EXPLORE HONG KONG
Explore Hong Kong, a digital publication that reveals some of the best leisure experiences this special destination has to offer.
Be it walking the hiking trails of Lantau Island, enjoying the relaxing vibe of Shek O Beach or viewing ancient Chinese dynasty artefacts in a museum, the activities detailed in this guide have been devised with sustainable
This is part of Asian Trails’ embedded approach to give back to our host communities and minimise the tourism
We are equipped to adopt this tactic because our staff on the ground are part of the communities we operate in. They have extensive knowledge of Hong Kong, its people and the inherent culture and are thus sympathetic to lowimpact and responsible tourism practices.
Please enjoy reading about some of our highlighted products, culinary options and transport services unique to this amazing region.
Xiaolin Zhang Managing Director China & Hong Kong
OVERVIEW
Hong Kong is the ultimate fast-paced metropolis. It is packed with 558 high-rises – more than anywhere else on earth! The skyscraper-studded cityscape is framed by a mountainous backdrop and Victoria Harbour. This Bay is as busy as the city’s streets, with Star Ferries and junk boats traversing to docks and 236 outlying islands.
Diversity is in abundance with modern attractions, such as Hong Kong Disneyland, contrasting with museums displaying century-old artefacts from ancient China. Visitors will encounter futuristic architecture, venerable temples and majestic colonial buildings. Positioned at an elevation of 552-metres, a ride up The Peak provides a spectacular panorama of the ocean and mainland China. Close to the insomniac city centre are the hiking trails of Lantau Island and idyllic beaches, such as Shek O. Besides physical exploration, dining is at the forefront of our travellers’ experiences, with traditional hawker stalls alongside sophisticated Michelin Star restaurants. This is truly a destination of contrasts.
IN THIS GUIDE
Experiences:
Explore our engaging and rewarding excursions packed with inspirational experiences which provide positive benefits for local communities. Our guests can participate in cultural learning activities that make a difference by contributing to local development.
Dining:
Peruse diverse eateries which reflect our commitment to responsible travel. We promote locally-owned eateries that use locally sourced ingredients and at affordable prices, thereby helping travellers make better choices about how to eat more sustainably, including a selection of vegan and vegetarian options.
Transport:
We feature alternative ways to travel in all of our destinations. Our choices are more beneficial to the environment, including transport with low-carbon emissions such as trains and shared public transport services.
Lantau Island CHINA
Hong Kong Island
Kowloon
New Territories
HONG KONG
HONG KONG
1.5 HOURS
Cantonese Opera Show
Absorb a vibrant art form during a Cantonese opera performance. This is distinguished by elaborate costumes and expressive performances of music and dance to relate captivating stories rooted in Chinese folklore. Hong Kong’s rich blend of Eastern and Western influences provides a unique backdrop for this show. This excursion includes tea and dim sum.
Help to support traditional arts and performers and take away an enlightening experience.
Morning Tai Chi Class
Engage in a traditional Chinese martial art known for its slow, controlled movements. Tai Chi is a popular daily outdoor pastime among locals. A master will guide participants through key breathing and movement postures, with all fitness levels catered for. Venues include the Avenue of Stars, which has a breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
Learn a new form of exercise and fund exponents of an ancient martial art.
Vintage Tram Tour
Ride back in time to Hong Kong’s past with a sightseeing journey aboard a vintage 1920s tram. The electric-powered vehicle, with an open-top upper deck and an antiquated cabin lower deck, features free Wi-Fi, videos and pictures contrasting the island’s past and present. Authentic tales are also delivered through personal headsets in multiple languages.
Enjoy an antiquated form of transport, with a lower carbon emission.
Victoria Peak Tram Experience
Get a spectacular view of Hong Kong’s skyscraper-dotted cityscape with a ride up The Peak. One of the world’s oldest funicular railways takes passengers to a dizzying height of 396 metres. It was opened in 1888 for the British governor’s conveyance. Sky Terrace 428 at the top is one of the island’s highest viewing platforms.
Travel to a leading tourism attraction without using a polluting vehicle.
Dragon Boat Racing Experience
Experience the thrill of modern dragon boat racing, an iconic water sport across the island. Perfect for larger groups, this exhilarating activity involves races in sleek fiberglass boats adorned with decorative Chinese dragons. Feel the adrenaline rush as teams paddle in unison, propelled by the rhythmic beat of a traditional Chinese drum.
Experience an iconic water sport without the use of petrol power.
Geopark Kayaking Tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at UNESCO Global Geopark. Nature’s natural features of rare columns and sedimentary rocks have been sculpted by the weather over millions of years. The best way to explore these formations, sea caves and idyllic islands is by kayak. The adventure includes a trip to a preserved Hakka village with rich ties to Christianity.
