Hongkongers are encouraged to rediscover the city’s hidden gems in a new “West Kowloon” neighborhood program which brings many little-known corners of the city under the spotlight, such as a condiment store in Jordan promoting western dishes fused with traditional fermented tofu.
The latest program launched by the Hong Kong Tourism Board - “West Kowloon,” highlights the neighborhood’s rich heritage and vibrant street life in Yau Ma Tei and Jordan.
To reflect the unique characteristics of each area, the board has devised five thematic walking tours focused on Heritage & Craftmanship, Cultural Arts and Culinary Arts.
The routes cover many hidden gems of the city, such as a bookstore hidden in the Tin Hau Temple, a seafood restaurant transformed into an art hotel, and a sandalwood fan store - which opened in 1958 and is one of few remaining in Hong Kong.
The routes offer recommendations for more than 50 points of interest, shops, and restaurants, and are available as an interactive e-map on the HKTB website.
The board said it hopes local residents can savor the experience first before the reopening of borders and discover hidden gems within their community, rekindling their enthusiasm and appreciation and creating a harmonious art-life aura in the West Kowloon neighborhood.
The board’s Executive Director Dane Cheng Ting-yat said experiential tourism is a rising and inspiring trend, particularly where it blends art and culture with authentic local life.
“The HKTB believes the West Kowloon neighborhood program will not only drive domestic tourism and stimulate consumption, but also spread a positive message and showcase Hong Kong’s new art and cultural travel opportunities to the world and fire up interest in the district among visitors, who are keen to return as soon as borders reopen,” said Cheng.
He also encouraged tour operators to create in-depth tours for Hong Kong residents to help them plan ahead for the return of international visitors.
