Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

Hong Kong would probably crumble as a society without Octopus payments, and the company has yet again proven they’re not just killing the transport game on home turf. Octopus Cards Limited is soon launching an ‘Easy Ride’ platform, allowing users to order and pay for cabs directly within the Octopus app. The electronic payment platform has partnered with BigBoss Taxi for this new service – the company is part of the new colourful taxis now running on Hong Kong’s roads. BigBoss’ fleet includes options for pure electric eco-friendly cars, hybrid models, six-seater luxury cars, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. For now, there will be approximately 300 taxis on ‘Easy Ride’, but Octopus has plans to expand the service with the four other government-licensed fleets. With multiple taxi fleets integrated into the Octopus app, passengers will not need to download separate programmes for each taxi brand. Users can also book taxis then settle the journey by paying seamlessly with Octopus cards, Mobile Octopus, or Octopus Wallet. 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: GH MegaBox announces closure – it’s Hong Kong’s sixth cinema shutdown this year A look into Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding and why it’s special A huge sake festival is happening in TST this weekend

Golden Harvest Cinemas has announced on Thursday, June 5, that its MegaBox location will be shutting down early next week. From Monday, June 9, cinema-goers will no longer be able to enjoy movies within this seven-house theatre with over 800 seats. In their social media posts, Golden Harvest thanked their audiences over the years by offering special promotions. GH MegaBox’s final screening on the night of June 8 will be a mystery screening of a classic movie, priced at only $40. Three different night time slots – at 9.25pm, 9.35pm, and 9.45pm – will all be screening different classics. IMAX tickets will also cost just $40 for a screening of How to Train Your Dragon. Cinema-goers who watch any of these final screenings will be able to redeem a GH MegaBox commemorative card on their way out. There will also be discounts at the concession stand, with certain combos and merchandise priced at $40. Additionally, customers can present their GH MegaBox movie ticket at any other Golden Harvest cinema from June 9 to 30 to enjoy $10 off food and drink. Golden Harvest cited the end of their tenancy as the reason for closure, but the fact remains that this will be the third Golden Harvest cinema to close this year. This news comes hot on the heels of the shuttering of Golden Harvest’s Grand Ocean Cinema, which had been operating in Tsim Sha Tsui for more than 50 years. Earlier this year in April, GH Whampoa also closed down. Photograph: Jenny Leung GH MegaBox also marks the sixth cinema closure across Hong Kong just within this year, with the curtains drawing for good on MCL’s Grand Kornhill Cinema and the Newport Theatre in May and April, respectively. According to Hong Kong Box Office Limited, overall box office revenue in 2024 showed Hong Kong’s weakest cinema turnout since 2011. A total of nine cinemas have already shut down last year, which brings the total number of public cinemas across Hong Kong down to a mere 51. Luckily, there’s a silver lining, as CineArt House has just announced that they will be taking over the GH MegaBox space. They currently operate two cinemas in Causeway Bay and Tsing Yi, and are in the midst of opening another branch at Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill. On social media, CineArt teased that they will upgrade GH MegaBox’s IMAX theatre into an IMAX with Laser space, and also improve the screen and sound systems. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CineArt 影藝戲院 (@cinearthk) 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 look into Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding and why it’s special Next Wave Beach Music Festival is back with Itzy and Chung Ha headlining Min Fong Hong is launching an exclusive pistachio mochi with Silk

Just about the only time we’d willingly brave the outdoor heat in Hong Kong’s summers is when there’s a good excuse to party, like a music festival. This July, the Next Wave Beach Festival returns to Discovery Bay for two days of sun and tunes. This will mark their third festival in Hong Kong and, as ever, will feature both local and international acts. The Saturday lineup includes Hong Kong’s own Kaho Hung, Taiwanese king of romantic ballads Eric Chou, rapper Gummy B, Taiwanese singers Patti Tsai and Kelly Cheng, and experimental pop group I’mdifficult from Taipei.  Sunday’s itinerary is even more star-studded, with K-pop girl group Itzy headlining, along with Chung Ha, Korean rock band Dragon Pony, and relatively new South Korean-Taiwanese girl group Genblue. Mark your calendars for July 5 to 6, kicking off from 3.30pm at Discovery Bay. Ticket sales open on June 5, with general admission costing $788 and first-class tickets going for $988. The first-class experience includes a VIP area that’s closer to the stage, exclusive bathrooms, a free waterproof bag, and a special security check with bag drop service. Aside from the music, the last couple of years of Next Wave have also included large-scale water slides, art installations, food and shopping stalls, and even yachts for rent – we’re excited to see what this year will bring. 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 new Nintendo Switch 2 – is it worth the hype? LGBTQIA+ happenings you shouldn’t miss during Pride Month in Hong Kong MTR will offer half-price rides for one day next month

