Filipinos gear up for Hong Kong holiday trips
As the holiday season begins in the Philippines, travel destinations such as Hong Kong are drawing attention.
Travelers are preparing for the “Ber” months, traditionally marked by extended celebrations. For those heading to Hong Kong, the city offers a mix of new attractions and timeless sites that provide a glimpse of its cultural and natural beauty.
Island Escapes
For those seeking a peaceful getaway, Cheung Chau Island and Peng Chau Island offer quiet retreats away from the city. Cheung Chau, a boat-filled island known for its scenic hiking trails, is home to the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. This event, held every eighth lunar month, features a unique bun scramble where participants climb a tower of buns. Visitors can also enjoy relaxing afternoons in cafes along San Hing and Pak She streets.
Peng Chau, just under an hour from the central business district, is a small island with a tight-knit community. It’s known for its quiet village atmosphere and creative vibe, particularly at the Fook Yuen Leather Factory, now an artistic space with installations and murals. The island offers a glimpse into the old-world charm that contrasts with Hong Kong’s modern skyline.
History and Culture
For those interested in exploring Hong Kong’s history, Tsz Shan Monastery and the New Territories provide a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage. Tsz Shan Monastery, located in Tai Po, offers visitors a chance to experience Buddhist teachings. The 76-meter Guan Yin statue, a symbol of compassion in Buddhism, stands over the Thousand Wishes Pond, where visitors make offerings.
In Hong Kong’s North District, the small town of Sha Tau Kok offers a unique mix of history and modernity. Once a part of the Frontier Closed Area, a border zone with mainland China, Sha Tau Kok has developed into a quiet settlement with murals and pavilions. A permit is required to enter the town, but the experience reveals a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern Hong Kong life.
Further into the New Territories, Lai Chi Wo, a centuries-old Hakka walled village, has preserved much of its rural charm. Though the village is mostly quiet today, its cultural significance remains evident. Lai Chi Wo’s efforts to maintain its heritage have been recognized by UNESCO with the Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The surrounding feng shui forest adds to the village’s serene environment.
Artistic Exploration
For art enthusiasts, Hong Kong’s workshops offer an immersive experience of local culture. The Mahjong Tiles Coloring Workshop and Minibus Sign Workshop allow visitors to explore traditional crafts. Mahjong, a popular game, is known for its intricately designed tiles, and the Karen Aruba Studio offers workshops where participants can color these tiles.
Minibuses, a staple of Hong Kong’s public transportation system, are another cultural icon. Their hand-painted signs, which indicate routes and destinations, are the focus of workshops led by Master Mak at Eldage. These sessions provide insight into the artistry behind Hong Kong’s transportation system and the importance of signage in the city’s daily life.
Planning Your Visit
With so many attractions, planning a Hong Kong holiday can be overwhelming. To help visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board offers the “Discover Hong Kong with AI” tool. The tool takes personal preferences into account to suggest itineraries tailored to each traveler’s interests. Whether visitors are interested in exploring history, culture, or nature, the AI tool helps narrow down choices, making the travel planning process easier.
Hong Kong’s mix of old-world charm and modern attractions continues to draw visitors. Whether seeking peaceful island escapes, historical sites, or artistic experiences, travelers have plenty of options to explore in the city’s quieter corners.
For more information on Hong Kong’s hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, visit discoverhongkong.com.
