The Hong Kong Tourism Board is hosting an immersive pop-up activation event at Sunway Pyramid from Aug 2-4, to give Malaysians a taste of Hong Kong’s hidden gems.
WHILE Hong Kong’s skyline dazzles and its streets burst with life, the true charm of this metropolis lies in its lesser-known corners.
Beyond its iconic cityscape and vibrant districts lies a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.
For adventurers, nature lovers or culture enthusiasts alike, Hong Kong offers a range of surprising and delightful experiences.
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To showcase these unique attractions, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is launching the Hong Kong Hidden Gems regional campaign, featuring a specially curated list of the city’s hidden gems.
You can forget about the usual tourist spots as these hidden gems offer a fresh perspective of the city.
Categorised into experiences such as nature and adventure, arts and culture, shop and play, and food and drinks, these gems provide Malaysian travellers with an array of new sights and activities to add to their Hong Kong bucket list.
The defunct Fook Yuen Leather Factory on Peng Chau Island has been revitalised into a charming art junkyard with quirky displays and vibrant graffiti.
Nature and adventure
Beyond the concrete jungle, Hong Kong is also a treasure trove of natural beauty with 263 islands and 535 hiking, cycling and mountain biking trails.
Take Peng Chau, for instance. Once an industrial hub, it is now a quaint car-free island where you can hike on scenic trails, visit traditional temples and even explore an art junkyard – a quirky nod to the island’s industrial past.
The island of Cheung Chau, on the other hand, offers beautiful beaches, historic sites and exploration of the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, which used to house treasures of the infamous pirate it's named after.
Those seeking a thrill can also hike up the Red Incense Burner Summit for breathtaking views of Hong Kong island and the Kowloon and Victoria Harbour districts, while animal enthusiasts can visit the Mai Po Nature Reserve wildlife sanctuary to learn about the city’s diverse wildlife.
Cheung Chau Island offers a glimpse into Hong Kong's slow-paced lifestyle with numerous beautiful beaches and historic sites.
Arts and culture
Hong Kong’s rich heritage and vibrant arts scene invites visitors to journey through time to discover the city’s colourful history.
Nestled in the lush hills of Tai Po, the Tsz Shan Monastery offers a peaceful retreat with its 60m tall bronze Guan Yin statue and the city’s first museum dedicated to Buddhist art, which sits beneath the statue. You can even partake in mindfulness activities such as tea meditation and zen calligraphy at the monastery.
You can even create your own mahjong tiles when travelling in Hong Kong.
Shop and play
Hong Kong’s shopping is legendary, to say the least. But, it’s in places like Upper Lascar Row where the city’s creative pulse truly beats.
Upper Lascar Row in Sheung Wan provides an eclectic mix of antique shops and thrift stores for vintage enthusiasts, representing a paradise for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind items, antique trinkets and retro collectables.
A visit to the former textile factory turned creative hub – The Mills – blends arts, culture and innovation as it celebrates the rich history of the city’s textile industry while exploring spaces that celebrate innovation and design.
Whether you’re crafting your own personalised mahjong tiles at Karen Aruba Studio or designing a neon sign at Amazing Neon HK that reflects the city’s iconic aesthetics, these experiences go beyond mere shopping, as they allow you to connect with Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural identity.
Food and drinks
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without indulging in its culinary delights.
With its array of eateries, from hidden bistros to traditional cafes, the city’s rich gastronomic landscape offers delectable treats and cuisines around every corner.
Tai Ping Koon, one of the oldest Western restaurants opened by Chinese residents in the region, is famed for its fusion dishes like roasted pigeon, baked souffle and Swiss-style chicken wings.
For a more contemporary experience, you can also head to Kinsman in Tsim Sha Tsui, where traditional Cantonese spirits inspire innovative cocktails in a nostalgic setting that feels like a scene from a Wong Kar-Wai film.
A sneak peek
To give Malaysians a taste of Hong Kong’s hidden gems, HKTB is hosting an immersive pop-up activation event at Sunway Pyramid from Aug 2-4.
More than just a showcase, the event, which will be held at Central Avenue on LG2, will give visitors the opportunity to participate in interactive games with a slew of prizes to be won.
As part of the interactive activities, participants who complete three game stations can redeem an exclusive Hong Kong-themed blind box, filled with unique souvenirs. There are a total of 3,000 blind boxes to be won, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
There will also be a grand draw, where one lucky winner stands a chance to walk away with a pair of AirAsia return flight tickets to Hong Kong, on each day of the event.
Malaysia will also be HKTB’s first market to launch its AI Photo and Travel Profile Analysis. This AI filter requires visitors to scan a QR code, answer questions on travel preferences and upload an image, which will then generate a personalised photo of the user in Hong Kong, with recommendations on places to visit based on their travel profile.
There will also be special guest appearances and performances by Christinna Kuan, Perry Kuan, Jestinna Kuan and Danny Lee, who will be sharing highlights of their experiences in Hong Kong, as well as participating in games and activities with visitors.
To start your own adventure and explore Hong Kong’s hidden gems, click here.
