THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Hong Kong
Best Hong Kong Hidden Gem Attractions
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Recommended Hidden Gems (172)
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What travelers are saying
- Henry HongHonolulu, HI177 contributionsI had the opportunity to revisit Nan Lian Garden in Diamond Hill, Hong Kong, 13 years after my first visit, and it remains a truly captivating experience. This Chinese classical garden, designed in the Tang dynasty style, continues to offer a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
Spanning 3.5 hectares, the garden is beautifully landscaped with hills, water features, and a stunning collection of Asian pine trees and rocks. The pine trees, symbolizing dignity and bravery, lend a scholarly ambiance to the surroundings, capturing the essence of Chinese culture.
The garden is easily accessible via public transportation—simply take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station and exit at C2. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and with free admission, it’s an inviting destination for all.
Adjacent to the garden, the Chi Lin Nunnery is a must-visit. The complex features beautiful lily ponds in various colors—pink, purple, white, and yellow—that add a vibrant touch to the serene surroundings, enhancing the garden's natural beauty.
I am particularly impressed with all the Buddha statues here. They look peaceful, calm, and graciously stunning. The beauty of these statues is that when you look at them, you feel peace, calmness, and serenity. Having seen many temples throughout Asia (Japan, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, etc.), I personally find the expressions of these Buddha statues in Vietnam and China to be gracious and calming, unlike those from Thailand, which I find somewhat unsettling and scary. On a side note, Westerners and American-born Asians are often accustomed to wearing shorts and sleeveless tank tops while traveling. Please note that although Hong Kong is very much influenced by British culture, Buddhist temples are places of worship, and thus, shorts, hats, and sleeveless tank tops are not allowed.
The garden also offers rock and bonsai exhibits that should not be missed. These exhibits showcase the meticulous care and artistry involved in traditional Chinese gardening practices.
Returning to Nan Lian Garden after so many years was a rewarding experience. It is a timeless sanctuary that continues to offer tranquility and beauty in the heart of Hong Kong. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning, as I did, it's a place that leaves a lasting impression.Written January 18, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Uwe HPretoria, South Africa121 contributionsThe Dragons Back hike is a wonderful way to get a little feel of nature while in Hong Kong. It is easily accessible by MTR and bus and the walk is not strenuous. Walking at a leisurely pace the hike may take you about 2 hours. At the end of the trail you can take a walk down to Big Wave Bay where you can get a cold beer and a dip in the sea. The bus stop at Big Wave Bay back to the city is about a 5 min walk from the beach. The hike has amazing views and is clean and safe. Highly recommended.Written January 3, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KenpashaBellingham, WA836 contributionsWe were visiting friends in the new Kai Tak area (meaning, the new airside and mekiki malls and associated apartment buildings, such as Latitudes) when an old family friend took me to the chi Lin compound and garden adjoining it.
I don't know how I missed this site in several years of working in hong Kong but the garden is enchanting, the rock and wood temple exhibitions (i.e. the latter showing how Chinese construction with wood was and is done) are excellent, and the Buddhist temple used by and supported by the nuns, established in 1934, is tasteful and well-maintained. I think I would include this in the top 10 sites to see in the city. For sure in the top 20.
The garden is calming and charming. And free.
There is also a small bookstore and workshop. For those interested in Buddhism, several classic texts are available for free (in Chinese).
Enjoy.Written February 5, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BradHong Kong, China181,074 contributionsThis is a very interesting temple visits in Hong Kong. It is located within walking distance from the Sha Tin MTR Station, up the hillside behind the Hong Kong Sha Tin Government Office and Home Square buildings. Opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm.
The walk up to Man Fat Sze will take most between 10-20 minute fairly steep uphill climb up to the temple grounds. In route, you will pass endless lines of golden Buddha figures on both sides of the both. Stop and take pictures of the buddhas if you are tired. There are several rest benches along this path as well.
