Hong Kong in January 2020

The weather was surprisingly pleasant and warm for January this year. As my current stay in Hong Kong was drawing to a close, I made the most of the fine weather to get out and about to soak up the atmosphere of popular tourist sights as well as more obscure venues!

Hong Kong Observation Wheel at Central

Hong Kong Observation Wheel is located just off Pier 7 for the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui.

The 20-minute ride cost only HK$20. I was there shortly after it opened at 11.00 and had a cabin all to myself!

Along the New Central Harbourfront

The massive building site underneath the Wheel for the past few years is now AIA Vitality Park, a massive fun fair. For me a leisurely stroll along New Central Harbour Front to the Convention Centre in Wanchai was a real joy on that sunny day!

Museum of Art at Tsim Sha Tsui

Another day, another great day out. This time it was the recently re-opened Museum of Art at Tsim Sha Tsui. There was a lot to see but what caught my eyes was the contemporary Hong Kong art on the 5th floor!

Tsim Sha Tsui

No matter how many times I went to Tsim Sha Tsui I just couldn’t help taking photos! It must be one of the most photogenic places in the world!!

Heritage 1881

The Former Marine Police Headquarters Compound is one of the oldest surviving buildings of colonial Hong Kong. It’s now a hub of high-end shops and eateries.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Rooftop Garden

It is not on many tourists’ must-visit list, but the spacious rooftop garden was a haven of tranquility adorned with well tended plants and flowers.

It’s hard to believe that Kai Tak Cruise Terminal used to be the runway of Kai Tak Airport until as recently as 1998! Unfortunately none of the shops and restaurants were open when I visited. But it’s a peaceful place to spend an hour or so!

To get there I went to Kowloon Bay MTR station (Exit A2) to catch the minibus 86 to the Cruise Terminal

Jao Tsung-I Academy at Lai Chi Kok

Jao Tsung-I Academy is a cultural centre. The premises have a chequered history – a former prison, a quarantine station, a labourers’ quarters etc. There’s a bus-stop for 286X (which I took) right opposite the entrance. Admission is free

The compound is quaint rather than grand. On a sunny weekday it’s a tranquil place to spend some time. The exhibitions are rather niche, but for those really interested in the Chinese culture, especially the evolution of Chinese writing, it’s an interesting place to visit.

West Kowloon Cultural District (Austin MTR Exit D)

Xiqu Centre (戲曲中心) is an imposing building dedicated for the perforiming of traditional Chinese theatre. It looks even more impressive inside!

Just inside the entrance is the splendid atrium with a raised podium. A group of young ladies were playing a melodic tune on Chinese instruments when I visited

China Ferry Terminal

Near West Kowloon Cultural District, China Ferry Terminal was getting ready for the Chinese New Year with festive decorations

Lee Tung Street (Wanchai MTR Exit D)

Continuing with the theme of Chinese New Year decorations, I went to Lee Tung Street in Wanchai. It’s renowned for the manufacturing of wedding cards and wedding-associated items. It’s not a long street but is always colourfully decorated. It’s particularly fitting for the forthcoming Chinese New Year

Through the door on the left under the inscription “Lee Tung Avenue” there’s a lift leading to a sweet roof garden open to the public!

Finally I hope the Year of the Rat will bring some tranquility and stability to Hong Kong after all the turbulent months!