Hong Kong Unveiled: A Design Lover's Curated Guide to the City's Hidden Gems
Hong Kong's dynamic landscape, a fusion of modernity and tradition, has captivated design aficionados worldwide. This comprehensive guide, informed by five influential local design experts, goes beyond the city's iconic skyscrapers to uncover its vibrant cultural heartbeat. It offers a meticulously curated journey through exceptional accommodations, diverse culinary experiences, distinctive shopping venues, and tranquil natural retreats, illustrating the unique interplay of heritage and contemporary innovation that defines Hong Kong.
In recent years, Hong Kong's creative landscape, encompassing art, design, and architecture, has experienced a remarkable surge. This revitalization was partly ignited by the late 2021 launch of the M+ museum, a masterpiece by Herzog & de Meuron. Art Basel Hong Kong, established in 2013, continues to expand annually, serving as a hub for satellite events such as Art Central and the Edible Art Fair. The city's architectural evolution is ongoing, with the forthcoming WestK Performing Arts Centre (WestK PAC) by UNStudio soon to open its doors. This new addition joins the recently completed Henderson tower, a Zaha Hadid creation, which hosts Christie's Hong Kong headquarters and the striking lime-green cocktail lounge, Peridot.
Vincent Lim, a Hong Kong native and interior designer who returned to the city in 2015 after a decade in New York, challenges the perception of Hong Kong as merely a hyper-efficient financial hub dominated by modern high-rises. He emphasizes the city's rich texture, where glass towers seamlessly coexist with traditional street stalls, bustling wet markets, enduring family-run businesses, and vintage cha chaan tengs—Colonial-era cafes still serving classic milk tea, toast, and pork chop rice. Lim believes this intricate layering is what truly distinguishes Hong Kong.
Laura Cheung, the founder of the decorative furnishings brand Lala Curio, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the allure of atmospheric alleyways and decades-old shops adorned with vintage neon signs for design enthusiasts. She notes the unique juxtaposition of, say, a wonton noodle shop nestled beside a sleek new building, and the unexpected discovery of chic speakeasy lounges hidden behind unassuming doors in prime commercial areas. Cheung cherishes this blend of old and new, the humble and the sophisticated.
To truly grasp the essence of this city of contrasts, we sought recommendations from five Hong Kong design connoisseurs on the best places to stay, dine, shop, and explore. These experts include Pak Man Lee, founder and CEO of Nuovo, a contemporary design gallery; Vincent Lim and Elaine Lu, the husband-and-wife duo behind the award-winning Lim + Lu interior design practice; Frank Leung, founder and principal of the architecture firm Via; and Laura Cheung, founder of the luxury interiors brand Lala Curio.
The esteemed Rosewood Hong Kong is frequently endorsed for its unparalleled attention to detail in both aesthetic and service. Elaine Lu lauds its exquisite design and hospitality, highlighting its top-tier restaurants and breathtaking harbor views. Vincent Lim champions The Upper House, an André Fu design, for its serene, residential ambiance amidst the city's hustle, praising its minimalist palette and thoughtful details that cultivate a sense of calm. The Peninsula Hong Kong, a cherished landmark for Laura Cheung since childhood, is celebrated for its colonial charm, timeless architecture, and impeccable service, which masterfully blend British elegance with Asian warmth. Pak Man Lee eagerly anticipates the renovation of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong's 'grande dame,' recognizing its enduring legacy of heritage and exceptional service. Frank Leung advocates for the Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui, a project he contributed to, citing its prime waterfront location, panoramic island vistas, and artistic embrace of local photography and ceramics. He particularly recommends its rooftop pool and lounge for sunset cocktails.
The culinary journey through Hong Kong begins at Yardbird, an izakaya-style eatery in Sheung Wan, a favorite among Frank Leung and his guests for its exceptional yakitori and unique merchandise. Elaine Lu expresses admiration for Roganic, praising Simon Rogan's seasonal, restrained approach to contemporary dining that aligns with her own design philosophy. For an authentic local experience, Frank Leung suggests Ju Xing Home in Prince Edward, a popular spot among chefs for its seafood and 'boiled hand-cut beef.' Yung Kee, recommended by Elaine Lu, is a true Hong Kong institution renowned for its legendary roast goose. For more local flavor, the Chiuchownese Noodle Shop in Sai Ying Pun offers comforting soup noodles. Among cafes, Mido Café in Yau Ma Tei is cherished by Elaine Lu for its 1950s charm and classic milk tea, while Vincent Lim finds Cheung Hing Coffee Shop's pineapple buns irresistible. Laura Cheung gravitates towards the timeless elegance of Café Causette at the Mandarin Oriental. Halfway Coffee, with its vintage aesthetic and newly opened Peak branch, offers stunning sunset views, as noted by Frank Leung.
