Jenny Leung

You don’t need any occasion to show your appreciation for someone with some beautiful blooms, but they sure do make a celebration that much more special. Even if you don’t have a lavish present or a Michelin-starred booking in the works, a beautiful bouquet of flowers can still be a lovely gift to melt someone’s heart. From well-established spots to modern florists with a hipster spin, here are some of our favourite places to pick up blooms. RECOMMENDED:  🕰 The latest Hong Kong shopping news🛍 Places for cheap shopping

In a city where life moves at warp speed, plenty of people turn to palm readers, tarot cards, kau cim sticks, face reading, or even bird fortune telling to get a second opinion on love, money, career or just whether tomorrow will be less chaotic than today. It’s all part cultural habit, part harmless entertainment, and occasionally, part genuine comfort when the future looks a little foggy. Whether you’re a die-hard believer or just want to see what a bird picks out of a cage for a small fee, Hong Kong delivers every flavour of fortune telling imaginable. Here are some fantastic recommendations to get you started.  

Sure, there’s plenty to do when exploring Hong Kong, but if you’re planning for a big date – well, that’s a whole different game. Lucky for you, we’re here to point you in the right direction. Whether it’s a sweet first date, a special occasion, or something to reignite that spark, here are some great date ideas that will get those butterflies going. RECOMMENDED: 💕 Hong Kong’s most romantic restaurants💐 Best flower shops and florists in Hong Kong🍫 Chocolate shops we love in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong means red packets, family chaos, and the question: where and what are we eating? Skip the home kitchen stress this Year of the Horse and let some of the city’s most talented chefs handle the auspicious spread. From Cantonese classics to glorious buffets, we’ve rounded up the city’s top CNY menus this year so you can enjoy all the festive eats with none of the hassle. RECOMMENDED: 🐴 Chinese New Year events to celebrate Year of the Horse in Hong Kong 2026 🌺 13 auspicious fruits and flowers for Chinese New Year

In Hong Kong’s rapidly changing landscape, it has become increasingly difficult to stay connected to our deep cultural and historical heritage. Luckily, over the past years, there have been many revitalisation projects across our city that recreate spaces with new functions but still celebrate history. Take a trip down memory lane as we visit some of these iconic buildings that used to have different uses back in the day.  RECOMMENDED: Read more about the city’s historical landmarks and lost architectural gems that will make you nostalgic for old Hong Kong 

With Hong Kong in constant change and flux, it’s always helpful to stop and appreciate our city’s long, complex, and fascinating past. One of the fastest-growing cities in modern history, starting from humble origins, Hong Kong’s timeline of development has left behind various markers of our storied past. And what better way to explore that past than through our efficient network of roads and streets? As a humble fishing village, Hong Kong had a small network of roads, but during the subsequent century, many new streets were paved, named, and put into use, meaning that many have a long and interesting history. Here are some of our favourites. RECOMMENDED: Hong Kong’s streets were once neon-drenched; find out more about the history, tradition, and legacy of Hong Kong’s neon signs.

Hong Kong is home to some of the most unbelievably stunning scenery and picturesque country parks, but there’s something extra beautiful about the sight of dawn-breaking sunlight that keeps every hiker and photographer excited, even if it means waking up during gruelling hours just to catch the sunrise. From beaches to hillsides, have yourself an outdoor adventure by visiting these amazing vantage points and expect to be treated to an unrivalled golden view.  RECOMMENDED: Looking for a different view? We've also got a list of the best places to watch the sunset in Hong Kong too.  

Ask a dozen Hongkongers where to get the best dim sum in Hong Kong, and you’ll likely get a dozen different answers. Dim sum is a huge part of Hong Kong’s unique heritage and cultural identity, and therefore, also a big part of our diet. There’s everything from white tablecloth establishments housed inside luxury hotels to dinky neighbourhood gems, but equally as satisfying. Ahead is a list of the very best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong. The settings may vary, but just about everything they serve is highly recommended. RECOMMENDED: Pull up a chair and eat like no one's watching at the best restaurants for solo dining in Hong Kong.

