Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

Okay, we had heard about this back in August and were going to break the news in our upcoming Time Out Bar Guide 2026, but the cat’s out of the bag now! The great minds behind successful watering holes Bar Leone and Montana are cooking up something new – they’re opening a new bar in Rosewood Hong Kong.  Bar entrepreneurs Lorenzo Antinori and Justin Shun Wah are working on a brand-new concept that will take over the space where XX used to be. Ever since it stopped being a women-only bar, we’ve always felt the venue was rather under-utilised, and clearly the Rosewood people felt the same because they’ve passed the reins onto a capable team who live and breathe nightlife hospitality.  Not much has been revealed about the concept aside from the official release claiming that this will be “an exciting new chapter for cocktail culture in Hong Kong”, but considering how well-loved Bar Leone and Montana are, this is bound to become the city’s newest cocktail hotspot.  Antinori and Shun Wah’s new bar will open in Rosewood Hong Kong in November, but keep an eye out in October when we will finally hear more details about the project.  Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Alo Yoga opens Hong Kong’s first flagship store at K11 Musea Hong Kong Ballet becomes first resident company at new WestK Performing Arts Centre Maggie Choo’s returns with a new cabaret show inspired by French Baroque glamour

Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is finally getting a key to its own home as they’ve just signed on as the first resident company at the new WestK Performing Arts Centre (WestK PAC), scheduled to open in summer 2027. The move marks the city’s first long-term residency arrangement between a local professional dance company and a major arts venue. Under an initial three-year tenancy, with the option to roll over for another three, the company is securing over 1,000 square metres of space within the complex, including three dance and rehearsal studios, an on-site physiotherapy room, shower rooms and lockers, and a private office. Photograph: Courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District AuthorityDancehouse (Rendering) The new centre will serve as HKB’s primary stage going forward, hosting full performance seasons and increasing their run of shows each year. They will make heavy use of the 1,450-seat Grand Theatre, as well as the Dancehouse facility with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow passersby to see dancers at work or even catch sneak peeks of rehearsals.  Their inaugural season kicks off between September and October 2027 with the world premiere of ‘Bruce Lee: Hong Kong Legend’. The new production draws on the martial artist’s life, philosophy, and global cultural impact, serving as a headline act for WestK PAC’s debut lineup. While two or three resident companies will eventually share the building, the remaining rehearsal spaces and facilities are set to be rented out to other local dance groups and performing arts organisations when not in use. Visit westk.hk to find out more about the new WestK Performing Arts Centre. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Maggie Choo’s returns with a new cabaret show inspired by French Baroque glamour Here are all of Hong Kong’s medal wins at the 2026 Asian Games so far Michelin Keys 2026 awards 10 hotels in Hong Kong and nine in Macau

You may remember earlier this year when the city’s yoga-loving crowd were all buzzing about Alo opening in Hong Kong. Well, the LA-based fashion and lifestyle brand has finally reached our shores, unveiling its first Hong Kong store in K11 Musea. This flagship is massive, taking over the space that used to house Fortnum & Mason, which means more than 7,000 sq ft across two floors with a fantastic view of Victoria Harbour. Shoppers can expect to browse their range of studio-to-streetwear apparel including workout sets, jackets, hoodies, sweats, and footwear. Alo also has a line of more dressy options apart from athleisure such as the Dreamscape Button Down Long Sleeve and their Suit Up Trousers. Photograph: Courtesy AloAlo Yoga Hong Kong Having a brick-and-mortar store is going to make a huge difference for Alo evangelists, since previously we were only able to buy their products on the official website with shipping options to Hong Kong, or shop a curated selection at Lane Crawford. Look out for opening celebrations (and possibly discounts and promotions) coming in October. Find Alo Yoga at Units 022 & 122, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong Ballet becomes first resident company at new WestK Performing Arts Centre Maggie Choo’s returns with a new cabaret show inspired by French Baroque glamour Here are all of Hong Kong’s medal wins at the 2026 Asian Games so far

In the mood for some glamour? Preferably the sort accompanied by pink headpieces and a dose of 17th-century excess? Maggie Choo’s has just unveiled its fifth seasonal production, titled ‘Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps’, which takes an opulent turn towards French Baroque splendour. The premise, as ever, is delightfully over the top, with gilded ornament, hand-stitched costumes, and 12 numbers designed to take you through an emotional gamut from cheerful and seductive to powerful and tingling. Photograph: Courtesy Maggie Choo’sNew ‘Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps’ cabaret show launches at Maggie Choo’s Things kick off with Bonjour Maggie, a high-tempo DJ set from the house production team that introduces a modern ‘Mont Cabaret’ vibe. From there, the acts get progressively more eccentric. The Decorative sees selected audience members turned into living ornaments right alongside the dancers, while the Latin-inspired title number, Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps, features giant coral pink hand-stitched headpieces to pay homage to the Baroque style. Later in the evening, the dancers don white lace-stitched suits for See-Through to celebrate female energy, before it all ends in a dark and extravagant Le Grande Finale. The show runs every Thursday night from 9.30pm until midnight. Entry is $200 per guest and includes a choice of drink (cocktail, alcoholic, or non-alcoholic). Table bookings can be sorted directly via WhatsApp at 6250 6000. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Here are all of Hong Kong’s medal wins at the 2026 Asian Games so far Michelin Keys 2026 awards 10 hotels in Hong Kong and nine in Macau Urban Brew Summit brings global coffee brands under one roof at The Mills

