Kowloon Walled City: A Glimpse into the Past and Present

Heads up, travelers! A new hotel is set to open in Hong Kong’s iconic Tsim Sha Tsui district this September!

Boutique hotel brand Kimpton is debuting its landmark property in the city at 11 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, described as the largest in the Kimpton portfolio. With 495 rooms, this one-of-a-kind hotel reflects Hong Kong’s dynamic spirit, blending avant-garde design with local cultural richness.

“We envisioned Kimpton Hong Kong for the modern tastemaker—a global citizen who moves effortlessly between cultures, appreciates thoughtful design, and values authentic connections,” said Mike Robinson, General Manager of Kimpton Hong Kong. With 18 years of experience at Kimpton, Mike has successfully orchestrated the brand’s launches in international markets, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Los Angeles. 

“The hotel is a canvas for individuals who curate their own lives, blending the best of international sophistication with the creative pulse of the city. Here, every detail is designed to spark inspiration, foster community, and offer a truly personal encounter,” he added.

Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong will feature 495 guest rooms, which includes 25 suites, each boasting stunning views of Victoria Harbor. Each room is designed by a collective of Hong Kong’s leading design firms to blend global sophistication with local charm. 

Also offering obstructed views of the harbor are the ballroom and flexible meeting spaces, which also feature bold and avant-garde designs that captures the dynamic spirit of Hong Kong, merged with Kimpton’s globally celebrated spirit of adventure. 

As part of Empire Group Holdings, Kimpton Hong Kong embodies a lifestyle destination where every element—from the hotel’s philosophy and bustling setting to its immersive programming, contemporary design, and curated amenities—embraces the essence of Hong Kong. 

Additionally, the hotel will also have five distinct dining spots. In Birdsong, enjoy artisanal coffee in the mornings and draft beers and wines in the evenings. You can also taste reimagined Cantonese cuisine at the Hillside, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.

There's also the Swim Club, the rooftop bar oasis inspired by Southern California’s pool culture; the High Dive, an intimate 8-seat speakeasy offering unparalleled rare spirits and exceptional crafted mixology; and JĪJĀ by Chef Vicky Lau, a signature specialty restaurant managed by Leading Nation Hospitality, will also be opening later this year which is sure to enhance the city’s gastronomic landscape. Each establishment promises a distinctive dining experience curated by one of Hong Kong’s most esteemed MICHELIN-Starred chefs, catering to discerning palates. 

More than its luxurious rooms and exceptional dining experiences, guests can also enjoy a myriad of premium amenities and services, such as the heated rooftop pool, a HYROX-certified fitness center, and a full-service luxury spa. With its bold vision, distinctive design, and deep connections to Hong Kong’s local culture, Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong invites you to discover a new era of hospitality. 

You can now book your stays via their website or call 1800-1110-2295. Rooms are available for November 2025 dates and start from HK$2,850 a night for an Essential King room. IHG Hotel members also get an exclusive booking discount. 

Follow Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong on Facebook and Instagram for updates.  

Location: 11 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Hong Kong, Hong Kong

In a city overflowing with art exhibitions, escape rooms, and themed pop-ups, you may be on the lookout for something more transportive to engage your senses.

Look no further than Visionairs Asia’s Versailles: The Lost Gardens of the Sun King, an immersive escape from reality. Unlike other VR experiences that have your adrenaline pumping and your heart in your throat as you battle zombies or solve intense challenges, this VR experience lets you time-travel to 17th-century France, specifically French monarch Louis XIV's iconic vanished gardens of the Palace of Versailles.  

Brought to Hong Kong by Visionairs Asia and co-produced by Temple of Light, Gédéon Experiences, Small Creative, VIVE Arts, and the Palace of Versailles, this experience uses a collective and interactive virtual reality (VR) location-based experience (LBE), and doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or cheap thrills to keep visitors engaged. 

The second you strap on a headset, you embark on a full-on journey through the art, architecture, and beauty of the palace in the year 1682, guided by none other than Louis XIV’s landscape architect André Le Nôtre.

