Eat, play and get inspired at the West Kowloon Cultural District

It’s hard not to miss the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). Sat beneath Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper and with gigantic glowing LED façade at its centre, this vast headland comprises fantastic museums and performance venues set next to a 2km-long bicycle- and pet-friendly harbourfront promenade. That’s not all: it’s also home to superb places to dine and drink and has one of the best free views of the city’s skyline. 

Get cultured 

New York has the Museum of Modern Art, London has Tate Modern, and Hong Kong has M+, the building featuring that unmissable digital screen. Billed as a “global museum of visual culture”, the Herzog & de Meuron-designed landmark has hosted exhibitions of works by Asia’s most prominent contemporary artists, including Yayoi Kusama and Madame Song Huai-kuei. 

Here, you can also browse a showcase featuring everyday design objects that have defined the modern world, learn about the iconic neon signs which line Hong Kong’s streets, or explore M+ Cinema’s seasonal programmes to rediscover hidden gems in the film world. 

At the WKCD’s western tip, the Hong Kong Palace Musem (HKPM), opened in 2022, is where you can traverse dynasties and acquaint yourself with the opulent culture and lifestyle of the Chinese emperors who once called the Forbidden City home. It harbours innovative exhibitions on the history and architecture of the Imperial Palace, as well as hundreds of ancient artefacts from the Palace Museum in Beijing, including artworks, ceramics and other everyday objects once used by Chinese royalty. 

Catch an inspiring show 

The WKCD is the perfect place to catch a show that will suit every interest, thanks to its abundance of state-of- the-art venues and rich mix of programmes. Head to Freespace in the Art Park for a range of contemporary concerts, dance performances and theatre shows, and check out the weekly gigs at Lau Bak Livehouse , where you can watch up-and-coming music acts and knock back a drink or two.

For something more traditional, catch a Chinese traditional theatre or Cantonese opera show at the Xiqu Centre . Here, you’ll find performances by award-winning troupes, opera masters and emerging talents at the Grand Theatre, or enjoy tea and dim sum alongside an intimate Cantonese opera showcase by Xiqu Centre’s in-house troupe at the Tea House Theatre. 

Relax and Refuel 

From Michelin-approved restaurants to laid-back cafés and eateries , the WKCD has no shortage of dining options for all tastes and budgets. If you’re looking to splurge, Mosu , the Hong Kong outpost of the eponymous three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul, offers a tasting menu of modern Korean cuisine alongside a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour from M+’s third floor. 

At Pano in the Art Park, enjoy sophisticated French cuisine with an Asian twist. Craving Cantonese with a harbour view? King Lung Heen on the HKPM’s fourth floor is your answer. Meanwhile Xia on the ground floor specialises in regional Chinese dishes said to be beloved by the imperial family, including steamed cake with jujube paste, and Chinese lettuce and scallion meatballs.

For an al fresco bite, grab a snack from one of the Art Park’s food trucks or cafés. Whether you opt for the winning hot dog-and-milkshake combo at Hooman by the Sea , or Japanese-inspired street food and drinks at Wabi Sabi Coffee , your meal is served with a sea view. 

Where to stay

Make it a weekend at West Kowloon by booking a stay at one of its luxury hotels. The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong at the top of the International Commerce Centre features sumptuous rooms and suites with bird’s-eye views of the city’s magnificent skyline. Make a reservation at Tin Lung Heen for Michelin-starred Cantonese fare, or ascend to the 118th floor for inventive cocktails and a nightclub atmosphere at Ozone, the world’s highest rooftop bar. Let the good times roll at W Hong Kong, where bold design and a rooftop pool (the city’s highest) with a bar will continue stimulating your senses after a day of culture.

How to get there

Head to the WKCD via the MTR and alight at Kowloon Station (Airport Express or Tung Chung Line) or Austin Station (Tuen Ma Line). Multiple buses and minibuses also pass through the district. 

What’s on

Shows, exhibitions and performances to check out across the WKCD this month 

Madame song: Pioneering Art and Fashion

Until 14 April

Get inspired by the life and work of pop culture icon Song Huai-kuei, and learn about how she transformed the landscape of art and fashion in China at M+’s West Gallery.  

Botticelli to Van Gogh: masterpieces from The National Gallery, London

Until 11 April

Check out more than 50 masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet and other influential European artists from the National Gallery, London’s prestigious collection at the HKPM.

Xiqu Centre 5th anniversary celebrations series

Until 30 March

To mark an important milestone, Xiqu Centre invites well-known Cantonese opera troupes for a series of classic and experimental shows, including Chang’e’s Redemption, a reimagined version of the titular mythical character’s story.

WestK Fun Fest 

16 March - 7 April

Taking place at various venues around Art Park, Freespace and Xiqu Centre, the inaugural edition of the annual family-friendly event celebrates creativity in all forms via a range of installations, performances, workshops and more.