Lifestyle and Recreation

Best Networking Options In Hong Kong And How To Start With

It must be understood that making new friends and meeting up with people of like minds with you is quite simpler than you thought. However, it is only easier thanks to networking and some networking events that take place in the great city. Before we delve into all the juicy details, you must have it in mind that networking can be a difficult task for some people. Plus, the thought of having no idea where to begin can be overwhelming. As a thriving city, it is best to integrate networking into your private and professional lives. This can be done through attending art exhibitions, taking up creative courses in Hong Kong, or even joining diverse running races. Are you new to Hong Kong? If you are up to the task of asking new friends that will share the same passions as you, then you should check out some of the best networking options or events in this great city.

Building Networks In Hong Kong

It does not matter whether you seek new friends or trying to build up a business network in Hong Kong, we have some of the best ways you can meet friends and expand that business of yours.

Some of which are through:

1. GSN; Global Science Networking

The first thing to note about GSN is that it was established in 2012 and has successfully brought together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in Hong Kong. It has managed to do this by continuously organizing diverse events, dining gatherings, outdoor activities, and of course theme parties. Understand that, GSN offers a secure platform for those who are prepared to connect and share their life experiences and business acumen in the city. If you are interested, then you can join the Global Social Networking group to stay updated about the latest events and cool things to check out in town.

2. Meetup

https://www.meetup.com/cities/hk/hong_ kong/

If you want to meet people at heavily business-related events, then the best way is to join the Meetup platform. For those unaware, it is a platform that has plenty of activities and events with the host being the local community.

Are you ready to expand your business and social circle? This platform is known to organize plenty of business and career-related events. You can take advantage of this by participating in these events whenever you are free.

3. Your Colleague

One of the vital channels you can use in expanding your business network is none other than through your co-workers. It is very much OK to talk to those that work in the same office as you. You should not be scared to invite them over for lunch or drinks after the day’s work. Through such hangouts, you may be shocked to know that your colleague has great expertise and competence in areas where you are slacking behind. More so, they can freely share business insiders with you and some may end up being your mentors for your career, if not even becoming your best friends.

4. Volunteer in NGOs

If you have causes that you are passionate about such as poverty, environmental conservation, and even women empower-

ment, then you can join an NGO in the city. Through these NGOs, you will be able to create new friendships and of course, expand that business network. You will find intriguing NGOs in Hong Kong such as World Vision, Food angel, Plan International and so much more. It is advisable that you are not scared of taking the first step in expanding your business network and social circle. It will be worth your time.

5. PHP Consultant

A very simple way to make friends and simultaneously grow your business network in Hong Kong is by talking to PHP consultants. As you work with lots of people, PHP consultants do have an extensive network of expatriates in Hong Kong for foreigners who find themselves in the big city. With PHP you can get connected with people that share the same passions as you.

6. Engaging in sporting activities

When you pick up a sport or join any sports team, it will help you meet some new people and expand your business network. If you never knew, Hong Kong residents are into Western sports such as: • Swimming • Badminton • Football, and even; • Basketball

It is best to know that sport is a huge deal in the city. And, if you have no idea where to begin, some amazing choices are YWCA and YMCA.

7. Connect with the friends of your friends

If you already have friends in Hong Kong, you should connect with them. And in no time, these friends can invite you to hang out with their friends. They will do this especially when they know you all have some things in common.

8. Partake in joining a class

For those that are not big on sporting activities, you may partake in joining a class to develop new skills. It does not matter the class you sign up for, you will meet people who share the same creativity and mindset as you.

It could be a cooking class or even a painting class, irrespective of the class, you can start building your business network with these people. Understand that, the city of Hong Kong is diverse and anything you want to learn or do will be found in it.

9. Bars and nightclubs

Do you love to party? An interesting place for you to meet cool-headed people in Hong Kong is LFK; Lan Kwai Fong. You can go to any bar or nightclub at LFK and begin talking with people. From here, you can make new friendships and expand your business network with easy conversations over cocktails. If LFK is not for you, then Wan Chai is another home to some British-styled bars to meet new people.

10. Hanging out with those that share same hobby as you

An amazing way to network your business and make friends can be done through that hobby of yours. If you enjoy outdoor games or hiking, you can team up with others that share same passion.

And, in no time you will find yourself hanging out with a team of people who not only share same hobbies, but help out with business ideas and career growth.

