The Insider’s Guide to Wong Chuk Hang…
From industrial nobody to the hippest district in Hong Kong, Wong Chuk Hang has gone through quite a metamorphosis. Once home to over 1000 factories, the neighbourhood has transformed into one of the island’s trendiest locations and cultural hubs, with industrial-chic hotels, housing developments, restaurants and shops opening their doors, giving locals and tourists good reason to head to the south of Hong Kong Island.
When you check in at Southside by Ovolo, make sure to check out what’s putting this neighbourhood on the map. And yes, there is much more to Wong Chuk Hang than just Ocean Park.
Here are our top things to do in Wong Chuk Hang:
Wong Chuk Hang Restaurants
Whether you are craving a local favourite, 5-star dining, or calling it a night with some comfort food, Wong Chuk Hang serves up a variety of cuisines to keep your taste buds excited. For your morning brew or a lazy lunch, head to Africa Coffee and Tea and take in the views from the 15th floor while sipping on fragrant teas and specialty coffees from Uganda and Ethiopia.
Good news is that you won’t need to venture far to experience one of Wong Chuk Hang’s best restaurants, with Komune located within Southside by Ovolo. Think Mediterranean vegetarian flavours with a menu featuring gluten-free pizzas, fresh pappardelle and roasted cauliflower with homemade baba ganoush.
Wong Hang Chuk Shopping
Horizon Plaza, a converted factory that spans over 26 storeys, is home to over 100 shops with a range of top designer brands conveniently located under one roof. Hugo Boss, Chloe, Max Mara…the list is endless.
Take a stroll down Yip Fat Street in Wong Chuk Hang, and you’ll find Hula, a retail warehouse selling pre-loved designer clothes and accessories from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Fendi. Located down the road, Float Captain is home to a range of surfboards, fins and accessories, from towels and tote bags to cool caps and surfboard covers.
Brewery Tours
As the largest craft beer brewhouse in Hong Kong, Young Master Brewery is an absolute must-visit for beer lovers. The brewery, located on Wong Chuk Hang Road, is a leader within the Asian craft beer scene, offering a wide range of tasty beers, from contemporary pilsners to classic pale ales and limited edition brews. Located a mere 5-minute walk from Southside by Ovolo, Young Master Brewery is open to visitors on Saturdays, with hour-long private tours and tastings available on request.
Conveniently located next door to Young Master Brewery on Wong Chuk Hang Road is Black Kite Brewery. The brewery hosts two-hour tours once a month, with a sampling of the brewery’s bestselling beers, including their Blue Taxi Cold IPA and Hawker’s Chestnut Red Ale.
Wong Chuk Hang Art Scene
Over the years, Wong Chuk Hang has transformed into a cultural hub with one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant art scenes. For potters and ceramics lovers, Lump Studio offers group and private classes in a trendy warehouse location. And for the ultimate freestyle painting experience, artjamming’s Wong Chuk Hang 2,000 square-foot studio is the place to be. Even walking through the streets of Wong Chuk Hang, you may spot some incredible street art and murals. In 2017, the district played host to HKwalls, an annual street art and mural festival that colours the city streets of Hong Kong.
If your preference is viewing art rather than creating your own, then Blindspot Gallery and Rossi & Rossi on Wong Chuk Hang Road are two of the best galleries to peruse in the area.
Red Doors Studio
With so much to see and do in Wong Chuk Hang, sometimes a little relaxation and inner healing are in order. Red Door Studio is home to Asia’s largest personal collection of meditation gongs that induce a state of spontaneous meditation and relaxation. The studio, located on Wong Chuk Hang Road, offers multiple modalities, including meditation, sound healing, kundalini yoga and bodywork.
Aberdeen Country Park
Despite what many may think, Hong Kong is not just a concrete jungle. The city loves to flaunt her green side. A hike around Aberdeen Country Park is the perfect afternoon getaway to soak up some sun, get your Insta-worthy shots, and burn off those delicious calories. Aberdeen Park, one of the oldest parks in the city, is filled with hiking trails and vantage points to take in the stunning views of the island. The park is found just north of Wong Chuk Hang, only a short drive from Southside by Ovolo.
Ap Lei Pai Hike
Another excellent option for fitness junkies is the Ap Lei Chau to Ap Lei Pai hiking trail. The 5km trail will take you to the top of Mount Johnston, where you can enjoy panoramic views, and down the hill to Ap Lei Pai — a small, uninhabited island connected to Ap Lei Chau by a short sand bar. Take a leisurely 15-minute stroll across the island before reaching Mount Johnston Lighthouse, a popular spot for photographers and Instagrammers. Simply hop on the train from Wong Chuk Hang to Lei Tung Station on Ap Lei Chau and hit the nearby trail.
Getting around Hong Kong
A true Hong Konger knows that the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the icon of every district. Hop on Wong Chuk Hang MTR and zip away to every corner of the city. If you are adventurous, dive deep into the New Territories. Words can’t describe the beautiful country parks at Ma On Shan, Sai Kung, and Tai Po.
Where to stay in Wong Chuk Hang
You will never be short of things to do in Wong Chuk Hang, from shopping, dining and cocktail drinking to hiking, exploring, and relaxing. And Southside by Ovolo is the perfect base for your luxurious Hong Kong getaway. The warehouse-turned-luxury hotel is one of the best hotels in Wong Chuk Hang, with a contemporary 21st century design, a range of luxurious rooms, suites and lofts and stylish amenities.