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10 Underrated Sights in Hong Kong Even Hongkongers Ignore: Uncover Hong Kong’s Hidden Charms

While Hong Kong is known for its bustling urban life, towering skyscrapers, and iconic landmarks like Victoria Peak, the Big Buddha, and Tsim Sha Tsui, there are numerous hidden gems that even locals don’t often visit. In this blog post, I will uncover 10 underrated sights in Hong Kong that give a unique perspective on this multifaceted city. These are destinations that provide tranquility, culture, and a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

1. Tai O Fishing Village

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Tai O Fishing Village offers a fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong’s traditional way of life. Located on the southwestern tip of Lantau Island, this village is famous for its stilt houses, quaint shops, and seafood markets. A stark contrast to Hong Kong’s urban chaos, Tai O is a serene retreat where you can wander through narrow alleyways and experience life at a slower pace.

One of the village’s highlights is its unique stilt houses, which are built on water and have been the homes of local Tanka people for generations. Walking through the village, you’ll find small, family-run shops selling dried seafood, salted fish, and shrimp paste – Tai O’s specialties.

However, Tai O isn’t just about the past. The village has numerous contemporary attractions that appeal to a modern audience. You can take a boat ride to spot the famous pink dolphins or visit the recently renovated Tai O Heritage Hotel, which offers luxurious accommodations with a touch of history.

2. Nan Lian Garden

Nestled in the diamond-shaped valley of Diamond Hill, Nan Lian Garden is a beautifully landscaped garden designed in the classical style of the Tang dynasty. Covering an area of 3.5 hectares, this garden is a tranquil oasis in the midst of a busy city. It offers landscaped hills, koi ponds, meticulously maintained shrubs, and splendid wooden architecture.

One of the main attractions of Nan Lian Garden is the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection. This stunning wooden structure sits at the center of the garden, surrounded by a reflective pond and connected by two ornate bridges. It’s a perfect place to sit and meditate or simply take in the surrounding beauty.

Another feature of the garden is its vegetarian restaurant and teahouse, which allow visitors to enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine in a peaceful setting. The garden is also a great spot for photography, offering plenty of vantage points to capture Hong Kong’s unique blend of nature and architecture.

3. Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Located in Yuen Long, the Ping Shan Heritage Trail offers visitors a journey through centuries of history. This trail connects several historic buildings and sites of the Tang Clan, one of Hong Kong’s most significant clans. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the early days of the New Territories.

Walking the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, you’ll come across landmarks such as the Tang Ancestral Hall, Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall, and the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda. Each of these structures offers insight into the architectural and cultural practices of ancient Hong Kong. The Tang Ancestral Hall, for example, is a splendid three-hall structure that dates back to 700 years.

The trail also includes Hong Kong’s Old Well, from which villagers used to draw water. The heritage sites are well marked, and information panels along the way provide historical context. It’s a less-trodden path but offers significant historical insight and picturesque scenery.

4. Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail

Another treasure in the New Territories, the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, takes you through walled villages and ancestral halls. This trail, located in Fanling, is less crowded than its counterpart in Ping Shan but equally rich in history and culture.

The Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail begins at Tsung Kyam Church and winds its way through the villages of the Tang Clan. Highlights include the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, built in 1525, and the Lo Wai walled village, which is one of the few surviving walled villages in Hong Kong.

In addition to ancestral halls, the trail offers scenic beauty with lush greenery and traditional Chinese architectural features. The Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail is a walk through living history, enabling visitors to see how ancient customs and traditions still influence modern life.

5. Sai Kung East Country Park

Often touted as the “back garden” of Hong Kong, Sai Kung East Country Park is a paradise for nature lovers. This expansive park is home to pristine beaches, rolling hills, and geological formations that offer a sharp contrast to the city’s urban landscape.

Sai Kung East Country Park is home to the famous High Island Reservoir, which boasts some of the most stunning views in Hong Kong. There’s also the scenic MacLehose Trail, which winds through the park and offers different levels of hiking challenges, from easy walks to strenuous climbs.

