petite on board
Five best diversity of Hong Kong
1. The best way to greet people authentically is saying "Nei Ho' (Cantonese) or
Hello, but not 'Nǐ hǎo'.
2. Wanna slow down a bit in a fast-growing city?
Hop on a 'ding ding' for only HKD2.30 - Tram
3. It takes you less than an hour to go on a city getaway to visit the back garden
of Hong Kong - Sai Kung
4. To view the best skyline of the city, hop on a ferry from the Island side
and cruise across the Victoria Harbour to the Kowloon Peninsula, vice versa.
5. Fancy a browse in a thrief shop and craving for some street food at the same
time? Sham Shui Po will be the district of your choice.
Feel the
Healing Master
Man Tung
of the city with the
heartbeat
How I met Man Tung and somehow inspired by him?
The privilledge of studying at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is you got great theatre professionals around you, and Man Tung is one of them. I remember the first lesson that we had was an introduction to yoga. That's where we begin to step out of our comfort zone and awaken our senses.
With the establishment of this travel site, I feel like I should have included my hometown - Hong Kong. The best district that I could think of would be Sham Shui Po, where Man Tung led us to 'literally' step out of our box and to truly feel the city.
HKG
Sham SHui Po
Located on the Tseun Wan Line (Red), you can easily access the district by MTR.
If you only got a few days in Hong Kong, apart from wandering the Central historic district at the mid-levels, I would definitely recommend a half-day trip to Sham Shui Po. Though it got the eldest population in this old district, it attracts a lot of young practitioner in arts, fashion and theatre industry.
Why is it so special and culturally-rich?
Our first outdoor class with Man Tung started right here (McDonalds actually), at the centre of Sham Shui Po. Each of us planned a city hunt route and we draw our picks among ourselves. That was the time for us to test our courage in the city that we have known for 20+ years. Are you dare enough to pretend that you are suffering from extreme stomach ache and seek for help?
I think I could probably be able to answer the first question after I had my first solo-exploration. I visited the oldest hospital, wandered the most colourful street, the noisiest market and tried the best street food all in a day.
#1 Travel in time
- Apliu Street v.s. Golden Computer Arcade -
Strolling down from A2 Exit - Dragon Centre, you will find yourself surrounded by stripes of LEDs. Apliu Street is kinda like those backyard market you can normally find in Angel, London. Street hawkers sell used and vintage home appliances, kitchen utensils, electronic compartments, watches... basically anything. From the olds to moderns, at the end of Apliu Street (near McDonalds), go on a treasure hunt in the Golden Computer Arcade where you can get any high technology with a good bargain.
#2 Eat like a Local
My favourite pick: 公和荳品廠 Kung Wo Dou Bun Chong - 118 Pei Ho St
Before that day, I wasn't able to eat out alone, never! Thanks to my dearest classmate Lily, she asked me to visit one of the place from her food list and to take a selfie. I mean, seriously, I hate eating on my own in a public space. I went to every single shop on her list to evaluate the space, hygiene and food - until I made my decision to this tofu factory.
Since then, it changed my life and perception of Sham Shui Po. No matter what season it is, I will order 1) A hot 'Tofu Fa' pudding + 2) Fried tofu with minced meat fillings for myself.
#shamlessselfie in year 2010 vs 2015
#3 Be the Next Star in Project Runway
- An outdoor experience in MOON fabrics -
Every fashionista or Tim Gunn' fans will dream of spinning around at MOON fabrics. Without any air-con and big franchise, Shum Shui Po give you a more budget & healthier way to shop for your next outfits. Browsing a hundreds fabric shop under such hot weather probably will make you sweat like hell and definitely a good workout after having your tummy filled.
Looking for......?
Fabric - Yu Chau Street, Ki Lung Street
Leather - Ki Lung Street, Tai Nan Street
Accessories - Yu Chau Street (near Dragon Centre)
#4 Cheap deals
- Street Market, Toys' Street -
Try google 'Shum Shui Po', majority of the images are all markets, street hawkers and old residential structure. In just HKD10, you can get a lot from here.
I always like to make a trip to the Toys' Street (Fuk Wing Street) to look for any cheap deals in boardgame and festival decorations. With the mixture of various culture, we celebrate both Chinese and western festivals here. For this reason, Fuk Wing Street can look completely different in months as it will be themed by each festival. From Chinese New Year to Easter, Summer, Mid-autumn Festival, Halloween, Christmas and more.
#5 Existence of the olds
- Sham Shui Po Public Dispensary (Sham Shui Po Yee Kuk) -
One of my task is to draw an illustration of the hospital. Saying it as a local with no offence, people gathered outside the hospital do look like they are suffering from serious disease and probably are drugs addicts. Just by seeing from a distance, I honestly doubted that I will walk near the building at all.
Facts - This public dispensary was used to be a hospital in 1930s and it's now recognized as a grade III historical building in Hong Kong.
An Awesome Map for Crafty Travellers (by Timeout HK)
For more tips on shopping, Style & DIY...
http://www.timeout.com.hk/shopping/features/69150/time-outs-guide-to-sham-shui-po-diy.html