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Neighbourhood guide for Living in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai

By | Explore, Neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guide for Living in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai

Talking about Causeway Bay, what will you think of? Shopping might be the first thing that crossed your mind. How about Wan Chai? Though Wan Chai may be notorious for its red light district, there are indeed more to explore.

Neighborhood Vibe

Being in the heart of Hong Kong, both Causeway Bay and Wan Chai are great for young couples or single travellers who are looking for fun and convenience. It’d be a wonderful place to stay in if you love shopping, hanging around in the crowded community and enjoy all sorts of entertainment. However, this might not be a family friendly neighbourhood as it will probably turn noisy at night that your kid won’t be able to sleep well. The streets are always busy even on weekdays and people are everywhere.

Where to Eat?

Causeway Bay

  1. Tang Lung Street

Don’t know where to go for lunch? There are tons of restaurants on the street, famous for its variety of Japanese food and western-styled cafes. If you are craving for the best Ramen, sashimi, egg benedict or risotto in town, you will be able to find one here.

Image 1: https://www.pc426.com/d/105523/45

  1. Paterson Street

Since 1980s, Paterson Street has become a famous spot for various restaurants to station. As there are no skyscrapers nearby, you can comfortably find some outdoor open-air tables to sit by and enjoy the airy environment, together with the decent meal. Numerous cuisines are available for you to select, namely Chinese, Japanese, Thai, American, etc.   

Image 2: https://www.bigfang.tw/blog/post/44354344

Wan Chai

  1. Swatow Street

Just located next to the Southorn Playground, the tranquil street has turned into a little food street recently. It’s now famous for the coexistence of diverse cuisines: Japanese, Portuguese, British, etc. Most importantly, they are authentic yet affordable. Many restaurants are originated from their home countries and relocated to Hong Kong, which provides a great environment for cultural exchange, and of course, food gatherings with friends!

Image 3: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nikonslave/24694706202

  1. Ship Street

Being known as the street filled with decent restaurants, similar to Swatow Street, loads of fusion restaurants are stationed there. However, there’s actually more. At night, many foreigners will come to the street and go for the bars. Many renowned bars are located there as well, you may refer to this bar guide for more info.

Image 4: https://cn.nytimes.com/food-wine/20141212/t12hongkong/zh-hant/

Where to shop?

Causeway Bay

   1. Times Square

As the most popular tourist spot in Hong Kong, there are over 230 famous brands in the building, ranging from reputable apparel brands to electronic chain stores. There is also a big international supermarket, CitySuper. You can buy all range of groceries here and cook a homey meal for yourself or family. You can definitely find what you want here. There is also a newly renovated cinema at the mall that without walking under the hectic weather, you can be entertained in any ways that you want. Other than the above, you can also find exhibitions at the ground floor of the Square, which stages cultural events and movie promotions, etc. At night, there is even local busking happening, why not come and support the local entertainment industry?

Image 5: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_CWB_Times_Square_Yue_Minjun_Art_Exhibition_2008_Street_Busking_Evening_a.jpg

  2. Hysan Place

It is a brand new shopping mall, conveniently located at the heart of Causeway Bay. The mall contains over 120 international brands that you can shop till you drop. Another point worth noticing is that there is the First Eslite Bookstore in HK, one of the largest bookstores in Taiwan. As many shopping malls in Hong Kong do, there is a spacious supermarket selling fresh ingredients. If you don’t feel like cooking today, you can go directly to the top floor of the mall and order your desired dishes at the food court. If you are looking for a comprehensive shopping mall, this will be a good choice.

Image 6: https://hk.asiatatler.com/life/lifestyle-bookstore-eslite-opens-in-hysan-place

Where to walk around?

    1. Victoria Park

Named after Queen Victoria, it is the largest park in the Hong Kong Island. During Sundays and public holidays, there are different stalls providing arts and crafts items, painting, photography and sketching services. You can enjoy your leisure Sunday here, away from the hustle and bustle.

Image 7: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/see-do/great-outdoors/city-parks/victoria-park.js

   2. Blue House

Named for its colour, the 4-storey building was built as a hospital in the 1870s. It has become a temple, a martial arts school and an osteopathy clinic respectively in the past years. The building is a Tong Lau (Buildings that are built in late 19th Century) and what makes it special is that it was designed with balconies, which is rare to find in Hong Kong nowadays. On the ground floor of the building, there is the Hong Kong House of Stories Museum for you to pore over Hong Kong cultural history in a deeper sense.

Image 8:  https://www.heritage.gov.hk/en/rhbtp/ProgressResult2_Blue_House_Cluster.htm

   3. Lee Tung Avenue

As a newly rehabilitated street in Hong Kong, it is the latest hotspot among the locals and tourists. This tree-lined side road has attracted a lot of cafes, foreign restaurants and famed fashion shops to station. Located at the middle of local community and revitalization, it is a showcase of Hong Kong’s vibrancy and co-existence of different cultures.