Historic sites are reconstructed with historical and scientific accuracy by Aristeas, a subsidiary of the GEDEON group, in tandem with Small Creative, and it packs a good deal of substance into 25 minutes.

Part historical deep dive, part visual spectacle, this experience revives three spectacular yet long-lost parts of the Palace of Versailles: the Royal Menagerie, Grotto of Thetis, and Labyrinth Grove — historically significant spaces that once dazzled the French court in all its glory. 

As you first step into the palace's courtyard, you are greeted by the garden guru himself — Louis XIV’s landscape architect André Le Nôtre. Sure, he’s been dead for a few centuries, but thanks to a wildly convincing VR recreation, he’s back and wandering around like he never left.

While most people typically associate Versailles with opulent halls and manicured lawns, it was in the gardens that Louis XIV truly expressed his obsession with power, order, and divine grandeur. 

Tragically, what we see today of Versailles is only a fraction of what once existed. These gardens and groves — once meant to entertain royalty — have all disappeared due to redevelopments of the Château and the Revolution.

This is where VR becomes a powerful storytelling tool. The visuals are crisp and sharp, the motion response tracking eerily smooth, and when digital Andre Le Nôtre strides toward you, there’s a brief moment of panic where you wonder if he’s about to pass through your soul.

The technology allows you to explore at your own pace — walk around, peer behind a statue, linger in the shadows of trees. That sense of freedom makes all the difference, although there are some constraints. You’re confined to a rectangular boundary — if you step too far, white lines appear in your headset, a digital nudge reminding you of the physical world. It slightly breaks the spell, but it's a necessary part of the VR safety system. 

After an introduction inside the palace, we were transported to the Royal Menagerie, a whimsical reminder of courtly extravagance. Andre Le Nôtre explained that the menagerie once housed everything from ostriches to elephants, but that it was abandoned during the Regency period. By the 1750s, animals wandered around its ruins until they were eventually relocated to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris under Louis XVI.

Getting up close with the lively animals in the Menagerie was a definite highlight. You could roam around at your own pace, watch the flamingos flapping about, marvel at a tiger slinking by, and even dodge an elephant charging across your path. Kids will love this section, and even adults may find themselves smiling when a flamingo reacts to touching them. 

Next, we were transported to the Grotto of Thetis, located on the northern flank of the palace in its prime. In the real Versailles, it’s long gone, but in VR, its glimmering fountains and mythological sculptures dedicated to Apollo are resurrected in full glory. 

Another highlight was Labyrinth Grove, one of the palace's most mourned features, which was destroyed in 1776 and replaced by an English landscape garden. 

As you wander its green thicket pathways, five-meter-tall shrubs grow dynamically around you in real time. Each turn and choice you make is marked by the many iconic statues and fountains, embedded with scenes and animal sculptures from Aesop's fables.

This Labyrinth maze is more atmospheric than challenging, but it was so lifelike that we wished we could have explored it for longer.

A particularly lovely touch of the experience is the transition from daylight to twilight, with a deepening sky and soft shifts in light that build toward a grand finale. 

As the sun dips behind the palace, you are lifted to a panoramic perch where fireworks explode above the rooftops. The Palace of Versailles shimmers in the moonlight, golden and triumphant, an unforgettable and theatrical end to the experience.

Final Thoughts

Visionairs Asia's Versailles: The Lost Gardens of the Sun King is a captivating way to spend your afternoon. History fanatics, tech gurus, and art lovers will find plenty to enjoy in this immersive journey through a lesser-known chapter of French royal heritage. 

The crisp visuals and layered storytelling made it feel very realistic, just as the Sun King himself probably wanted it. Our VR guide walked the fine line of giving enough historical context to make us feel smarter without totally zoning us out. 

Whether you're a seasoned VR user or trying it for the first time, the experience is pretty seamless — unless you're easily spooked. In that case, a life-sized elephant suddenly charging at you might scare the Versailles out of you.

