Craving some local culture and history? Check out new ways to discover old Hong Kong with the fam. We've uncovered kiddie friendly heritage hikes, Tang Dynasty gardens, a traditional teahouse, Jean-Claude Van Damme's old Kowloon stomping grounds, and more. Pack up the kiddos and start exploring!
Check out the world’s largest building constructed without nails. Little culture vultures might enjoy the treasure trove of relics on display in the halls and the complex’s Tang Dynasty architecture. Kids love running wild in the gardens and the educational exhibitions and performances. Take a break at the teahouse and reputable resto serving veg Chinese delights!
Chi Lin Nunnery, 5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, +852 2354 1888, www.chilin.org.
Pick up The Heritage Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong by Peter Spurrier. The book is packed with fun facts about Hong Kong's history. You will be amazed and discover colonial forts, historical homes, backstreet shophouses, wartime tunnels and more in your very own backyard. The easy to read maps and walking tours are perfect for families to discover HK together!
Bookazine, Click here to purchase.
Pop into the Tea Museum (built in the 1840's as the residence of the Commander of the British Forces) and then enjoy seriously delish veg dim sum and tea service at the quaint traditional Lockcha Tea House in Hong Kong Park. Kids especially love the blooming jasmine tea! Afterwards, take a stroll through HK Park to the koi fish pond and multiple-level playground.
LockCha Tea House, G/F, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, Hong Kong, +852 2801 7177, www.lockcha.com.
Take a day trip to zen out at the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in the New Territories! Start by climbing the stairs past the smiling life-size golden buddhas. At the top, take in the views and discover the five temples, four pavilions, verandah, and pagoda. Make a weekend out of it and book a staycation at the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin!
10,000 Buddhas, 221 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 2691 1067, contact@10kbuddhas.org. Open everyday from 10am - 5pm.
Jet over to Mongkok for a full day of local market activities. Start at the Flower Market and walk down rows and rows of flowers, plants, and pots. Veer into the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden to find every little chirper imaginable and meet some 'talking' birds and then stroll around the corner to the Goldfish Market with plenty of rare fish for little ones to gaggle over.
Flower Market, Flower Market Road, Mongkok, Hong Kong, Website. Open everyday 7am to 7pm.
Bird Garden, Yuen Po Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong, Website. Open everyday 7am to 8pm.
The Goldfish Market, Tung Choi Street North Section, Mongkok, Hong Kong, Website. Open daily 10:30am to 10pm.
Seeking a bit of alfresco culture? Stroll on over to the beautiful Kowloon Walled City Park steeped with Hong Kong history and lore. Walk the paths, peak into the only remaining building from the Walled City, and enjoy the fascinating photos and interactive exhibition for kids and adults. Check out clips from Jean-Claude Van Damme’s movie that was filmed when the Walled City was still standing!
Kowloon Walled City Park, Tung Tau Tsuen Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Website. Take a taxi from MTR Lok Fu Station Exit B to the entrance on Tung Tau Tsuen Road.
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Shatin is a one-stop fun fest for history, arts and culture for the whole family. The Children’s Discovery gallery is specially designed for children 4 to 10 years old and features 8 learning playzones where kiddos can discover old Hong Kong, learn about the wonders of nature and mysteries of archaeology, and more.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, +852 2180 8188, heritagemuseum.gov.hk. Closed on Tuesdays.
Ok, the structure is not exactly historic, but Buddha is! Zip over to the world’s tallest outdoor seated Buddha on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. Visit the Ngong Ping Nature Centre for info on ecological resources and then hit the hiking trails to explore. Fun!
Po Lin Monastery and Giant Buddha, Lantau, Hong Kong, www.np360.com.hk.
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