Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

After three straight years of fiscal gloom, Hong Kong’s coffers are finally flashing green again with a modest surplus – just the bit of good news we could all use. As financial secretary Paul Chan outlined while delivering the 2026-27 Hong Kong budget report on February 25, this turnaround sets a cautiously optimistic tone. If you’re wondering how this shakes out for everyday life, from your commute to your tax bill, we’ve sifted through the details to bring you the essentials without the jargon overload. New show to replace Symphony of Lights The iconic Symphony of Lights is bowing out, making way for a fresh new immersive light experience developed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. This new spectacle is expected to launch in the second half of 2026 at various spots across the city, aligning with major festivals and events throughout the year.  Harbourfront development The budget continues the incremental push to make Victoria Harbour more accessible and appealing, with extensions to the harbourfront promenades. Following the full connection of the 13-km Hong Kong Island waterfront promenade from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan last year, the Kowloon side is also expanding with phased openings near Hung Hom Station this quarter, which will stretch the promenade to about 15km. Meanwhile, a consultation is planned for a new pedestrian walkway at Kennedy Town’s Praya in the second quarter.  Global arts trading hub The budget emphasises developing Hong Kong into one of the world’s top arts trading centres, with a focus on premium art. This includes finalising a five-year collaboration with Art Basel to strengthen the annual fair’s role in the city. There’s also a study underway on financing, talent development, and related support to attract more international galleries, collectors, and events.  Photograph: Courtesy gov.hk Tax reductions and increased allowances To ease the squeeze on wallets, the budget is rolling out a 100-percent reduction on salaries tax, personal assessment tax, and profits tax for the 2025-26 assessment year, capped at $3,000 per case. Allowances are getting a bump too, with the basic and single-parent allowances rising to $145,000, married persons’ to $290,000, and child allowances to $140,000 each. Property rates will also see concessions for the first two quarters of 2026-27, limited to $500 per property, covering millions of homes and non-domestic spaces.  The end of tax waivers for electric vehicles The government is phasing out the first registration tax concessions for private electric vehicles (EVs) after March 31, 2026. Officials point to the market’s maturity, with EVs now making up about 70 percent of new car registrations, more models available, better performance, and dropping prices, as the reason these perks are no longer needed to keep things competitive. Commercial electric vehicles, motorcycles, and motorised tricycles get a reprieve, with full waivers extended until March 31, 2028. No plans for Consumption Vouchers The Consumption Voucher Scheme was a pandemic-era initiative first launched in 2021, designed as a temporary measure to boost local spending, support hard-hit businesses, and stimulate the economy during tough times. In the 2026-27 budget, the government has nixed the revival of these vouchers, citing stabilised jobs, climbing incomes, and a perky stock and property market as reasons folks are spending freely without the nudge. Boosting AI and innovation Hong Kong is doubling down on tech with $2 billion earmarked for AI curricula in schools, plus $50 million for public courses and seminars to build widespread AI savvy. There’s also funding for a new AI research institute launching later this year, and upgrades to worker retraining programmes to embrace AI for industries. Housing and infrastructure priorities On the housing front, the budget preps land for about 98,000 private units over five years, with sales paced quarterly to match the market and a new housing regime kicking in from March. Post the tragic Tai Po fire, $4 billion has been set aside for long-term housing aid, plus funds for building renewals and elevator upgrades.  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: This famous Singaporean bakery has opened its first Hong Kong branch in a hidden Central location Hong Kong International Airport will launch a driverless bus service this year Leading women in mixology gather for a one-off bar takeover at Avoca

Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise, but with roughly 17,000 restaurants to choose from, it’s not easy to separate the bad from the acceptable and the good from the truly great. One way to cut through the noise? Ask a Michelin Guide inspector – it’s their job to eat, rate, and report on the best restaurants in the city, and just two months into 2026, they have pinpointed a number of new eateries to add to the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau. Of the nine restaurants added, five of them opened in the last 12 months; the rest have been in operation for several years already, meaning it’s never too late to chase that Michelin recognition. Akira Back, Fiata Pizza, Hau Tak Restaurant, Jean-Pierre, Jija, Lai’s Kitchen, Mesa, Sol, and Twelve25 make up the first batch of new joiners for 2026. Photograph: Courtesy Akira Back Akira Back, the eponymous restaurant by the Korean-American chef, opened last autumn at The Henderson in the Central district, bringing creative Japanese-Korean-American cuisine to Hong Kong. His meticulous plating and finessed flavours garnered praise and attention, especially with signatures like the AB Tuna Pizza and Brother From Another Mother sushi roll. Jija is the latest offering by chef Vicky Lau, known for Tate Dining Room and Mora. Her refined interpretation of Guizhou and Yunnan cuisines, which includes dishes like dry-aged roasted pigeon, drives this new restaurant at Kimpton Hong Kong. Jean-Pierre by Black Sheep Restaurants is a chic neighbourhood French bistro, where the Poulet de Simone roasted chicken should always be the centrepiece of the meal, and the cornichon martini is an absolute must-order.  Photograph: Courtesy Jean-Pierre Hit up the down-to-earth Fiata Pizza for authentic Neapolitan pies, courtesy of chef Salvatore Fiata – the Provola e Pepe is his claim to fame, having won Pizza of the Year 2024 for Asia-Pacific at 50 Top Pizza. ZS Hospitality’s innovative Sol puts a contemporary fine-dining spin on Korean classics and ingredients; the Jeonbok with Jeju abalone is a standout dish. For a modernised dai pai dong experience, there’s Lai’s Kitchen; don’t miss their stir-fries and the claypot rice bowls, like the perilla black bean eel claypot rice or the golden garlic crab claypot rice. Hau Tak Restaurant in Causeway Bay presents expertly crafted Cantonese dishes and dim sum without the usual banquet hall stuffiness – its sautéed conch and chicken with honey-glazed Yunnan ham is highly recommended. Photograph: Courtesy SJM Resorts Over in Macau, chef José Avillez’s Mesa has made a comeback at the Karl Lagerfeld hotel, presenting Portuguese cuisine in a grand setting. Diners should look out for the seafood rice and caviar, and the chicken with piri piri sauce and Jerusalem artichoke. At the Praia Peninsula, Twelve25 blends artistic Neo-French creations with thoughtful wine pairings, distilled into an indulgent six-course tasting menu format. Michelin Guide adds restaurants to its Hong Kong selection and Macau selection once every two months, primarily new dining destinations that its inspectors deem to be recommendable. Being added to the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau does not mean these restaurants have secured a Michelin distinction like a Star, a Green Star, or a Bib Gourmand – these will only be announced and awarded at the annual ceremony, which is taking place this year on March 19 at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, by the way. We will be keeping our eyes out to see if any of the venues recently added to the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau will be picking up a shiny new accolade next month… 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: WestK FunFest returns with giant cat installations, family-friendly shows, and more It’s official: Tokyo’s Ramenya Shima is opening in Hong Kong this March M+ is offering free admission for one day to celebrate Art March Hong Kong

