9 incredible spots in Hong Kong to visit starting with sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

There’s no better way to begin your friends’ initiation to Hong Kong than by showing off our city’s stunning skyline. And we can’t think of a more dazzling spot that shows off the renowned landscape than at sky100 Observation Deck. Standing at 393m above sea level, sky100 carries the mantle of the tallest building in the city. The sprawling space on the 100th floor consistently wins over out-of-towners and locals alike with its unrivalled 360-degree views of our SAR, making it the ideal place for selfies and check-ins. But don’t just come here for the gorgeous view – there’s also a 28-metre-long interactive multimedia story wall showcasing 100 delightful local tales and anecdotes, a VR ride on the deck, and an AR app to have fun with, too. 

After taking in the iconic sky-high views of the city, it’s time for culture. And for that, look no further than the newly opened (and neighbouring) cultural arts hub Xiqu Centre. Situated in West Kowloon Cultural District, the eight-storey opera house offers spectacular Cantonese Opera and Cantonese music performances. Check out Xiqu Centre’s Tea House Theatre Experience, presented by the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe in Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles, with in-depth explanations by trained docents. Audiences can enjoy the show in an intimate and authentic setting complete with traditional Chinese tea and dim sum. Sky High & Nearby Voucher Offer: 12 percent discount on Teahouse Theatre tickets.

Founded in 1905, Liu Ma Kee has been producing the age-old Chinese delicacy of wet bean curd for Hong Kong families for more than a century. This family business remains at the same location they’ve been at for decades and their handmade condiments are still made exactly the way as they have been since the beginning – with a traditional stone mill to grind the soybeans, with no MSG or preservatives added. Chefs in Hong Kong have even creatively made use of this “Chinese cheese” as a carbonara sauce and as a spread for toast together with condensed milk. Grab a bottle or two of Liu Ma Kee’s signature wet bean curd to savour the flavours of old Hong Kong. Sky High & Nearby Voucher Offer: 12 percent discount on purchases of premium wet bean curd.

Founded in 1958, Sindart is one of the oldest stores in Hong Kong that makes and sells traditional handmade Chinese embroidered slippers. This cosy shop in Jordan is currently run by Miru Wong, the granddaughter of Sindart’s original founder. Wong has been making embroidered footwear since primary school and is proud to continue her family business and this unique cultural heritage. While the store still carries many traditional designs, Wong is also constantly coming up with new designs and modern twists to appeal to a larger and younger market.  Sky High and Nearby Voucher Offer: 20 percent discount upon spending of $500 or above.

Known as the 'Hong Kong King of Knives', owner Chan Wah of Chan Wah Kee is one of the last remaining master knife sharpeners in Asia. Chan has personally sharpened each and every knife he’s sold over the past 70 years at his shop on Temple Street. His customers have varied from tailors to chefs to butchers from all over the world, and he has sharpened the likes of willow knives, slicers, choppers, paring knives and more – he’s done it all. Sky High and Nearby Voucher Offer: 20 percent discount on any regular-priced items.

Another important character in a fading industry, Cheung Shun-king of Biu Kee Mahjong is one of the few remaining artisan mahjong tile carvers left in Hong Kong. The art of hand carving mahjong tiles is so rare that it’s listed as one of Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritages by the government. Visitors can head to Biu Kee to buy a set of Cheung’s high-quality, hand-carved mahjong tiles and even have them customised with specific characters or patterns as unique souvenirs or gifts. Sky High and Nearby Voucher Offer: 20 percent discount on any regular-priced items.

Mak Kam-sang established his business in the 1970s, hand-painting acrylic signs for our city’s iconic red minibuses that cut through the winding streets of Kowloon. His shop in Jordan has stood witness to the many changes of red minibuses over the years and is now the last standing shop in Hong Kong that offers hand-painted acrylic minibus signs. Support his craft by paying him a visit on Battery Street in Yau Ma Tei and you can even request hand-painted minibus signs with personalised phrases to take home as one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Sky High and Nearby Voucher Offer: 20 percent discount on any regular-priced items.

Also in Yau Ma Tei, Kwok Fai Steamcase & Kitchenware Co has been selling kitchenware in Shanghai Street for over 40 years. Renowned for its durable stainless steel products, Kwok Fai also offers a wide range of dessert moulds that keep pace with changing trends including steel moulds of our city’s most beloved street food snack – eggettes. You can easily make your own egg waffles every time you start feeling nostalgic about Hong Kong. Sky High and Nearby Voucher Offer: 20 percent discount on any regular-priced items.

Across Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island is another cultural hotspot not to be missed. The former Police Married Quarters (PMQ) in Central’s Soho district has undergone major revitalisation efforts as it was transformed into the landmark for creative design it is today. More than 100 boutiques and studios of up-and-coming local designers can be found between the floors of PMQ, where vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewellery and clothes to homemade trinkets. Pop-up stores from international designers, craft workshops and night markets are also a common occurrence here, making PMQ a popular stomping ground for hipsters and design enthusiasts. Sky High and Nearby Voucher Offer: 20 percent discount upon purchase on any of 8 designated items at participating stores.