Local bubble tea brand Silk. has unveiled a retro-inspired store on Causeway Bay’s Sharp Street. Unlike its other locations across town, this branch is Silk’s first dine-in venue, allowing customers to grab a seat and chill out as they sip on their drinks. The vintage-inspired store features old-school board games and local antiques as part of its decor, adding to its nostalgic vibe. Aside from serving up original hand-shaken drinks, there are also branch-exclusive items available. The star of the show has got to be their pistachio mochi topped with honeycomb bits, created in collaboration with Tsuen Wan’s traditional food shop, Min Fong Hong. Only 50 of these sweet treats are available daily and each customer can only purchase two pieces of mochi upon purchasing a Silk beverage. They’ve also reimagined the red bean fleecy in their latest drink, Cool Beans. It’s got ingredients like red bean cream foam, chocolate balls, roasted oolong tea, and popping red bean pearls, making it a must-try for those who want a twist on a classic favourite.

After eight years of waiting, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally coming out. Here's a complete breakdown for Hong Kong gamers looking to get their hands on the brand-new console, from pre-ordering details to specs and games. When is Nintendo Switch 2 released in Hong Kong? The official launch date for Nintendo Switch 2 in Hong Kong is June 5, but you can already pre-order the console online. The first round of deliveries begins on June 9. How much will Nintendo Switch 2 cost in Hong Kong? The Nintendo Switch 2 will set you back $3,450 for the standard edition, or $3,750 if you're getting the Mario Kart World bundle. Other accessories like the Joy-Con and game controllers cost around $389 to $548.  Photograph: Courtesy Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 specs: what's new? The new Nintendo Switch is packing some serious upgrades compared to the first generation Switch, covering every aspect from the display to the controllers: Bigger, sharper screen: 7.9-inch 1080p LCD (vs original 6.2-inch 720p) with 120Hz and HDR support Magnetic Joy-Con 2: New snap-on design with precision controls Performance boost: Faster CPU/GPU with 4K docked output and 256GB storage Enhanced social features: 12-player voice chat with video sharing Photograph: Courtesy Nintendo What games will launch with Nintendo Switch 2? The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with exciting new titles while also supporting backwards compatibility with most first-generation Switch games. Here are the confirmed launch titles and other details: Mario Kart World (June 5, 2025) Gameplay: Hit the road and race across interconnected tracks set in grasslands, bustling cities, on open waters, and volcanoes in a massive 24-player elimination mode Physical disc: $549 Digital edition: $499 Donkey Kong: Banana Mania 2 (July 17, 2025) Gameplay: Wield the 'Destruction Force' ability to smash through underground worlds in this high-energy platformer. Physical disc: $499 Digital edition: $449 Do note that while many original Switch games will work on the new Nintendo Switch 2, some may require original Joy-Cons for full functionality. 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: MTR will offer half-price rides for one day next month The Wisdom Path in Ngong Ping is closing for refurbishment Discovery Bay’s pet-friendly bus has expanded its services      

