industrial Building, 32 Hung To Rd., Kwun Tong, 3791-2217, www.alriworkshop.com.

Strategic Sounds

Given its mostly industria

l tenants, you’d think Kwun Tong would be dead at night. But nestled high up in a row of generic factory buildings is Strategic Sounds, which hosts shows with walk-in ticketing ($100-150) most weekends. The live music venue showcases mostly experimental and digital artists who attract niche followings, with Japanese noise music master KK Null performing on July 8. The fact that it’s a small space with no formal stage leads to intimate performances. Owner Andrew Leung maintains the venue while juggling a day job, motivated by his aim to enrich the local music scene.
Shop E, 10/F, High Win Factory Building, 47 Hoi Yuen Rd., Kwun Tong, 9313-8371, www.facebook.com/stgsounds.
 

Coffee Lover

These folks take a

cup of joe super seriously. Beginners can opt to enroll in a latte art class or a barista course, but for those already well-versed in the coffee arts who need to outfit their kitchens, Coffee Lover carries professional coffee-makers and grinders. These passionate Java experts even roast their own blend made up of a careful selection of beans from five different countries. Never mind your caffeine high—don’t walk away without trying a mug of the Villa Donna coffee, too.
Flat B, 3/F, Wai Yip Industrial Building, 171 Wai Yip St., Kwun Tong, 3488-0278, www.wingyipcoffee.com.

Dim Delicious

This restaurant cooks up dim sum of hotel quality at reasonable prices in a rarely frequented part of town. In the hands of a talented chef—who allegedly has celeb-worthy credentials but prefers to keep a low profile—traditional dim sum items are re-fashioned into contemporary creations. Steamed pork dumplings are topped with black truffles ($12/piece) and the traditional rice rolls with dough inside are replaced with a crispy fried roll stuffed with seafood ($20). No single dish, however, showcases Dim Delicious’ innovation more than their signature baked almond juice bun ($14 for two pieces). The chef selected a specific almond from Hebei province in China after sampling almonds grown all over the world. Dim Delicious is open daily from 10:30am to 3:30pm, so don’t head over too late in the day or you’ll miss out.
Flat G, 2/F, Wang Kwong Industrial Building, 45 Hong To Rd., Kwun Tong, 2950-0087.

Wong Chuk Hang

From Industrial Bleak to Industrial Chic

Don’t judge a book by its cover—or in this case, Wong Chuk Hang by its factories. From private kitchens to fitness spaces to high-design shops, this neighborhood is fast leaving its past behind. By Celine Mahtani and Brian Yap.

On the whole, Wong Chuk Hang’s industrial buildings are chockablock with wholesale food distributors, Chinese furniture-making workshops and other businesses that aren’t exactly easily browse-able. Slowly but surely, though, the area is undergoing a renaissance: art galleries love the lower rents and high ceilings of these loft-like spaces; two private kitchens opened up here for the same reasons: cost and space. Its airy venues for rent are also attracting gyms and shops, making this up-and-coming neighborhood the perfect place for a Saturday afternoon wander.
 

CulinArt

Located in the most

unexpected of places, on the 22nd floor of the Kwai Bo Industrial Building (right next door to a wholesale fruit distributor), this beautifully designed private kitchen is a foodie’s paradise. The highly acclaimed and charismatic chef Stanley Wong cooks up tasty, creative dishes for groups of friends, corporate dinners or celebratory get-togethers, putting together customized menus to fit particular tastes and dietary needs. Private cooking classes are also available. Dinners start at $800 per person; advance booking required.
Unit B, 22/F, Kwai Bo Industrial Building, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 6799-9925, www.culinart.com.hk.
 

Flex

After moving to Wong Chuk Hang from Stanley two years ago, this pilates, fitness and yoga studio has expanded—both in terms of literal space and class offerings. Kitted out with state-of-the-art studios, Flex also boasts a nail bar, a retail shop with fitness gear and healthy treats for sale.
1/F, Regency Centre (Phase II), 43 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2813-2212.

Elite Personal Training Studio

From the modern

aesthetics of the space to the down-to-earth, friendly attitude of the staff, this isn’t your stereotypical gym. With just four personal trainers, you’re guaranteed a personalized, tailored experience. Head out here during the weekend and sign up for a free trial—while you’re recovering, there’s also a balcony with a killer view of the mountains where you can wind down after a tiring workout.
20/F, Regency Centre (Phase II), 41-43 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2552-9925.

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