The historical commentary is rich and informative; however, we felt that the script occasionally leaned too formal, missing an opportunity to inject a touch more personality, which would make it feel more immersive. But for anyone intrigued by the intersection of history, art, and technology, this experience is truly something special.

The multilingual availability in English, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Suitable for children aged 8 and up. 

Tickets are priced HK$200 for adults on the weekend, HK$188 for adults during the week. Child/Student/Senior/Concession tickets are priced HK$168, and school (Bulk bookings) at HK$148. Book tickets here. 

For more information, visit Visionairs on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Visionairs: Versailles: The Lost Gardens of the Sun King Event Information:

Location: Visionairs, GF-01-03, Art Park, 22 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong

Dates: May 28 to Nov. 30, 2025

Opening Hours:
Monday: 11 AM to 6 PM   
Tuesday to Wednesday: 10 AM to 6 PM 
Thursday: 10 AM to 8 PM 
Friday to Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM  
Sunday: 10 AM to 9 PM

This summer, Hopewell Hotel is offering exciting activities, family packages, and seasonal culinary delights to start off a vigorous and vivid summer vacation. 

Hopewell Hotel’s Summer Family Experience Package

Hopewell Hotel kicks off the summer season with the “Summer Family Experience” accommodation package — think spacious rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and some hands-on culinary fun! 

The family fun includes:

• A Premium City Room (38 m², from HK$1,980 per room per night) where guests can choose between a king or twin beds, with an 80-centimetre-long sofa bed, breathtaking views of the Wan Chai neighbourhood.
• Eco-friendly toiletries from my forest FRIENDS for children
• A One-Hour Family Culinary Experience, where parents and kids transform into little chefs and bake cookies and make mocktails together
• A Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for three (2 adults and 1 child), 15% off at the Hopewell Inn and Lobby Café, and Complimentary Access to the In-house Fitness Centre. 

Booking period for the Summer Family Experience accommodation package is from now to Aug. 28, 2025, with stays through Aug. 31, 2025.

Hopewell Inn’s Seasonal Set Menus to Beat the Summer Heat

Executive Chef Larry Ng of Hopewell Inn has creatively prepared seasonal set menus and lunch and dinner options for sharing, offering diverse choices for a summer feast. 

• A Six-Course Seasonal Set Menu: Highlights include the Double-boiled Winter Melon Soup, Pan-fried Threadfin with Black Bean Sauce, Juicy Beef Tenderloin with Yunnan Termite Mushrooms, and a Green Tea Panna Cotta finale.
• Set Lunch and Dinner Menus: The Hopewell Inn Seasonal Set Menu (HK$638 per person, minimum 2 persons), New Set Lunch Menu (HK$968 for 4 persons, HK$1,338 for 7 persons, HK$1,788 for 8 persons), New Set Dinner (HKD$1,338 for 4 persons), and Hopewell Inn Home Style Dinner Menu (HK$418 per person, minimum for 2 persons) feature Cantonese fares and luxurious add-ons like lobster, oysters, and garoupa.
• The Hopewell Inn Summer Seasonal Set Menu is available from now until Aug. 31, 2025, with the other set menus available from now until further notice. 

Fruit-full Extravaganza Semi Buffet at Lobby Café

Chef Mak Kam Kui, Executive Chef – Western Cuisine has curated seasonal fruits for Lobby Café to create a variety of refreshing and nutritious fruit salads and desserts that offer a cool respite from the summer heat. 

• Over 10 different salads at the Semi Buffet: Fruit Sushi; Crab Meat; Mango, Papaya, Avocado Salad; Roasted Pumpkin, Apple Quinoa Salad; Thai Beef Green Mango Salad; Pineapple, Seafood Salad; Mild Curry Mayo; Beetroot, Orange, Feta Cheese Salad, and more.
• Desserts: Lemon Ginger Honey Cake, Mango Sticky Rice, Fig Tart, Coconut Passion Fruit Tart, and Lychee Raspberry Cup.
• Semi Lunch Buffet (Monday to Saturday): 12 NN to 2:30 PM, for HK$238 per person; Summer Fiesta Buffet (Sundays): 12 NN to 2:30 PM, (Daily): 6 to 9:30 PM, for HK$318 per person.
• The Fruit-Themed Semi Buffet will be available from July 14 to Aug. 31, 2025

