Life as we know it is finally inching its way toward the so-called “new normal,” as the pandemic slowly fades into the background. If you enjoy being immersed in arts and culture while relishing amazing food destinations and endless shopping opportunities, then Hong Kong is still the place for you.
By Alvy S. Alviar
Hong Kong, the once and perhaps future destination that continues to have its own unique appeal among Filipinos, is on the verge of reopening. This time, it seeks to lure in guests by primarily appealing to their souls through arts and culture. Here’s a sampling of what to expect once Hong Kong finally rolls out the welcome mat.
Situated somewhere in the Kowloon peninsula, this West Kowloon neighborhood of Hong Kong embodies the rich offerings of traditional local culture and world-class arts. The local communities of Jordan and Yau Ma Tei, for instance, are home to a wide range of trendy as well as traditional arts that vivifies Chinese tradition and craftsmanship. In turn, the amalgamation of such traditions and innovations perfectly showcases the endless creativity of local talents in this part of China. Meanwhile, along the Victoria Harbor waterfront, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) boasts of one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world.
Chief among them is M+. Considered as one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world, it is also seen and recognized as the first of its kind in Asia. Just opened last November, it presents around 1,500 works of art drawn from the M+ collections in the 17,000-sq. m. exhibition space that spans 33 exhibition halls and other display spaces in the museum. The M+ building is among Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks and the newest must-visit attraction, with its 65-m M+ Facade visible from Hong Kong Island.
A visit at the Palace
If you’re still itching to go around and experience more of what Hong Kong has to offer, then why not stop by at the Hong Kong Palace Museum? With its aspirations to become one of the world’s leading cultural institutions committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese arts and culture, the Hong Kong Palace Museum also aims to advance dialogue among world civilizations through international partnerships. Embracing new curatorial approaches, it seeks to offer a Hong Kong perspective and a global vision, presenting the finest objects from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world.
Heritage building
Stepping away from the must-see attractions, you also have the opportunity to dive into the neighborhood’s relatively simpler yet culturally important attractions. One noteworthy sight is a heritage building converted into a boutique art hotel in Yau Ma Tei called Tung Nam Lou. A neighborhood seafood restaurant during its past life, it was transformed into an office building before finally morphing into a hotel that celebrates local culture through the arts. Trendsetting experiential art fills visitors’ senses in every imaginable way.
If you’re planning to bring home unique souvenirs to your loved ones, try stopping by Sindart to get your hands on some traditional embroidered shoes. Miru Wong, the third-generation owner, inherits the delicate skills of embroidery from her grandfather and continues to add new spins to these silk-brocade slippers by breathing new life to the traditional Chinese footwear. The non-traditional motifs and patterns, as well as new styles of footwear such as flats and heels, have also proven to be a hit among the younger generation.
If collecting footwear isn’t your thing, why not browse through Uncle King’s “Biu Kee Mahjong” shop and get yourself your own set of handcrafted mahjong tiles? The game of mahjong is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, played at family gatherings and during important festivals like the Chinese New Year. A true master of the craft for over five decades now, Uncle King deftly etches symbols and numbers onto the smooth faces of bare tiles, before bringing them to life by painting them in vivid colors. He also makes custom tiles that can bear anything from names to cartoon characters.
For more information about Hong Kong and its stunning West Kowloon neighborhood, visit discoverhongkong.com and @DiscoverHongKong on Facebook.