For an evening drink, Pak Man Lee recommends the exclusive b.a.r. Executive Bar in Causeway Bay for its precise Japanese-style cocktails. Paragon, a bar from chef David Lai, is lauded by Frank Leung for its curated vinyl collection, inventive cocktails, and comfortable Karuselli Chairs. Laura Cheung finds Bar Leone, with its Italian fare and lively yet unpretentious atmosphere, ideal for social gatherings. When exploring Hong Kong's diverse neighborhoods, Pak Man Lee suggests Tsim Sha Tsui East for its nostalgic 90s charm, hidden gems like Sabatini at the Royal Garden, and historical spots like the Hong Kong Science Museum. He also highlights the vibrant art scene of Ap Lei Chau & Wong Chuk Hang, where serious galleries are stacked floor by floor. Vincent Lim often takes visitors to Sheung Wan, starting with Man Mo Temple and exploring antique shops and independent galleries. Elaine Lu finds Sham Shui Po a constant source of inspiration, with its blend of traditional textile shops and burgeoning independent cafes. Laura Cheung cherishes the Star Street Precinct as a 'hidden village' for its boutiques, galleries, and excellent dining options. For unique shopping experiences, Crack and Anecdote on Ap Lei Chau offers one-of-a-kind vintage design finds, while Select 18 is a treasure trove for Chinese antiques. HK Tram Store provides unique tram-themed souvenirs, and G.O.D. Goods of Desire, as recommended by Elaine Lu, offers contemporary homewares inspired by Hong Kong iconography. Pedder Arcade, an initiative by Mark Cho, is a menswear mecca with a curated selection of tailoring, books, and watches. Yuet Tung China Works, a vintage ceramic haven in Kowloon Bay, is praised by Frank Leung for its hand-painted pieces. Yat Pit, highlighted by Vincent Lim, reinterprets Chinese heritage through contemporary fashion. Hak Dei celebrates beautifully made everyday objects, while Beaureguards, curated by Kim Bui Kollar, offers an intimate selection of resort wear. Laura Cheung's own Lala Curio flagship at The Peninsula showcases decorative arts with an Asian whimsical spirit. Finally, Permanent Resident, with its curated furniture and artisan-made homewares, is a favorite design destination for Laura Cheung.
The M+ museum, which opened in late 2021, stands as a cornerstone of contemporary visual culture, architecture, and design in Asia. Laura Cheung enthusiastically recommends visitors allocate ample time to explore not only its captivating exhibitions but also the striking Herzog & de Meuron building and its panoramic harbor vistas. Pak Man Lee invites patrons to Nuovo, his gallery in Central, showcasing a unique collection of collectible design and works by Italian masters, emphasizing pieces that are rare finds elsewhere. Beyond these, a panel of experts also highly recommends a visit to Alisan Fine Arts, Hanart TZ Gallery, Kiang Malingue, Ora-Ora, Touch Gallery, and Grotto Fine Art for their exceptional contributions to the art scene.
For travel tips, Pak Man Lee suggests exploring beyond street level in Hong Kong, as many hidden gems are located upstairs. Laura Cheung emphasizes taking the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, particularly at sunset, for an affordable and beautiful experience. Frank Leung advocates for the city's hiking trails, such as the Wilson Trail on Hong Kong Island or the Lo Fu Tau Trail on Lantau Island, to appreciate the city from a different perspective. Pak Man Lee recommends booking ahead to visit the serene Tsz Shan Monastery in Tai Po, known for its contemporary Tang-style architecture and colossal Guan Yin statue. Vincent Lim praises Tai Kwun for its blend of architectural excellence and rich cultural programming, where Herzog & de Meuron's interventions seamlessly integrate with restored colonial buildings. Laura Cheung encourages exploring Hong Kong's outlying islands, like Lantau Island with its Tai O village, mountain trails, and beaches, or Cheung Chau, famous for its Bun Festival, to experience a different pace of life. Finally, Vincent Lim highlights the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, as a peaceful retreat and an exemplary case of adaptive reuse, reminding visitors of Hong Kong's natural beauty amidst its urbanity. Pak Man Lee insists that a visit to Shun Kee Typhoon Shelter, a seafood restaurant on a boat in Causeway Bay, is essential for a taste of old Hong Kong.