Summer Cakes from the Patisserie

Executive Pastry Chef Killua Cheung draws inspiration from seasonal fruits to create a collection of fruit cakes, offering sweet lovers a light and refreshing summer indulgence. These selections include:

• White Chocolate Kumquat Mousse Cake (HK$400 for one pound)
• Mango Napoleon (HK$400 for one pound)
• Caramel Pineapple Cake (HK$360 for one pound)
• Chili Black Forest Cake (HK$360 for one pound)
• Tiramisu (HK$400 for one pound)
• Strawberry Cream Cake (HK$360 for one pound)

Signature Summer Sips at the Lobby Bar

Sip your way through summer and cool down from the heat with a selection of fruity cocktails and mocktails like the Tropical Margarita, Summer Punch, Apear, Shisojito, PaPaNaNa, and Popping Pop. 

• Single Drinks: HK$88 each or two for HK$138
• Two-Hour Free Flow Promotion: Enjoy house red and white wines, Prosecco, and bottled beers for HK$128. For an additional HK$30, guests can upgrade to unlimited house spirits.
• Available daily until Sept. 30 (drinks) and Dec. 31 (free flow)

A Summer Must-Do for the Family

The Hopewell Hotel is blending family bonding, seasonal indulgence, and so much more into one summery package! Whether you’re into baking cookies, savouring gourmet delights, or unwinding with fruity cocktails and sips, the Hopewell Hotel is offering the ultimate staycation fit for all ages! 

For bookings and reservations, visit the Hopewell Hotel’s website here. Book the “Summer Family Experience Package” here.

Follow the Hopewell Hotel on Facebook and Instagram. 

The Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)'s second edition of their Know Your GuideFong event was an overwhelming success, bringing community members together for a pop-up marketplace and workshops held at the Heath Hong Kong, as well as guided tours of the streets and small shops at the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). 

Led by FSI's young team, we took to the streets, visiting their favorite sweet stalls, Indian restaurants, and small South Asian businesses. The local charity describes itself as a “one-stop shop for social impact,” with one of their social impact arms, GuideFong, aiming to celebrate the city’s vibrant multiculturalism and support small grassroots businesses by building meaningful connections between them and the wider public.

To bring this vision to life, FSI organized a Treasure Hunt, Walking Tour, and Pop-up Market on July 6, 2025, designed to showcase how ethnically diverse businesses shape Hong Kong’s cultural identity and foster greater cross-cultural understanding.

A group of likeminded individuals and journalists conjoined at the Heath, a shopping mall court located in the basement of the iconic Chungking Mansions. 

We enjoyed browsing the range of South Asian vendors who were selling locally produced items such as fragrances, beauty products, accessories and handicraft items at the Pop-up market.

There was a wide selection of baked goods, spices and condiments – now we know where to come next time we try to cook up a curry!

Among the vibrant pop-up vendors at Heath Hong Kong were local South Asian businesses.

Shilpa’s Masala Mill impressed visitors with her exceptional range of freshly ground spice blends, blended at home using her own secret formula. Nepcha also delighted tea lovers, showcasing a selection of artisanal high-altitude specialty teas from Nepal. 

Africa Center Hong Kong showcased eye-catching handmade artistry at their stall and also hosted a fun 30-minute Drum Workshop, which invited participants to learn the rhythms and techniques of African drumming.

To encourage exploration of multicultural businesses in Tsim Sha Tsui, participants took part in a Treasure Hunt, using GuideFong's curated map to visit local shops, connect with business owners, and support them through purchases or small acts like leaving a Google review. 

Along the way, we excitedly collected stamps and raced through town to discover the neighborhood’s hidden gems, winning prized goodie bags filled with surprise items from GuideFong-listed businesses. 

Then, The Beat Asia team embarked on one of GuideFong's Walking Tours of the day.