The park’s coastal areas are perfect for water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. For a more relaxed experience, you can opt for a boat tour to explore the various islands and sea arches in the area.

6. Yim Tin Tsai Village

Yim Tin Tsai Village is a small, abandoned village located off the coast of Sai Kung. Once a thriving Hakka settlement known for salt production, it now serves as a captivating reminder of a bygone era. The village has been partially restored and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional village life.

One of the village’s main attractions is St. Joseph Chapel, a small but beautifully restored church that stands as a landmark. Wander around the old village houses, some of which have been converted into small museums displaying artifacts and historical information.

Yim Tin Tsai is also a great place to enjoy nature, with several walking trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and sea. The village is accessible by a short ferry ride from Sai Kung Pier, making it an easy yet enriching day trip.

7. Hong Kong Global Geopark

The Hong Kong Global Geopark covers eight geo-areas and offers a fascinating insight into the geological history of the region. From striking hexagonal rock columns to ancient volcanic formations, the geopark’s landscape is a testament to the Earth’s dynamic processes.

The park is divided into two main regions: the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region. In the Sai Kung region, you can visit the High Island Reservoir East Dam, which features stunning hexagonal rock columns formed by volcanic eruptions over 140 million years ago.

On the other hand, the Northeast New Territories region is known for its sedimentary rocks and rugged coastal landscapes. It includes the stunning Double Haven, a tranquil area with relatively undisturbed natural scenery. Both regions offer numerous hiking trails, boat tours, and educational programs to help visitors appreciate the park’s geological significance.

8. Lai Chi Wo Village

Lai Chi Wo Village is one of the best-preserved traditional Hakka villages in Hong Kong. Located within the northeastern New Territories, it’s an almost untouched area that transports visitors back in time with its authentic architecture and tranquil farms.

One of the village’s main attractions is its distinctive Feng Shui woodlands which have been protected for over three centuries. These woodlands are home to various rare plant species and are considered essential for maintaining environmental harmony in the area.

The village also features old Hakka houses, an ancestral hall, and farmlands that offer guided tours. One of the best ways to explore Lai Chi Wo is through the nature trails that wind through the village and surrounding areas, offering picturesque views and a chance to interact with local wildlife.

9. Kat Hing Wai

Kat Hing Wai is one of Hong Kong’s last remaining walled villages, situated in the Yuen Long District. This 500-year-old village is a historical relic that offers a window into the life and times of the Tang Clan, one of the original settlers in Hong Kong.

The village is surrounded by thick defensive walls, which were built to protect its inhabitants from pirates and rival clans. Today, these walls, along with the Ming-era structures within them, serve as a fascinating testament to the village’s storied past.

Kat Hing Wai offers guided tours conducted by local residents, who provide an in-depth historical account of the area. You’ll also find small museums and exhibitions within the village that display artifacts and offer further insight into this unique community’s way of life.

10. Chi Lin Nunnery

Located next to Nan Lian Garden, Chi Lin Nunnery is a serene Buddhist temple complex that offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The nunnery’s beautifully designed wooden architecture is inspired by the Tang dynasty, and it’s constructed entirely without the use of nails.

The nunnery complex includes gardens, bonsai trees, lotus ponds, and various halls dedicated to different Buddhist deities. It’s a tranquil place for reflection and meditation, and the meticulous design and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit.

Visitors can also have a vegetarian meal at the nunnery’s restaurant, which serves delicious, wholesome dishes in a calming environment. Chi Lin Nunnery, combined with Nan Lian Garden, offers a holistic experience of peace, beauty, and spirituality.

My Thoughts

Hong Kong is a city that continually surprises both visitors and locals. While iconic landmarks and bustling markets often steal the spotlight, the city’s underrated sights offer an equally enriching experience. From the tranquil Tai O Fishing Village to the historical Ping Shan Heritage Trail, each of these hidden gems contributes to the rich tapestry of Hong Kong’s culture and history.

By venturing off the beaten path, you can discover sides of Hong Kong that are often overshadowed by its modernity. These hidden charms provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city’s diverse heritage. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, these underrated sights deserve a spot on your Hong Kong itinerary.

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