Ask a Cathay member: what’s your favourite hidden gem in Hong Kong

See a different side of Hong Kong at these lesser-known spots, where you can hang out with vinyl collectors, hunt for vintage knick-knacks, discover hidden waterfalls, and more. 

“As a music lover and vinyl collector, I love discovering hidden vinyl bars and cafes. I recently stumbled across Swallow Dive , a tucked-away coffee shop in Sheung Wan. Guests can peruse the owner’s eclectic vinyl collection and play their own selections on the record player while savouring a cup of hand-drip coffee – it has truly become my little escape in the middle of this bustling city.  

“I also enjoy cruising through The Wake Listening Room in Tsim Sha Tsui, which has a massive collection of vinyls from all different genres, and multiple record players for guests to sit and listen. I can easily spend hours digging through these hidden gems to discover new music.”

“I love to visit the ‘deity retirement home’ in Wah Fu Estate, Pok Fu Lam. People from all over Hong Kong bring their old and broken porcelain statues to this quiet park, where local volunteers affix them to rocks and look after them – even mending them if needed. There are literally thousands of statues, making it a lovely spot to spend an afternoon exploring and taking photos.  

“People bring their statues here because the area is believed to have good feng shui; it faces the sea, with mountains rising behind. Though you’ll predominantly find Chinese gods and goddesses like Tin Hau or Guanyin, there are also porcelain animals, figurines of popular cartoon characters and even piggy banks. It’s considered bad luck to throw away a statue, and

 in Hong Kong, you’ll often find makeshift outdoor shrines in auspicious spots at the foot of trees or along walking trails – giving old deities a new life in the great outdoors.” 

“Kennedy Town will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I live and where I raised my now-adult children. It has plenty of fantastic restaurants – try the dim sum classics at Sun Hing Restaurant, or the Michelin-recommended dining at Tak Kee and Yuan Is Here.  

“Don’t miss the Belcher Bay promenade for idyllic, Instagram-worthy sunsets. Once a spot for my kids to learn to ride their bikes, the promenade is now where we celebrate life’s milestones. It’s also a perfect spot to watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.”

“Hong Kong is full of surprises if you know where to look. One of my favourite hidden gems is Upper Lascar Row in Sheung Wan – a narrow street lined with antique stalls and quirky little shops selling everything from old Hong Kong coins to vintage postcards and unique knick-knacks. It’s a great place to get lost for an hour or two.  

“Another spot I love is Tai O Fishing Village on Lantau Island. If you wander down to the edge of the village, you’ll find quiet little coffee shops by the water where you can sit with a drink and just watch life go by – stilt houses, fishing boats and all. It’s a slower, more nostalgic side of Hong Kong that often gets overlooked.”

“I love to explore Hong Kong’s many hiking trails, but when I don’t have a lot of time, I run up the hill behind my house and get onto the Xylophone Trail, a flat path connecting the western end of the Mid-Levels with Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam. It is named for its paving stones that make it look a little like a long xylophone, and is popular with joggers and dog walkers.  

“In the summer it’s well shaded by trees, which provide a welcome cover from the hot sun. There’s plenty to explore just off the trail, from serene sitting-out areas to hidden waterfalls. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several paths that will take you straight up to the The Peak.”