Turn back now, vegetarians, this one is for the meat lovers. Much to the delight of us carnivores, Hong Kong is home to many top steakhouses that serve all kinds of meat cuts from different countries, prepared in a number of ways, and for a range of different budgets. So, whether you’ve got a hankering for a t-bone, going simple with a sirloin or ribeye, or think you can handle a tomahawk, get your steak knife ready as we share our pick of the best steak restaurants in Hong Kong. RECOMMENDED: Prefer something else instead? Grab a table at the best hotpot restaurants in Hong Kong.

Hongkongers love hotpot. Whether it's a festive celebration, family gathering, dinner with friends, or you just need something to keep you warm – there's always an excuse for it. Perhaps that's why the city is filled with all kinds of unique hotpot venues – from retro-themed restaurants inspired by old Hong Kong to ones known for their mind-numbingly spicy broths. Keep reading to see our pick of the best hotpot restaurants in town. RECOMMENDED: Stay warm by scarfing down the best claypot rice dishes in Hong Kong.

Picking the best picture-perfect spot in Hong Kong is tough. After all, our city is practically built for Instagram. There are amazing places to admire the sunset, beautiful architecture, scenic cycling routes, and so much more. To help make things easier for you, we've put together a list of some of Hong Kong's most famous Instagram spots, as well as a handful of beautiful, must-visit gems. We'll be updating the list regularly too, so be sure to hit that bookmark button! Jump to a section: Hong Kong Island  Kowloon  New Territories & outlying islands  RECOMMENDED: If you enjoy basking in nature, Hong Kong has numerous secret islands you can check out. 

Christmas lights are twinkling across the city, and the annual Christmas markets are back in full swing. From handmade gifts and warming drinks to workshops and live music, these markets are the easiest way to get into the holiday spirit – whether you’re hunting for the perfect present or just looking for an excuse to wander around with a hot drink in hand. Here’s our guide to the best ones happening this season. RECOMMENDED:  🎄 Places to buy Christmas decorations🎁 Christmas lights and displays🍾 Festive Christmas hampers

Hong Kong's Lunar New Year flower markets are in full swing, transforming parks and playgrounds across the city into colourful, bustling bazaars that capture the festive spirit like nothing else. From February 11 to 17, these 14 markets offer a mix of auspicious plants, festive decorations, toys, handicrafts, gadgets, and plenty of street food stalls.  Victoria Park in Causeway Bay remains the biggest market with a total of 400 stalls this year, including a special 'Red Hot Chef' collaboration between HSBC and Korean star chef Anh Sung-jae featuring over 20 festive bites from top local restaurants. All markets vary in size with different opening hours each day, so pop over to our complete guide for the full rundown.

The Harbourside Swing Fest is back from April 24 to 26 for a three-day celebration of swing dancing and jazz culture. Produced by Rhythm Studio, this festival brings together world-class international instructors for inspiring workshops, alongside dance parties, competitions, and live jazz music curated by renowned local music director Nate Wong. The event welcomes dancers of all levels, but if you're a complete beginner, then be sure to check out the 'Dance in a Day' programme, where you'll get an introductory session before dancing the night away at the Harbourside Swing Fest Saturday Night Social. Registration is now open with a range of passes, while details of venues and the full schedule will follow soon. 

Stanley Plaza's annual Christmas market is a must-visit every holiday season. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the seaside holiday market is amping up the merriment with the playful theme ‘Merry Gingermas’, a nod to ginger as both a warming spice and the Cantonese slang for ‘gutsy’ (gau geung; 夠薑). For 10 consecutive days (December 19-28), the piazza and Murray House will gather over 100 stalls packed with creative gifts, handicrafts, and seriously good food. With nearly 30 food and drink brands joining in the festive fun, visitors will be pleased to see returning favourites like Hugo’s Cheese, Biergarten’s German classics, and The Nutter Company’s local gelato, alongside newcomers such as Michelin-recognised Fisholic, Curry Boy, and Jacques n Grill’s pop-up serving exclusive ginger-spiced dishes. Clan & Company by Magnolia Lab will also offer a special ginger cocktail to keep everyone warm and buzzy while browsing for gifts.