Reaching the main temple hall and plateau, you'll find an open hall with walls filled with miniature Buddhas along with several large shrines with buddha statues. There is a large incense burner in front along with several coloured statues and a multi levelled red pagoda.
Climb up another level and you will find two or three additional halls, depending on which sections are open and available to tourists. At the time of my visit last month, the far hall was sectioned off. The halls have more large scale statues of the gods along with some nice views of Shatin and the mountains down below.
When its time to leave, you have two paths. You can return the way you came up the paved walkway lined with golden buddhas. Or you can walk through the village, exit near the red pagoda on the main level. This is a longer but more gentle walk, winding through the villages homes and buildings until you come out near the entrance area to the MTR Station.
Alas, watch for macaques while walking up to see Man Fat Sze. Sometimes they are around but most times they are not. I've probably seen them on 20-25% of my visits over the years. Sometimes they are in the trees nearby, sometimes they are hanging around the golden buddhas on the path up to the temple. If it is really crowded, they are rarely around. If visiting midweek when its quieter, there is a much more likely chance you will encounter them.Written February 8, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Christian MCopenhagen, Denmark6,225 contributionsThe walled little park is located in a much larger park, which you can reach almost all the way to from downtown Kowloon by bus 5 or 28.
The picturesque pavilions, stone arrangements, small sculptures, and round doorways almost resemble the interiors of famous Japanese gardens.
Look forward to taking some good photos, but don't plan to spend more than 1 hour there. The park can be seen quickly.Written July 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - tracylovelivingHong Kong, China181 contributionsVisiting requires making an online reservation in advance, and admission is free. Reservations can be made as early as one month prior to the visit. Despite being open for many years, it can still be challenging to secure a reservation. Due to the limited number of visitors allowed, it is not overcrowded, creating a comfortable atmosphere. There are many places to explore, and the Peach Blossom Path in February is particularly stunning. It is definitely worth a visit.
My IG: tracyloveliving
參觀必須經網上預約，免費入場，最早可於一個月前辦理，雖然已開放多年，仍然不太容易預約，由於參觀人數有限，環境不會太擠迫，很舒服。寺內有很多地方參觀，2月的桃花徑好靚，很值得到訪。
IG: tracylovelivingWritten February 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jennifer G30 contributionsWe visited after dropping off our luggage at the airport.. It is a short bus or taxi ride to get here so a handy place to spend final couple of hours of our trip..
It IS very pretty however it does not have the charm of 'real' places we visited.. It is all too perfect for the people, many ex-pats, who live there (who get around in golf buggies).. That said, we did have a lovely meal and stroll along the beach used by the, mostly Filipino, nannies on their day off..Written February 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MelvinLinSingapore, Singapore2,808 contributionsNice little hike - quite enjoyable and not too tough. Scenery was good, and seeing the large wooden signs also felt rather inspiring.
Unfortunately the signs are all only in one language, and with my limited proficiency in the Chinese language, I could only understand about half of them.Written December 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BradHong Kong, China181,074 contributionsLion Rock is Hong Kong's most famous natural landmark. This is the rock face of a rugged peak (495 mt) situated within the Lion Rock Country Park just north of the Kowloon Peninsula. It is a popular place to hike with numerous routes leading to the peak where you can take in outstanding views of the city in various directions, particularly on days with good air quality and visibility.
Best to research in advance if you want to hike up to Lion Rock. Apps like Hiking Trail HK are good to upload on your mobile phone so you can follow whichever path you choose to take. Quite a few online articles and Hong Kong hiking resources are available to study various routes in advance as well.