Conclusion

On a general note, Hong Kong is practically a metropolis city that is filled with foreign talents from all over the world. Some people refer to this city as a home far from home. We advise that you do not be overcome by shyness and use any of the networking mediums we have outlined above to broaden your business and make new friends.

Dos and Don’ts when Travelling to Hong Kong

Please use the link below to read the article published in 2020 https://international-desi.com/ dos-and-donts-when-travellingto-hong-kong/

The India Club

Mr. Nanu P. Lachman, President 24, Gascoigne Road, King’s Park, Kowloon Email: plachman@lachman.com.hk

Indian Recreation Club

Amigos – The Young Millionaires Group Mr. Rajkumar Sabnani President 901 Lippo Sun Plaza, 28 Canton Road, TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong Email: thehkamigos@gmail.com, raj@netvigator.com

Online Groups:

Hong Kong Moms: This is widely popular among women and men, as well as where residents write their queries and seek a reply. HK Indian Mom for Indian moms in Hong Kong. If you wish to join, please send the request here https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1513865288927648/

GeoExpats

Hong Kong community forum for jobs, business, networking, classifies and more… Website: https://geoexpat.com

More associations and their details are listed in directory section in this book.

Hong Kong Desi

If you are looking to promote your business, or buy items on discounted rate, you will find many small business owners including event managers and restaurant owners are advertising their products and services here.

Hong Kong Desi also provides WhatsApp group and telegram group services to support their members for their daily needs/ queries. If you wish to join the group, please contact admin at – hongkong.desi@gmail.com

To join the group, please send the request here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ hongkongdesi/

The Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong

Ms. Bharti Manek, Chairperson 2/F., Hoseinee House, 69 Wyndham St., C., Hong Kong Email – chairman@icchk.org.hk

Hong Kong Desi

Community support services via website, and social networking medium. To join the whatsapp and telegram groups, please email at - hongkong.desi@gmail.com

For Ladies:

Kowloon Indian Ladies Group

Mrs. Deepa Gidwani President C/o Sigma Electronic (HK) Ltd. 16/Fl. Unit 527, Block “A”, 34-36 Au Pul Wan Street, N.T. Hong Kong Email: deepa@sigmaltd.com

The Hong Kong Indian Women’s Club

Mrs. Indra Banga, President HKIWC, GPO BOX 3167 Email - indra.banga@gmail.com

AMIGO

“AMIGOS THE YOUNG MILLIONAIRES GROUP, has successfully completed 9 years and has proudly entered into its 10th year in 2022.

The Group takes pride that in a very short span of time Amigos has become a well-

known name among the Indian Community in Hong Kong and has established itself as a strong community group with the whole hearted participation & support of all group members, leading to large number of new members being added to the group bringing variety & diversity to the group.

Currently, Amigos consists of 150 members and the Amigos Family continues to grow in size with 12 members on committee board.

It was in year 2012, Mr Rajkumar Sabnani, who is a well-known personality in the Indian community of Hong Kong, came up with the idea for creating a group different from the other social groups in Hong Kong and took it upon himself to be the permanent President and Founder of the group.

AMIGOS, is a non-profit, social organization with an object to promote social, religious and cultural integration of its members, mainly the persons of Indian origin. Besides organizing highly entertaining socio-cultural events, the group is also dedicated to charitable causes and continues to work towards the upliftment of the society.

The group is just like a big family with just one motive: Entertainment, Entertainment and Entertainment for Amigos family members throughout the year.”

Hindu Temples

Kowloon Hindus Temple as popularly known in Hong Kong caters to religious and spiritual needs of the residents of Hong Kong. The temple organizes various festivals and functions throughout the year as per Hindu calendar.

Mr Notan Tolani Ji is president of Hindu temple committee in Hong Kong.

Regular Activities / Functions of Hindu Mandir Kowloon

Hindu Mandir Kowloon

Timings: Daily 8 am to 1.30 and 4.30 to 7.30 pm Monday: full day open for shiva Abhishek Tuesday: Mata’s chowki 6.30 to 8.00 pm Sunday: 9.00am to 10.30 Guru Nanik’s Asadivar satsang Sunday: 11.am to 12.30 pm Nirankari satsang Monthly first Friday Sukhmani Sahib reciting 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm Sunder Kand: First Saturday sunder kand reciting 4.00 pm to 6.30 pm Celebrations: All other festival are celebrated as per Hindu calendar every year.