The ever-popular White Christmas Street Fair is back! This year, the market is turning Taikoo Place into a love letter to Hong Kong’s iconic neon signs. Under the theme ‘Colour the Season’, the White Christmas Street Fair will illuminate Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Square, and Taikoo Park in electric pinks, blues and golds, starting the moment you step out of Taikoo MTR and into a glowing urban light tunnel. Expect more than 40 retail and F&B stalls, including new fusion spot Cooshti and a dozen Taikoo Place restaurants serving limited-edition neon-inspired dishes and festive classics. Everything will run on digital food-and-drink coupons to cut paper waste, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own containers or rent reusable ones on-site. Even the giant neon wreath, handcrafted by neon master Wu Chi-kai, will be upcycled into table lamps after the event. Beyond shopping and eating, there will also be a two-metre Christmas gift box arena for rhythm-and-light team games, a Friday-night Cantopop disco with Cantomania, and an interactive theatre piece blending community stories with a colour-changing tree. This year’s proceeds will go to Operation Santa Claus, and for every dollar raised, Swire Properties will also match the amount with a dedicated contribution to the Tai Po relief effort.

Escape to the sunny shores of Lantau and immerse yourself in a festive Italian getaway this Christmas! The enchanting Italian-style Christmas Market returns to DB Plaza, transforming the square with cosy wooden huts from December 25 to 28. Discover a delightful selection of handmade holiday goods, savour exceptional wines, and indulge in delicious gourmet treats. Adding to the festivities, visitors will also be able to meet Santa as he hands out little gifts, see magicians performing fun tricks, enjoy kids’ dance shows, and catch an exhilarating rope-skipping show.

The China Hong Kong City Car Boot Christmas Market returns to its prime harbourfront spot in Tsim Sha Tsui for 10 days across December! Working in collaboration with local woodworking brand Start from Zero, this year’s market features over 100 stalls and a strong local line-up that includes independent fashion labels, handmade accessories, celebrity brands, vintage finds, and classic car displays. As you shop around and enjoy food and drink ranging from satay bites to craft coffee, a six-metre-tall Christmas tree will light up the space while local bands and DJs turn up the energy with live music on selected nights.

Escape to the seaside for a magical weekend as Repulse Bay turns its Palm Court into an elegant European-style Christmas market, featuring over 10 bespoke vendors – including CUÍT, INUF Breakfast Club, La La 5Curio, Mercato Gourmet, The Whisky Library, and more – will fill the courtyard with tempting treats and thoughtful gifts. On 14 December, local florist Yusaki Hanaya will also host a wreath-making workshop, while Creative Collab runs a children’s Christmas storytelling and sing-along session.

For the first time, Citygate Outlets is teaming up with Asian design platform Pinkoi to bring a massive Christmas market where you can check off your Christmas gift list all in one go. Running from December 19 to 21 and 24 to 26, the Ho~Ho~Holiday market will play host to over 100 independent designers – many of whom will be making their Hong Kong debut – flying in from all across Asia, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and beyond. Expect a joyful mix of Japanese minimalist jewellery, stylish Korean fashion, stationery from the UK, Thai artisan bags, plus award-winning coffees and festive treats from around the region.  Live indie buskers and Christmas carollers will keep the atmosphere warm, while CLUB CG members can redeem points for wreath-making or paper-clay crystal-ball workshops. Spend anything at the market and you’ll walk away with a free gift, plus a $100 Citygate e-voucher if you sign up as a new CLUB CG member on the spot.

Get your hands on everything from homemade bites to high-end designer goods at the annual Prestige Fairs for Christmas. Held in the Grand Ballroom of Conrad Hong Kong every year, the fair features over 150 small businesses and artisans from around the world, offering a range of jewellery, fashion pieces, accessories, gourmet food, homewares, children’s products and much more. There’s nothing quite like shopping for others – and for yourself – at a five-star hotel.

