Are you over sightseeing and visiting skyscrapers? Below you’ll find tips on historical walled villages and forgotten far-flung islands, but also lesser-known city attractions as well as the lowdown on Hong Kong’s dolphins.
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Not the Bank of China
Address
Sunning Court, 1-11 Sunning Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
IM Pei is one of the world’s best-known architects, responsible for iconic structures such as the Louvre Pyramid and the JFK Library in Boston. In Hong Kong, he built the Bank of China tower—everyone knows that. However, what few people are aware of is that before he hit the big time, he also constructed Sunning Court, a modest yet classically Pei residential building in Causeway Bay. From the angular design to the expansive windows, it’s not hard to identify the building as the handiwork of Pei.
Peng Chau
While Lamma Island grabs most of the headlines, it also attracts a massive tourist crowd. Conversely, life on Peng Chau remains untouched by tourism and constitutes a great place to unwind while experiencing life at a more local pace. The island may only have 6,000 residents, yet at less than a kilometer in size, it has an enjoyable buzz. The waterfront buzzes with dishing ships as well as offers some great seafood, while the Peng Chau heritage trail takes you through the traditional island’s ancestral hall and community school. You can reach Peng Chau via a regular ferry (taking around 30 minutes from Hong Kong Island). There is one hotel if you wish to explore the area further.
Dialogue in the Dark
Address
Hong Kong, Cheung Sha Wan, Unit B, 7/F, D2 Place One 9 Cheung Yee Street
Phone: +852 2310 0833
This innovative attraction provides visitors with the chance to experience the world in complete darkness. By raising awareness of visual impairment, the aim is to help people understand how other senses are heightened. Therefore, you will be guided through five different environments designed to enhance your sense of smell, touch, and taste. Additionally, there is the opportunity to try dinner in the dark, where you will be served a three-course meal in complete darkness.
Pink Dolphins
The city’s favorite wildlife mascot, the Pearl River pink dolphin, calls the waters around Lantau Island home. Multiple tours allow you to observe these rare animals, with a couple of tours per week available from Lantau Island. Dolphinwatch is generally recognized as the most eco-friendly group, boasting a 96% success rate on tours.
Kadoorie Farm
Address
Lam Kam Rd, Lam Tsuen, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2483 7200
The best introduction to local wildlife is found at Kadoorie Farm, originally a social project by The Kadoories. Today, it functions as a working farm and wildlife refuge. Up along the slopes of the New Territories, you will discover hundreds of birds and everything from snakes to butterflies amidst dramatic scenery. The farm can be accessed via the 64K bus from the Tai Po train station.
Walled Villages
For those looking to see beyond the skyscrapers and delve into the city’s past, Hong Kong’s walled villages have existed for hundreds of years. They are literally the oldest structures standing in the territory. Hidden off the beaten track in the New Territories, you will find ramshackle huts, grand ancestral halls embroidered with golden dragons and lions, as well as crumbling defensive walls.
