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Uniquely HK
Feature Story
Catching the Unique Hong Kong Urban Vibe
Roam around the city and get immersed in Hong Kong’s vibrant vibes and feel the real pulse of the city.
As Asia's World City, and thanks in part of its population density, its East-meet-West cultural melting pot, and its compact city and transport structure, Hong Kong is undoubtedly one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic city, with its own special vibes that reflect the soul of the city.
A rewarding but challenging experience for visitors is to immerse in the city's vibes like the locals do. For that, we have put together our list of experiences you should check out to best appreciate the special vibes and the sights, sounds and smell of the city that are uniquely Hong Kong. Explore and enjoy!
Leisurely Ding Ding Ride: Catch a tram, belovingly called Ding Ding, on Hong Kong Island, and watch the bustling cityscape. Take a tram from Sai Ying Pun or Sheung Wan and go eastward to either North Point or Happy Valley, passing by the heart of the city along the way. It's slow, relaxing and fun.
Central Elevated Walkway System： Overhead walkways are all over the city; the most extensive and interesting one to explore is the Central Elevated Walkway System, a labyrinth of footbridges and walkways extending from Sheung Wan's Macau Ferry Terminal to Star Ferry in Central, to the Mid -levels Escalator System and to Landmark in the heart of Central and beyond. Connecting to major building landmarks along the way. Take in the thronging crowds and enjoy overhead views of traffic, landscape and the city scenes below.
Mid-levels Escalators System: The world's longest elevator walkway system is a microcosm of our ultra-chic city. Starting from Queen Road Central from Central Market, this series of escalators allows pedestrians to commute between Mid-levels and Central. Organic transformation along the route has turned it into trendy neighbourhoods, chic dining outlets, and great spots for people watching. Feel free to hop on and off to explore Hollywood Road, Tai Kwun and Soho.
Busking: Hong Kong has a thriving busking culture. Tong Choi Street in Mong Kok has hordes of buskers before the street reversed its pedestrian only status; only a few remain now. Today, the most vibrant busing area is at the Central Harbourfront right between the Observation Wheel and the Central Ferry Piers. Dozens of buskers, singers or dance performers gather to show off their talent. You can also count on somebody busking at the corner of Pedder Street and Queen's Road Central or the pedestrian tunnel on Peking Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Tip if you enjoy the performance.
Street Arts: The city has a thriving street art culture, helped by the innumerable sidewalks, building walls and overhead road bridges. The most prominent ones are along Hollywood Road in Central and Sheung Wan its side street such as Graham Street, Peel Street and Tai Ping Shan Road. But many others abound. Be on the look out and you are likely to be rewarded.
Sunday Afternoon stroll through Central: On Sundays and public holidays, many parts of Central turn into a sprawling and frenetic gathering place for the thousands of foreign domestic-helpers in the city. Whether it is social group spending the day at temporary cardboard shelters on footbridges , haggling with hundreds of street hawkers, or dancing or singer or organising events at Statue Square, it makes up a fascinating slice of Hong Kong's urban vibe.
Neon and LED Lights at Night: At night, the city turns into a collective gigantic lighting extravaganza. For a kaleidoscopic sight of jumbled neon and Led displays of shops and buildings, go to Nathan Road from Tsim Sha Tsui and make your way to Mongkok. You'll be more than dazzled. Take a side detour on Temple Street and check out some neon sign displays there are still there.
Local markets: Yes, you should check out many of the street markets like Lady's Market in Mongkok that are well-known tourist destinations. You may want to check out a more local market and see how locals buy their fresh meats and vegetables. They are all over the city, find one where you are staying. The wet market in Sham Shui Po is always worth visiting followed by a trip to Ap Liu Street market and its famous computer centre nearby.
Han Gai or Browsing Around: Arguably the favourite pastime for most Hong Kong residents. The phrase “Han Gai” literally means cruising the streets. The busiest locations for that are Causeway Bay and Mongkok. Check out Causeway Bay, the city's famed shopping district, and explore some of the city's busiest shopping malls and department stores and try out a local dessert like the mango pudding.
Respite in an urban space: Tired of walking around or just want to have a rest? The city's many small urban parks should offer you comfort. One of our favourite is the Southorn Playground in Wanchai where you can take a rest but still watch locals going on with their recreation, playing basketball and football, right in the heart of Wanchai.
People watching and partying at night: Hong Kong is a night city; parts of the city never sleeps as bar and clubs are opened till the wee morning hours. Lan Kwai Fong in central and the bar district in Wanchai are two famous night spots. Get a visible spot at a busy bar, order your favourite drink, and watch people go by all night long.
Jogging with the locals on Quarry Bay Waterfront Promenade. Winter and Fall are perfect for jogging in Hong Kong. There is a much bigger jogging culture here than most realise. Go to the Quarry Bay Waterfront Promenade which stretches from Quarry Bay to Sai Wan Ho and join the hundreds of locals jogging or strolling along the picturesque waterfront.
Dim Sum Lunch: Sight, sounds and smell, all rolled into one- that is what a dim sum experience at a bustling Cantonese restaurant is like, especially on Sundays when families spanning generations get together to enjoy a delicious meal and to catch up with each other. It's a must try experience.
Afternoon Tea: The British colonial influence is alive and well with the city's afternoon tea culture. Whether it's an elegant afternoon tea special at some of the city's most luxurious hotels such as Peninsular or an inexpensive afternoon tea menu at a local cha chaan teng, the afternoon tea special practice is pervasive.
Roof-top Dining: A real treat is enjoying a special meal at the roof top of a high-rise building with unimpeded views of the harbour. There are so many choices to go by. Check out Aqua or Hutong on 1 Peking Road or Skye at the Parklane Hong Kong in Causeway Bay, or the Le 188 at Harbour Grand at North Point, among the many.