Hong Kong’s largest Japanese online mall Yaichi opens the first-ever Cheese Wonder pop-up store from now to July 14. Following its online sell-out success, Cheese Wonder brings its signature desserts to Hysan Place, offering the No-bake Cheese Cake ($246/six pieces) – which can be enjoyed frozen, semi-thawed, or fully thawed for varied textures – made with a rich soufflé base, smooth mousse, and crisp almond cookie.  Also available is the Wonder Sand double cheese cream sandwich cookie ($182/six pieces), featuring Hokkaido mascarpone and cheddar cream between crunchy almond cookies. For a tasty twist, use leftover chocolate crisps from the tin as a topping for milk or ice cream. These treats are available in limited quantities at the pop-up store, so don't miss out! Visit yaichi.co for more details or to purchase online. 

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is launching the HKEX Gong Tour. From June 20 to July 3, watch out for the 'Gongmobile', a mobile exhibition showcasing the actual HKEX Gong used in official listing ceremonies as it travels across the city to nine key locations. The public will have the chance to get acquainted with Hong Kong's financial history, take photos with the gong, wear the signature vests of floor traders, and explore exhibits from the HKEX Museum of Finance, including archives and videos. An interactive HKEX-themed game will also test your knowledge of Hong Kong's stock market.  The Gongmobile will stop at Central, West Kowloon, Quarry Bay, Sha Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Wan Chai, Kai Tak, Kwai Chung, and Tsim Sha Tsui. For the full schedule, visit hkexgroup.com/gongtour.

Joan Cornellà’s back in Hong Kong after a four-year break with a solo exhibition at The Fringe Club from July 11 to 27. Humorous, relatable, and kinda creepy, his artworks take a cheeky jab at life’s absurdities. This show’s packing over 100 original drawings on paper, each a satirical swipe at everything from selfie obsession to human hypocrisy. There will also be new limited-edition prints, quirky figures, T-shirts, and a fresh book to snag. Tickets are $50 each, available online only via Popticket.  READ MORE : Joan Cornellà Hong Kong Exhibition 2025: Dates, tickets, and event details

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Hong Kong’s ever-evolving food scene, you’ll recall the buzz last year when Ramenya Shima teased its arrival in our city. Well, it’s official now – the acclaimed Tokyo ramen spot is set to open its first-ever overseas branch in Causeway Bay this early March, marking a quiet but significant expansion for the brand. Located on the ground floor of Sugar+ in Causeway Bay, this new outpost promises to bring a slice of Tokyo’s ramen culture to our bustling streets. Since launching in Shibuya district back in 2020, Ramenya Shima has built a reputation that’s hard to ignore, consistently holding a spot in Tokyo’s top three ramen establishments on Japan’s restaurant review and booking website Tabelog for five years running. The shop has also scooped up awards like the Tokyo Ramen of the Year Newcomer Grand Prize in its debut year, followed by Tabelog Bronze Awards in 2022 and 2025. With a long-standing rating above four on Tabelog – a badge of honour in Japan’s competitive dining world – and inclusions in the platform’s Top 100 Restaurants list from 2021 to 2025, Ramenya Shima has become a go-to for anyone serious about their noodle slurps.  At the helm is chef-proprietor Hiroshi Morishima, a Tokyo native who’s spent his life steeped in ramen traditions. Growing up amid Japan’s noodle obsession, Morishima honed his skills before venturing abroad to spread the gospel of good broth, all while keeping one foot firmly in classic techniques. This balance of

Here’s some good news for anyone who has ever watched the minutes tick away while stuck in a check-in queue at the airport – the new Terminal 2 (T2) at Hong Kong International Airport will officially start welcoming passengers on May 27, 2026! The chairman of the Airport Authority Fred Lam made the announcement during Lunar New Year celebrations at the airport, with secretary for transport and logistics Mable Chan adding that the Three-Runway System will also be fully operational.  Opening just in time to take on the summer travel rush, the departure facilities of the expanded Terminal 2 will offer travellers a new generation of check-in facilities and numerous smart technologies all in one “trendy and vibrant space for leisure travellers”.  Around 15 airlines – mostly short-haul and regional routes – will gradually shift operations to the new terminal, including Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, and Greater Bay Airlines, as well as other short-haul flights to destinations in Southeast Asia. With most long-haul and full-service flights continuing in Terminal 1, this split should help distribute passenger traffic more evenly and give regional travellers a less crowded (and less stressful) start to their journeys. Early estimates suggest T2 could handle up to 15 million passengers by the end of 2026, with room to scale up in the coming years. While the full airside concourse and dedicated gates likely won’t arrive until 2027, passengers can easily reach T2 via the Airport Express