Explore natural wonders and interact with locals at a Hakka village.
Snorkelling Experience
Discover hidden underwater treasures while snorkelling off Hong Kong’s abundant islands. The territory is blessed with serene, shallow sites that are perfect for all abilities. Visitors are amazed at the wealth of pristine beaches so close to Hong Kong’s lively metropolis. This tour includes instruction from an expert snorkelling guide.
Join an underwater adventure and leave no footprints.
Heritage & Nature Cycling Tour
Gear up for an exhilarating ride through the New Territories. Our two-wheeled adventure takes in historic Kat Hing Wai Walled Village, Shui Tau Village, home to the Old Schoolhouse Museum and the captivating Mystery Tree House, which reveals 850 years of rich history. A delicious dim sum lunch refuels everyone after the tour.
Explore by bicycle without any environmental impact.
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Cheung Chau Cycling Tour
Hop on a bike and explore Cheung Chau, an island brimming with exceptional attractions and a vibrant culture. The adventure includes Pak Tai Temple, a shrine steeped in ancient rituals, Cheung Po Tsai Cave, once home to a feared pirate and the island’s modern enclave where quaint streets are dotted with trendy boutiques.
Connect with nature on two wheels and avoid vehicular emissions.
Old Town Central Scavenger Hunt
Join a fun-filled adventure that takes participants through 10 unique checkpoints in the Old Town Central area. Discover local history, savour delicacies and explore vibrant shopping spots. This excursion is ideal for those looking to uncover hidden gems. The scavenger hunt blends excitement with cultural exploration.
Give back to local communities while enjoying a new cultural discovery.
4 HOURS
KONG EXPERIENCES
Markets of Kowloon Tour
Discover vibrant markets in Kowloon during a visit to Mong Kok’s colourful Flower Market. The retail adventure continues across the street to Yuen Po Bird Garden, where Hong Kong’s traditional songbird culture is in full song within a tranquil green oasis. Finally, explore the intriguing Goldfish Market, where shops brim with colourful tropical fish.
Enjoy an insight into traditional lifestyles in an area off the tourist trail.
Stanley Market Tour
Absorb history and heritage on a tour of the picturesque village of Stanley, a former fishing village that became the colonial British government’s first administrative centre. After viewing the traditional openair market packed with diverse goods, head to Lover’s Terrace to absorb magnificent views over Stanley Bay, followed by Murray House, a restored Victorian-era property.
Search for souvenirs and support independent, local traders.
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HONG KONG TRAILS
HONG KONG TRAILS
Traditional Chinese Medicine Experience
Gain a fascinating insight into ancient traditional Chinese healing at the Dr. & Mrs. Hung Hin Shiu Museum of Chinese Medicine. Centuries-old practices are uncovered during an enlightening tour led by a respected practitioner of alternative medicine. This excellent museum showcases natural medications and healthcare approaches that continue to shape wellness in contemporary times.
Hong Kong-style Cooking Class
Unleash your inner chef with an immersive cooking class that delves into the art of classic Hong Kong cuisine. While mastering Chinese cooking is usually a lengthy journey, this instruction equips trainees with the essential tips to recreate beloved dishes at home. Embrace a healthy lifestyle through this fun and hands-on culinary activity.
Learn a new culinary skill and financially benefit local catering staff.
Help spread awareness about natural ways of healing.
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Dragon’s Back Hike
Enjoy fresh air and nature with a guided tour of the Dragon’s Back, Hong Kong island’s best hike. The adventure starts with a walk through lush woodlands. Trekkers are rewarded with a spectacular vista of the sea, Nine Pins Islands and Big Wave Bay. Time magazine rates this as one of Asia’s best hikes.
Explore a different side of Hong Kong and leave only footprints.
Feng Shui Walking Tour
Uncover the secrets of feng shui, a 3,000-year-old practice that has shaped Hong Kong’s architectural design. This enlightening walking tour takes in key locations to see how energy forces attract good luck and ward off misfortune. The exploration takes in iconic structures designed with feng shui principles in Kowloon and around Victoria Harbour.
Get off the tourist trail on an eco-friendly excursion.
4 HOURS
Jade & Pearl Market Tour
Absorb the vibrant atmosphere of Kowloon’s largest outdoor market which specialises in locally made jade pendants, rings and jewellery. Over 400 booths stock a diverse range of intricate pieces that are the perfect souvenir. A visit to a jade wholesaler to learn how to distinguish genuine gems from imitations is included.