Happy Valley Temple

Happy Valley Temple offers ritual as well as religious services to Hindus living in Hong kong island.

Followings are the list of annual programs celebrated at the Hindu Temple, Happy Valley during the year

Festivals

a.MAHA SHIVARATRI b.HOLI c.NAVARATRI d.RAM NAVAMI e.CHETI CHAND f. HANUMAN JAYANTI g.SRI KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI h.SHREE GANESH CHATURTHI i. RAKSHABANDHAN j. RADHA ASHTAMI k.KARVA CHAUTH l. NAVARATRI m. DASSEHRA n.DIWALI (DEEPAVALI)

Hong Kong Secrets

One of the biggest hidden secrets of Hong Kong is that the territory houses the biggest chain of hexagonal volcano rocks in the world. Hundreds of millions of years old and formed by the contraction of lava, rock debris and volcanic ash, these startling features now stand amid the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

18 Grams

Address: 15-27 Hoi To Court, Cannon St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Tel: (852) 2893 8988

Elephant Grounds

Address: 8 Wing Fung St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2778 2700

NOC

Address: 34 Graham Street, Central Tel: N/A

Craft Coffee Roaster

Address: 29 Tai Kok Tsui Rd, Tai Kok Tsui, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 5109 6770

Omotesando Koffee

Address: Shop 24 - 25, 200 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai Tel: (852) 2601 3323

Libraries and Book Clubs

Available in Hong Kong at Bookazine ( https://bookazine.com.hk/ products/9781444946345).

Useful references:

Hong Kong Central Library

Address: Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Rd, Causeway Bay Tel: (852) 2921 0503

City Hall Public Library

Address: City Hall, Edinburgh Pl, 5, Central, Hong Kong

Chi Lin Buddhist Library

Address: 5th Floor, 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2354 1740

The Kowloon Public Library at Ho Man Tin

Address: 5 Pui Ching Rd, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong

The Sha Tin Public library

Address: 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2694 3788

The Hong Kong Girly Book Club

This is biggest book club that has over 2000 members. Link: https://www.meetup.com/ The-Hong-Kong-Girly-Book-Club/

Museums

List of best museums in Hong Kong

Useful Reference:

Hong Kong Museum of History

Address: 100 Chatham Rd S, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2724 9042

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Address: 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2180 8188

Hong Kong Space Museum

Address: 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2721 0226

Tai Kwen Centre for the Art

Address: 10 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3559 2600

Hong Kong Science Museum

Address: 2 Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2732 3232

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

Address: 11 Man Kwong St, Central, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3713 2500

Hong Kong offers arrays of options and opportunities to artists as well as art lovers. These options include art exhibitions, art jamming, and art galleries and art competitions for budding artists.

Art Exhibitions

Art Basel is a for-profit, privately owned and managed, international art fair staged annually in Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, Florida; and Hong Kong. Art Basel works in collaboration with the host city’s local institutions to help grow and develop art programs.

Art Parties and Art Jamming:

Choco L’ART Studio hosts art parties and art jamming, painting course and class

Chocolart Hong Kong

Address: 2B, Yan King Court, 119-121 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Artjamming,

Address: 4D Yally Industrial Building 6 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2541 8816; artjamming.com Aura Art, Address: 1/F, 16 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2886 3359; auraart.hk

Oscary Art,

Address: S511 Block A PMQ No. 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9588 1514; oscaryart.com

Canova Art

Address:

Art Galleries:

Please visit their websites before you plan your trip to these galleries as their operations may change due to the COVID-19.

PMQ

PMQ is a historical building that is converted into a creative centre for art and design genius. This place offers a unique blend of tasteful design as you come across over 100 independent fashion, modern art, handmade jewellery, and home ware, home décor, etc. It is also place for exploring delicious food options. Address: No.35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

The Mills

It is former cotton mill located in Tsuen Wan, and is must visit place for textile and fashion lovers. Many heritage items and facilities have been preserved to their original shape. You can book a free guide on its website in advance before you plan your trek there. Address: 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

Asia Society Hong Kong Centre

It is a popular venue in the centre of the city that offers interesting architecture, permanent art pieces, sculpture, and a café. It also offers a venue for short-term exhibitions in the Chantal Miller gallery throughout the year. Address: 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Parks

Hong Kong is filled with lush gardens and beautiful parks. There are many spaces where you are able to relax and look at all the amazing plants and trees. Even though there are so many skyscrapers, there are just as many parks. One park you should visit is Hong Kong Park – sort of the Central Park of Hong Kong. It’s nestled in the centre of the city and surrounded by tall skyscrapers. Kowloon Park. An army fortress turned into a park, has beautiful mazes, Chinese gardens, and even a swimming pool. With over 13 hectares of park, this one is definitely worth a visit. Victoria Park is the biggest park on Hong Kong Island, featuring just over 19 hectares of park and a statue of Queen Victoria. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest zoological and botanical parks in the world; the perfect park for every nature lover. Sung Wong Toi Park is a small, often-forgotten patch in Hong Kong.