Forbes Travel Guide has released its 2026 Star Awards, and Hong Kong is still very much in the game. Out of the 13 hotels rated in our city, seven have earned the highest five-star rating, awarded through an anonymous, objective inspection process that evaluates consistent exceptional service, amenities, and the overall guest experience. The Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong received an impressive 20 Stars altogether for its hotel, spa, and restaurants Caprice and Lung King Heen. Meanwhile, the Mandarin Oriental family shines with The Landmark Mandarin Oriental (LMO) and Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong (MO) earning five-star honours for their hotels and spas. Numerous restaurants at both hotels also scored four and five stars, including The Krug Room, Somm, Amber, Man Wah, The Aubrey, and many more. Photograph: Courtesy Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Also on Forbes’ list with five stars is The Peninsula Hong Kong, along with its spa and French restaurant Gaddi’s, as well as The St. Regis Hong Kong, and the hotel’s contemporary French dining venue L’Envol. Regent Hong Kong and The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong also secured five-star ratings for their hotels, with The Ritz-Carlton earning the same for its spa and Cantonese restaurant Tin Lung Heen. Regent Hong Kong has been recognised for its quietly attentive, bespoke service following a recent refresh, with managing director Michel Chertouh describing the recognition as “a celebration of our dedicated team and a vote of confidence in Hong

If you’ve ever watched the midnight scramble at the Cheung Chau Bun Festival and wondered whether you could make it up that bun-covered tower without sliding straight back down, this could be your moment. Applications for the 2026 Bun Scrambling Competition – one of Hong Kong’s most iconic (and slightly mad-looking) traditions – are opening on February 23, and if you think you’ve got the grip, the nerve, and maybe a touch of luck, here’s how you can throw your hat in the ring. How to apply to the Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Competition? You’ll need to be 18 years old or above and in reasonably fit physical shape – so even though you don’t have to be a climber or athlete, you do need to be able to handle the tower safely. There are no entry fees and the whole process runs through the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s SmartPLAY system. If you’re new to it, download the My SmartPLAY app, head to smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk, or use a Smart Self-service Station to register and verify your identity. Once that’s sorted, submit your e-ballot application before the deadline on March 6, 2026. Up to 200 participants will be selected by blind ballot, with priority going to people who live, work, or study on Cheung Chau. Full rules and the application links are available on the LCSD’s dedicated Bun Carnival page. Photograph: Isaac Lawrence/AFP What happens when you get selected? Getting through the ballot is just the beginning. All successful applicants must attend mandatory safety tr

To make getting around easier during Lunar New Year, MTR is rolling out more than 600 additional train trips across various rail lines throughout the holiday period. On LNY eve (February 16), all local railway lines (except Airport Express and Disneyland Resort Line) will provide overnight services with increased trains from 3pm onwards to accommodate people heading out for family gatherings, LNY markets, and festive celebrations without rushing for the last train. The Light Rail will also operate through the night on seven routes, while three MTR Bus routes will extend their hours. For the first day of Lunar New Year (February 17), the Tuen Ma Line will run more frequent evening trips to support crowds heading to the night parade. Then on the second day of the Year of the Horse (February 18), when the Victoria Harbour fireworks are set to light up the sky, seven lines – Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, South Island Line, Tuen Ma Line, East Rail Line, and Tung Chung Line – will see increased frequencies in the evening to help people get there and home safely. As for those heading out to the airport, the Airport Express will have an earlier start with the first train departing from Hong Kong Station at 5.35am from February 14 to 16, and the last train from AsiaWorld-Expo station leaving at 1am on February 19 and 22. And if you’re celebrating the festival at Disneyland, there will be more trains on the Disneyland Resort Line during its morning services from the firs

