Make the most of this window of perfect weather before the sweltering summer kicks in to explore Hong Kong’s great outdoors. There’s no shortage of easy, breezy hiking trails close to the city, or day trips that take you further afield. You can’t go wrong with a slow ferry out to Cheung Chau for seafood, beaches and browsing the local boutiques; or exploring the picturesque stilt houses of Tai O fishing village on Lantau Island.
You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy some fresh air: Hong Kong’s parks are many and varied. Victoria Park is Causeway Bay’s green lung, while you can even spot cherry blossoms in Hong Kong around this time of year in places like Tai Po Waterfront Park and Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden.
There are also a few interesting developments taking place around town. Just keep an eye on the latest COVID-19 regulations and confirm any bookings before you head out.
Time to Feast
In addition to the slew of newly opened restaurants and bars around town, we’ve got plenty of new offerings from local favourites. Starting with the BVLGARI Rose Goldea Afternoon Tea at Palm Court (HK$398 for one/HK$688 for two, until 31 March). Enjoy premium loose leaf JING Teas, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream, savoury finger sandwiches and sweet treats in shades of pretty pinks. Every afternoon tea set for two also comes with a complimentary BVLGARI Rose Goldea EDP miniature fragrance.
Aussie Grill by Outback takes the restaurant chain’s crowd-pleasing favourites and offers them in a quick and affordable ‘fast food’ concept spread across a new 4,600-square-foot space in Central’s Entertainment Building. Tuck into its signature bacon cheeseburgers, pulled-pork sandwiches, steaks, salads and favourites like the ‘blooming petals’ (deep-fried onion slices).
Take your taste buds on a little trip with The Farmhouse at Hyatt Centric’s ‘A Taste of Korea’ themed buffet (prices vary, until 15 April). Dine out on spicy Korean fried chicken, pork and kimchi dumplings and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red-bean paste), visit the noodle station and then visit the country itself with a fun VR experience through eight provinces of Korea.
Modern Aussie restaurant Hue has introduced its Chef Box at Home takeaway set for diners to try their hand at mastering the art of plating at home. The three-course meal curated by chef Anthony Hammel allows diners to enjoy signature Hue favourites at home, including yellow chicken with truffle mousse, potato terrine and leek and mushroom sauce. Each package comes with video guides to follow for reheating and plating like a pro. (HK$380 per person, until 31 March).
There’s a new limited-time seasonal seafood menu at Japanese teppanyaki restaurant Crown Super Deluxe ($988 per person, until 31 March). Descend into Black Sheep Restaurants’ lavish Japanese eatery, seat yourself at the teppan grill and watch chef Toru Takano render delights like succulent Australian spiny lobster into umami-bursting treats for a memorable meal.
Check Out Exhibitions
South Korean artist Lee Hong-min’s first solo show in Hong Kong, Meta Universe, runs until 13 March at Over the Influence gallery in Central. The Seoul-based artist’s paintings explore his coming of age and shifting perspective both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See more than 50 historic swords and pole arms, as well as 16th-century martial art manuscripts and historic objects at Way of the Sword: Warrior Traditions in China and Italy (until 4 April) at Tai Kwun in Central. Also featured is photography by Almond Chu, Chinese ink art paintings by Lin Haizhong, Zheng Li, and Lee Chi Ching, plus a selection of animations and documentaries commissioned for the exhibition.
Manifest Ephemeral (until 21 March) at Jordan gallery Tomorrow Maybe features the art of dance and movement through the lens of the ballet dancer and artist Ophelia Jacarini. The multimedia exhibition expresses the beauty of the art form through photography, sculpture and video works.
Hong Kong illustrator Ernest Chang unveils 18 new works blending pop culture figures from cartoons and games with traditional Chinese themes and backdrops for a fun clash of cultures in his show Bling Dynasty. Check out his irreverent works at The Stallery in Wan Chai (until 4 April).
Catch a Screening at an Outdoor Cinema
The Grounds has reopened with a packed programme of outdoor film screenings, gigs, yoga and wellness classes in a breezy socially distanced space by the Central Harbourfront. Get your pals together to catch cult classics like Monsters, Inc. on the big screen and tuck into food and beverage from nearby BaseHall, delivered straight to your seats on the lawn.
And while cinemas are operating again at a reduced, socially distanced capacity – there’s also a new kid on the block in the form of the Golden Scene Cinema in Kennedy Town. The new independent cinema is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream for founder and film producer Winnie Tsang, and will screen a variety of niche local and overseas films – as well as the blockbusters – in its four theatres.
Splash Out on a Staycation
While you’re waiting to take off on that next overseas adventure, you can still take advantage of staycation offers at top hotels right here in Hong Kong: among them the Four Seasons, the Langham, The Ritz-Carlton and the Gold Coast Hotel.