And last, but not least, Tsing Yi Park – featuring a waterfall, tennis courts, a soccer pitch, an amphitheatre, and more, this park is beautiful and a must-have on your list. These parks are just the tip of the iceberg and Hong Kong is a city meant to be explored. You will find many more beautiful and amazing parks; we suggest you stop for a while and enjoy nature.

Picnic Spots

Come nice weather and people in Hong Kong are seen flocking outdoors either taking a run, trailing on the hiking routes or the best, chilling with family on the open green stretches ubiquitous to Hong Kong. So readers if you are up for a picnic time with family or friends all you need to do is fill your picnic baskets with your favourite wine, cheese and kid friendly foods and head on to one of the picnic spots listed below for you. Don’t forget to pack your mats or rugs to sit on. Inspiration Lake: This place is our family favourite spot to relax. Located in the Penny’s Bay of Lantau Island this lake is a relaxing recreation centre very near to the iconic Disneyland.The entry here is free and it’s easily accessible by taxi. It’s a big park with a beautiful lake and a big fountain in the centre, though artificial. It takes about an hour to walk around the whole stretch. There is a facility to hire bikes or you can go paddle boating to cover the whole lap of water. The park also has vast green stretches to sit on and picnic or just relax on a beautiful sunny day. There is a beautiful kid’s play area for the children to have fun. There are enough shaded sit outs if the weather turns unfavourable and what more you have a seven-eleven convenience store and few other shops to grab a quick snack if you haven’t packed any. Tamar Park: Located in the Admiralty, this park with its elegant green spacious lawns is a busy spot where most of the Hong Kongers end up. It’s a common place for organising public events, free sports activities and many such leisure activities. The vast stretches of grassy spaces make it the most sought place for picnicking. Fill your bags with your favourite food grab a comfortable rug and enjoy your day with your family in this lovely place with the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour. There are accessible toilets for everyone and a lift to facilitate people with wheelchairs.

Lion Rock Country Park: Located in

Shatin this scenic place is a all time favourite for tourists and local people be it hikers or picnickers. Head on to this beautiful park with all your picnic stuff in place early in the day. You can go trekking on the trails of the beautiful hills or jog around the two long jogging trails near the reservoir which is a common spot for all morning walkers and fitness lovers or just walk around the park and enjoy its scenic backdrops. And finally choose a cosy spot to curl with your people and dig into your food basket to enjoy a happy picnic. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park: This a

waterfront park located in Sai ying Pun. It is a lovely place for family fun with its wonderful big green lawns spread out against the backdrop of lovely harbour view. This place has a lot to keep every member of your family amused from kids to oldies. Kids can take along their skateboards and scooters as they have paths specially for these. If the weather turns unfavourable families can head into the indoor areas for shade. Kids can enjoy some indoor sports in the indoor sports centre. Head on next time to this lively place whenever you think of picnicking.

Victoria Park: This park is located in the heart of Causeway Bay. Even though it’s nestled in such a bustling place this park still scores as one of the best places to chill as a family. The sprawling stretch of green grass makes it a serene place to lie down and gaze at the blue sky or snooze below the shade of trees with your favourite novel sipping on a drink. Kids can take turns to play in one of the many parks with swings and other playing facilities. This has become one of the common picnic spots in the city. Wetland Park: Located in Tin Shui Wai this park is more of an ecological site but still can be a good family outing and an interesting way of spending a day together. Entry is priced at a reasonable $30 per person. You can buy a family pass at the ticketing counter which gives you access to all the zones which you can enjoy as a family like parent child activities based on themes and seasonal activities and a kids corner for the little ones and can wind up at their cafe where you will get kid friendly meals to relish as a family. You may have to follow certain rules like no littering or dining in the open areas but still it’s worth a visit for its varied attractions.