With March’s Art Month fast approaching, cultural and artistic institutions across Hong Kong are gearing up for a series of exhibitions, installations, and immersive and interactive experiences. One of the mainstays of Arts Month has been the West Kowloon Cultural District’s annual celebration of the arts, known as WestK FunFest. Returning for its third consecutive year, FunFest takes on a distinctively family-friendly approach to performance art, with a programme that spans everything from interactive outdoor installations to immersive theatre and live performances.  A highlight of WestK FunFest 2026 is the sprawling outdoor installation, ‘The Cats that Slept for a Thousand Years’. Created by UK creative studio Air Giants and originally displayed at the Manchester Museum, Hong Kong’s upcoming feline display features the original 10-m-long cat installation alongside two big cats and a kitten. The installation blends sound and light with interactive elements among the giant inflatable cat figures, all set against a backdrop of soft and rhythmic purring.  Photograph: Courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District Meanwhile, WestK FunFest 2026 also sports a robust theatre programme, featuring international talents in dance story, musical theatre, and puppeteering performances. The acclaimed theatre company Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will be bringing its award-winning play ‘Rules of Summer’ to Xiqu Centre. Visitors are invited to a unique experience that combines puppetry and craftsmanship with high-tech stage effects. For those captivated by the magic of the puppet theatre, sign up for an interactive workshop led by the Theatre’s artistic director, Philip Michell, to learn more about the intricacies of puppeteering.  This year’s FunFest also caters to the littlest of creatives with the musical theatre performance ‘Bob Marley for Babies’. A multi-sensory experience, Barcelona-based, early-childhood arts collective La petita malumaluga immerses infants and toddlers up to 36 months old in a vibrant and visual reinterpretation of Marley’s top hits. Beyond international acts, visitors can also look forward to a line-up of homegrown performances – highlights include the Hong Kong Sinfonietta’s family-friendly series titled ‘This is Classical Music?!’ and local non-profit arts collective ALAN’s debut production, ‘Snowmelt’.  Photograph: Courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District This year’s event also sees the return of FunFest Market at Arts Park. Featuring a variety of foods and specialty products, visitors to the West Kowloon Cultural District can enter and browse the market for free. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for retro photo ops, dance installations, pop-up performances, and much more!  WestK FunFest 2026 will take place across the West Kowloon Cultural District from March 19 to April 12. Tickets are now on sale, prices, and admission information can be found at westk.hk. 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: It’s official: Tokyo’s Ramenya Shima is opening in Hong Kong this March M+ is offering free admission for one day to celebrate Art March Hong Kong This Hong Kong dive bar is hosting a rave to launch its boozy boba tea cocktails

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Hong Kong’s ever-evolving food scene, you’ll recall the buzz last year when Ramenya Shima teased its arrival in our city. Well, it’s official now – the acclaimed Tokyo ramen spot is set to open its first-ever overseas branch in Causeway Bay this early March, marking a quiet but significant expansion for the brand. Located on the ground floor of Sugar+ in Causeway Bay, this new outpost promises to bring a slice of Tokyo’s ramen culture to our bustling streets. Since launching in Shibuya district back in 2020, Ramenya Shima has built a reputation that’s hard to ignore, consistently holding a spot in Tokyo’s top three ramen establishments on Japan’s restaurant review and booking website Tabelog for five years running. The shop has also scooped up awards like the Tokyo Ramen of the Year Newcomer Grand Prize in its debut year, followed by Tabelog Bronze Awards in 2022 and 2025. With a long-standing rating above four on Tabelog – a badge of honour in Japan’s competitive dining world – and inclusions in the platform’s Top 100 Restaurants list from 2021 to 2025, Ramenya Shima has become a go-to for anyone serious about their noodle slurps.  