Our first stop was Far East Mansion, one of the older buildings on the block, dating back to 1959. Buildings built in the 1960s that were a bit bigger than usual in Hong Kong were typically referred to as 'Mansions,’ hence the rather grand name. Previously the buildings were host to many of TST's tailors, especially highly respected workers who had come to Hong Kong from Shanghai. 

The malls and mansions in TST highlighted on the tour are places you might walk past without a second thought, but our guide Adnan Riaz was a cheerful font of knowledge, happy to share interesting information about the various outlets as well as the recent history of the local industries.

Hong Kong’s South Asians have long had a presence in Fast East Mansion, occupying retail spaces and more recently warehouses. Today, Far East Mansion hosts a shopping arcade, and the South Asian presence is still to be felt. 

Tijara Consultancy provides business support services to the local community. Close by is Golden Sports, which has been serving local sports enthusiasts since 2007. The shop front is piled high with cricket bats, and this is a hidden gem for the full range of sports gear. Our guide explained that shop owner Mr. Gill has been very active supporting sports amongst the local minority ethnic community.

Next up, our guides led us along a shortcut from TST East through a narrow alleyway, emerging into the back entrance of Chungking Mansions on the busy Nathan Road. 

This old building feels like it’s part of Hong Kong’s cultural consciousness, with the rabbit warren of restaurants and cheap hostels being a starting point for many a backpacker's Asia trip. And of course, it gained significant international attention after the release of Wong Kar Wai’s film “Chungking Express.”

Away from the limelight however, small South Asian businesses and families have called Chungking Mansions home in the decades since it opened in 1961.

We really enjoyed having the guides to lead us along the rows of food stalls, stopping to chat to shopkeepers such as Mr. Singh, who has been running Kamal Sweet Corner for nearly 30 years. The store sells Indian favorites such as Barfis and Pannis. 

We tried their toothachingly sweet Jalebi – a pretzel shaped sweet treat of deep-fried flour dipped in syrup and spices. The inside was surprisingly juicy and comprised all the tastes of India in one mouthful.

We explored the vibrant culinary scene inside Chungking Mansions and discovered some of its hidden, homey gems—like Swagat Indian Restaurant and Moti Palace Indian Restaurant. Each offered us a deeper appreciation of Indian cuisine through their rich flavors and welcoming atmospheres.

One highlight was discovering Paul’S Kitchen, a cozy spot on the first floor known for its comforting African fusion dishes with a modern twist. Highly rated and full of heart, the restaurant was launched in 2015 by Paul and Selina, who met, fell in love, and built their dream together in Hong Kong. Paul'S Kitchen has become a beloved spot in the city's food scene. Selina continues to carry on Paul's vision after his passing, making sure Hong Kongers will still get authentic Ghanaian soul food with just as much heart.

To round off the tour, we took the elevator up to the top floor of Chungking Mansions. The 17th floor has been revamped into a bright and inspiring community space called Diversity Hub, run by the long-standing charity Christian Action next door. 

Diversity Hub seeks to amplify the voices and stories of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse communities by hosting events and interactive workshops aimed at honoring and celebrating cultural diversity.

They are also host to the city's first multicultural community museum, showcasing the rich histories and contributions of these ethnic groups. 

And that’s a wrap on GuideFong: TST—what a day! 

This deep dive Walking Tour peeled back the layers of Tsim Sha Tsui, revealing a vibrant, multicultural heartbeat of sweet shops, spice mills and travel agencies pulsing just beneath the surface.

Big kudos to the passionate young guides from FSI — not only for leading us through a meaningful exploration of South Asian culture, but also for generously sharing their personal stories. Their openness sparked thoughtful conversations about the challenges faced by small business owners in Hong Kong. Every stop on the Walking Tour was a reminder that there’s always more to discover about the small businesses that make our city feel like home.

Missed it this time? This won’t be the last you hear of GuideFong! Keep your eyes on FSI by visiting their website, Instagram and Facebook.

Find out more about GuideFong on their website and Instagram.