The 2026 Asian Games are well underway in Aichi-Nagoya, and Hong Kong’s elite athletes are already making their presence felt across arenas, pools, and combat rings. From world champions delivering stellar performances to fresh faces stepping up on the big stage, Team Hong Kong has picked up an impressive collection of medals in the opening stretch of the competition. If you’re trying to keep track of who won what without digging through dozens of match reports, we’ve gathered everything here for you. Read on for the full lowdown on every single gold, silver, and bronze medal secured by Hong Kong’s athletes so far. Photograph: Courtesy ©AINAGOCSiobhan Haughey takes gold for the women’s 100m freestyle Hong Kong gold medals Swimming Golden girl Siobhan Haughey showed up to business as usual, retaining her regional crown in the women’s 200m freestyle with a time of 1:54.96. She kept the momentum going in the women’s 100-m freestyle, bagging yet another gold for the city. Photograph: Courtesy ©AINAGOCLydia Sham claims gold in women's changquan final Wushu Opening ceremony flag-bearer Lydia Sham scored 9.713 in the women’s changquan final, pocketing Hong Kong’s very first gold of the Games against Macau’s Sou Cho-man. Rowing Veteran rower Chiu Hin-chun paced himself brilliantly over the first 1,000 metres before executing a decisive late surge to win the men’s lightweight single sculls in 6:50.32, securing Hong Kong’s fourth gold medal of the Games. Hong Kong silver medals Fencing Hong Kong’s fencing star Ryan Choi turned in an exceptional performance in the men’s individual foil, slicing through the knockout bracket all the way to the final bout to seal a silver medal. Karate Karate world champion Grace Lau bagged a well-deserved silver in the women’s individual kata, while fellow athlete Tsang Yee-ting had an outstanding run in the women’s kumite, beating through a tough final against Malaysia’s Shahmalarani Chandran. Swimming Swimming continues to deliver the goods for Hong Kong, with Ian Ho putting down an explosive sprint in the men’s 50m freestyle – touching the wall just 0.1 seconds shy of the top spot – and Haughey adding two more silvers to her tally in the women’s 50m freestyle as well as the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay alongside her teammates Natalie Kan, Li Sum-yiu, and Gilaine Ma. Photograph: Courtesy ©AINAGOCLeung Yu-hong fights for silver in wushu-sanda: men’s 60kg semifinals Wushu Hong Kong’s martial artists recorded a series of breakthroughs on the mat, with Lau Chi-lung putting together two routines in the men’s nanquan and nangun all-around event to take silver, while Leung Yu-hong made his Asian Games debut and fought his way through to the men's 60kg sanda final to a historic silver of his own. Rowing Adding two more shiny silvers to the city’s tally, Winnie Hung Wing-yan powered through the women’s lightweight single sculls to cross the line in 7:28.54 for second place, before teammates Cheung Yuen-shan and Leung Wing-wun staged a dramatic comeback in the second half of the women’s lightweight double sculls and finished second. Hong Kong bronze medals Fencing Fong Hoi-sun battled his way through to the semi-finals against Kazakhstan in the men’s epee individual event to earn a bronze medal. Karate Howard Hung Ho-wai executed a sharp series of routines in the men’s individual kata to lock up third place on the podium. Hung then joined forces with teammates Martin Li and Tang Yu-hin in the men’s team kata, edging out Taipei 3-2 in a tense battle for the bronze. Meanwhile, Wong Cheuk-lee held her nerve in the women’s kumite -68kg category, striking late in the contest to secure a bronze medal finish. Photograph: Courtesy ©AINAGOCWomen's road race cycling final at the 2026 Asian Games Cycling Chloe Leung Wing-yee shook off earlier setbacks in the time trials and pulled clear into the leading group on the third lap of the women’s road race to claim bronze. Swimming Natalie Kan has set a brand new Hong Kong record – one previously held by Haughey – and claimed a historic bronze in the women’s 100m butterfly. Triathlon Made up of Cade Write, Oscar Coggins, Bailee Brown, and Robin Elg, Hong Kong’s mixed relay team delivered an outstanding performance across all four legs, reaching the podium to grab yet another bronze for the city. Rowing Lam San-tung and Chan Tik-lun combined for a solid race in the men’s lightweight double sculls, finishing in 6:24.84 to add a bronze medal to the team's haul. Wushu Making her Asian Games debut, Chan Tsz-ching took home bronze in the women’s 52kg division after facing off Iran’s Sogand Sinkaeichetan in the semi-finals. Head to aichi-nagoya2026.org for more updates on other games and results. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Michelin Keys 2026 awards 10 hotels in Hong Kong and nine in Macau Urban Brew Summit brings global coffee brands under one roof at The Mills Disney Halloween Time brings wicked fun, new shows, and fresh characters to Hong Kong Disneyland

