By 
Hong Kong offers many untouristy attractions just waiting to be explored, from nostalgic trams to beaches inhabited by die-hard surfers!
Plover Cove Country Park stands out from Hong Kong by boasting bamboo groves, centuries-old villages, and waterfalls – not exactly words we usually associate with Hong Kong! But don’t be fooled – Plover Cove offers all this and more! Cathay Pacific Flights are right now available for all interested, including the new Nagoya to Hong Kong.
1. Nam Sang Wai
Nam Sang Wai is an idyllic nature preserve located north of Yuen Long town that provides both peace and relaxation as well as outdoor recreational activities. Mangrove-lined banks of Shan Pui River host yellow-nib ducks and other bird species while exposed mudflats reveal fiddler crabs among other marine life. A grassy RC Playground welcomes picnickers and kite flyers; nearby is also the picturesque Wedding Bridge for nuptial pictures.
Nam Sang Wai is an important stopover point for migrating birds and an attractive recreational destination, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Most recently, environmentalists have become concerned about plans for property development; one consortium led by Henderson Land Development and KHI Holdings Group have been trying to secure rights to develop part of the wetland area for some time.
Although some proposals have been dropped, many remain supported by developers seeking quick returns. Wetland areas have been threatened by hill fires and development disputes in recent years, leading wildlife enthusiasts to urge authorities to protect the wetland ecosystem as an essential habitat for migrating birds.
Nam Sang Wai’s wetlands can best be appreciated on weekdays to avoid crowds. At these less hectic times, visitors can watch mudskippers and crayfish darting through shallow waters or learn about gei wai farming, a traditional method found only in Hong Kong’s northern areas. If you want to experience nature at its finest, try to visit Mr Fok’s Fishpond Education Kiosk to gain insights into how local fishing culture has contributed to making Nam Sang Wai a biodiversity hotspot!
2. Lam Tsuen
Contrasting Hong Kong’s other must-see attractions, this lesser-known village provides a peaceful retreat into rural Hong Kong. It’s especially known for its Wishing Tree that attracts locals and tourists during Lunar New Year celebrations – with tradition including writing your wish on joss paper tied to an orange (preferably foam one) then throwing it up the tree’s branches – higher your wish lands the more likely it will come true!
Lam Tsuen offers more than just its famed Wishing Trees; it also hosts a traditional outdoor wet market on Fu Shin Street, the bustling Man Mo Temple and an idyllic waterfront park at Rambler Channel with a lookout tower featuring wide spiral boardwalk and views over Tolo Harbour.
Hikers should head towards the outskirts of the village and explore Ng Tung Chai Valley with its woodlands, waterfalls and four-tiered falls – or visit Sam Tung Uk Museum located within a renovated Hakka walled village featuring period displays and an ancestral hall.
More adventurous hikers may attempt the windswept inclination trails in the country park to reach Tai To Yan’s summit, a feat only suitable for fit and experienced individuals. Attainment of this difficult feat provides breath-taking views over Yuen Long Plain, Shek Kong and Lam Tsuen valley from its peak; starting from Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden’s roadside hill path near Kadoorie Farm’s Botanic Garden with gale force winds often whipping by can be hazardous for beginners but refuel at no-frills tuck shop near Kadoorie Farm’s Botanic Garden that sells classic Chinese snacks such as Tanghulu (skewered candied hawthorns); open daily from 10:00 – 21:00 except Sundays and Mondays when closed by them both!
3. Bride’s Pool
Hong Kong Peak and Temple Street are unquestionable must-sees, but the city of contrasts offers many lesser-known sites that are equally as memorable. From nature trails to ancient temples, these lesser-known attractions will delight your senses!
Bride’s Pool Falls and Nature Area, named for an ancient folk legend in which a bride’s sedan chair slipped over a waterfall, offers breathtaking coastal views of remote villages, grassy hills, lush flora, and scenic trails dotted with lush trees and grasslands. Hikers looking to escape city streets often head here; be warned though – after heavy rainfall this trail may become dangerous due to slippery rocks and waterways!
Horseracing in Hong Kong is more than a sport for the Asian elite; it’s part of everyday life here. Hosted twice weekly at Happy Valley and Sha Tin, horse racing offers an enjoyable social event not to be missed; even if it isn’t your cup of tea, the experience still provides a welcome respite from city streets!
One of the top things to do in Hong Kong is taking a traditional Chinese junk boat out into Victoria Harbour for an evening cocktail cruise, whether solo or with friends. This experience allows you to take in Hong Kong from its most celebrated waterside.
Kowloon Walled City boasts some of the city’s most distinctive architecture and culture, once home to prostitution, drugs and illegal activity. Although closed off for most of the year due to security reasons, visitors looking for an authentic experience should make time for this hidden gem of Hong Kong.
4. Shau Kei Wan
Victoria Harbour at night is an essential experience when visiting Hong Kong, but for visitors seeking something a bit off the beaten path, Hong Kong offers many unusual activities. From secret waterfalls to typhoon shelters – here are a few hidden gems you should add to your next Hong Kong itinerary.
Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter is one of the most captivating places to visit in Hong Kong as it provides a glimpse into its rich culture and history. Plus, you’ll have peace and quiet as no one pesters you to take pictures for selfies!
Another must-see spot in the district is the Xiqu Centre. This cultural hub was established to preserve and promote Chinese traditional theatre xiqu, or Chinese opera. This spaceship-esque building stands out as one of Hong Kong’s most unique structures with a main entrance that looks like parted stage curtains.
If you’re in the mood for shopping, head over to Shau Kei Wan’s malls – Yiu Tung Shopping Centre, Oi Tung Shopping Center and Hing Tung Shopping Center all feature something different as they were built beneath housing estates with different layouts than those found in Central.
Apart from shopping, there’s an array of activities in and around this area. Pink dolphin watching tours (just make sure that your research identifies an ethical company) or simply heading down Goldfish Street can provide plenty of entertainment – including cute bags full of adorable goldfish!
5. The Mills
Hong Kong is often quick to replace remnants of the past with taller, shinier buildings; yet The Mills provides a tangible reminder of Hong Kong’s industrial heyday. Once home to three textile mills operated by Nan Fung Group in the 1950s, The Mills today serves as a hub of innovation, culture and learning that commemorates one true Hong Kong story.
This space features cafes, shops and design spaces as well as the Centre for Heritage Arts and Textile (CHAT), a non-profit that weaves art into heritage textiles. CHT also cultivates business focusing on “techstyle” through Fabrica incubator. Unspun has taken residence here to improve sustainability through 3D weaving technology for custom denim production whereas ORii voice-assistance smart rings also call this former mill home.
At The Mills, preservation, revitalisation, and sustainability are hallmarks of success. Chipped paint, old-school “no smoking” stencilling and exposed beams and reinforcements remain intact to pay homage to its rich history; and its former vacant concrete space – now The Park – offers breathtaking views over Tsuen Wan as well as an outdoor artwork wall commissioned specifically by local artists.
Movana Chen and her illustrated character Isatisse will lead a guided tour through The Mills that includes visits to its iconic spots like NF5 Gate, its original staircase, Park and CHAT.
Comments