Cyberport Waterfront Park: It’s a

peaceful green space which makes way for cyclists, Morning walkers and joggers. Pack up your picnic baskets with your favourite food and tread to this beautiful spot. If you want to spare yourself the pain of packing then good news for you is there is a Recharge cafe at the park’s podium which offers a package with assorted cookies and a picnic rug for a price. Turtle Cove: This is a small 70 meter long beach located near Sai Wan Ho MTR. It is considered as one of the grade1 beaches under the LCSD. Though small the beach has all facilities like well equipped washrooms, changing rooms, kids play areas,clean shower spaces, small food kiosks and even a few barbecue pits . It is a good place for one day of family fun. Remember to pack your swimwear, frisbees and balls to play on the sand. Lok Fu Park: Also known as the Lok Fu Reservoir Rest Garden this park where people can go as a family for outing. Here people can do sports, kids can scooter around and biking. As it’s a huge park you can rest your picnic paraphernalia under the shade and take a walk around the beautiful grassy land to explore. There is a huge meadow and can be a comfortable place to nestle under. People picnicking and camping in the cosy corners of the park is a common sight. Enjoy this beautiful place with your dear ones and do remember to stuff in some mosquito repellent in your pocket to keep the swarming mosquitoes. Grass Island: Located to the north of Sai Kung this place is a beautiful island which takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the society and teems with the lush grassy lands and clear water. If you are up for some hiking you can head on to it’s breathtaking trail starting from the Tap Mun pier. On your way up you can see the ancient Tin Hau temple and settle your bags midway near the hilltop pavilion which is by far the best meadows seen. Most of the picnickers will be seen unpacking their stuff and snoozing under the sky at this spot. Pick a spot you like to sit and enjoy your snack with the picturesque water view.

Shek O, Dragon’s Back: Located in

Shek O this place gets its name from the way it’s shaped. It is known as one of the best trekking trails and a superb picnic spot. Rest at the sightseeing platform to enjoy your food and soak yourself in the beautiful views of southern Hong Kong and its lovely shore line. Get along your swimwear for you might get tempted to dip in the Big wave Bay beach which looks inviting with its lovely waves.

Barbeque Sites

When the weather is beautiful lighting up the grill, feasting with your family and friends is the perfect thing to do with all the roasting on the hot hot barbecue pit. There are a few barbecue spots in Hong Kong that can’t go

amiss with their lovely backdrops. Read on to zero on the one you like. Tai Tam Country Park: This park boasts

being the largest in the city and is home to four big water reservoirs. Best known for its scenic trails to trek on this place also has large jogging tracks, children’s play area, a garden specially for the morning walkers. This is where picnickers flock for its beauty and what more it abounds 4 barbecue sites with 55 pits to use. There is one rain shade to rush under in case it starts to rain untimely. Bring along your barbecue paraphernalia as it gets convenient to light up your pit right away. There is one Fusion supermarket near the Parkview entrance though in case you forgot to pack something, this depends again on which pit you choose. But it is always recommended to come all loaded just so that you don’t miss on the fun of roasting by taking trips to the shops. How to Reach: Reach Central Station. Take Exit A to emerge on Connaught Road. Take Bus No 6 from the Exchange Square bus terminal to alight at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park bus stop and walk to the barbecue spots. You can also take a taxi to the area if you have a lot of stuff to carry. Lion Rock Country Park: Located in

Shatin this place is a beautiful place to enjoy the smoky smell from your barbecue with its sprawling gardens, and line of trees to rest under. The park is now the most sought barbecue location after its recent renovation. It has 26 barbecue pits right under the landmark Lion Rock with a set of big tables and benches fixed near each pit. There are accessible toilets nearby and a children’s play area for the kids to keep the kids engaged while you are busy with roasting. There are pavilions for shade in case it gets rainy or too sunny. They don’t supply charcoal like any other open barbecue spots. You need to bring along your necessities and pack your supplies beforehand as there are no convenience stores near to hunt. How to reach: Reach Wong Tai Sin station via MTR. Take Exit B3 and walk towards the right to reach Minibus terminal. From the terminal take left to reach Shatin Pass Road. From the Pass Road you either walk or take a taxi to the park.