Image 9: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikemikecat/25052831862

Do you want to live near to these amazing spots? Come to MetroResidences and book the furnished apartment at your preferred location. It provides numerous quality options for you to choose from. Enjoy your stay with a stylish neighbourhood.

Sha Tin Plaza, The Shopper’s Delight – An Added Value to the Long Journey

By | Activities and Events, Explore, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Living, Kids Activities, living in Hong Kong, Local Cultures, Neighbourhoods, Shopping

One of the eighteen beautiful districts of Hong Kong, Sha Tin District is a marvelous cultural center, a recreational and gourmet hub and an amusing sight to beat. The place serves best as a shopping spree, has its own IKEA, and is a good spot to get an airport bus A41 or to reach destinations like Sai Kung. The fabulous part is that it’s renowned for the central parks, horseracing, shopping areas, awesome restaurant delicacies and dessert houses.  Another main tourist attractions are the 10,000 Buddha statues which can be seen on the ride from Sha Tin metro and bus terminal.

Sha Tin Plaza and How to Get There?

Directly located in the heart of Sha Tin, Sha Tin Plaza is an intriguing shopper’s delight. However, it takes a bit of time to get there and you need to travel more than a bit but the whole trip proves to be worthy at the end of the day. A one-stop shopping arena in Hong Kong, Sha Tin Plaza advantageously has undergone major renovations. It now has footbridges connecting both, the plaza and center that leads to Sha Tin MTR Bus Station. The place has ample space for parking while you shop at your favorite outlets. It squares around 260,000 sq. ft. and proudly fills its two arcades with more than hundred international brand outlets that have a wide range of products to offer from the latest fashion to electronics.

The best way to head to Sha Tin Plaza is by MTR. MTR East Rail line via Exit A directly lands into the mall. However, the routes are quite better scheduled with Green Mini Buses.

Things To Do at the Plaza

Sha Tin Plaza is not only about shopping the heart out but also making the most of the trip with the amazing entertainment activities and amusing places. Here’s what you must do when roaming at this place:

Hypnotizing, Mesmerizing Sight of 10,000 Buddha

Reaching the Buddha isn’t easy but this is the ultimate place to energize the mind with its silent and peaceful environment. Also, a very good place for hikers and adventure lovers.

Snoopy World

If you’re a Snoopy fan, this is your ultimate destination. Totally free and easily accessible from the MTR, Snoopy World provides a nice and warm family time in its character themed small park and a good sight to make memories with photography and entertainment activities.

Sha Tin Park

A well maintained, peaceful and refreshing hidden gem with a mix of greens and cold breeze is a good place to sit and kill time in the fragrance of good trees, fish pond, fountain, and flowers. The park has a picturesque bike trail and a gleaming sight of locals singing and dancing.

Eateries

Sha Tin Plaza is beefed up with the traditional cuisine houses in and out. You can never ignore the aroma in the air which gets the tourists attracted towards the doors. You will find a number of famous restaurants and dessert options to satisfy hungry bellies on the trip. Some famous ones include Pizza Express, Oliver’s Super Sandwiches, and Simplylife etc.

So pick up your keys and head out this weekend to the plaza and have an amazing time. For similar blogs, click here.

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Best Tourist Attractions | To Do’s at Tuen Mun

By | Activities and Events, Everyday Living, Explore, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Living, living in Hong Kong, Neighbourhoods

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TUEN MUN

Ever fancied living in a place that’s enough to check all the boxes on your dream adventure list? An astonishing blend of rejuvenating green land, thrilling adventure sites, cozy dens, chilly beaches and the warmth in the air makes a perfect mix of a ‘dream trip come true trip.’ If you’re ready to skip the chaos and make the vacations a hit at Tuen Mun, here is what you need to know.

Heading to Tuen Mun

How to Get There and Avoid Inconvenience?

The place is huge. Travelling hours and routes totally depend on where you choose to go. Commuting from HK station to Tuen Mun station takes exactly 45 minutes. From the Central, if you want to head to the Tuen Mun Town Center, 960 is the ultimate and direct bus. However, fewer people take the route from 961 which makes the ride cleaner, more spacious and comfortable. If you’re traveling from Tai Po, the best option can be 64K KMB bus which will take you to MTR in 35 minutes. Next up is a pretty speedy train ride to the final destination.

Comfy, Cozy Stay

Choosing Between the Hotel Options

You can make your stay happier with the best hotel options at this welcoming city starting as low as 8 USD per night. Following are the top 5 hotels that will turn your time into an outstanding vacay.

1.    Goal Coast

Hong Kong Goal Coast Hotel is easily accessible from the airport at a distance of about 35 minutes taxi ride. Fully equipped with up to the mark luxurious amenities, this hotel provides a remarkable experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel has a relaxing ambiance with lush greens and a home-like warmth.

2.    Disney Land Hotel

Hong Kong Disney Land Hotel is 6.9 km from Tuen Mun and is famous for blessing the visitors with out of this world service. If you’re up to make the most out of the trip every passing second at the top of this world, stay here. Countless entertainment activities, luxurious amenities, and never-ending fun will satisfy your wandering feet the best.

