1. The Blue House
This brilliant blue tong lau is one of the last in Hong Kong to retain its classic balconies. A museum on the ground floor gives an insight into old tong lau life, and the rest of the area is achingly hip these days.
72-74A Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai.
2. Pok Fu Lam Squatter Village
A sprawling, UNESCO-recognized site, Pok Fu Lam Squatter Village is more than 150 years old. It has a distinct character and is rich with village traditions. From urban vegetable farms to fire dragons made of straw, there’s plenty to see in an afternoon.
3. Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market
This wholesale fruit market has been around since 1913 and is currently housed in a Grade-III listed building. It’s busiest from 4am-6am, when hawkers come to purchase their day’s goods.
4. Béthanie
Hong Kong’s first sanatorium is now a branch of the Academy for Performing Arts. The curious neogothic French construction is home to a beautiful chapel as well as performance spaces and a museum. Tours run daily.
139 Pok Fu Lam Rd., Pok Fu Lam.
5. Tung Chung Fort
This fortification dating back to the 1100s was built to fend off smugglers on Lantau, and was once occupied by pirate Cheung Po-tsai. It’s been refurbished and is easy to reach from Tung Chung town center.