Remembering World War 2 With Historical Landmarks in Hong Kong

If you’ve ever dreamed of floating above Hong Kong’s iconic skyline in a hot air balloon, this September might just be your moment. The city is set to host its first-ever AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest (HABFest), and it’s shaping up to be one of the most visually stunning and unexpectedly cool events of the year. 

From September 4 to 7, 2025, the Central Harbourfront Event Space will be transformed into a vibrant playground of color, music, and sky-high adventure. The festival will feature over a dozen hot air balloons from around the world, including Canada, Germany, the UK, and Japan. Expect everything from classic striped giants to quirky character-shaped inflatables like a panda and a cat. 

While free-fly balloon flights aren’t on the menu, tethered rides are, giving festival-goers the chance to gently rise 10 to 20 meters above the city for stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. It’s a rare opportunity to see Hong Kong from a whole new angle, without leaving the ground entirely. 

But this isn’t just about balloons. HABFest doubles as a music and lifestyle event, with a nightly concert series dubbed “Music On Air.” The 4-day lineup is stacked with local icons like Joey Yung, Leo Ku, LMF, Novel Fergus, Tyson Yoshi, Gin Lee, and more. Each evening ends with a Balloon Night Glow Show where illuminated balloons will pulse and shimmer in sync with live music, shaping a fairytale-like experience. 

Additionally, families will find plenty of entertaining activities to explore, with carnival games, food stalls, and interactive booths scattered throughout the grounds. And on September 6, HABFest will host the AIA Balloon Run, inviting successfully registered families to a morning run and Balloon Fiesta, where a parade of playful hot air balloons will be showcased. Winners of the morning run will receive a complimentary tethered ride experience.  

Tickets are available now via HK Ticketing, 01 Space, and Trip.com, with early bird prices starting at HK$150 for morning sessions, while bundle packages, starting at HK$680, are available at KKday. 

Whether you’re chasing Instagram-worthy moments or just looking for a fun weekend out, this festival ticks all the boxes. So, mark your calendar, grab your camera, and get ready to look up because Hong Kong’s skyline is about to get a whole lot more magical. 

For more information about FABFest, check out their official website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Hot Air Balloon Festival (HABFest) 2025 Central Harbourfront Event Space Thu, September 4 4:30 PM - 10:30 PM Soar into summer at the AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong with balloons, live music, carnival games, and food.

Hong Kong is about to get louder, in the best way possible. Live Nation has officially unveiled plans for TIDES, a brand-new, purpose-built live music venue opening this fall in the iconic ship-shaped The Whampoa complex in Whampoa, Kowloon. 

With a standing capacity of 1,500, TIDES fills a long-standing gap in the city’s live entertainment infrastructure, offering a professional-grade space for artists who are too big for clubs but not quite stadium-scale. 

Designed entirely in-house by Live Nation, TIDES will be fully equipped with integrated sound, lighting, and flexible staging for seamless plug-and-play operation. 

To be located on the 1/F and U1/F of The Whampoa, the venue will also include artist support areas and a lounge for pre-and-post-show gatherings, making it as functional behind the scenes as it is immersive for fans. With a projected 250 event days annually, TIDES is poised to become a central hub for concerts, brand activations, and mid-scale productions. 

Its launch couldn’t come at a better time. Hong Kong’s live music ecosystem has long struggled with a lack of mid-sized venues. The closure of KITEC and its Star Hall in Kowloon Bay last year left a noticeable void, forcing promoters to choose between intimate club spaces or cavernous stadiums. While government-run auditoriums like MacPherson Stadium and Ko Shan Theatre offer some relief, they weren’t designed with touring artists in mind and often lack the technical infrastructure required for modern productions. 

The shortage is even more acute for small venues. Spaces with capacities between 300 and 600, ideal for emerging acts and indie showcases, are few and far between. Most are multi-purpose cultural centers or black box theaters with limited availability for music programming. This bottleneck has made it difficult for local talent to scale up and for international artists to include Hong Kong in their regional tours. 

TIDES aims to change that. “The design prioritizes efficient setup, making it seamless for acts to include Hong Kong in their tour plans,” said Stephanie Bax, President of Venue Development Asia at Live Nation. 

By offering a space built specifically for live music, TIDES not only aims to support the city’s cultural ambitions but also repositions Hong Kong as a competitive stop on the global concert circuit. 