Several of our city’s hotels shone brightly during the second edition of Michelin Keys, collecting keys like restaurants collecting stars. 10 Hong Kong hotels were listed, as were nine hotels in our neighbouring Macau, totalling one more property between the two cities than last year’s list. Rosewood Hong Kong has retained its three-key status, making it the only three-key hotel in Hong Kong. Aside from a variety of experiences and gorgeous environments across its 65 floors, including a whopping 11 restaurants and bars, Rosewood also stands out in its connection to the city and encourages guests to engage with Hong Kong beyond the comforts of the hotel. Photograph: Courtesy Rosewood Hong KongGrand Harbour View Room A new joiner to this year’s list is the Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong, with two Michelin keys. This hotel could not be more centrally located, and was extensively renovated until its reopening this summer, boasting designs by Joyce Wang that drew inspiration from Hong Kong’s urban landscape. Understated luxury is the name of the game for this hotel, wrapped in a palette of terracotta and deep green hues.  Meanwhile, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has been elevated from one to two keys this year. Its location on the Central harbourfront means that views of Victoria Harbour are maximised throughout the hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows, framing a beautiful, ever-changing backdrop for the venue. With the release of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026, the Four Seasons also boasts a total of seven Michelin stars across three of its restaurants. Photograph: Booking.comCity of Dreams - Morpheus in Macau A ferry ride away, Macau gets its first three-Michelin-key hotel after City of Dreams – Morpheus got promoted from last year’s two-key status. Designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, this hotel is best known as the world’s first high-rise supported by a free-form steel exoskeleton, featuring an undulating steel frame wrapped around the glass façade. The Banyan Tree Macau, featuring suites with private relaxation pools and villas with crystal jacuzzi pools, has also been promoted from one to two keys this year. See below for the full list of Michelin-keyed hotels in Hong Kong and Macau this year. Photograph: Courtesy Four Seasons Hotel Hong KongFour Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Hong Kong hotels awarded Michelin Keys 2026 Rosewood Hong Kong (🗝️🗝️🗝️) Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (🗝️🗝️) Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong (🗝️🗝️) Upper House Hong Kong (🗝️🗝️) The Peninsula Hong Kong (🗝️🗝️) Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (🗝️) The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel (🗝️) The St. Regis Hong Kong (🗝️) Hotel ICON Hong Kong (🗝️) The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong (🗝️) Macau hotels awarded Michelin Keys 2026 City of Dreams – Morpheus (🗝️🗝️🗝️) Banyan Tree Macau (🗝️🗝️) Grand Lisboa Palace Macau (🗝️🗝️) Palazzo Versace Macau (🗝️🗝️) The Karl Lagerfeld (🗝️🗝️) Four Seasons Hotel Macao (🗝️) The Londoner Hotel, Macau (🗝️) The Ritz-Carlton Macau (🗝️) The St. Regis Macao (🗝️) Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Urban Brew Summit brings global coffee brands under one roof at The Mills Disney Halloween Time brings wicked fun, new shows, and fresh characters to Hong Kong Disneyland Don Pedro creates The Good Bottle Club dinner series to spotlight amazing wines and makers