Citizens and tourists alike will have a great reason to go out and about, as Hong Kong’s railway operator MTR Corporation is offering half-price rides for one day next month. Mark your calendars: on Sunday, July 13, all MTR passengers can enjoy 50 percent off their fares for the day. Travellers can enjoy this discount on the MTR, the light rail, the MTR bus service, as well as cross-border trips that run to and from Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations. The discount is applicable to passengers who tap in using Octopus cards or QR code tickets. This ‘Thank You Day’ is in response to the significant disruption that occurred on May 22, where a “power supply disruption” resulted in the entirety of the Tseung Kwan O line being shut down for over five hours during the evening peak rush.  Photograph: Shutterstock In addition to the half-price rides on July 13, MTR is also offering a free ride to passengers who were affected by the Tseung Kwan O line – those who have entered or exited stations along that rail line between May 18 and June 15 with their Octopus cards are entitled to one free MTR ride. In order to claim this complimentary travel, passengers need to register on the MTR mobile app by June 15, and will then receive the free ride by June 20. To ensure this initiative runs smoothly, service counters will be available at North Point, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, and Tiu Keng Leng stations from 3pm to 8pm on June 6 to 8 and June 13 to 15. MTR staff will be on hand to assist in app registration and linking Octopus cards where needed. This form of recompense was introduced with MTR’s revised service performance rebate policy, which dictates that the railway operator has to offer half-fare compensation when costs from disrupted services exceed $25 million. MTR has allocated $19.2 million in reimbursement to affected Hongkongers, which will fund July’s discounted rides. 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 West End Life of Pi play makes its debut in Hong Kong this month The Wisdom Path in Ngong Ping is closing for refurbishment from this week Discovery Bay’s pet-friendly bus expands its services with more stops and promotions

Among the many attractions on Lantau Island are popular sights like the Tian Tan Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride. Unfortunately for visitors to the area, one of these well-admired attractions, The Wisdom Path, will soon be closed from June 5 for refurbishment. This large-scale installation consists of 38 timber columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra, and arranged in a figure-of-eight formation along the hilly landscape to symbolise infinity. Professor Jao Tsung-I, an academic master renowned internationally for his research and art, donated an original calligraphy work of the Heart Sutra to Hong Kong, with the request that it be made into a large outdoor carving.  The Wisdom Path was completed in 2005, and visitors can wend their way along the sculptures, contemplating the profound centuries-old text that is treasured by Buddhists, Taoists, and Confucians. It is also a popular spot for a casual hike, with an easy loop that can be completed in approximately half an hour. 20 years on, The Wisdom Path is due some TLC, with the Tourism Commission estimating that the refurbishment works will be fully complete in the last quarter of 2026. However, sections of the path will be reopened gradually before then, so locals and tourists alike can enjoy at least some of the attraction with minimal disruptions. During the time of its refurbishment work, visitors can take in The Wisdom Path from the viewing platform located on a section of the Lantau Trail nearby. There will also be QR codes leading interested parties to learn more about the sculpture’s history and background. 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: Discovery Bay’s pet-friendly bus has expanded its services with more stops and promotions Rising Korean star Bibi is coming to Hong Kong on her world tour Eaton HK is hosting a one-night-only beer party with live band karaoke

The resort-like residential town of Discovery Bay has always been filled with laid-back families and their furry friends, but they’re now upping the game even further with pet-friendly bus services. DB Pet Buses are now available for pet owners and their companions to easily travel to and from Discovery Bay. For now, this service will run on the Sundays of June 8, September 14, and October 12, bringing visitors to the pet-friendly Sunday markets that are happening on those weekends. There are two routes servicing several areas in the territories: the PBD1 running from Tseung Kwan O to DB Plaza via Kai Tak, and the PBD2 running from Tuen Mun to DB Plaza via Tsuen Wan West. The bus has now been expanded to include stops at DB North Plaza and Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, making it increasingly convenient for pet owners to explore more of DB. Photograph: Courtesy HKRI To welcome animal friends to the neighbourhood, there will be a dedicated pet zone on DB Plaza’s lawn, complete with toys to entertain all pets. Specifically on June 8, a night market will also run from 2pm to 9pm at DB Plaza, with approximately 60 vendors selling handmade crafts, unique gift items, and pet-related products and services. In addition, DB pet bus ticket holders can present their tickets to redeem a free gift, and enjoy discounts and promotions in a range of Discovery Bay’s eateries, such as 20 percent off food at The Bounty Entertainment & Sports Bar or baked dough balls and two drinks for just $98 at PizzaExpress. A round-trip ticket for one passenger and one pet costs $68, while a ticket for two passengers with a maximum of two pets costs $136. Tickets can be purchased on the KMB App1933, which will generate a QR code to be shown when boarding the buses. Passengers both human and furry can hop on and off the bus route on the same day with a valid electronic ticket. We have our fingers crossed for more pet-friendly public transportation running regularly in Hong Kong. Find out more information on the DB Pet Buses and related promotions here. 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: Rising Korean star Bibi is coming to Hong Kong on her world tour Eaton HK is hosting a one-night-only beer party with live band karaoke The Peninsula Hong Kong is reimagining Bizet’s Carmen opera