Follow TIDES’ Instagram here and Live Nation’s website here for updates and additional information. 

This August, Soho House Hong Kong is trading city views for sea breezes with the launch of Soho Beach Club, a three-day rooftop takeover at The Pulse in Repulse Bay that will blend music, wellness, and laid-back luxury. 

From August 22 to 24, 2025, the event promises a curated escape from the city’s pace, inviting guests to lounge, dance, and connect by the water. 

Having been held in other major cities around the world, the concept and spirit of Soho Beach Club is simple but effective: sun-drenched afternoons, chilled drinks, and curated beats that evolve with the day. Whether you’re easing into the weekend with rooftop yoga or catching sunset grooves with a spritz in hand, the vibe is unmistakably Soho House: elevated, effortless, and community-driven. 

Each day of the Beach Club promises a distinct rhythm and unique experience. Friday kicks off with a sunset party led by international tastemakers, setting the tone with warm beats and coastal energy from DJs like CW and Jane.KI, with passes starting at HK$280 

Saturday unfolds in layers, starting with wellness sessions like meditation, Animal Flow, and pet-friendly yoga, followed by beachside games and sketching workshops. Guests can sip on Aperol Spritz while playing life-sized Jenga or cornhole, or simply relax in the pet-friendly zone with a drink and a view for a daytime ticket from HK$220.  

As the sun dips, the rooftop will transform into a dancefloor, with deep electronic sets curated by 0159, a collective known for pushing sonic boundaries and cultivating underground energy. The group’s residential lineup alongside DJs from D1S promises journey through ambient textures, driving techno, and genre-bending rhythms that invite full-body immersion with pass starting at HK$220. 

Sunday winds things down with a signature Soho House roast served to your sunbed, paired with fresh salads and mellow beats. The Social Club Series will close the weekend with a relaxed soundtrack that’s perfect for unwinding, reconnecting, and soaking in the last golden hours by the sea. The finale includes a day pass with a signature roast and mellow beats, and a night pass for the Social Club Series, both starting from HK$180. 

More than just a party, Soho Beach Club is a reflection of Hong Kong’s evolving cultural landscape, where essence of music meets curated hospitality, and rooftops become playgrounds for creativity. For those looking to discover emerging DJs, connect with the city’s creative crowd, or simply spend a weekend by the ocean, this is one to mark on the calendar. 

All evening sessions are adults-only, and tickets are available via the Soho House app for members. Or you can check out Eventbrite to get tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday separately. Follow Soho House on Instagram for more information on their global offerings. 

Originally opened in 2005, Lanson Place Causeway Bay is a quiet gem in the heart of one of Hong Kong’s busiest districts. After a major renovation led by celebrated Parisian hotel designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the creative mastermind behind Waldorf Astoria New York, L'Orangerie - Four Seasons George V, and countless other luxury concepts, the flagship property reopened in March 2024 with a refreshed vision of boutique hospitality.

Located just a brisk walk from the beating heart of Causeway Bay, Lanson Place offers a serene sanctuary that feels like a world away from the buzzing fashion and culture district. Housed in a 19th-century colonial building, its stately columns and stone façade make an immediate impression, lending a sense of timeless elegance and slowing the city’s frantic pace as you step inside. We loved the delicate architectural details echoed in the flow of the interiors and the organic forms of the furnishings.

With 188 rooms and suites, the hotel caters to both short and extended stays, offering personalized services and thoughtful design throughout, blending French flair with the warmth of home.

Stepping inside the airy lobby, a bas-relief by French artist Michèle Létang depicting flying storks—a symbol of travel—anchors the reception area, while a grand crystal chandelier from a French château has been lovingly preserved as a centerpiece.

The hotel’s signature lounge, L’Orangerie, is inspired by European green spaces. Here, lush orange trees and blue hydrangeas sit beneath a backlit glass ceiling, casting warm natural light. Gold-detailed furnishings complement a richly textured palette of terracotta walls and pine green accents. 

Guests are invited to help themselves to citrus and cucumber water, browse fashion tomes, or flip through a book of David Hockney’s iPad drawings — all thoughtfully arranged alongside fresh white tulips. 

Our Stay

For our one-night stay, we checked into the beautiful and elegantly appointed Suite Residences room, a bright and airy space spanning about 500 square feet. Check-in was at 3 PM, giving us ample time to kick back and pretend we weren’t already emotionally attached to the room come dinner time. 