Butterfly Beach Park: Located in

Tuen Mun this beach is breathtakingly beautiful as its name with picturesque views. Though beautiful and nice to retreat this is not a very crowded beach. People come here mostly for camping so it’s common to find a lot of campsites with pitted tents in summer. There are about 80 barbecue pits to choose from. If you are up for some overnight fun. You can pack your camping stuff to bring along with your barbecue necessities for a night out with your family. Worry not if you missed out on packing some of your stuff as there is a Wellcome supermarket very nearby in the Butterfly Plaza . There are jogging tracks,volleyball and basketball courts for game lovers with accessible toilets and few fitness corners for the elderly as well. So this beach is an all in one and can definitely be the best place for outing. Only thing missing is a place to shade under when sunny or rainy. How to Reach: By MTR, reach Teun Mun station and take Exit C2 to reach Bus terminal. From there take Bus No:K52 and get down at Butterfly Beach Park Bus stop.By Bus: bus numbers KMB 59X, 59M or 59A pass by the Butterfly Beach Park stop. Silvermine Bay Beach: Located in Mui

Wo, a place in south Lantau this beach scores as one of the top five places for barbecue with its huge charcoal pits and long marble seats. Pack your stuff and leave for the beach in the day to make the most of the sunshine. Soak yourself in the sun while taking turns at the barbecue or even better you can light up your charcoal in the evening after sunset, when the beach comes to life. People here crowd the beach mostly in the evenings. Roasting your snack on this beach is perhaps one of the best ideas as Mui wo is a barbecue havens it spares you the pain of packing all the stuff. There is a line of shops near the pier selling a large range of marinated meats and vegetables good to go in the grill.

How to Reach: Take a ferry from the central ferry terminal at pier 6 to Mui Wo. Alight at the Pier and turn right and walk straight to find Ngan Shek Street. It’s a long stretch leading to Tung Wan Tau Road near the beach. Stanley Main Beach: This is one of the

busiest beaches in Hong Kong and also the best spot to fire up your grill. Its scenic beauty is unmissable. If you choose this beach for barbecue make sure you reach a little earlier before the crowd builds up. There are around fifteen Charcoal pits and can get really crowded. There are supermarkets and a few shops in case you run out of your supplies. There are no shaded places to retreat so make sure to check the weather before you make plans. How to Reach: Reach Central station via MTR. Take Exit D to reach Exchange Square Bus Terminal and take Bus No’s: 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 and ride for about an hour to reach Stanley Village Bus Stop and walk about 5 minutes to reach the beach. Another option to taxi from but it’s not recommended as it can get expensive. Moreover there’s only one road leading to the beach which can make your ride inconvenient. Deep Water Bay: Located in the south side of the Hong Kong Island this beach is one of the cleanest in the city. The beach can be sparsely crowded on weekdays but during the weekends it gets difficult to find yourself a barbecue pit if you don’t reach before people start flocking. There are about 33 barbecue pits around the beach with a beautiful backdrop of the Lamma channel. It’s recommended to come all prepared with all the barbecue necessary stuff as there are not many stores nearby. How to Reach: By MTR, reach Admiralty station. Take the South Island Line(Light Green) and alight at Ocean Park station. Take Exit C and walk about 20 minutes to reach Deep Water Bay Beach. By Bus: You can hop on Bus Numbers 260,40,6X,973. All of these pass by the Deep Water Bay Beach stop.

Upper Cheung Sha Beach: Huddled

somewhere in the Lantau Island is this beautiful beach. Even though it has just seven pits to barbecue on this still is a good place to be as per us. This long beach is definitely a treat to eyes with a relatively cleaner coastline. There are washrooms and small refreshment shops near the beach. Come prepared with your basic barbecue necessities like charcoal and the like as there is no charcoal supply on the beach but you do not need to drag all the stuff along, there is provision to buy from the stores nearby. If you are looking for a calm and serene barbecue experience this is the place to be. How to reach: By MTR reach Tung Chung Station(Orange Line) and Take Bus No 11 or 23 from the bus terminal opposite to the station. Get down at Lower Cheung Sha village and walk down for about 5 minutes to the beach. By Ferry: From the Central Ferry pier take the Mui Wo ferry at pier no 6. Alight at the Mui Wo Pier and hop on to bus numbers 1,2 or 4 to reach Lower Cheung Sha Village and walk about 5minutes to reach the beach. Tai Mei Tuk Barbecue Area: located

next to Plover Cove Reservoir this area has as many as 72 barbecue pits. There are recently built modern marble pits along with the traditional rustic pits. You can choose the ones you prefer. There is an option to buy the barbecue supplies at the Tai Po market very near to the barbecue spots. Stop at the market to get your necessary stuff before you reach or get them all packed from home is all according to your convenience. How to reach: By MTR reach Tai Po Market station and jump on to 20C minibus to reach the spot. You can also take a taxi from the MTR to the spot. Shek O Beach: Located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island this beach is undoubtedly the most beautiful one and also the busiest. There are 39 barbecue pits on the beach and even though it’s flocking with people all the time this still scores as one of the favourite barbecue spots. There are a few privately run barbecue areas as well.

