Last Updated on June 28, 2023
Frequent visitors to Hong Kong could probably recite the top 10 touristy places in the city by heart—Victoria Peak, Disneyland, Ocean Park, Ngong Ping 360, and so on and so forth.
There is no doubt that these are exciting attractions that are always a joy to revisit. However, if you’re willing to go off the beaten track, you will be richly rewarded with unique and exciting experiences that are sure to be different from everyone else’s.
The next time you book a Hong Kong tour package with Traveloka or some other dependable hospitality booking service, consider alternative destinations and attractions that will inspire you to make new memories in this beautiful global city.
The Peak Gardens
Everybody knows about the spectacular views afforded by The Peak Tower and the fun ride to the top via The Peak Tram. But did you know that it’s not actually the highest point in Hong Kong?
From the famed Peak Tower, you can walk further along Mount Austin Road to reach the Peak Gardens. Although it’s only a 10 to 20-minute walk to the actual highest lookout point, the elevation difference is more than a hundred meters, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
These gardens used to be a part of the British governor’s summer estate. And while the mansion had been demolished long ago, the well-kept gardens with its gazebos and lush lawns remain. The best part is that the majority of tourists and even Hong Kongers are unaware of its existence, so the gardens remain a peaceful refuge for the few who know about it.
Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls
You wouldn’t think there would be natural waterfalls in an uber-cosmopolitan and urbanized city like Hong Kong. But as unbelievable as it may seem, the city actually has hiking trails with a number of waterfalls along the way.
One of the more spectacular spots is the Ng Tung Chai Waterfall, which is nestled on the Lam Tsuen Valley in the New Territories.
The hike to the falls is not the easiest, but it’s not extreme either. With a lush jungle cover, the trail is comfortably shaded, providing hikers protection from the sun. While hiking, you might encounter a few smaller cascades before the main Ng Tung Chai Waterfall reveals itself.
Peng Chau Island
If you’ve been to the more touristy islands of Lantau and Lamma Island, maybe it’s time to visit Peng Chau, an often-overlooked gem with a number of attractions to offer visitors.
For one, you can explore the island by following its Heritage Trail, which includes the locals’ traditional ancestral hall and an old community school. Next, try hiking to the island’s highest point, which is the Finger Hill. From there, you can view Hong Kong Island and the South China Sea as long as the weather permits.
Finally, get to taste the freshest seafood at relatively low prices compared to how much you can get them in central Hong Kong. That said, don’t expect the finest interiors and services in the establishments here.
In fact, the restaurants on the island can be quite basic, but that just really adds to its informal character and friendly atmosphere, as often is the case with a less commercial tourist destination.
Xiqu Centre
One of the newest cultural gems in Hong Kong is located in West Kowloon District—the Xiqu Centre. Envisioned to be the home of traditional Chinese theatre arts including Cantonese opera, it comes with two theatres: the Grand Theatre and the Tea House Theatre.
The Tea House Theatre replicates the experience afforded by Hong Kong’s early 20th-century tea houses. Here, performances are presented by the theatre’s resident musical troupe, even as the audience sips and dines on complimentary tea and dim sum.
Aside from theatre performances, the large venue also hosts workshops, screenings, and exhibitions, on top of providing guided tours to visitors to help them better appreciate the center’s marvelous architecture and different programs.
There are a plethora of destinations and attractions in this vibrant city for every kind of tourist. If you think you’ve visited every place on the familiar tourist route, why not try these alternative spots instead? You never know; Hong Kong just might surprise you.