Each room has a soothing color palette of ocean blue, sunlight yellow, and sage green. Our room was dressed in Sunlight Yellow, which lived up to its mood-enhancing promise, as the space was bathed in natural light from the floor to ceiling windows. 

A Hong Kong-style pineapple bun with a delicate slice of butter and a fruit basket were waiting for us, which we devoured almost instantly. Other rooms swap it out for a Gai Mei Bao (Hong Kong-style Coconut Bun) – an adorable local touch that makes a lingering impression. 

The decor strikes a charming balance between vintage character and modern Parisian charm, with minimalist framed illustrations lining the walls and soft spa music humming in the background. Thoughtful touches were everywhere — from the well-equipped kitchenette featuring a gold sink and tap, a Nespresso machine with complimentary capsules and TeaCha teabags, to a microwave oven tucked neatly under the sink—perfect for spontaneous late-night snack experiments. These details added a warm, homey feel to the stay.

The tech-savvy smart system deserves a shoutout—with a quick scan of a QR code, you can flip through digital magazines on PressReader, operate blinds from the comfort of your bed, or customize your pillow from a menu of 11 choices the all-in-one smart integrated service platform. If you discover you need a plump pillow refresh in the middle of the night, late-night staff can deliver you the pillow of your dreams. 

The room itself felt spacious yet cozy, featuring a king size bed with a snug Sealy mattress which made it super difficult to peel ourselves from in the morning, as well as a compact living room space featuring an elegant, comfortable sofa. 

The compact bathroom was sleek and fully stocked with luxurious amenities, which were laid out on its pristine marble countertop. It's equipped with a rainfall shower, a magnifying mirror and luxury Codage Paris amenities, plus we found the showstopper of our pampering dreams – a Dyson hair dryer – waiting for us in one of its drawers. 

There was also a sleek Smart TV and a RUARK Audio speaker on the bedside table for soundtrack duties. With all these creature comforts, leaving the room was no easy feat. But if you’re going to struggle with something, let it be walking away from a room this dreamy.

And if you can’t bring yourself to leave, Lanson Place’s long-stay offerings provide the perfect solution — a tailored, comfortable monthly residence nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, ideal for living, working, and relaxing in style. 

Their penthouses range from 900 to 2,000 square feet, providing a luxurious home-away-from-home, and many of the hotel’s top-floor rooms provide a picturesque outlook over Victoria Park and the bay.

The hotel offers a refined selection of accommodations, including its elegant Suites, spacious Grand Deluxe Bedrooms, and six distinctive Penthouses. 

Each long-stay penthouse offers its own charm depending on your needs, and come with a full kitchenette, washer-dryer machine, an in-room wet bar, bathtubs, and walk-in wardrobes. The 1-bedroom Penthouse (900 sq ft) is a cozy, elegant retreat perfect for solo travelers or couples, with a king-sized bed, marble accents, and a vintage mirror that adds a touch of timeless class. 

Meanwhile, the 2-bedroom Penthouse, spanning 1,500 sq ft, is great for families, with separate sleeping spaces including a king-sized bed and twin beds, en suite bathrooms, and a spacious living area ideal for relaxing or dining with a view. 

But if you're after the ultimate indulgence, the 2-bedroom Grand Penthouse (2,000 sq ft) is a fitting choice. With curated art, sweeping views of Victoria Park, and two bedrooms with king-sized beds, it’s designed for those who want luxury and space without sacrificing intimacy.

If you're planning a longer stay, the flexible Extended Stay Package available for the Penthouses and other room types is designed to feel like home, with perks like daily housekeeping (with linens changed three times a week), 24/7 gym access, wellness classes twice a week, weekday Grab & Go breakfast, and special deals on dining and laundry.  

Dining and Drinks: Salon Lanson

A highlight of our stay was undoubtedly Salon Lanson, located on the first floor of the hotel — a refined all-day lounge that feels more like stepping into a serene, light-filled living room than a traditional restaurant. With exclusive club privileges, members can unwind in style, enjoying free-flow cocktails and canapés from the thoughtfully curated Hong Kong Odyssey collection.

Tucked into a quiet corner is a cozy retreat that opens onto a petite outdoor balcony, framed by elegant pillars and offering charming views over Causeway Bay. We dined beneath the stunning Dove Mural installation, where ivory and gold birds soar overhead, adding a poetic touch to an already graceful setting. 

