7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong’s Weekly Destination Thread

Post Published June 9, 2024

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7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong’s Weekly Destination Thread

Locals recommend the Peng Chau Trail Walk as a family-friendly and easy-to-navigate route that allows travelers to discover the island's charming fishing village, stunning views, and delicious seafood offerings.

Peng Chau is the only island in Hong Kong that does not have a single traffic light or traffic signal, making it a true pedestrian-friendly oasis.

Interestingly, the Peng Chau Trail Walk features a section that passes through an abandoned lime kiln, a relic of the island's past as a major producer of lime, a crucial ingredient in traditional Chinese construction.

Despite its small size, Peng Chau's coastal trail offers a diverse array of ecosystems, including wetlands, mangrove forests, and rocky shorelines, providing a haven for a variety of migratory bird species.

Remarkably, the Peng Chau Trail Walk is the only hiking route in Hong Kong that allows visitors to navigate through a former shipyard, offering a unique glimpse into the island's industrial past.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong's Weekly Destination Thread - Peng Chau Trail Walk - Discover Hong Kong's Underdog Island
  2. 7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong's Weekly Destination Thread - Dragon's Back Hike - Asia's Best Urban Trekking Adventure
  3. 7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong's Weekly Destination Thread - Sam Tung Uk Museum - A Window into Hong Kong's Rural Heritage
  4. 7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong's Weekly Destination Thread - Lok Fu Market - Exploring Local Traditions and Street Life
  5. 7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong's Weekly Destination Thread - Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave - A Unique Coastal Adventure
  6. 7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong's Weekly Destination Thread - Krug Room at Mandarin Oriental - Elevating Gastronomic Indulgence
  7. 7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong's Weekly Destination Thread - Tai Long Bay - Pristine Beachside Retreat After an Invigorating Hike





Named "Asia's Best Urban Trekking Adventure" by TIME magazine in 2004, the trail connects Shek O Peak and Wan Cham Shan, reaching a height of 284 meters above sea level.

Accessible by public transportation, the hike typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it a must-do adventure for outdoor enthusiasts in the city.

The Dragon's Back Hike is named "Asia's Best Urban Trekking Adventure" by TIME magazine in 2004, recognizing its exceptional coastal views and moderate incline that make it accessible to hikers of all ages and skill levels.

The trail connects Shek O Peak and Wan Cham Shan, reaching a highest point of 284 meters above sea level, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding coastline and southern parts of Hong Kong Island.

Interestingly, the hike can be conveniently accessed by a 30-minute bus ride from Shau Kei Wan MTR Station, with buses departing from the nearby To Tei Wan Station, making it easily reachable for visitors.

Surprisingly, the trail is well-marked and well-maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for hikers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced trekkers.

Intriguingly, the Dragon's Back Hike is considered one of the best urban treks in Asia, seamlessly blending the natural beauty of the surroundings with the convenience of its urban location, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Hong Kong.






7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong’s Weekly Destination Thread

The Sam Tung Uk Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong's rural heritage, showcasing the traditional Hakka village lifestyle through its restored historic buildings and authentic exhibits.

The Sam Tung Uk Museum is located in a Hakka walled village that was originally constructed in 1786, over 200 years ago, providing a rare glimpse into Hong Kong's rural past.

Interestingly, the museum was relocated in the 1970s due to the construction of an MTR station, showcasing the challenges of preserving historical heritage amidst rapid urban development.

Remarkably, the government's restoration and conversion of the Sam Tung Uk village into a museum between 1986 and 1987 earned the project the prestigious Pacific Heritage Award for its exemplary preservation efforts.

Surprisingly, the museum's exhibits feature an extensive collection of traditional Hakka furnishings, kitchenware, wedding items, and agricultural implements, offering a comprehensive insight into the daily lives of Hong Kong's rural inhabitants.

Notably, the museum's location along Sai Lau Kok Road, just a 5-minute walk from the Tsuen Wan MTR Station, demonstrates its integration with Hong Kong's modern transportation network, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists.

Interestingly, the Sam Tung Uk Museum's role as a window into Hong Kong's rural heritage has been recognized by its designation as a historic monument in 1981, further underscoring its cultural significance.






The market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the city's authentic culture through its street food stalls, talented performers, and charming alleyways.

Lok Fu Market has been in continuous operation since the 1950s, making it one of the oldest and most well-established markets in Hong Kong.

The market is home to over 200 stalls, selling a diverse range of products from fresh produce and meat to household items and traditional Chinese medicines.

Interestingly, the market is built on reclaimed land, as it was originally a typhoon shelter before being transformed into a commercial hub in the 1960s.

Surprisingly, the market's architecture features a unique blend of colonial-era and traditional Chinese design elements, including curved roofs and intricate tilework.

Visitors can find a wide variety of traditional Cantonese street food stalls within the market, serving up classics like egg tarts, fried dumplings, and steaming bowls of wonton noodles.

Remarkably, the market is known for its skilled butchers and fishmongers, who use traditional techniques to prepare and display their fresh seafood and meat products.

Intriguingly, the market is also a hub for traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and remedies, with stalls offering a vast selection of dried herbs, tonics, and other traditional healing products.

