Sai Wan

Located on the west side of Hong Kong Island, Sai Wan is one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Since the opening of the West Island MTR stations, which connects the area to Central, Sai Wan has transformed into an up-and-coming hipster hangout.

#1 Forbes Street Wall Trees

Beautiful banyan trees wrapping their roots around imposing masonry walls are a sight to behold. “Majestic” would be how Singaporean blogger Eunice Lim, pictured, describes this otherworldly species. Stone masonry walls like these were commissioned by the colonial government between the 19th and mid-20th century to prevent landslides. Today, we get to appreciate this natural tapestry by Forbes Street. Bonus: across the street are trendy restaurants that are happy to receive your patronage after you’ve finished admiring the wall!

#2 Sai Wan Swimming Shed

Hoping to catch a gorgeous, dramatic orange-red sunset? Then head west — all the way to the Sai Wan Swimming Shed. This tranquil Kennedy Town spot is marked by a jetty that juts out from a rocky mountain-side base and right into the waters. Swimming sheds like these were built in the 60s and 70s as a stationary post for people to drop off their things before embarking on swims and dips. Remember to arrive early, as lines are known to form right around the magic hour!

Wanchai

Wan Chai is characterised by the juxtaposition of the old and new. Stroll along both sides of the tramway and you will find historical East-meets-West architecture. The fusion of the traditional with the modern has given this old neighbourhood a new charm. Wan Chai is also known to be a vibrant hub for restaurants. You’ll find everything from trendy tapas bars on Ship Street and cosy Italian bistros tucked away in St. Francis Yard, to glamorous steakhouses at the top of commercial buildings on Johnston Road.

#3 Colourful Buildings

Wan Chai is a district full of multicoloured cultural landmarks. One of the most famous is the Blue House on Stone Nullah Lane, a four-storey tenement building painted in the same shade as the bright summer sky (photo below). The building is currently home to the Hong Kong House of Stories museum. On the intersection of Johnston Road and Wan Chai Road stands the Chung Wui Mansion (photo on the right), painted in pastel shades that span the colours of the rainbow. The 16-storey residential unit was built in 1964. Today, the bright and bold building makes for an eye-catching Instagram photo!

Causeway Bay

Bustling Causeway Bay is the perfect consumer-friendly district for an epic shopping spree. And when you need a break there is a diverse range of restaurants and entertainment venues to kick back and relax at. Between major shopping centres like Times Square and Hyson Place, and upscale fashion streets like Festival Walk, you’ll find everything you need. Take your pick of quirky boutiques, celebrity-run restaurants like Jamie Oliver’s, and rooftop dining with spectacular harbour views. like Seafood Room and SKYE.

#4 SKYE

Rooftop bars take on a whole new meaning in Hong Kong — and you’ll see why when you take the elevator up to SKYE, the newly renovated restaurant and lounge at The Park Lane Hong Kong (a Pullman Hotel). Take your pick of bar seat or laid-back couch at the outdoor terrace — either way, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the famous Hong Kong skyline, complete with skyscrapers and the Victoria Harbour.

Southern District

The Southern District, which encompasses the scenic southern coast of Hong Kong Island, was once a mainly industrial area. Since the opening of the South Island MTR line, more and more visitors have been coming here to discover its hidden gems: galleries, private kitchens, artisan cafes, traditional shops and eateries, outlet stores and more. Meanwhile, the beaches are just a bus or taxi ride away. Kayak and windsurf in Stanley, or just relax and take a dip in the calm waves of Repulse Bay. After a day of fun in the sun, remember to wind down with a relaxing meal at one of the many beachside restaurants on the south side.

#5 Cape D’Aguilar

Located south of Shek O, Cape D’Aguilar is the type of photo-friendly destination worth making a journey for. Here, you can snap an ethereal photo of jagged rocks forming a natural frame over pristine blue skies on a crisp and sunny day. Shoot at just the right angle, and you’ll also catch a beautiful reflection of the clear shallow waters. Believe us when we say that the cave was made for the cameras!

#6 Repulse Bay

Hongkongers are blessed with gorgeous beaches in every corner, and generously sized Repulse Bay is one of the most well known. In the summer, tourists and locals alike get away from the city and enjoy a swim in its emerald blue waters while admiring picturesque mountainscapes in the distance.

#7 Cabana at the Pulse

Chill out in an onsen bath while looking onto the sand and ocean below — that’s the daily mantra at Cabana rooftop bar at The Pulse. The 10,000 square-foot alfresco terrace is one of Hong Kong’s most coveted beach bar destinations. The space is decked out in chic white sun loungers, luxurious private cabanas, and dozens of wooden onsen tubs that easily fit a group of six. Pop open a bottle of Champagne, and you’re good to go for the day!

Food Trucks

#8 Pineapple Canteen

Every Hongkonger knows and loves a bo lo bao — literally, “pineapple bun” in Cantonese — a sweet pastry bread topped with a pineapple-patterned sugar crust that’s sold in Hong Kong-style bakeries around the city. At the Pineapple Canteen food truck, the proprietors take the concept to a whole new level by adding actual pineapples to the iconic pastry. The signature item is a bo lo bao stuffed with fresh pineapple chunks and pineapple cream: a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Other fillings are also available, including savoury ham and egg; or a large and simple slab of butter.

#9 Princess Kitchen

Dragon fruit bowls are the name of the game at Princess Kitchen, one of the first batches of food trucks to be granted a working license from the Hong Kong government. The vibrantly hued fruit is turned into a sorbet, then sprinkled with fresh fruits like banana and strawberry slices, blueberries, as well as granola bits on top. It’s a refreshing summer treat for the sweltering Hong Kong heat — and a photogenic one at that.

HK20A Great Promotions

If you’re traveling to Hong Kong between now and 31 October 2017, you can enjoy a variety of fantastic deals in conjunction with Hong Kong’s Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) 20th Anniversary celebration. Smart deals include 20% off specific purchases or HK$20 attraction tickets for those born in a particular month, free special souvenirs from various attractions and more from participating establishments such as Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Disneyland, Madame Tussauds, and Ocean Park Hong Kong.

Get your 20th Anniversary Coupon Booklets from Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Tourism Board visitor centres and various hotels upon arrival. For more details on where you can collect a copy and the list of participating partners, please visit: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan-your-trip/latest-promotion/smart-deals.jsp