If you’re not up for squeezing among the hordes of costumed revellers near LKF nor having the bejeesus scared out of you at haunted houses, perhaps Hong Kong Disneyland provides a nice alternative this Halloween. From the looks of the giant Mickey pumpkin head at the park entrance and Maleficent’s dragon breathing smoke at Castle Hub, Disney is not playing about spooky season, but they’re still keeping things fun. The baddies are back once again, with Disney fiends like Hades, Captain Hook, Maleficent, Jafar, Gaston, Oogie Boogie, and more taking over an expanded villainous parade that’s larger than ever. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Disneyland ResortUninvited! A Villains Takeover Party At the Castle of Magical Dreams, the Mickey’s Happy Halloween Adventure performance will feature a new song alongside brand-new seasonal looks on Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore, while CookieAnn and LinaBell rock Halloween outfits. Deeper into the park, the Lion King show gives way to the Let’s Get Wicked musical performance, where Ursula, Mother Gothel, Gaston, Maleficent, and Dr Facilier take the stage with spectacular vocals on iconic villain numbers. It would actually be diabolical if you didn’t sing along to these anthems. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Disneyland ResortDisneyland Halloween villains Halloween also means that the character encounters in Disneyland will switch up, so look out for figures like Cruella, Jafar and Jasmine, Gaston and Belle, Lady Tremaine with Anastasia and Drizella, and more popping up across the park. But we have to be honest, we’re most looking forward to finding and taking photos with everyone’s favourite talking trash can, which will be roaming around wearing a white sheet! Halloween themes run throughout the food and drink outlets across the park and the resort hotels, but fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas should hit up the River View Cafe, where Jack Skellington’s The Nightmare Before Dinner returns with a new menu, and guests can mix their own bottomless welcome drink called Sally’s Sweet Potion, as well as meet Jack, Sally, and Oogie Boogie. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Disneyland ResortJack Skellington’s The Nightmare Before Dinner If you’re a Magic Access member, there’s a ‘Bring A Friend’ offer to be used over the Halloween period, granting 40 percent off regular park tickets for guests spending the day with you. Gather a crew of three or more people to enjoy a 20-percent discount on Magic Access memberships, plus receive complimentary Disney Premier Access for each member when you all sign up by December 30. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Don Pedro creates The Good Bottle Club dinner series to spotlight amazing wines and makers BigBang adds one more concert date to their November shows in Hong Kong Enjoy four weekends of outdoor picnics with the WestK Picnic Fest

Don Pedro may be a steakhouse, but if you’ve dined there or even peeked through the window you’ll know that the wine here is just as important to them as the steak. That’s why they’ve recently launched The Good Bottle Club, a recurring dinner series built around an invited sommelier or a standout winery, with pours paired with each course. The idea is for each featured winery or sommelier to share their favourite wines, while the kitchen whips up a five-course menu to match the bottles. The first dinner will highlight Catena Zapata, Argentina’s oldest family-run winery that was named the World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2025 by Drinks International. To this day, the fourth-generation descendants of founder Nicola Catena still run the estate and vineyards in Gualtallary. Photograph: Courtesy Don PedroDon Pedro Good Bottle Club Expect robust flavours to go with each pour, such as bluefin akami with dulce tomatoes and green olives paired with the 2023 Catena Alta Chardonnay; seared beef tongue with romesco and butternut squash with the 2022 Catena Zapata Birth of Cabernet Sauvignon; and a classic roasted Argentinian striploin with bone marrow bordelaise, crispy potatoes, and glazed carrots accompanied by the 2022 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino. This first edition of The Good Bottle Club with Catena Zapata starts on October 7, and is priced at $998 per person. Keep an eye out for more editions and guests. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: BigBang adds one more concert date to their November shows in Hong Kong Enjoy four weekends of outdoor picnics with the WestK Picnic Fest The Disgusting Food Museum comes to Hong Kong with over 80 gross foods from all over the world

Update, September 22: BigBang has added an extra show to their Hong Kong concerts! Read on for details: OG K-pop fans will have been eagerly awaiting news ever since it was announced that BigBang will be coming to Hong Kong in concert later this year. Since this year celebrates the second-generation K-pop music act’s 20th anniversary, read on for everything you need to know about their concert here. When and where are BigBang’s Hong Kong concerts? Hong Kong is getting three nights with G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. They will be performing at the Kai Tak Stadium on November 13 to 15. The band has also just announced that they have added an extra show on Tuesday, November 17 due to overwhelming demand by Hong Kong VIPs. How much are tickets to see BigBang? Prices for seated tickets run from $699 to $2,699 for VIP2 category entry, which includes a VIP basic set of exclusive merchandise, and access to an express shopping lane. The highest VIP1 ticket tier costs $3,099 and includes standing entry in the middle of the stage area, a VIP plus set of merch, and an express shopping lane. Photograph: Courtesy YG EntertainmentBigBang XX: Cosmos World Tour seating plan When are BigBang tickets available on sale? Tickets for the shows on November 13, 14, and 15 have all sold out, but sales for the added November 17 show will start soon. The BigBang membership presale starts at 10am on Monday, September 28. Pre-sales for QQ Music, JOOX, and Kugou Music follow at 10am on Tuesday, September 29. Later on the same day, pre-sales for Trip.com and Klook start at 2pm, and finally general sales open at 4pm on HK Ticketing. What tips should I know before buying BigBang tickets? HKTicketing will open the online waiting room 30 minutes before each sale stage begins, so log on early. Make sure you’ve already registered for a HKTicketing account so you don’t have to waste time creating an account later. Also note that each registered account can purchase a maximum of two tickets for each show date across all sale phases. Photograph: Facebook / BIGBANGBigBang What is the setlist for BigBang’s concerts? As always, concert setlists are subject to change, but if their XX: Cosmos World Tour opening shows in Goyang last month are any indication, here’s what VIPs can expect to hear BigBang perform. Fantastic Baby Hands Up Tonight Blue Loser If You Bad Boy Bae Bae Haru Haru Lies Universe (Daesung solo) Wings (Daesung solo) Hando Chogua (Daesung solo) Look At Me, Gwisun (Daesung solo) Bad (Taeyang solo) Ringa Linga (Taeyang solo) Live Fast Die Slow (Taeyang solo) Power (G-Dragon solo) Good Boy (G-Dragon x Taeyang) Crayon (G-Dragon solo) Crooked (G-Dragon solo) Bang Bang Bang Stupid Liar Sober We Like 2 Party BiiiG Home Sweet Home Encore My Heaven Sunset Glow Last Farewell Feeling Still Life Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Enjoy four weekends of outdoor picnics with the WestK Picnic Fest The Disgusting Food Museum comes to Hong Kong with over 80 gross foods from all over the world Chill Hill serves up froyo inside a self-service coin laundry shop