They come for a price but you get charcoal included in the price and there’s no time limit to the pit usage. It’s advisable to come all prepared with the necessary supplies as there are not many shops nearby. How to reach: Reach Shau Kei Wan station via MTR. From there take red minibus or Bus Number 9 to the beach. Taxis are also available to the beach. Choose as per your convenience. Lo So Shing Beach: This gorgeous beach is located on the beautiful Lamma Island. This island being very near to the central is a perfect location to wind with family or friends. It’s amazing beaches and picturesque backdrops make it an apt place for a wholesome barbecue. Though there are just seven barbecue pits available on the beach but still won’t be a tussle to get a spot as these beaches are not very crowded. It’s a good idea to get all your stuff ready from home to avoid any fringes. Bring along your swimwear if you are heading to this island. You can’t miss taking a dip in its meandering waters. How to reach: From Central Ferry pier take a ferry to Yung Shue Wan at pier number 4. Walk along the Family Walk path to reach the spot. It takes roughly 15minutes to reach.

Main Tourist Attractions

Hong Kong is a beautiful place to be, with diverse places to explore from street markets, theme parks, historic landmarks, temples, and the never-ending trekking trails leading to breathlessly beautiful views. With such endless options from which to pick, it can be a dicey task to figure out what to do and how to plan. Read on to find the top sightseeing highlights and explore your way into this vibrant city. Big Buddha (Ngong Ping Cable Car Ride): this beautiful attraction is located in the beautiful remote village of Ngong Ping. Lurking under the luscious green mountains, this spot is home to a number of flocking tourists in Hong Kong. What to see: This wonder is open to people from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sparing four to five hours of your day is good enough to explore the place. Walk adjacent to the cable car terminal and explore your way through the Ngong Ping village, which has a wide array of restaurants and souvenir shops and leads to the beautiful Ngong Ping Piazza, a path with twelve stone statues and lotus-shaped lanterns, and we enter the Bodhi path. The end of this path is the entrance to the Big Buddha, where a flight of 268 stairs takes us to the holy altar of Big Buddha. Just beside the Buddha is Po Lin Monastery, a beautiful tranquil sanctum. If you still have energy left, instead of the cable take a bus down to TaiO fishing village to get a feel of old Hong Kong and traditional stilted homes.

Website

DisneyLand: If traveling with kids, this theme park is a must, a fun escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s din. Spread across the park are seven themed lands: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Main Street USA, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Tomorrowland, and Toy Story Land. What to See: the park has more than thirty attractions to explore. Your walking tour begins at the Main Street USA. Spread across this street are an array of photo shops inspired by olden-day America. Walk past the majestic castle to reach Fantasyland. It is full of slow rides even smaller kids can enjoy. Jump on to Jungle River cruise next to get a real jungle feel. The enthusiastic ones can head to some high thrill rides in the Toy Story Land and the super-fast roller coaster in Tomorrowland. It’s worth staying a little longer to cover the three featured parades: Flights of Fantasy at 4 p.m., We Love Mickey show at 7 p.m., and the most

beautiful show, my favourite I would say, Paint the Night Parade at 8 p.m. Victoria Peak: one of the vantage points of Hong Kong, which offers a panoramic view of the city with all its skyscrapers and the nearby islands. Otherwise known as the Peak, it is easily accessible by the Peak Tram, which takes tourists and residents to the upper levels of Hong Kong. Known to be one of the oldest funicular railways, it is the most convenient way to reach the top. This engineering marvel took three years to finish in the 18th century, a time when there was no mechanical support and all the heavy machinery was hauled manually. Ticket Prices: to-and-fro charges per adult: HK$52, child and senior citizen: HK$23 Star ferry Victoria Harbour Tour: An