Visit an alternative attraction and share some tourism wealth with local traders.
Hong Kong by Night
Experience the magic of Hong Kong at night with a guided walking tour that reveals the city from a completely different perspective. Iconic sites, including the historic Clock Tower, are visited, followed by the Symphony of Lights show viewed from the Avenue of Stars. A perfect evening concludes in the entertainment enclave of Lan Kwai Fong.
Support local workers engaged in the night time economy.
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5 HOURS
Lantau Island Walking Tour
Escape city life and explore enchanting Lantau Island where serene beaches and ancient monasteries await. A ride on the Ngong Ping Cable Car provides breathtaking views en route to Ngong Ping Village to see the giant Buddha. After a healthy vegetarian lunch in a monastery, the tour proceeds to charming Tai O fisherman’s village.
Ride by eco-friendly cable car and enjoy a healthy vegetarian meal.
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Temple Street Market Tour
Browse vibrant Temple Street Market, a haven for eclectic offerings – ranging from clothing and accessories to antiques and electronics. This retail extravaganza is also renowned for its fortune tellers and Chinese opera troupes who enhance the experience. Our guide will take guests to the best street food stalls for some perfect bite breaks.
Spread tourism wealth with traders, entertainers and restaurant staff.
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8 HOURS
6.5 HOURS
Cheung Chau Island Walking Tour
Explore the rich culture and historical sites of Cheung Chau Island on foot. The exploration includes Taoist Pak Tai Temple which dates back to 1783. This is followed by Tung Wan Beach, a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, canoeing and the site of some 3,000-year-old Bronze Age rock carvings. A delightful day includes a Chinese cuisine lunch.
Connect with island culture through exploration on foot.
Sham Shui Po Food Tour
Savour authentic flavours on a unique culinary journey through Sham Shui Po, one of the region’s most vibrant areas. Our guide knows the best options in an area famed for inexpensive food. The tour heads through back alleys to open markets and small shops where the dishes are as diverse as the location.
Explore a non-touristic enclave on foot and contribute to local food vendors.
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4 HOURS
Old & New Hong Kong Island Walking Tour
Experience the old and the new on an excursion that reveals two sides to Hong Kong. A journey back in time includes the Western District where age-old traditions of yesteryear blend with modern life. Highlights include a ride on the 800-metrelong Mid-Level Escalator and Man Mo Temple, a shrine dedicated to the ‘gods of literature’.
Go beyond mainstream attractions and connect with authentic communities.
Hong Kong Heritage Walking Tour
Journey back in time to the 4th century with a visit to Li Cheung UK Tomb Museum. This contains an Eastern Han tomb and ancient artefacts. Exploration of Mei Ho House reveals more antiquities, followed by a call at Apliu Street Flea Market to hunt for tech bargains, with a final stop to absorb classic architecture.
Absorb history, heritage and architecture on a low-impact excursion.
4 HOURS
Lei Yue Mun Fishing Village Tour
Exploration of Lei Yue Mun Fishing Village unveils a charming neighbourhood famed for its excellent seafood. After viewing the area’s attractions, including Tin Hau Temple built during the Qing dynasty in 1753 to worship the goddess of the sea, the exploration includes a feast of freshly caught seafood personally selected from the seafood bazaar.
Dine on delicious seafood and give back to traditional fishing communities.
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= 4-7 USD per dish $$$ = 8-11 USD per dish $$$$ = 12+ USD per dish
Genuine Lamma Hilton Fishing Village Restaurant $$$
Traditional seafood recipes are blended with international touches at one of Lamma Island’s oldest restaurants. With 50 years of history, this modest venue has gained a solid reputation for its food, including crab in jackfruit curry and delicate paper-wrapped prawns. Freshness takes precedence over fussiness at this excellent eatery.
Tim Ho Wan $$$
For delicious dim sum at unbeatable prices, Tim Ho Wan has become a Hong Kong institution. This also one of the most affordable Michelin recommended eateries globally. The signature dish is baked barbecue pork buns. Other notable offerings include steamed egg cakes and bean curd skin stuffed with pork and shrimp.
LockCha Tea House $$$
Housed in a beautiful former colonial-era police station, LockCha is the perfect venue to enjoy a refined cup of tea. The enterprising owner does things differently from other shops, buying his tea directly from farmers, with a focus on single-harvest tea. For a modern twist, the bar has tea beers and cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
Mak’s Noodles $$
Mak’s Noodles has become a household name over its long history. It gained popularity after the owner’s son started selling noodles from a cart. This has grown into multiple restaurants serving delicious wontons. A classic portion features four bite-sized wontons paired with springy egg noodles in a flavourful broth.