Lanson Place is worth a visit for the cocktails alone. Salon Lanson’s cocktail menu features a curated selection of seven rotating cocktails that are refreshed every day, each one a testament to the artistry of Head Mixologist Manuel Saavedra.

Each cocktail at Salon Lanson draws inspiration from a beloved Hong Kong landmark, weaving local culture into every sip. The menu itself is presented on a beautifully illustrated postcard, featuring charming street scenes from Causeway Bay, Tai Hang, and Tin Hau—an invitation for guests to explore the neighborhoods.

More than just a menu, the postcard doubles as a keepsake. Guests are encouraged to pen a message on the back and hand it to the bar, where it will be mailed on their behalf, a small but meaningful gesture that adds a personal and nostalgic layer to the experience.

We ordered the Little Ginza and Victoria’s Spritz, an homage to Queen Victoria and her love for oranges – a citrusy Aperol, Blood orange infused cocktail. Manuel graciously shared the story behind each drink, explaining that Little Ginza was a tribute to Causeway Bay’s era from the 1970s to 1990s, when Japanese shops flourished in the district. This sake-based cocktail was light and floral from the sakura and umeshu and had a hint of saltiness that gave it an interesting profile.  

What we especially appreciated was Salon Lanson’s dedication to sustainability. Knowing that the cocktails are made with ecoSPIRITS—a low-carbon, low-waste system for spirit production—and that even the water is filtered through a NORDAQ system to reduce environmental impact made the experience feel even more intentional.

For dinner, we ordered the Classic French Onion Soup (HK$125) as an appetizer, a cheesy garlicky delight that set the tone for the rest of the dishes to come. 

Then, we devoured the light and delicious Warm Baby Spinach Salad with Air-Dried Duck and the moreish Spaghetti Bolognaise, which we are still dreaming about. 

To top it off, the US Aurora Angus Ribeye Steak was a delicious satisfying conclusion to the lineup of savory dishes, complemented by four Thai Asparagus, roasted vegetables and Rosemary Potatoes and a dollop of mustard sauce. 

Their mains offer a range of no-fuss comfort food with fine-dining finesse, from Pan-European dishes like Toothfish and Mushroom Tagliatelle, to comforting Asian signatures such as Hainan Chicken Rice and Malaysia Curry Laksa. 

Lanson Place have recently unveiled a refreshed à la carte lunch and dinner menu, taking the concept of elevated comfort food up a notch, introducing dishes for lunchtime grazing like the Grilled Spanish Octopus with arugula and pickled purple carrot, Spaghetti Aglio Olio and Natural Beef Flap Steak. For dinner, dishes like Warm Baby Spinach Salad with Air-Dried Duck Breast and Tagliatelle Mushroom Alfredo round out the rich new offerings on the menu. 

Few things get you moving in the morning quite like the promise of a complimentary Continental breakfast.

Salon Lanson’s semi-buffet setup made use of the entire space, from the buffet table partitioned in one room to the fresh juices: cloudy apple and orange, that are offered at the curved bar. 

There is a private dining room at the back for events, and the entire space is draped in rich green and cream colors, with a custom Murano glass chandelier dangling from the ceiling. It felt more like taking breakfast in someone’s aristocratic apartment than a restaurant. 

We tucked into artisanal cold cuts, salad, siu mai and har gao, hash browns, sausages on toast, and fresh fruit. There were also wonton noodles, eggs and crowaffles available to order from the à la carte menu. The buffet spread held a refined selection, offering something for everyone, including vegetarians who would be especially pleased with the variety of roasted vegetables and salads on offer.

Amenities and Facilities

As much as we would’ve loved to use Lanson Place’s 24-hour fitness center, we only managed a fleeting visit. It was enough time to see that wellness clearly isn’t just a buzzword label. 

Located on the fifth floor, the gym is a sun-drenched sanctuary, outfitted with a good selection of cardio and weightlifting machines, and generous stretching zones. The space spans the footprint of five hotel rooms – with natural light, and its treadmills facing panoramic views of Causeway Bay.

Wellness classes rotate over a monthly schedule, offering a curated mix of movement and mindfulness.

Just steps away, the self-service 24-hour laundry room—an uncommon amenity in luxury hotels—is equipped with sleek, modern washers and dryers. It’s a subtle yet impactful convenience that brings a sense of everyday ease, even for guests that are enjoying a short-term visit.