With the weather finally cooling down a tad, we can actually hang around outdoors in Hong Kong without melting into a puddle. Autumn is the perfect time to sprawl out on a nice warm patch of grass with snacks and a good book, and the West Kowloon Cultural District is making the most of it with the WestK Picnic Fest. Launching for the first time this year, the Harbourside East Lawn will be taken over by al fresco fun over four consecutive weekends, conveniently spanning the Mid-Autumn Festival, Golden Week, and the Hong Kong Cyclothon. 16 vendors will offer food and drinks, ranging from Lau Kee Boat Noodles, Asian-French from Pano, vegan and vegetarian fare from Play with Years and Yau Veggie Truck, to coffee from Cupping Room. There will also be craft cocktails by The Captain’s Bar x Tankyu Distillery, modern street food staples from Kowloon Walled City, Korean-inspired bites from Dotom, doughnuts from Donut Demo x Being Soda, and craft beer from Mak’s Beer x Fisholic. Photograph: Courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District AuthorityWestK Picnic Fest You won’t even have to bring your own picnic mats if you don’t want to, because WestK-branded picnic essentials will be available for rentals. Foldable chairs for both adults and children, picnic tables, picnic mats, portable fans, and even lanterns can be borrowed at $40 to $50. If you purchase designated food sets, you can even borrow two foldable chairs for free on the same day, so make sure you keep those receipts. For an added dose of wellness, WestK has partnered with tokyobike hk to launch the time-limited Bike & Picnic Pass ($348), which comes with a rental bicycle, picnic mat and lantern redemption, and more. While you’re there, don’t forget to get up from your mat every now and then to check out the themed workshops, live music performances, and wellness leisure activities like farm-to-table experiences, harp therapy, and botanical ceramics. Photograph: Courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District AuthorityWestK Picnic Fest WestK Picnic Fest runs on weekends and public holidays from September 18 to October 11, at the Harbourside East Lawn of the Art Park. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The Disgusting Food Museum comes to Hong Kong with over 80 gross foods from all over the world Chill Hill serves up froyo inside a self-service coin laundry shop A guide to moon gazing in Hong Kong this Mid-Autumn Festival

