Tao Xu
Quick Glance — What's Inside
I've lost count how many times tourists tell me they felt Hong Kong was just skyscrapers and shopping. Then I drag them to one of these hidden spots and watch their jaws drop. Here's my personal list of truly offbeat places—no Instagram crowds, no overpriced gimmicks.
Why Hunt for Hidden Gems in Hong Kong?
Let's be real: Victoria Peak and Tsim Sha Tsui are amazing, but they're packed. You queue 40 minutes for the tram, then fight for a railing view. Meanwhile, 15 minutes away by ferry, you can have a whole beach to yourself. The secret? Most visitors never leave the main island. Hong Kong's hidden gems are scattered across outlying islands, old villages, and forgotten colonial relics. They're not promoted because they're not commercial—and that's exactly why you should go.
Tai O: Stilt Houses & Seafood
Tai O is a fishing village where houses balance on stilts over tidal flats. It's often called the "Venice of Hong Kong," but that's cheesy. It's unique in its own gritty, salty way. You'll see elderly women making shrimp paste, dried seafood hanging in the sun, and narrow lanes with tiny temples.
How to Get There
Take Bus 11 from Tung Chung MTR station (Exit B). The ride takes about 50 minutes. Get off at Tai O Bus Terminus. Alternatively, take a ferry from Central to Mui Wo, then bus 1. I prefer the bus—it's faster and cheaper.
What to Do
- Walk the stilt houses along Tai O Creek. Best light: early morning or late afternoon.
- Visit the Tai O Heritage Hotel—a former police station turned boutique hotel. Even if you don't stay, have a drink on the roof terrace.
- Eat at Sing Kee Seafood Restaurant (address: 44 Kat Hing Street). Try the steamed fish and squids. Cash only, about HK$150 per person.
My tip: The pink dolphin tours are often disappointing. Skip them—the dolphins rarely show, and boats are noisy.
Peng Chau: Car-Free Island Escape
Peng Chau is a tiny island with zero cars—only bicycles and walking paths. It has a lovely promenade, a 200-year-old temple, and a quiet beach (Tung Wan). The island feels frozen in the 1970s. You can walk around the entire island in 2 hours.
How to Get There
Take a ferry from Central Pier No. 6. Ferries run every 30-60 minutes. Journey time: 25-40 minutes (fast ferry vs ordinary). Octopus card works. Fare around HK$20.
Must-Do
- Visit Fung Ping Shan—an abandoned granite quarry turned hillside with wild grass. Great photo spot.
- Grab a bite at Island Cafe (address: 44 Peng Chau Road). Their pineapple bun is legendary—crispy top, soft inside. Only HK$8.
Pain point: There's almost no shade on the walking trail. Bring water and a hat. And yes, you can rent a bike from the pier for HK$30/hour.
Lady Clementi's Ride: Abandoned Colonial Path
This is for adventurous souls. Lady Clementi's Ride is a historic trail built in the 1920s for the wife of a British governor. It's now a jungle-covered path hugging the hillside above Pok Fu Lam. You'll see crumbling stone railings, mossy steps, and occasional sea views. It's eerie and beautiful.
Access
Start at the end of Victoria Road near the new Pok Fu Lam Village. The entrance is just after a small bus stop. Look for a sign saying "Lady Clementi's Ride"—it's easy to miss. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. The trail takes about 45 minutes one way to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir.
Bamboo Theatre & Pineapple Bun Bakery
Hidden in Kowloon City, the Nga Tsin Wai Village holds a temporary bamboo theatre during festivals. But even without festivals, you can explore the old village lanes. Nearby, a tiny bakery called Ho Hung Kee (address: 66 Nga Tsin Wai Road) bakes the best pineapple buns in town. They come out hot at 3 PM. Buy one, then walk to the small garden next door—peace.
Cattle Depot Artist Village
Once a cattle quarantine depot, this walled compound in Ma Tau Kok was turned into an artist village. It's a cluster of low-rise brick buildings with iron gates, now housing studios and galleries. Very few tourists come. You can wander freely, sometimes catch an open studio, and see raw art spaces.
Practical Info
- Address: 63 Ma Tau Kok Road, To Kwa Wan
- Open: Daily 10 AM – 8 PM (some studios closed Mon)
- Free entry. No reservation needed.
- Nearest MTR: To Kwa Wan station (Exit B), then 10-minute walk.
Shek O: Secluded Beach & Rock Formations
Shek O is on the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island, far from the crowds. It has a beautiful sandy beach with clear water, plus a headland with dramatic rock formations and a white lighthouse. The village is laid-back, with a few casual seafood restaurants.
Getting There
Take bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR station (Exit A3). The 30-minute ride winds along the coast—sit on the right side for ocean views. Bus runs every 15 minutes.
What to Do
- Swim at Shek O Beach (lifeguards present May–October).
- Hike to Big Wave Bay (about 40 minutes along a coastal trail).
- Eat at Shek O Chinese & Western Restaurant (address: 303 Shek O Village). Their fried squid and garlic prawns are fantastic. Average HK$100 per person.
Heads up: Weekends can get busy, but still much less crowded than Repulse Bay. Arrive before 11 AM to secure a good spot on the sand.
FAQ: Common Pain Points
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