At the helm is chef-proprietor Hiroshi Morishima, a Tokyo native who’s spent his life steeped in ramen traditions. Growing up amid Japan’s noodle obsession, Morishima honed his skills before venturing abroad to spread the gospel of good broth, all while keeping one foot firmly in classic techniques. This balance of heritage and subtle innovation shines through in everything at Ramenya Shima, turning what could be everyday comfort food into something a bit more refined without losing its approachability. Photograph: Courtesy Ramenya Shima Hong Kong diners can look forward to a menu that mirrors the Tokyo original, centred on three signature tanrei-style broths. The Shoyu option layers robust flavours with a special soy blend, while the White Shoyu strikes a fine balance between salt and soy, elevated by white truffle oil and black truffle paste. Then there’s Shio, a salt-based soup that lets the natural essence of its ingredients shine through. Each broth starts with a base that’s simmered with nearly 30 premium elements, including Japanese chicken, scallops, clams, aged bonito flakes, sea-bream head, kombu, and fresh vegetables, packing in umami that’s complex but never overwhelming. The noodles themselves are also a highlight, handmade daily with a blend of five flours and free of additives or alcohol – they’re smooth with just the right al dente bite. Rounding out the bowls are four varieties of chashu, alongside shrimp and pork wontons crafted fresh by the team every day.  The space occupies roughly 1,200 sq ft with just 24 seats, blending modern Japanese minimalism with traditional touches. Warm wood tones and intimate counter seating create a sense of cosiness, and a minimalist façade with classic noren curtains at the entrance nods to old-school ramen shops. For those eager to try this Japanese culinary darling, mark your calendars and perhaps set a reminder as spots are sure to fill up fast. Keep an eye on our page for more updates or visit their socials @ramenya_shima.hk for more. Ramenya Shima Hong Kong Shop 1, G/F, Sugar+, 31 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay (11.30am-9.30pm daily) 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: M+ is offering free admission for one day to celebrate Art March Hong Kong This Hong Kong dive bar is hosting a rave to launch its boozy boba tea cocktails New restaurant Migas brings music and Spanish-Mediterranean fare to H Queen’s

Art March Hong Kong is almost upon us, and M+ is celebrating the annual cultural occasion with a free museum day! Art enthusiasts can enjoy free admission to major exhibitions and public programmes in the M+ catalogue to spread the love for visual art. Here’s how it will work: On Sunday, March 8, visitors can enter the M+ museum for free for one day only from 10am to 8pm. Pre-registration and tickets are not required. On the day, you can gain access to exhibitions housed in the Sigg Galleries, East Galleries, South Galleries, Cissy Pui-Lai Pao and Shinichiro Watari Galleries, Focus Gallery, and the Cabinet on L2. As usual, the Studio and Found Space at B2 will remain open. However, there are some restrictions in place. If you had your heart set on seeing the ‘Zao Wou-ki: Master Printmaker’ exhibition, that’s unfortunately not included in the free admission. Still, there are plenty of other exhibitions to see, including ‘Making It Matters’, ‘M+ Sigg Collection: Inner Worlds’, ‘Things, Spaces, Interactions’, ‘Shanshui: Echoes and Signals’, ‘Robert Rauschenberg and Asia’, and ‘Chiharu Shiota: Infinite Memory’, spanning three-dimensional and two-dimensional works across a multitude of media. Photograph: Courtesy Kevin Mak / Herzog & de Meuron Visitors can also experience the Ryuichi Sakamoto tribute, ‘Seeing Sound, Hearing Time’, and the ‘Danh Vo In Situ: Akari by Noguchi’ exhibition. M+ will also stage free screening programmes at the Mediatheque and Grand Stair. Meanwhile, the Open Print Studio will offer self-guided workshops to allow participants to try their hand at printmaking. Because M+ is anticipating more foot traffic than usual on March 8, the art institution has advised visitors to plan ahead and bring only small bags due to limited space in the cloakroom and paid lockers, not to mention the long queues that might form to access these amenities. It’s their policy that all large bags and suitcases must be checked in, so save yourself the trouble and leave your stuff at home for the day. M+ will be implementing crowd control measures on the day, so take note that not all entrances will be open on March 8. It will be best to enter M+ through the Artist Square Entrance. Don’t arrive too late – newcomers can only join the queue up until 7pm. 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: This Hong Kong dive bar is hosting a rave to launch its boozy boba tea cocktails New restaurant Migas brings music and Spanish-Mediterranean fare to H Queen’s Music festival Shi Fu Miz returns to a far-flung Hong Kong location in March