PRICE GUIDE
$ = 1-3 USD per dish
$$ = 4-7 USD per dish
$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish
$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish
1908 British Chinese $$$
This restaurant celebrates the legacy of Chinese cuisine nurtured in Britain. The stylish eatery combines over 100 years of Cantonese cooking from Hong Kong’s finest restaurants, with influences from former UKbased chefs. The ingredients are sourced from local farmers’ markets.
Hop Yik Tai $$
Sham Shui Po is famous for its delicious street food, with the rice noodle rolls a standout dish. Prepared fresh daily, this is complemented perfectly with a mix of sweet sesame and soy sauces. The shop also serves a variety of classic Hong Kong snacks, including fish balls.
Tai Cheong Bakery $
Baking sweet delights since 1954, Tai Cheong Bakery is renowned across Hong Kong for its superlative egg tarts, which are considered the best on the island. Former governor Chris Patten was a regular customer while in residence in Government House.
Zheng Kee $
No visit to Tai O is complete without visiting Zheng Kee Restaurant. This eatery is famed for the sweet dessert of tofu fa, served with ginger. Eaten with a view of the picturesque stilt houses that define this fishing village’s unique charm, this is the perfect place to enjoy a dish that dates back 2,000 years.
Kai Kai $
Forty years of operations, with recipes passed down from generation to generation, has made Kai Kai a Hong Kong institution. Recognised with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good food at reasonable prices, people flock to this eatery for Cantonese-style sweet soups, such as sweet sesame rice balls in ginger sweet soup and mango sago with pomelo.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG
Mass Transit Railway (MTR)
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is Hong Kong’s primary public transportation system. This extensive network connects Hong Kong Island with Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island. With over 90 stations and 11 rail lines, this is one of the most comprehensive metro systems in the world, offering a reliable and convenient way to get around. The system includes the light rail, the airport express service and crossboundary trains to mainland China.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong Tram
Established in 1904, the double-decker trams are one of the most affordable, convenient and greenest public transport modes in the city. Affectionately known as the ‘ding-ding’ because of the distinctive bell sound, the trams are one of Hong Kong’s most iconic modes of transportation. The system operates along the island’s northern coast and they provide a scenic way to explore, offering passengers a unique view of lively streets, historic buildings and futuristic skyscrapers.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG
Star Ferry
One of Hong Kong’s most cherished modes of transportation, the Star Ferry connects the main island with Kowloon across Victoria Harbour. A ride on the iconic green and white boats reveals a spectacular vista of the skyscraper-studded skyline. Despite rail and road options through tunnels and across bridges, the Star Ferry’s timeless appeal offers a nostalgic experience that captures the essence of the island’s maritime heritage that dates back to 1888.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
With its electric-powered trains reducing carbon emissions, the Hong Kong Light Rail Transit (LRT) serves as an essential part of the transportation network in the New Territories. The system offers an eco-friendly way to navigate the territory, along 12 routes with 68 stops. Some of the LRT’s stations are conveniently located next to MTR Line Stations. This facilitates access to major residential areas, shopping centres and business districts.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG
SmartBike
A smart way to travel with zero carbon emissions, SmartBike is a cycle sharing programme designed to provide easier access in West Kowloon Cultural District. This is the ultimate sustainable form of transport to visit venues and cafes along the waterfront promenade, with amazing views of Victoria Harbour. After registering at the service kiosk, riders scan the supplied smart card to unlock a bike at a docking station, it is that easy!
SUSTAINABLE TRAILS
Our most impactful excursions follow ESTEEM principles
Eat Locally
Stay Eco-friendly
Transport Alternatively
Experience Meaningfully
Empower Viably
Make a Difference
ETHICAL ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
All of our animal experiences are carefully vetted to ensure guests interact with our planet’s diverse species in responsible ways.
Our Actions on Animal Welfare
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
SAY ‘NO’ TO PLASTIC WASTE
We strive to include local people in meaningful ways throughout our tours and recommend ways to have a positive social impact.
We encourage guests to reduce single-use plastic waste by choosing to use reusable drinking bottles instead.
SUSTAINABLE PARTNERS
Together with other DMCs, we are working to identify our most sustainable hotel partners so our guests can have a positive impact even while sleeping.
To find out more about our company policies, please follow the links below POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Responsible Travel Annual Sustainability Report Asian Trails Code of Conduct Child Protection Policy
Supplier Code of Conduct Sustainability
ASIAN TRAILS CHINA & HONG KONG
Suite 810, Beijing Sunflower Tower, No.37 Maizidian Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100125, P.R. China www.asiantrails.travel