Lunar New Year in Hong Kong means one thing above all: the flower markets and fairs. Every year, the city transforms parks and playgrounds into vibrant outdoor bazaars filled with auspicious plants, decorations, toys and handicrafts, street food, and that unmistakable pre-festive buzz.  For the Year of the Horse, 14 Lunar New Year fairs and flower markets are running across the city from February 11 to February 17. To check real-time crowd levels at the market you’re heading to, visit the FEHD live status page here – it updates every five minutes so you can pick the best time to go. Full list of 14 Lunar New Year Flower Markets 2026: Victoria Park, Causeway Bay  Victoria Park remains the undisputed king of the flower markets with 400 stalls this year. Expect hundreds of vendors selling seasonal blooms and potted plants, while others offer things like festive decorations, plush toys, quirky gadgets, and more. Food is also a major draw at Victoria Park this year. Apart from the usual Lunar New Year treats and street food, HSBC has also collaborated with Korean star chef Anh Sung-jae for the ‘Red Hot Chef’ food stall featuring over 20 festive delicacies from some of Hong Kong’s most popular restaurants.   When: Feb 11-12 (8am-midnight) Feb 13-15 (8am-1am next day) Feb 16 (8am-7am next day) Number of stalls: 400 Address: 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay Transport: Causeway Bay MTR station exit E (Gloucester Road entrance) / Tin Hau MTR station exit A2 (Hing Fat Street entrance)

Did you know that Hong Kong is home to the world’s tallest Coca-Cola bottling facility? Sitting quietly in Sha Tin, this plant has been making drinks for the city since 1965. Having just marked its 60th anniversary, Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong is closing out the milestone year by letting the public inside its newly upgraded Hong Kong Coca-Cola Museum for the very first time with three special guided tours. Photograph: Courtesy Swire Coca-Cola HK ‘The Bottling Hunt’ experience is a one-hour time-travel adventure that follows the brand’s ‘Made in Hong Kong’ story. It’s far from a mundane walkthrough, as they’ve thrown in enough interactive moments to keep adults and kids engaged, while still giving you a solid understanding of how the brand became part of daily life here and what the modern production process and sustainability plans are all about. Photograph: Courtesy Swire Coca-Cola HK Photograph: Courtesy Swire Coca-Cola HK The tour begins in the lobby, where rows of bottle designs and collectables from different eras are displayed. Next comes a recreated 1886 Jacobs’ Pharmacy – Coca-Cola’s first-ever retail point – where visitors can put on period costumes, take on the role of lab assistants to Dr John Pemberton, and take part in a quick scent challenge to identify classic flavours. From there, the route traces key local milestones, starting in 1965 when Swire Group obtained the exclusive right to manufacture, market, and distribute Coca-Cola products, through to the co

If you’ve been tempted by a plate of fresh oysters lately, perhaps you should hold off that craving for another time. The city is currently dealing with a sudden uptick in food poisoning cases, with raw (or undercooked) seafood, particularly oysters, turning out to be the common link in the majority of incidents. The latest cluster to make Hong Kong headlines involves eight people (five men and three women, all in their late 20s) who dined at the Clipper Lounge in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on January 31 and February 2. They ate raw oysters, salmon sashimi, crab legs, and brown crab, and between 25 and 75 hours later, symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever had set in. Four of them sought medical care, but no one required hospitalisation and all are now recovering steadily. After field inspection by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS), early indications pointed towards the raw items as the likely source. The restaurant has since been instructed to pause sales of the suspect dishes, carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection, and strengthen food-handling practices. This incident isn’t a one-off case either. Reported cases have climbed steadily from roughly one per week in late December last year, to an average of four cases in January. For the past few weeks alone (from January 18 to February 9), a total of 37 food poisoning cases have affected well over 100 people, with norovirus responsible for the vast majority. Time and again, epidemiological inve