Notably, the market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, who come to experience the vibrant street life and discover unique cultural treasures.






7 Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals in Hong Kong’s Weekly Destination Thread

Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave, located on the outlying island of Cheung Chau in Hong Kong, is a natural cave associated with the notorious 19th-century Chinese pirate of the same name.

Local legends suggest Cheung Po Tsai used this narrow, shadowy cave to hide his treasures and evade his pursuers during his reign of terror.

Despite its popularity as a tourist attraction, no actual treasure has been found within the cave, adding an air of mystery to this unique coastal adventure.

The Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave is believed to have been used by the infamous pirate Cheung Po Tsai as a secret hideout during his reign of terror in the 19th century, when he commanded a massive fleet and army.

Despite the legend surrounding the cave's association with Cheung Po Tsai's hidden treasure, no actual treasure has ever been found within the cave's narrow passages and shadowy alcoves.

The cave's entrance can only accommodate one person at a time, and its interior is completely dark, requiring extreme caution and care from visitors exploring its winding, rocky terrain.

Geologically, the Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave is a natural formation, created over time by the erosive forces of wind and water along the rugged coastal landscape of Cheung Chau Island.

Interestingly, the cave's narrow entrance and cavernous interior have led some to speculate that it may have been used as a natural defense system by Cheung Po Tsai and his crew, providing a secure refuge from their pursuers.

Visitors to the Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave can only access it through a guided tour, as the cave's treacherous layout and lack of lighting make it unsafe for unaccompanied exploration.

Surprisingly, the Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave is not the only natural cave associated with the notorious pirate on Cheung Chau Island, with several other sites also linked to his legendary exploits.

Interestingly, the Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave is one of the 7 Hidden Gems recommended by locals in Hong Kong's Weekly Destination Thread, suggesting it offers a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travelers.

Remarkably, the Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who are captivated by the cave's rich history and its role in the legendary tales of one of China's most notorious pirates.






The Krug Room at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has emerged as a hidden culinary gem, particularly among local gourmands.

With its focus on gourmet food and exceptional Krug Champagne, the restaurant offers a truly elevated dining experience.

The Krug Room is located within the iconic Mandarin Oriental hotel in the heart of Hong Kong's Central district, offering diners a truly exclusive and intimate dining experience.

The restaurant's name is a nod to the prestigious Krug Champagne house, with the menu featuring an exquisite selection of Krug Champagnes paired meticulously with each course.

The Krug Room's tasting menu is meticulously crafted by a team of highly skilled chefs, who combine traditional Cantonese techniques with modern culinary innovations to create dishes that push the boundaries of flavor.

The restaurant's interior design features a minimalist and elegant aesthetic, with clean lines, subdued lighting, and natural materials that create a serene and refined ambiance.

The Krug Room operates with a strict limited seating policy, accommodating only 12 guests per service, ensuring each diner receives personalized and attentive service throughout the meal.

The restaurant's sommelier team is highly trained in the nuances of Krug Champagne, guiding diners through the intricate pairing process and offering expert insights into the house's rich history and production methods.

The Krug Room sources its ingredients from carefully curated local and international suppliers, ensuring the freshness and quality of each component that goes into its dishes.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of responsibly sourced seafood and its efforts to minimize food waste through creative ingredient utilization.

The Krug Room's dessert menu is a true showstopper, featuring innovative flavor combinations and stunning plating that captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression on diners.

The restaurant has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Michelin stars and a reputation as one of Hong Kong's most exclusive and sought-after dining experiences.

Despite its high-end reputation, the Krug Room's tasting menu is surprisingly affordable, offering an exceptional value proposition for discerning gourmands.






Tai Long Bay is a hidden gem in Hong Kong, offering a pristine beachside retreat after an invigorating hike.

Surrounded by lush greenery, clear waters, and golden sands, the bay is a tranquil oasis away from the city's hustle and bustle, with locals recommending seven hidden gems to explore in the area.

From the Geopark Center to the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Tai Long Bay is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Tai Long Bay is a crescent-shaped bay with four distinct beaches - Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan - that collectively stretch over 3 kilometers of pristine coastline.

Interestingly, the hike to Tai Long Bay from Sai Wan Pavilion is mostly flat or downhill, with only one significant uphill climb, making it an accessible and enjoyable trek for hikers of various skill levels.

Visitors can choose to reach Tai Long Bay either by hiking the MacLehose Trail or by taking a boat from Sai Kung Pier, with the boat trip costing around 150 HKD and offering a more direct and scenic route to the more secluded beaches.

Surprisingly, the Geopark Center located within Tai Long Bay provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the area's unique geological history and features, offering a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of the region.

According to local recommendations, Tai Long Bay is home to a wealth of hidden gems, including the Sai Kung East Country Park, the Wong Shek Pier, Pak Lap Tsai, the Sharp Island, the Tung Ping Chau, and the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences.

Interestingly, the Tung Ping Chau, one of the recommended hidden gems, is a remote island located within Tai Long Bay that is known for its rich biodiversity and well-preserved coral reefs.

Remarkably, the abandoned Hakka Village located along the Tai Long Wan trail provides visitors with a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and the traditional way of life of the local Hakka people.

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