This summer, Ngong Ping 360 and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) are teaming up for the first time to launch the "Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary Teaser Party @ Ngong Ping 360," running from June 21 to Aug. 31, 2025. 

As part of Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th Anniversary celebration this year, Ngong Ping Village will host a range of themed experiences, including a striking 5.5-meter Castle of Magical Dreams installation with figurines of Mickey and Friends, alongside Duffy and Friends, all dressed in exclusive 20th Anniversary costumes. 

11 of Ngong PIng's iconic Crystal Cabin Cable Cars have also been transformed into Disney-themed rides, featuring characters and designs inspired by HKDL's newest and largest parade, "Friendtastic!," including Disney and Friends, Duffy and Friends, Disney Princesses, Up, Encanto, and many more! 

The themed Crystal Cable Car Package, priced the same as a regular ticket, includes priority boarding and a souvenir ticket to take back home. 

To top it all off, HKDL's year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, "The Most Magical Party of All," will kick off on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with all-new experiences like the castle stage show "Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!" the grand parade "Friendtastic!" and the nighttime show "Momentous: Party in the Night Sky." 

From now until July 26, 2025, KLOOK is offering a combo package that includes:

• The NP360 Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary-themed Crystal Cable Car round-trip ticket
• Hong Kong Disneyland 1-Day ticket
• Complimentary 20th Anniversary SouvenEAR Mini Party Hat. 

Visit the event link below for more details! 

To plan your magical celebration ahead, check out The Beat Asia's HKDL guides on where to stay, where to eat, and a special guide for parents! 

Don't miss out on this unique and immersive experience! For more information and updates, visit Hong Kong Disneyland's website or Ngong Ping 360's website. 

Cathay Pacific has been hailed as one of the best three airlines in the world at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards. 

In addition to this honor, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier also achieved two other incredible awards: being named World’s Best Economy Class Airline for the second consecutive year and winning World’s Best Inflight Entertainment for the second time in three years! Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer of the Cathay Group, received the award on behalf of the carrier at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards held in Paris last June 17, 2025.

“Being voted among the top three best airlines in the world, up two places from last year, and the world’s best for Economy class and inflight entertainment again is extremely encouraging,” said Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam. “These accolades underscore our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and enhancing the customer experience across every part of their journey. We are grateful for the incredible support of our customers, and the dedication of our people across Cathay. These awards will inspire and motivate us to keep raising the bar as we strive to become one of the world’s greatest service brands.”

In a step towards enhancing customer satisfaction and strengthening Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status, the Cathay Group is investing over HK$100 billion in state-of-the-art aircraft, new cabins and lounges, and digital innovation.

Over the past year, Cathay Pacific has continued to elevate the experience for its customers with the introduction of its new Aria Suite Business class, new Premium Economy, and refreshed Economy cabins onboard its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft last October 2024. These new cabins can be experienced on selected flights between Hong Kong and London, Sydney and Vancouver, with more routes being progressively added.

Additionally, Cathay Pacific has also partnered with Michelin-starred restaurants to create curated menus on selected flights departing Hong Kong, which include reimagined French classics from Louise and Cantonese fine dining from Duddell’s in First and Business, and refined Cantonese classics with Yat Tung Heen in Premium Economy and Economy.

Last April, the airline also launched its new “Chinese Classics” inflight dining options, complementing its existing “Hong Kong Flavors” and “International Favorites” offerings. These new classics showcase China’s rich culinary heritage and are being progressively rolled out in Business class and debuting on selected flights from Hong Kong to Mainland China. 

On the entertainment side, Cathay Pacific boasts a new state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system that has been awarded several times for its design and innovation. The carrier is the first airline to introduce 4K and 4K HDR10 content, and offers the largest entertainment library in Asia-Pacific with new titles every month from Hollywood new releases and exclusive Asian Cinema features to some of your favorite shows and movies on popular streaming platforms such as Paramount+, iQiyi drama, and Disney+.

Cathay Pacific will also be one of the few airlines globally to offer 100% seatback inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity in every cabin on every aircraft starting this August.