3.    Pentahotel

5-minute walk from Tuen Mun MTR Station, Pentahotel is the heart of the city. Excellent up to date facilities including a warm environment, pentahotel has a great value for money to offer. Its vibrant interior and a signature pentalounge are enough to refill the energy in you.

Tourist Attractions

A Must-Do-List on Trip to Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun Kau Hui, Tuen Mun San Hui, and Sam Shing Hui are the three best traditional style markets in the town with all of the items you could ever put on your shopping list. You may get tired listing all you want to do on your next trip, but the list won’t end. Tuen Mun Town Hall is another amazing venue for music and art lovers.

Tuen Mun Town Center, the heart of the district has an array of cultural and entertainment facilities. Tuen Mun Town Plaza, Cultural Square, Public Library and other government buildings are all located at this center. The place has amazing central parks with pools and model boats that grab the most of the family’s attraction. Town Hall features engaging cultural activities, theatres, concerts and much more fantabulous events for the art-loving guests.

Ferry Pier and Castle Bay are another fun outings that you just can’t miss for a complete harmonizing experience. Gold Coast makes the largest resort in Tuen Mun with its very own convention center, marina club, shopping mall and spectacular hotel. The well known Golden Beach is the best option located here for the perfect family vacay. More must-do activities include jockey club at the riding school, golf center offering public to learn gold at affordable rates and dragon boat racing festival.

The distance and long rides to the station might feel like a hectic task, but once you reach the destination, you will find all of it was worth it.

For more similar blogs, click here.

10 Things You Have to See in Lan Kwai Fong

By | Explore, Hong Kong Living, Local Cultures, Neighbourhoods

10 Things You Have to See in Lan Kwai Fong

Whether you are staying in Lan Kwai Fong for just a couple of days, a week or longer; there are some things you just have to make time for during your stay in LKF. As one of the most popular destinations in Hong Kong that is most known for its bustling nightlife, there are no shortages of activities or places to do.

01

Ce La Vi Sky Bar

Based in the famous California Tower, this is one place you simply must visit, the view across LKF is astounding either by day or by night. A stunning backdrop with a large selection of very nice drink accompanied by friendly staff and the occasional world-class DJ providing musical entertainment.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

02

The Iron Fairies

Similar to the Bangkok and Tokyo locations, one of Hong Kong’s most popular bars is outfitted to resemble a blacksmith’s workshop. Live Jazz and Blues that will rock your soul combined with fantastic food, exceptional mixology and an interior setting that is beyond your wildest belief. The Iron Fairies boasts an incredible metal themed elements of iron, wood, and timber—most amazingly, there are 10,000 preserved butterflies dangling in the sky.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

03

HK Accidental art tour

Cited as the best art walk in Hong Kong, if you are visiting Lan Kwai Fong, it is certainly something you should do at least once. The Soho Gallery Tour is offered in both Chinese and English.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

04

Lilya Moroccan Lounge

If smoking hookah in a colorful vibrant lounge is up your alley, then Lilya is the right place to be. Serving some of the best food in Great drinks, gorgeous authentic food and lively music. Lilya also offers an amazing Buy 1 get 1 deal every Monday.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

05

Next stop Hong Kong walking tour.

See the oldest urban districts and the top attractions on this 6-hour walking tour. Custom tours are provided, and this company is highly recommended by so many clients as a great way to quickly and easily get acquainted with the city by a friendly team of locals who know each and every inch of the city. Don’t forget to stop by and get the Dim Sum delights!

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

06

Gao's Foot Massage Co

Conveniently situated after the walking tour on the list, with so much to see and do in LKF, getting a soothing foot massage from this company is a great way to relax and revive tired feet.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

07

Kwun Yam Temple

This open-air Buddhist temple is a must-see for any visitor to Lan Kwai Fong. It is simply breath-taking and a landmark that will stay with you forever. Situated on Repulse Bay, there are plenty of other beautiful sights to sample in this attractive area.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

08

Orange Peel Music Lounge.

This is the perfect place to unwind, relax and generally ease your day in LKF to a close. With lots of different types of live music on offer, there is something to suit all tastes. Situated within the Central District, it is easy to get to and offers a large seating area, where you can also get something to drink and eat.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

09

Ever True Jewellery Workshop

If you fancy doing something a little bit different, then this jewellery workshop offers a superb experience for any visitor to Lan Kwai Fong. Here, you can make your own 925 Silver jewellery and grab yourself a truly unique piece of memorabilia to take back home.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

10

Sense of Touch Spa

Whatever you choose to do during your time in LKF, visiting this amazing Spa located in Central Lan Kwai Fong will leave you feeling truly pampered and re-energised.  This place smells divine and offers a huge selection of spa treatments for men and women.

Image from: Wikimedia Commons

Boasting over 100 bars and restaurants, you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to dinners and drinks in Lan Kwai Fong. There is a huge range of options that cater to a range of different tastes. Whether you prefer an elegant wine in a peaceful establishment or a vodka jelly shot in a lively bar, the options in LKF are endless. Now, enjoy exploring LKF and have the time of your life!