Hong Kong is a city that thrives on surprises, blending towering skyscrapers with hidden cultural treasures. Let's step off the beaten path and dive into unusual experiences that reveal its rich history and quirky spirit.
From pirate caves to neon sign workshops, this guide reveals 12 unique and unusual activities ideal for adventurous souls seeking a fresh perspective on this dynamic city. Let’s explore the fun!
1️⃣ Quarry Bay 'Monster Building'
➜ What It Is
A striking residential complex in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Island, consisting of five interconnected towers—Oceanic Mansion, Fook Cheong Building, Montane Mansion, Yick Cheong Building, and Yick Fat Building—constructed in the 1960s.
➜ Why It’s Fun
Its dense, grid-like balcony design resembles a sci-fi movie set, offering a surreal urban playground for photography enthusiasts and architecture lovers. Please remember that it is a residential building, so be respectful and refrain from disturbing the residents.
➜ The Story
Built to house over 10,000 residents amid Hong Kong’s housing boom, this “Monster Building” became a cultural icon, featured in films like "Transformers: Age of Extinction," symbolizing the city’s evolution towards high-density living.
2️⃣ Un Chau Estate Flower Tunnel
➜ What It Is
A 30-meter-long floral corridor within the Un Chau Estate (Exit C2 at Cheung Sha Wan MTR station), a public housing complex in Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, is adorned with bougainvillea spectabilis.
➜ Why It’s Fun
This hidden gem transforms into a fairytale-like walkway, especially in spring, making it a delightful spot for a quiet stroll or vibrant photo session.
➜ The Story
Created as part of the Housing Department’s green initiative, it’s a rare oasis in a concrete jungle, blooming from March to April and offering a peaceful contrast to urban life since its development.
3️⃣ Chungking Mansions
➜ What It Is
A 17-story building at 36–44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, is known for its budget guesthouses, electronics shops, and multicultural street life.
➜ Why It’s Fun
It’s a fascinating dive into a bustling, chaotic microcosm where you can explore a vibrant mix of cultures, sample affordable global street food, and soak in the electric atmosphere that feels like a real-life adventure from a movie.
➜ The Story
Built in the 1960s as a luxury residential block, Chungking Mansions has transformed over the decades into a hub for migrants, traders, and travelers from over 120 countries, earning a reputation for its diverse and gritty vibe. Once notorious for illicit activities, it gained fame through Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 film "Chungking Express" and has since become a curious landmark, drawing tourists for its raw, unfiltered slice of Hong Kong life.
🔴 Safety Note: Visit during the day, stay in well-lit areas, avoid unlicensed money changers, and keep valuables secure.
4️⃣ Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave
➜ What It Is
A natural cave on Cheung Chau Island, accessible via a ladder and narrow passages, is tied to the legend of Cheung Po Tsai, a 19th-century pirate.
➜ Why It’s Fun
Exploring its dark, winding tunnels offers a thrilling adventure that blends history with a treasure-hunt vibe.
➜ The Story
Cheung Po Tsai, commanding 600 ships and 20,000 men, allegedly hid loot here. Though no treasure’s been found, the cave remains a historical curiosity, drawing adventurers since his era ended in the 1810s.
5️⃣ Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees
➜ What It Is
Two ancient banyan trees near the Tin Hau Temple in Lam Tsuen, New Territories, where locals tie joss paper with wishes.
➜ Why It’s Fun
It’s a quirky cultural ritual where you can test your luck, especially during the Lunar New Year’s festive buzz.
➜ The Story
Dating back to the late 1700s, this tradition holds that wishes stick if the paper is folded. Conservation efforts since 2005 use wooden racks, preserving the trees while keeping the custom alive for over two centuries.
6️⃣ Central-Mid-Levels Escalators
➜ What It Is
An 800-meter outdoor covered escalator system linking Central to Mid-Levels on Hong Kong Island is the world’s longest of its kind.
➜ Why It’s Fun
It’s a scenic urban ride with a cinematic twist, featured in "Chungking Express," offering a quirky way to explore hilly streets.
➜ The Story
Opened in 1993 to ease commuter traffic, it’s lined with shops and bars, evolving into a social hub that reflects Hong Kong’s innovative urban planning.
7️⃣ The Whampoa
➜ What It Is
A cruise ship-themed mall in Hung Hom, Kowloon, built on the site of former Whampoa Dockyards, houses over 300 shops and a harborfront promenade.
➜ Why It’s Fun
Its nautical design and harbor views make shopping a stylish, seafaring adventure with a unique twist.
➜ The Story
Developed in the 1990s on reclaimed land, it pays homage to Hong Kong’s maritime past, blending retail with a quirky, ship-like aesthetic.
8️⃣ Sun Hing Restaurant
➜ What It Is
A dim sum restaurant in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Island, has been open every day at 3:00 AM for over 50 years, and is known for handmade char siu bao.
➜ Why It’s Fun
It’s a late-night or early-morning culinary delight, offering a lively, authentic taste of Hong Kong’s food culture.
➜ The Story
A local favorite since the 1970s, it caters to night workers and early risers, preserving traditional dim sum recipes in a no-frills, cash-only setting.
9️⃣ HSBC Building Feng Shui Cannons
➜ What It Is
Two cannon-like cranes, located atop the HSBC Building in Central, Hong Kong Island, were installed to counteract bad feng shui.
➜ Why It’s Fun
It’s a quirky architectural oddity that sparks curiosity about local beliefs, perfect for a quick, photo-worthy stop.
➜ The Story
Added in the 1990s to deflect negative energy from the Bank of China Tower’s sharp edges, it’s a modern twist on ancient feng shui practices still influencing the city.
🔟 Kowloon Soy Co. Ltd.
➜ What It Is
A historic shop in Central, Hong Kong Island, making soy sauce since 1917 using traditional sun-drying and fermentation methods.
➜ Why It’s Fun
Tasting and buying artisanal condiments is a flavorful journey into Hong Kong’s culinary heritage, making it a perfect choice for foodie souvenirs.
➜ The Story
One of the last of its kind, this family business has thrived for over a century, offering a taste of pre-industrial food production in a modern city.
💥Ready to dive into Hong Kong’s quirkiest corners? These adventures await—share your favorites!
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