On the ground, the prestigious flag carrier is undergoing an extensive lounge enhancement plan in Hong Kong and beyond, with The Bridge lounge at Hong Kong International Airport already redesigned and reopened last month. Cathay Pacific is also set to open new flagship lounges in Hong Kong, Beijing, and, for the first time, New York in the coming years.

For flight bookings, visit their website, or follow Cathay Pacific on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates.

Hong Kong has been named the “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year” by CrescentRating, a global authority on halal travel, during the Halal in Travel Awards 2025. The city also climbed to third place in the “Muslim-friendly Destinations (non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation)” category of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025.

Organised in partnership with Mastercard, the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) covers 153 destinations around the world and examines aspects including halal food supply, accommodation, Muslim-friendly facilities, and other travel-related factors to evaluate how welcoming destinations are to Muslim visitors. 

Apart from their awards, Hong Kong also gained first place in the “Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (non-OIC)” category and second place in the “Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destinations (non-OIC)” category. 

In addition to the city-wide recognition, various hotels, attractions, and venues were also honoured: 

• The Mira Hong Kong – Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year
• Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong – Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year
• Ngong Ping 360 – Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Year
• Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – Muslim-friendly Convention and Exhibition Centre of the Year.

Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), highlighted Hong Kong’s efforts towards inclusivity by saying, “We have also facilitated the fostering of closer ties between Hong Kong, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries in recent years. HKTB thanks the Government for its full support and our trade partners for their efforts in elevating the city’s Muslim-friendly tourism facilities.”

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) continues to spotlight the city and its development as a Muslim-friendly destination through a three-pronged approach of accreditation, education, and promotion. 

Currently, about 190 eateries in Hong Kong have been certified, rising from the original 100 in early 2024. More than 60 hotels, attractions, and convention and exhibition venues have also been rated as Muslim-friendly. 

The HKTB also continues to promote Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination through a variety of channels and targeted marketing in Muslim visitor source markets. 

Learn more about the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HTKB) efforts and Muslim-friendly offerings through DiscoverHongKong.com. Follow the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for more information. 

Ready to explore Hong Kong beyond the usual tourist spots? Booking.com just dropped the Explorer’s CityWalk Guide, a fresh and curated collection of walking routes designed to reveal the city’s hidden gems, rich heritage, and breathtaking nature — tailored to different traveler vibes.

Instead of stressing over endless planning, you can now follow three distinct routes created by local influencers who know Hong Kong inside out.  

According to Booking.com, 43% of Asia-Pacific travelers seeking nature trips and 71% are interested in nighttime experiences like star-gazing. 

Their first bespoke Sai Kung route offers a breath of fresh air, a dream for nature lovers and night explorers. Curated by eco-conscious designer Melody Cheng, the route highlights eco-friendly activities such as visiting High Island Reservoir’s West Dam, exploring Astropark, and dining sustainably—all set under the stars.

For families craving a mix of trendy yet historic charm, the Sheung Wan route is a vibrant playground. Curated by travel host Christy Leung, this itinerary weaves through old streets, quirky cafes, and lively hangouts ideal for bonding across generations. 

Highlights include Yan Shang Kee Qipao Rental, Wing Lee Street’s colorful corners, and the fascinating Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences housed in a colonial-era building.

Last but not least, step into Shek Kip Mei’s nostalgic embrace with Carlos Sun, curator of Vanishing Hong Kong. This route celebrates preserved traditions and photogenic spots like the iconic St. Francis of Assisi Church, the viral Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, and the heritage Mei Ho House.

Regina Chan, Area Manager for Taiwan and Hong Kong at Booking.com, sums it up perfectly: “With over 50% of APAC travelers drawing travel ideas from social media, our collaboration with travel influencers not only sparks vacation inspiration but also enriches travel experiences, encouraging both domestic and inbound tourism while contributing to the promotion of Hong Kong as a must-visit."

Are you ready to uncover these gems on foot? Download the full map here and let Hong Kong’s unique stories unfold, one step at a time!

For more information, visit Booking.com on their website, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).