If your usual weekend plans could use a dose of retro glamour, clear your calendar for April 24 to 26 as the Harbourside Swing Fest returns. This three-day event, dedicated to celebrating vintage dance and jazz culture, promises a weekend filled with infectious rhythms, global talent, and immersive experiences that transport participants back to the golden era of Lindy Hop.  Photograph: Courtesy Harbourside Swing Fest Highlights to look forward to include a stellar lineup of instructors from around the world. Headlining the teaching roster are French experts Marion Quesne and Sylvain Guiheneuc, known for their dynamic energy and deep love for Lindy Hop. They’ll be joined by regional powerhouses Adamas Kim from Korea and Sing Lim from Singapore – both of whom trained directly under Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning and have since built thriving scenes in their home countries. Music takes centre stage too, with a dedicated roster of live jazz performances curated by acclaimed local music director Nate Wong.  Photograph: Courtesy Harbourside Swing Fest One of the festival’s most anticipated activities is the ‘Dance in a Day’ programme that’s perfect for beginners. In a single immersive session, newcomers can go from learning the ropes to dancing the night away at the Harbourside Swing Fest Saturday Night Social. It’s an invitation to experience the full spirit of swing dancing without any prior commitment. Photograph: Courtesy Harbourside Swing Fest Whether it’s workshops,

Hong Kong’s pet owners have been waiting for this one: the chance to bring their dogs along for a proper sit-down meal indoors – and to stop feeling guilty every time they leave their best friend at home to go out for dinner. For decades, the city’s food premises have operated under strict rules from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), banning dogs (and most pets) inside to ensure food safety and hygiene. Only guide dogs and approved service animals have been allowed as exceptions, with hefty fines possible for violations – but a new policy is about to change that for the first time in over 30 years. As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, the government is introducing a special permit that will let selected restaurants welcome dogs indoors. The initiative aims to support the growing pet community and boost the local ‘pet economy’ by giving businesses new ways to attract customers. In late January 2026, the secretary for environment and ecology Tse Chin-wan informed the Legislative Council that the first batch of these special permits is targeted for approval by mid-2026, with application dates yet to be confirmed.  The rollout will be limited to roughly 500 to 1,000 permits to allow for monitoring and adjustments before wider expansion. If demand exceeds the quota, permits will be allocated via a lottery system. Operators will be required to pay an application fee of $140 and must follow detailed guidelines such as displaying clear signage at entrances, pr

When it comes to celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, no event is more grand than the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. Listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, this cherished tradition draws massive crowds of Hongkongers and visitors every year, all for a glimpse of this blazing spectacle. Read on to find out when, where, and what is happening this year.  What is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance? With more than 140 years of history, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is an annual tradition commemorating the triumph over a plague that once broke out in Tai Hang in 1880. This ritual sees a magnificent dragon – spanning 67 metres and meticulously crafted using more than 10,000 burning incense sticks – paraded through the streets of Tai Hang by around 300 performers. In 2011, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance was inscribed onto the third national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. When is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance happening? The dance will take place from Sunday, October 5 to Tuesday, October 7, starting from 7pm. Special traffic arrangements will be in place to facilitate the event, so be sure to make note of any road closures, traffic diversions, and the suspension of parking spaces. If an Amber Rainstorm Warning or above is issued, or a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 and above is hoisted, the event will be cancelled, so keep an eye on the weather. Where will the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance take place? Before the parade begins, officiating guests will perform rituals

Of all the weird and wonderful traditions we have in Hong Kong, this one is definitely up there. Whether you’ve had a bad day at work, couldn’t sleep because of a noisy neighbour, or have an ex who just won’t stop pestering you, the ancient Chinese custom of villain hitting (打小人; pronounced ‘da siu yan’ in Cantonese) might be able to solve all your problems – by metaphorically crushing them into oblivion with a shoe and some paper. Yes, it’s as strange as it sounds, so you better read on as we tell you all about it.  Photograph: Jenny Leung Photograph: Jenny Leung What is villain hitting? Villain hitting is a traditional folk ritual practised in parts of China, in particularly Hong Kong and Guangdong. This ceremony involves creating a paper effigy that represents your ‘villain’ – be it your annoying coworker, a frenemy, or that guy/girl who ghosted you – and battering it with a shoe to curse away the negative energy and bad spirits.    Photograph: Jenny Leung  What is the process of villain hitting? First, you will need to buy a villain hitting pack that usually costs around $50. Then, find a villain hitting stall and tell the hitter details about what, or who, it is that you want to get rid of from your life. Remember, the more specific the better. The hitter will then create a paper effigy and beat the living daylights out of it while reciting chants that basically tell any bad spirits to bugger off. The effigy is then burned to symbolise the destruction of your probl