From art to open spaces: A 6-hour stopover itinerary in WestK

Nobody likes a long layover in an airport - that’s why you shouldn’t spend it there. Got time to kill while you wait for your connecting flight in Hong Kong? Here’s how to spend 6 hours in WestK (West Kowloon Cultural District) - located just 22 minutes away from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

11.30am: Arrive in WestK

You’ve got a day to spend in Hong Kong on your stopover, so it’s time to hit up one of the city’s artiest corners. Conveniently located next to Kowloon Station on the Airport Express Line , WestK blends contemporary architecture with open green spaces perfect for travellers looking to stretch their legs after a flight – all set against the Victoria Harbour.

12.15pm: Xiqu Centre, where tradition meets design

A short walk from Kowloon Station, the Xiqu Centre is dedicated to the preservation of traditional Chinese opera. Even if time doesn’t allow for a show, the building itself – inspired the fore core principles of Chinese design, “qi”, “nature”, “pavilion” and “courtyard” – is worth a visit.

1.15pm: Lunch at the cultural heart of Kowloon 

For lunch, stay close by for a relaxed lunch at Peony Garden on the ground floor of the Xiqu Centre, serving classic Hong Kong comfort dishes such as siu mei and French toast.  

2.15pm: Wander through the Hong Kong Palace Museum

Next, head towards the Hong Kong Palace Museum , a landmark addition to WestK showcasing treasures from the Palace Museum and beyond, exploring Chinese and international art, history and culture through a contemporary lens. Its galleries offer a calm, immersive experience that fits well into a short itinerary.

3.30pm: Cycle through the Art Park 

Cycle away those post-flight aches by renting a bike via WestK’s tokyobike rental service to explore the Art Park along the harbourfront. The flat paths and uninterrupted views of Hong Kong Island make this one of the city’s most scenic urban cycling routes. 

4.15pm: M+

Visit M+, Asia’s global museum of contemporary visual culture in Hong Kong occupying a 700,000 square-foot building. Housed within the museum is the Sigg Collection, which features over 1,500 works of Chinese contemporary art, alongside rotating exhibitions  spanning art, design and moving image.

5.15pm: Harbourfront dining views 

Wrap up your stopover at WestK Quay , located at the district’s lively waterfront promenade. Choose from Hong Kong-style street snacks, to creative vegetarian dishes; light bites and an ice-cold pint of beer and take in sweeping views across Victoria Harbour – a fitting finale before heading back to the airport.

If time allows, extend your stopover across the harbour: the WestK Ferry now connects West Kowloon directly with Central, offering a scenic eight-minute journey across Victoria Harbour with skyline views along the way. The short ride is a refreshing alternative to taxis or the MTR – and a memorable way to experience Hong Kong from the water.

This story was originally published in March 2020 and updated in April 2026.