It’s no secret that we love this city and all it has to offer, and we’re always proud to call ourselves Hongkongers. But if there’s one gripe we have – a bone to pick, if you will – it is that Hong Kong is not exactly the most pet-friendly place in the world. We have the bustling city, the teeming nightlife, the lush greenery, and so much amazing food, but when we look at other cities all around the world, Hong Kong pet owners can’t help but think about how we can’t simply stroll into malls or places of entertainment with our furry companions, or even ride on the subway with them. Luckily, things are taking a turn for the better, with the Hong Kong government recently announcing the introduction of a special permit that will allow selected restaurants to welcome dogs indoors. Targeted for approval by mid-2026, between 500 and 1,000 permits will be issued to restaurants which apply for them. This means that we could see a sudden influx of restaurants that actively embrace patrons dining alongside their pets within this year – an absolute dream for dog owners who are tired of being relegated to outdoor seating with no air conditioning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by April & Artie (@aprilandartie) To address some of these queries: restaurants granted the pet permit will be allowed to determine the extent of their participation, and the policy does indeed cover air-conditioned areas in restaurants. Pet owners will be required to keep their dogs under control at all times with a leash no longer than 1.5 metres or secured to a fixed object. Dogs will also not be allowed on dining tables or to come in contact with food and tableware. It remains to be seen whether there’s a limit on how many dogs each pet owner can bring into eateries, and secretary for environment and ecology Tse Chin-wan also said on February 10 that dog diapers will most likely not be made mandatory as it may cause discomfort to dogs who don’t need them. High-risk venues like hotpot or barbecue restaurants will not be granted pet permits.  When asked which restaurants they would want to see welcome their pets in the near future, Hong Kong’s pet owners are not picky – they’re just happy that the option to do so is happening in the first place. Stephanie Lown, who works at the SPCA Hong Kong and is the founder of the outdoor adventure group Exploring Dogs, is just “thrilled to have any options open up to dogs at all!” Her rescue dog Lola is an energetic, active adventurer of the great outdoors, so Lown can think of “nothing better than ending a hike with your dog and being able to stop at a café or restaurant for a nice refreshing drink or meal”. Cho would love to see Korean restaurants and dim sum places adopt a pet-friendly attitude, while Dorathy wants to see their dining options expand to include cha chaan tengs or fast-food joints. We don’t know if Maxim’s Palace in City Hall or your local Café de Coral will soon embrace hungry pups, but it sure is a nice thought! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Life in Hong Kong with Lola (@livin_da_vida_lola) Promoting pet-friendly eateries is a great step in making Hong Kong a more inclusive city for animals. Considering that the local pet economy is a multi-billion dollar market driven by mostly younger citizens with the financial means and the inclination to provide the best for their animals, there is plenty more that can be done to make people happy while tapping into this sizable income pocket. Hong Kong is already trying out having pets on public transport, with select bus routes accommodating animals on certain days of the week and the Light Rail in the New Territories allowing pets on the weekends. Pet owners are now eagerly waiting for expanded transportation options, as well as regulations that don’t require their pets being placed in carriers – it’s easy to put a Pomeranian in a bag, but try doing the same with a Bernese Mountain Dog.  “Right now, I am always on foot or taking cabs everywhere whenever I travel with my dogs,” Cho muses. “I hope one day dogs will be allowed on either the MTR or on buses.” Dorathy concurs, saying that as a medium-sized dog owner, “it would be fantastic to bring my dogs on the MTR and buses”, adding that she wouldn’t mind putting her Samoyeds in diapers to ensure hygiene if needed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Exploring Dogs (@exploringdogs) Cho also adds that there are not enough dog-friendly parks and beaches in Hong Kong – dogs are currently banned from most parks and public beaches, with only a handful open to dog owners and their pups. “We usually end up on unregulated beaches that are filled with plastic, broken glass, and trash, which is so dangerous for dogs. Hopefully we’ll see more dog-friendly places so our fur babies can enjoy nature too.” Lown looks even further ahead, hoping to see more housing options open up to pet owners as well. “The last couple of years have definitely shown promise with ferries, KMB buses, and the MTR welcoming dogs for SPCA’s Dogathon, but we still have some ways to go. Other countries have had these pet-inclusive policies for years, if not decades!” Lastly, she hopes that with this recent wave of pet-friendly sentiment, the Hong Kong government might review the city’s animal cruelty laws, which she laments have not been updated in 90 years. “It would be good to see the government finally implementing a ‘Duty of Care’ policy which would help improve animal rights and welfare in Hong Kong.” Hear, hear! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s recent food poisoning outbreak linked to raw oysters Calbee opens a limited-time Chinese New Year pop-up at Citygate Outlets for snack fans Macau is the most active region in Asia when it comes to love and sex, according to Time Out

Ever wanted to go back in time and shop at a supermarket from the 1950s? It might come off as a rather specific fancy, but for those who harbour such a dream, you’re in luck: Hong Kong’s homegrown supermarket giant, Wellcome, is hopping aboard the nostalgia train with the launch of a retro-inspired concept store in Yau Ma Tei. Designed as a tribute to Hong Kong’s extensive retail history, Wellcome has repurposed its Prosperous Garden branch in Yau Ma Tei as an exhibition destination to celebrate the supermarket’s 80-year-plus legacy. Founded in 1945, Wellcome has been a constant in the lives of local families, serving the needs of generations of Hongkongers. As the city evolved, Wellcome evolved with it, but this branded concept shop preserves a slice of the supermarket as shoppers might have seen it back in the 1950s to the 1970s, complete with vintage character, photogenic interiors, and time-limited collectibles. Each aisle, stocked with a curated selection of products, doubles as a fetching backdrop oozing charm and colour, so no doubt this location will quickly become a popular attraction! Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Snap photos of the LED-emblazoned shopfront, which takes its cues from Hong Kong’s famous urban landscape of neon lights; discover classic interior design elements such as the vintage silver-and-green turnstile, a sea of red plastic lamps popularised in wet markets, and patterned floor tiles; and admire nostalgic grocery setups and heritage exhibits that showcase the allure and shared memories of Hong Kong’s past.  As part of the concept store activation, Wellcome is also launching special deals and brand collaborations to commemorate the occasion, including a reusable Wellcome Retro Eco Bag for $28 with a single transaction of $100 – it’s reminiscent of Wellcome’s old-school red-and-yellow carrier, making for a keepsake that’s both practical and sentimental. Additionally, Wellcome will team up with tech equipment manufacturer Smeg to offer a limited-edition Lifebox ($88 with any purchase of $100 or more) from February 6 to 19, and Hong Kong’s own lifestyle brand G.O.D. for a Lunar New Year-themed game set ($68). Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Wait, there’s more! While the weather’s still below 20 degrees Celsius, pop over to Prosperous Garden to sip warmed Vitasoy soy milk from glass bottles – a Hong Kong childhood memory that many will dwell on fondly. You can also take your chance at a Lee Kum Kee capsule machine from now until March 31, which will dispense a surprise miniature magnet depicting one of the condiment maker’s signature products. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Harbourside Swing Fest returns for its 2026 edition in late April Shiro brings its signature ‘crystal sushi’ to its second location in Tai Kwun Everything you need to know about Japan’s official cherry blossom forecast 2026