For those who are mixing business with leisure, the meeting rooms on the 2nd floor are a quiet triumph. Designed with Rochon’s signature flair, it’s a cocoon of soft lighting, curated art, and designer furnishings.

Check Out Thoughts

Lanson Place in Causeway Bay offers the kind of quiet luxury that makes you consider staying far longer than planned. A seamless blend of refined elegance and understated hominess, the hotel feels like a gentle reset—a place where you might actually wake up early, join a wellness class, or take advantage of the 24-hour gym. 

While there’s no pool or spa, the thoughtful amenities more than make up for it: plush rooms, pastel-toned interiors, sweeping views of Victoria Park, and a level of service so attentive and friendly, it’s like the staff has known you for years.

Though surrounded by a wealth of MICHELIN-starred restaurants and charming local spots, Salon Lanson still manages to steal the spotlight. With its laid-back atmosphere, all-day dining and French accented menu, it offers an air of continental cool that may seduce you into whiling away the hours of your day.

Lanson Place is an ideal base for travelers who want to be in the heart of the city without feeling overwhelmed by it. We’d return in a heartbeat, next time with more room in the schedule to enjoy everything it has to offer.

Reserve a table at Salon Lanson here. Book your stay here. For more information, visit Lanson Place on their Facebook and Instagram. 

Location: Lanson Place Causeway Bay, 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay

Travelling across Asia soon? Check out more reviews of great hotels in the region in our The Beat Stays series.

Do you think you know enough about Wan Chai, one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most eccentric districts? 

This summer, The Hari Hong Kong is inviting guests to explore one of the city’s most storied districts through a fresh lens with its newly launched “Best of Wan Chai at Night Tour – Explore Hong Kong like a Local.” This private, 2.5-hour guided experience kicks off daily at 5pm and is designed to deep dive into Wan Chai and neighboring Causeway Bay, revealing the area's rich history, mysterious traditions, and vibrant street life. 

From early beginnings as a small fishing village, to evolving into a buzzing center of urban life following British colonization in 1841, Wan Chai now stands as one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic neighborhoods full of surprising stories and charm. With its mix of historical landmarks, street markets, skyscrapers, and a blend of Eastern and Western influences, Wan Chai is as much about legacy as it is about reinvention, making it a hot spot for exploring Hong Kong. 

Led by licensed guide and travel content creator @explore_hongkong, the tour blends storytelling with immersive stops from a local perspective. Guests will witness the centuries-old ritual of "Villain Hitting," explore a 140-year-old tea shop, and navigate bustling wet and street markets. Along the way, they’ll sample local snacks, cross one of Hong Kong’s busiest streets, and hop aboard the iconic ‘Ding Ding’ tram, all while soaking up panoramic views of the city’s skyline. 

The Hari Hong Kong, championing local art through initiatives like The Hari Art Prize and The Hari Chronicles, is the perfect launchpad for this urban adventure. With interiors by British designer Tara Bernerd, the hotel offers 210 rooms and suites with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and The Peak, while Its dining venues round out the experience with bold flavors and stylish ambiance. 

And the new tour is a love letter to Wan Chai, paying tribute to its edgy, eclectic, and endlessly fascinating nature. 

For more information about the event and what The Hari Hong Kong is to offer, check out their website here and follow their Instagram here. 

Location: The Hari Hong Kong, 330 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced on Saturday, July 26, that Hong Kong has successfully continued its post-pandemic tourism rebound by welcoming approximately 24 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2025. This represents a 12% increase compared to the previous year.

In the month of June alone, the city welcomed 3.48 million visitors, which is a 11% increase from the same month last year. Travelers from Mainland China remained the dominant source, accounting for 75% of total arrivals. From January to June, 17.8 million Mainland visitors entered Hong Kong, a 10% rise compared to the same period in 2024.

Meanwhile, non-Mainland visitors reached 5.84 million for the first half of 2025, with a strong 17% increase year-on-year. Short-haul markets such as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines surged by over 25%, while Australia led long-haul growth with a notable 33% jump.

With improved performance across both Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong is on track for a strong tourism rebound this year and beyond, reinforcing the city's position as a leading global destination. 

For more details, visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board's website or contact [email protected].

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 now on Eventbrite or Klook.

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