Hong Kong offers much more than skyscrapers and shopping malls; from fishing villages such as Tai O to the abandoned Kowloon Walled City Park, these hidden gems will show you an authentic glimpse of old Hong Kong.
Shek Kwu Chau is an island of hidden wonder, home to classical-inspired structures built by patients at a rehabilitation clinic over decades. Although visiting this island is generally restricted, one day each November opens it up! Paris to Hong Kong Cathay Pacific flights are available right now.
1. Tai Tam Mound Falls
Tucked away in Tai Tam‘s lush forests lies an incredible find: a waterfall! This serene oasis in the middle of city’s busy suburbs is popular among hikers as a swimming spot and relaxing after a day spent hiking through its lush forests. Although you’ll need to navigate a few slippery and overgrown trails before arriving at this spectacular sight, once found it’s worth finding: enjoy relaxing by its cascading waters in its cool pool of serenity.
Hong Kong Trail Section 6 boasts a stunning waterfall that makes the hike challenging but rewarding; shaded by large boulders and offering respite from Hong Kong heat. As you make your way along a winding path shad by dense foliage and climb a flight of boulder “staircase”, eventually you reach this exquisite beauty that provides water for Tai Tam Reservoir – so swimming here is forbidden as well!
Travel by taking bus 14 from Sai Wan Ho MTR station towards Stanley Fort and get off at Tai Tam Reservoir (North). Walk along its trails until reaching the waterfall in approximately 30 minutes.
2. Sheung Luk Stream
Sheung Luk Stream in Hong Kong offers stunning waterfalls and rock pools perfect for fresh water swimming, locals refer to it as “Double Deer Stream” or Lu Hui Jian; one of few clean river pools in the region popular for cliff jumping and easy hike outside Sai Wan Village that can be completed within an hour.
Walk begins from Sai Wan Pavilion, following a winding path offering spectacular views over High Island Reservoir along its length. As you pass through several small basins, Sheung Luk Stream presents itself in stunning fashion: waterfalls and rock pools await at every bend along its course, creating beautiful spots such as this first one near Sai Wan Pavilion; but continue upstream further to discover an unexplored treasure in Hong Kong: its waterfalls, clear rock pools, and rocky outcrops are truly unmissable!
After passing several waterfalls, you’ll reach the final pool – an oasis of peace ideal for enjoying without crowds, particularly on weekdays or when temperatures are cooler.
If you’re up for an adventure, head left of the last waterfall and follow its trail to a small gap in the wall above its pool. Depending on weather conditions, this path might become muddy and slippery but is definitely worth your while in terms of seeing up close what makes Hong Kong unique. Once there, take a dip and relax – this experience makes a fantastic conclusion to your Hong Kong travels!
3. Shek Kwu Chau
Shek Kwu Chau lies west of Cheung Chau and is one of Hong Kong’s more bizarre islands. Home to a rehabilitation centre for drug abusers, visitors require permission to enter. Staff and former addicts have established shrines, statues and an odd-shaped pool reminiscent of Roman baths on Shek Kwu Chau as symbols of change on this unassuming outcrop of land.
Shek Kwu Chau was once known as Coffin Island, but is now home to just over 200 residents who make themselves meals on the island, access training workshops, sports facilities and individual and group counselling, or take advantage of temporary hotel stays if nearing completion of rehabilitation treatment.
Ricky, who asked to use only his first name, spent six months on Shek Kwu Chau and will return home soon. According to him, its isolation can be helpful for protecting PSA residents from peer pressure and drug supply sources; additionally it teaches them ways to cope with anxiety and depression that may lead to substance abuse.
He began taking drugs because he suffered from anxiety disorder, first starting with marijuana before moving on to heroin. His therapist suggested Shek Kwu Chau as a place where others with addictions could live together; his time there helped him take back control over his life as well as rebuild his relationship with his daughter.
Mr. Wu spent 30 years at the Correctional Services Department before taking charge at Shek Kwu Chau in 2016. As part of their routine tests for all residents, random urine tests are administered regularly. If anyone is caught using illegal drugs they will be expelled immediately according to Mr. Wu. This week the High Court is hearing a judicial review against the government’s plan to build an incinerator on Shek Kwu Chau; Hector Pun Hei represents Leung Hon-wai 66-years old resident claims the project director’s decision violated natural justice by Mr. Pun Hei.
4. Aqua Luna
Your Hong Kong travel itinerary might include all the must-see spots, but there are likely still several hidden gems you have yet to explore. From Instagram-friendly swimming sheds to an unsung tide pool off Aberdeen coast – Hong Kong holds many treasures that should be included on your bucket list of things to see and do!
Aqua Luna is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic traditional Chinese junk boats and an invaluable hidden gem in plain sight. Built and launched by hand in 2006, the boat offers visitors a great way to see Hong Kong from another perspective. Offering day and evening harbour cruises as well as its signature Symphony of Lights trip – Aqua Luna truly offers something for everyone on every visit!
Aqua Luna provides more than daily trips – they also offer special cruises like pirate-themed ones to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday or Dim Sum Cruises from their restaurant. In addition, private charters for groups up to 80 people provide an even more personal experience.
Tai Kok Tsui lies just west of Mong Kok and may not be as well-known, but this area still has plenty to offer visitors to Hong Kong. There are towering apartment blocks, market stalls and an assortment of eateries as well.
Attractions to see in this city include the Yick Fat Temple, which is often missed when traveling guides describe this stunning and unique attraction. Offering breathtaking skyline views as well as some extremely interesting statues.
5. Yick Fat
Food and drink are often underrated Hong Kong gems. Although renowned for its skyscrapers and neon lights, seasoned travelers will be astounded to discover so many charming traditional eateries still open today in this modern metropolis. One such eatery is Mido Cafe which opened its doors back in 1950 – sit by the window for a traditional baked spare rib rice dish with milk tea to experience this incredible journey back in time!
This unique spot is an absolute must for photographers and Instagrammers. The Yick Fat Building (also known as Montane Mansion, Oceanic Mansion, Yick Cheong Building or Monster Building) is an iconic complex of colorful housing tenements known for their distinct architectural forms – even featuring in movies like Michael Bay’s Transformers to bring them international prominence!
Although most tourists visit Yick Fat for Instagram pictures, its dense architecture provides an intriguing window into the daily lives of its residents. If you want more than just an aesthetic Instagram backdrop, explore its surrounding streets to find markets selling everything from children’s toys and suitcases to fabric!
Hong Kong is an unforgettable city filled with hidden wonders that offer visitors an alternative experience. From discovering an off-the-beaten-path swimming shed on Lantau Island, to browsing some of Hong Kong’s unique street art pieces or visiting Aberdeen Tide Pool for some marine adventures – Hong Kong offers plenty of sights that offer local flavor and adventure far away from its main tourist drag.