Love dim sum and surreal imagery? You’re in good company. Hong Kong street artist Lousy, best known for his bold graphics resembling glyphs and pictorial shapes, is collaborating with viral food photographer-artist David Leung – also known as Davidgoodtime, who specialises in capturing reflected food images highlighting pareidolia – for a dynamic exhibition about dim sum and the ritual of yum cha.  Hosted at JPS Gallery, ‘Double Umami’ is an artistic ode to Hong Kong cuisine, reimagined through the unique lenses of two distinctly different creators, who shaped their love of dumplings and morning teas into a visual celebration of Hong Kong’s DNA.  Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery In the exhibition space, visitors will encounter a customised dim sum cart installation, decorated by David and Lousy, in addition to photographs depicting beloved dim sum dishes in Leung’s signature mirrored style, mounted inside bamboo steamers crafted by master artisan Lui Ming of Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle. ‘Crab’s Kid Burn & Sell’ shows siu mai in a different light, appearing almost like the face of a crustacean, while ‘Char Siu Cat No. 2’ draws parallels between char siu bao and felines. We also particularly liked the birdcage installation which houses real emu eggs and plastic cards from dim sum carts inscribed with the Chinese onomatopoeia for bird chirps. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery Branching out from photography onto canvas and installation work for the first time, Leung is also presenting the ‘Sauce’ series, applying the same mirrored techniques to create patterns reminiscent of Rorschach inkblot tests. Inspired by traditional Fu Lu Shou statues representing fortune, prosperity, and longevity, Leung uses foldable boards loaded with pigment to ‘find’ faces hidden in the paint. In contrast, Lousy – rather than focusing on the food aspect of dim sum – aims to capture the feeling of community and chaos experienced during a yum cha get-together. He paints and draws on top of old dim sum order sheets to give graphic form to the hustle and bustle of a Cantonese restaurant, depicting figures sat at a table, abstract interpretations of food, hands pouring tea, and more. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery David and Lousy’s collaborations don’t end there. Lousy has teamed up with Wendy’s Wok World for a ‘Special Collab Soy Sauce’. 22 bottles of Tiu Yuen small-batch soy sauce are covered in custom packaging artwork created by Lousy. Meanwhile, Leung worked with chef May Chow of Little Bao to wrap 50 bottles of her handcrafted Fook Jiang chilli sauce in original ‘chilli sauce’ Rorschach artworks, bringing the food-focused project one degree closer to the art of Chinese cooking. ‘Double Umami’ is on exhibition at JPS Gallery from January 30 to March 7. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Art book publisher Taschen is having a huge sale in early February Starbucks opens at the Hong Kong Palace Museum with Hong Kong’s first Chinese calligraphy shop sign and exclusive products Fujifilm releases a camcorder-instant camera hybrid in the instax mini Evo Cinema

