The hottest summer months have arrived in Hong Kong, and with them a burning desire for a holiday. But while you’re waiting to get away, why not make the most of the city and rediscover the best Hong Kong experiences? That might mean a staycation at one of the city’s numerous hotels, outdoor adventures tackling one of Hong Kong’s best hikes, baking on one of its gorgeous beaches, or treating your taste buds to seasonal menus and new restaurants.
You could also venture a little further out of town. Head to Starfish Bay, next to Wu Kai Sha MTR station, where starfish and other creatures can be seen in the clear waters. The cove is a conservation area housing clams, oysters, sea urchins, crabs and even small stingrays. The lower the tide, the further you can explore the shallow regions along the shore. Refer to the Tide Forecast to plan your exploration schedule during a low tide. From 13 to 16 August, low tides will occur after sunset and early in the morning, meaning you can explore at night for added thrills.
Read on for more of the best things to do in Hong Kong this August.
Treat Yourself at the Mandarin Spa
Missing your summer wellness escape? Well, the good news is that you can still rejuvenate your mind and body with a pampered spa experience right here in Hong Kong. Step away from the laptop and spend the day unwinding at Mandarin Spa’s Hypnotherapy Spa treatment with Christine Deschemin. Choose between three hypnosis-based workshops: Hypno-relaxation, Slimming Hypnosis and Bespoke Hypnotherapy, starting at HK$1,500 per person.
Alternatively, join the Mandarin Spa’s TaiQi Yoga or Martial Arts Combat Yoga classes for spiritual relaxation, peace and tranquillity. Led by Ella Tham from PURE Yoga, the classes cost HK$1,000 per person.
Swap a Vacation for Intoxi-cation at Quinary
Replicate those holiday vibes with a fun night out and some fabulous cocktails. Hollywood Road hangout Quinary has one of the best cocktail menus in town: try its new South Seas offering (HK$160), made in partnership with Hong Kong’s homegrown Two Moons Distillery gin. The concoction channels salty ocean air with fruity scents of calamansi and yuzu. Meanwhile the eccentric Cool Lagoon (HK$140), made with Thai and Italian basil, muscat grape liqueur, pickled jalapeno syrup and lime juice, will have you dreaming of faraway lands.
Grab a Vegan Bubble Tea at Mother Pearl
Bubble tea gets a health-conscious twist at Mother Pearl, with beverages featuring plant-based vegan ‘mylk’. Get your guilt-free boba from Mother Pearl’s pop-up at The Upper House until 31 August. You’ll also find exclusive treats like organic, Fairtrade affogato with vegan ice cream – the perfect pick-me-up for a sweltering summer afternoon.
Have a Tropical Bowling Party
Score the perfect strike while enjoying cocktails, snacks, live music and DJs at the Tikitiki Bowling Bar in Sai Kung. The larger-than-life venue is all about tropical-themed fun: whether that’s mermaid and pirate-themed kids birthday parties; ice-breaker dates with dinner and free-flow; or a chilled day out with friends and family.
Explore the city’s local talent
There’s plenty of places to soak up Hong Kong’s homegrown creativity, from the spontaneous busking performances along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront to Freespace’s Lau Bak Livehouse in West Kowloon Cultural District. Here you’ll find a diverse line-up every weekend and select weeknights, ranging from jazz and electronica to experimental music. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, or enjoy craft beer, signature cocktails and delicious meals onsite.
You can even become art at A Thousand Plateaus this month. This multimedia experiment relies on audience participation, merging virtual reality, audio commentary, musical soundscapes and storytelling, to embark on a journey of sensory and identity exploration.
Hands-On History Workshops
Delve into the past with a series of free workshops at the Hong Kong Museum of History. There’s everything from a coin-press workshop to art-jamming. Build a double-decker tram model, craft paper lanterns or learn about traditional marriage customs. Sessions are free of charge on a first-come-first-served basis
Check out Exhibitions
The city’s art scene this summer does not disappoint. Liquid Ground at Para Site in Quarry Bay presents a thought-provoking look at land reclamation and climate change, with various artworks posing questions about our future and examining Hong Kong’s own history of land reclamation.
The Hong Kong Museum of Art also takes inspiration from geography, with its Rediscovering Landscape Trilogy. This exhibition features three outdoor sculptures made of concrete and steel, assembled to mimic the vastness of the mountains. The outdoor installation is showing until 31 August at Salisbury Garden’s Art Square.
Bhutan may be unreachable right now, but you can still explore elements of its culture through the colourful Contemporary & Bhutan Heritage Art Exhibition at PMQ, which runs until 19 August. Created by Nima Dorj, a Bhutanese thankgka artist living in Hong Kong, the exhibition marks the first time Dorj has displayed his new, non-traditional art pieces.
The Olympics has ended and the Paralympics is about to begin: making the passion of sportspeople the ideal subject for PMQ’s Fever – R10 Solo Art Exhibition. Showing until 30 September, this exhibition shines a light on the emotional side of sports, featuring portraits of footballers as they experience feelings from hope to jubilation.
Shopping Local and Organic at The Mills
Together with farmers from the Sustainable Ecological Ethical Development Foundation (SEED), the Mills will be running a farmer’s market to promote the concept of community-supported agriculture on 21 and 22 August, from noon to six. Explore lesser-known farm produce and learn agricultural tips from the experts. You’ll also be able to visit Greenfield Organic’s pop-up, selling seasonal foods on weekends until 29 August.
Splash Out on a Staycation
Don’t forget: while you’re waiting to take off on that next overseas adventure, you can still take advantage of staycation offers at acclaimed hotels right here in Hong Kong: among them the Upper House, the St Regis Hong Kong, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong and Ovolo.