hour-long sailing tour around Victoria Harbour showcasing the iconic Hong Kong skyline. This is a must-do when in Hong Kong. There is a day tour and a night tour. You can choose according to your schedule. But one can catch the colourful vibrancy of Hong Kong in the evening ride. In the evening, buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour have a laser light show (Symphony of Lights) timed to music and the impeccable Hong Kong skyline is worth a watch. This is probably one of the best-valued night cruises in the world, aboard the century-old iconic star ferry. So, for either the day or night tour, this ride is not to be missed. Ticket Prices: Day tour: HK$110; Evening tour: HK$200. How to reach: get to Tsim Sha Tsui station via MTR and take Exit E. Turn right and walk straight to the waterfront. Or, from East TsimSha Tsui station, Take Exit L6 Website: www.starferry.com.hk Avenue of Stars: To promote tourism and its influential film industry, the Hong Kong tourism board built this 457-meter long promenade in 2004. Extended a little into Victoria Harbour, this walkway is spread out in front of the Space Museum and the Museum of Art, two more leisure places to cover if you have spare time. Handprints of famous singers, actors, and directors are imprinted in cement and laid along the sidewalk. The newly renovated balustrade has more garden plants and water fountains than before; it is a real visual delight at night, with the many LED lights. Ocean Park: located on the south side of Hong Kong Ocean Park is a huge water-themed park where one can enjoy a funfilled family day with a variety of rides and animal exhibits. This beautiful water park is home to dolphins, sea lions, alligators, colourful birds like toucans and penguins, and not-to-be-missed giant pandas. You have eight zones to explore: Whiskers Harbour, Aqua city, Thrill Mountain, Polar Adventure, Rainforest, Marine World, and Adventureland. Take time to travel to two main areas of the park: Waterfront to the summit either by the Ocean Express, it gives a scintillating feel of an underwater ride, or take a long cable car ride and you can enjoy the beautiful views of sea, sky and the islands nearby. This ride takes you to the thrill rides and is covered in the admission ticket. Highlight: Gala of Lights show is a mustsee new attraction, a remarkable show when evening comes to life with never-ending multimedia shows (Soul of the Ocean and Visions of Hong Kong). The enthusiastic ones should not miss the high-speed water rides, carousels to roller coasters.

Ticket Prices: one-day general admission ticket is HK$498 - adult and HK$249 - child. The park also offers pass options, viz: premium, gold, and silver. This is a wise option for residents, not for visitors. Senior citizens and disabled persons with registration cards are entitled to free entry. Hong Kong ID card holders visiting on birthdays are allowed free entry.

Local Food

Eating out was restricted in Hong Kong due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this restrictions are relaxed to large extend,it’s time to explore your interest in exploring local cuisine that is distinguished from international flavours. Traditional local cuisine is mostly Cantonese, which has its roots in the Canton region. Primarily it consists of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau, and other part of Southern China. In this issue, we are helping you to invest your time in enhancing your culinary skills by learning the art of cooking authentic local food to impress your family and friends. Local cooking experience in Hong Kong is unique as it offers more than cooking skills when it begins with a wet-market walking tour to introduce local vegetables and the art of selecting them. These culinary classes also explain the unique history behind the cooking of each dish, its ingredients, eating as well as Hong Kong or Cantonese culture Listed below are a few of those remarkable and the popular places to find the best examples.

Local Cooking Experience Edith

Address: Lei Tung MTR Station - Exit A1 Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong (852) 9275 9715

Home’s cooking school & wet market tour Ceci

Email: homescooking@gmail.com Website: http://www.homescookings tudio.com

Cook like a chef Meenu Chugani

Tel: (852) 60830430 Website: https://www.cook-likeachef. com/

Feliz Yau Cooking Class Experience Felicity

Tel: (852) 9862 5882 Website: http://www.felizyau.com

Fine Dining:

Yan Toh Heen (REGENT HONG KONG) Tel: (852) 2313 2243 Address: 18 Salisbury Road,

Tsim Sha Tsui (ACCESSIBLE VIA K11 MUSEA, GROUND FLOOR), Hong Kong China Website: https://hongkong. regenthotels.com/zh-hans/yantoh-heen/

Mid Range Dinning option

Din Tai Fung (MIRAMAR)

Tel: (852) 2898 2499 Address: Shop F, 4/F, Miramar Shopping Centre, No.132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong China

One Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant

Tel: (852) 2677 7888 Address: G/F 209A-209B Tung Choi Street Prince Edward, Hong Kong China