Listen, we love a good beat drop or screaming chart-toppers like any other nighttime reveller in the city, but in this era of EDM and throwback pop-heavy party scene, it would be nice to enjoy something authentic that sounds different for once. Well, it looks like we got our wish, because a vinyl record-based bar has just announced they’ll be opening in Lan Kwai Fong. The brainchild of longtime friends Brian and Ah Hei, the 8055 vinyl bar has had previous iterations based in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, which grew in popularity to welcome even local celebrities and creatives like Eason Chan and Tyson Yoshi as patrons. The pandemic eventually saw the shuttering of the bar – but not for good. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Building on their seven-year brand identity as a hotspot for authentic vinyl DJ-ing, graffiti art, and Japanese chill drinking culture, 8055 is now back in the game with a new home in the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife district, Lan Kwai Fong. Expect the warmth and pops of analogue sound being played all night, with a focus on Japanese hip-hop, jazz, funk, and city pop – a sound that’s pretty unique within our nightlife scene and, frankly, a breath of fresh air from all the other clubs around. To pair with the music, 8055’s drinks turn the focus on premium Japanese whiskies and umeshu plum wine. Their signature tipple is an elegant, simple umeshu soda, but you can also truly do things the Japanese way by leaving the choice up to the bartender, omakase-style. Staying true to the brand’s history, 8055’s new venue will also allow guests to freely draw, scribble, and unleash creativity all over the walls with graffiti markers, so if you’ve ever left your mark in bars like Not2Sweet, you’ll want to do the same here as well. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Check things out at 8055’s grand opening party on January 24, when they’ll be hosting a 10-hour DJ relay from 8pm onwards. The lineup will include Andrew Bull, better known as DJ El Toro or the ‘Father of Hong Kong DJs’, who is famous for initiating the city’s first disco in The Peninsula hotel as well as the iconic Canton Disco. Sounds like a party and a half! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Kodak Apparel opens a time-limited concept store in Hong Kong New brasserie Chouchou brings French comfort food to an elevated setting in Wan Chai Sai Ying Pun’s historic steakhouse Sammy’s Kitchen announces closure this month

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My Festival members, take part in this seasonal activity by purchasing a $1,000 gift card to receive a limited-edition Baby Namagaki birthstone bag charm and candy can clutch – where you can store your hard-earned sweets.  Namagaki Festival will be at Festival Walk from October 24 to November 13. See footage of the Namagaki Festival pop-up here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 18 hotels in Hong Kong and Macau have been awarded 2025 Michelin Keys OneRepublic is coming back to Hong Kong in February 2026 The best Halloween parties in Hong Kong this year

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture display, there will also be a Water Parade Market at the promenade near Tamar Park. Aside from pop-up stores, F&B stands, game booths, photo spots, and a capsule toy zone, the market will also feature other internationally popular IPs from KPop Demon Hunters, season five of Stranger Things, Squid Games, Snoopy and the Peanuts, as well as Hong Kong’s classic TOLO Founding Duck, which is marking its 40th anniversary. Early-bird tickets to the festivities will be available at $50 for adults, starting at 12 noon on September 26. Walk-in tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. All tickets include a $20 merchandise voucher, which can be redeemed cumulatively on purchases of every $200. Attendees can also buy a viewing platform special ticket at $150, which includes entry to the Water Parade Market. See some footage of the Water Parade here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best Oktoberfest events happening in Hong Kong this year The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (September 22-28) Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong braces for the strongest typhoon of the year as it approaches the city

Do you remember an exhibition last summer that displayed miniature scenes of the Central and Western districts in Pacific Place? In case you missed it, the Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) is back once again, this time with more incredibly detailed dioramas of life in Hong Kong, including seven brand-new miniatures that have never been seen before. The 24 art pieces will highlight some of Hong Kong’s famous landmarks, cultural customs, and unique lifestyles. Peek into painstaking recreations of Sunday dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, chaotic nighttime revelry along Lan Kwai Fong, the customs of worship and pin wheel buying at Man Mo Temple and Wong Tai Sin Temple, a moving model of the fifth generation of the Peak Tram funicular railway, views of Victoria Harbour complete with boats sailing and fireworks, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Joyful Miniature Association The new miniatures at this show include the Kai Tak Sports Park, the legendary old Kowloon Walled City, night scenes of Temple Street, horse racing, aquatic animals on sale at one of the many shops along Goldfish Street, the cable car at Ngong Ping 360, and Hong Kong’s transhipment history at the Insta-famous Western District Pier. The JMA brings together over 100 Hong Kong artists who collectively integrate the traditionally European craft of miniatures with our distinctly local culture using cutting-edge technology. If there’s one way to stroll through the most iconic sights and experiences of Hong Kong in just a few steps, this exhibition is definitely it. ‘Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition’ will be on display at The Peak Tower from April 25 to June 23 – JMA’s longest exhibition in the city. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong ranked as the 10th most walkable city in the world; 1st in East Asia Hong Kong Airport Express proposes fare increase of 9.4 percent The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is hosting a carnival this Sunday

We sit down with artist and designer Joe Foti before his new exhibition in Hong Kong

March in Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to the Wanchai Convention Centre to spend a day or two at Art Basel. This year’s fair gathers 240 global galleries, with large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, digital art, live performances, video works, and more to see!

From a world without colours to her love of big city metros, we caught up with British artist Monster Chetwynd for a round of quick-fire questions while she's in town for her new installation at Pacific Place!