The route I like best is to start from Tai Wai MTR Station, make way to the Hung Mui Kuk BBQ Site at Lion Rock Tunnel Rd. From there you can hike up to another lesser known but impressive landmark called Amah Rock. From there you continue southward to Lion Rock before making way back down to the Shatin Pass Rd on the Kowloon side of the mountain. From there you walk down the road to the light green bus stops at Tsz Wan Shan Rd where you can take buses back down to Kowloon Tong or Wong Tai Sin MTR Stations.Written November 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Irish ZHong Kong, China18 contributionsIf you are a local or not, this place would leave you in awe! Isolated and very quiet this beach is located in Sai Kung East Country Park and could be reached either by taxi to the dam then a quick hike or hiring a boat to take you. We camped here a few times and it could get packed but still had our own private space. Waking up in the morning was very much worth it as we got to see the sunrise. Make sure to bring enough food and water as they don't have any shops you could buy amenities. The toilet is shared and quite smelly but that's the only downside of it. Would totally recommend this to everyone coming to HK!Written November 11, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BradHong Kong, China181,074 contributionsOne of the interesting ways to walk up to the Peak involves the Central Green Trail. This roughly 2km hike begins as the Tramway Path, a walking stretch alongside the Victoria Peak Tram line just south of the Lower Peak Terminus. It ascends upward next to and near the line until you reach Magazine Gap stone arch bridge. There are some spots to stop and take pictures of the Tram, which is interesting now that the new 6th generation trains have arrived and are now in use.
From Magazine Gap bridge you have a couple of path options, I like to make way west to the Old Peak Road which then winds upward until you reach Victoria Gap, the main sightseeing location at Victoria Peak. There are quite a few windows through the trees as you ascend providing views of the Hong Kong Skyline and eventually parts of Victoria Harbour as you proceed upward to higher elevation points.
The walk upward is steep and takes around 45-60 minutes depending on your fitness and how many times you stop for rests or to take pictures. The entire way is on paved road, sidewalk and footpaths so basic tennis shoes are fine. There is a public toilet facility around 60% the way up the Old Peak Road path. You'll find additional facilities at the two malls at Victoria Peak once you finish the walk.
Note: If you still have energy once you are the top, do take the flat and easy Luggard Road walk to the west. There you will find some of the finest views of Victoria Harbour with large panoramic stretches that above the tree lines. These views are amazing and cost you nothing to see compared to the high prices of accessing the viewing deck of the nearby Peak Tower.Written January 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mamabelzLos Banos, Philippines3,203 contributionsSo we did the Wan Chai heritage trail on Our own. Wan Chai street is a very confusing street- So be patient. And you’d find everything eventually… so this temple I found nice but I felt like I was intruding if
I entered as they were busy today. Lots of activity so it felt nice that HK people are spiritual and that they practice their religion. It was a gem.
Bonus: saw lots of
Car shops on the way got
To see nice cars too.Written December 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - schmidtmgSwitzerland1,146 contributionsFirst time I went to the Asia Society's exhibition center , on the Asia Society premises close to Pacific Place and the Shangri-La hotel. Very nice and quiet exhibition pavillion with changing exhibits; there is no entrance charge I visited the exhibit "Fusion", a joint venture organized during the pandemic form 2020 to 2022 by a French -Hong Kong couple of sculptors who bought an old sawmill in Tuscany an operate their sculpture studio there. The exhibit features about 30 works of art and sculptures made out of Italian marble (executed by Italian artists)and wood (executed by Hong Kong artists). Well worth visiting..Written May 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roya M59 contributionsMy husband and I came here on our first day in Hong Kong. We absolutely love tea and were very excited - it did not disappoint. It is hard to find from the outside but once we got in Vanessa was so kind and talked us through the different teas, the makings, and their process. We did two food pairings which was amazing to taste the difference of the tea with the food - like wine and cheese pairing, very interesting. we really enjoyed the quality, the experience, and the friendliness!Written May 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Samantha P2 contributionsEdith is a wonderful instructor!! Not only did I learn how to cook dumplings but I learned an entirely new way to cook healthier food for my family. I loved the market tour, she let me ask as many questions as I wanted about all the different ingredients. She’s extremely knowledgeable but also amazingly charismatic. Will definitely be doing this again in the future.Written February 9, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