South Korean singer-songwriter and actress Bibi has just kick started her first-ever world tour ‘Eve’ – starting with Seoul, she is taking the stage across the US and Canada before making her way back to Asian cities including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Taipei, and Jakarta, finally also extending to Australia and New Zealand towards the latter part of this year. Since her debut in 2019, Bibi has established herself as a strong contender in the Korean hip-hop scene, with a genre-bending sound that blends R&B, indie rock, and funk-pop influences. She unapologetically explores themes of mental distress and self-discovery, and her music video for Derre featured herself in a queer romantic storyline, which is rarely seen in the oft-sanitised mainstream Korean music industry. Bibi’s 2024 single Bam Yang Gang also swiftly became viral for its accompanying challenge of singing the song while eating bamyanggeaeng chestnut jelly. She has just released her second studio album Eve: Romance in May, so expect to hear bangers like Hongdae R&B, Bluebird, and more performed live. Bibi will take the stage at the AsiaWorld-Expo on Sunday, August 3, with tickets running from $699 to $1,799. The VIP packages will include a special laminate and lanyard, an autographed postcard, early access to merch, access to the pre-show soundcheck party, and a group photo with Bibi herself for VVIPs. Official fans can get first pick of tickets with the pookïe Membership (Global) pre-sale at 10am on Wednesday, June 4, followed by the Live Nation members pre-sale at 4pm on the same day. Tickets for the general public will then be released from 3pm onwards on June 5. 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: Eaton HK is hosting a one-night-only beer party with live band karaoke Dragon Boat Festival 2025: A guide to celebrating in Hong Kong The Peninsula Hong Kong is reimagining Bizet’s Carmen opera

What can be better than free-flow drinks and belting out show-stopping bangers with everyone around you? Eaton HK’s signature bar Flower Years is hosting ‘Beer of the Loyalty’, a one-night-only beer party complemented by live busking, live band karaoke, and instrumental accompaniment. Since Flower Years is known for its rotating selection of craft beers from the Asia region, it only makes sense that the party drinks will be hops-based. Guests can enjoy three hours of bottomless Carlsberg and Guinness as well as unlimited helpings of bar snacks like popcorn, peanuts, and pretzels. You can even mess around with some Guinness foam art print, selecting predesigned images or uploading your own pictures to be printed onto the top of your pint – no one will be stealing your drink, for sure. A lineup of local performers will kick off the festivities with some live busking, before the evening transitions into a live band karaoke session. Got a signature karaoke tune? Get up on stage and show us what you’ve got – singing with full backing music from a live band is so main character energy. Winners of the session will also walk away with a voucher for seven days of unlimited Sapporo draft beer, so start warming up those vocals. The ‘Beer of the Loyalty’ party will take place from 6pm to 11pm on June 6. Early-bird tickets are available for $238 until 12 am on June 5, and the full price afterwards will be $288. 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: Dragon Boat Festival 2025: A guide to celebrating in Hong Kong The Peninsula Hong Kong is reimagining Bizet’s Carmen opera The top art exhibitions and displays to check out in Hong Kong

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! 

Free on Tuesdays? Head over to Hugo's in TST for their unlimited steak and frites night, which also come with Caesar salad, a dessert, and plenty of tipples – just remember to wear loose pants.

G'day foodies! Renowned chef Shane Osborn has just opened a laidback Aussie-style cafe inspired by Australian pit stops. Perfect for a casual meal when in Central.

This arts month, don't miss Hong Kong's first ASMR exhibition that will give you all kinds of tingles.

This ‘Picasso for Asia’ exhibition is the first time that masterpieces from the Musée national Picasso-Paris are being shown alongside works from an Asian museum collection. Find out what makes the Spanish master of Cubism so influential – you have until mid-July!

These cool (and just a tad creepy) faceless sculptures are here for the whole of Hong Kong Arts Month, so make time in your diary to visit this month

What is villain hitting and why are old ladies beating paper with a shoe for $50? Of all the weird and wonderful traditions we have in Hong Kong, this one is definitely up there.