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: You have an incorrigible obsession with boba tea, and harbour a deep desire to continue enjoying them well into the night, even when you’re out and about in the midst of the Hong Kong nightlife scene, having a swell time with friends. All right, that’s a decidedly specific scenario, but should that be you, we might have found a solution to this pickle: get you a drink that can do both. Barbershop by day and boozy gallery-splash-bar by night, Dead Poets is a multitasking space on Aberdeen Street that’s taking Hong Kong tea culture and modern mixology to the next level with its new beverage series: alcoholic boba tea cocktails. Photograph: Courtesy Dead Poets Four different ‘spiked’ boba tea drinks are on offer, including the Dandy Hong Kong Smoked Milk Tea, blending smoked black tea with evaporated and whole milk, hibiscus, and tapioca pearls, and the Fresh Citrus Jasmine Highball Tea, built on a base of jasmine green tea with bright citrus, honey, and either tapioca or mango pearls. For a Hong Kong twist, there’s the Ice Lemon Citrus Boba, a riff on local lemon tea, featuring citrus flavours and mango pearls. Another fruity option is the Pure Grapefruit Hibiscus Tea, combining hibiscus with grapefruit black tea, tapioca pearls, and either regular milk or oat milk. All of these boba tea creations can be kept non-alcoholic or zhuzhed up and turned into a cocktail with a healthy splash of rum, whisky, gin, vodka, or tequila – your choice. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 28, because Dead Poets will be hard-launching its spiked boba tea series at a high-energy event from 4pm to 7pm. Designed as Hong Kong’s first ‘spiked boba rave’, DJ BB Lamb will be spinning hip-hop, R&B, and chart-toppers for party-goers to bop to. Each ticket ($150) includes entry and one spiked or zero-percent-ABV boba tea, and are available for purchase now on Eventbrite. Dead Poets’ spiked boba tea menu is available from February 16 to May 16, so there’s plenty of time to swing by and try them out even if you miss the rave. At $50 per drink, these fun bevvies are the perfect way to cool down as the temperatures rise again. 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: New restaurant Migas brings music and Spanish-Mediterranean fare to H Queen’s Music festival Shi Fu Miz returns to a far-flung Hong Kong location in March This major athleisure brand is opening its first Hong Kong flagship at K11 Musea

Mediterranean cuisine has become a popular staple in Hong Kong’s diverse international food scene, whether it be the bite-sized pintxos from Basque country, elevated comfort dishes from the French Riviera, or vibrant and aromatic fare from North Africa. One new destination in Central seeks to stand out among this abundance of representation with a twist on the traditional restaurant-and-bar concept. Recently opened in H Queen’s, Migas blends Spanish-Mediterranean fare with live music and expert mixology.  Photograph: Courtesy Migas Destined to be Central’s next big gathering spot, Migas channels the vibrant hustle and bustle of traditional Spanish markets into its operation, promising curated experiences that will delight all your senses. Led by chef Jarrod Verbiak of Migas Group and chef Li Siu Fung of L’Atelier de Joë Robuchon and 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, the menu is inspired by the varied delicacies across coastal Spain, France, the Levant, and North Africa. Dedicated to craftsmanship and freshness, Migas makes everything — from sausages to sauces and marinades — from scratch, in-house, everyday. Highlighted items include Pissaladière, a Provençal take on pizza with onions, anchovies, and black olives; Spanish specialties like the Black & White Butifarra Sausage served with white bean ragout and pork trotter; and a comprehensive dessert selection of Basque cheesecake, stuffed dates, Grand Marnier cake, and baklava and tiramisu sundaes.  Photograph: Courtesy Migas Migas sports a contemporary and bubbly design that captures the colours of a European market hall, blending aesthetics and functionality seamlessly across its main dining hall, outdoor terrace, and a Barcelone-style vermuteria that’s ideal for sampling quality fortified wines. Beyond delectable dishes and a stunning interior, Migas offers a curated programme of live music acts that sets the stage for lively afternoons and pleasant evenings. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved mid-week meal, Migas is a Mediterranean enclave that will certainly perk you up.  Migas is now open at 3/F, H Queen’s, Queen’s Road Central, Central. Reserve a table at bookonline.foodcloud.hk. 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: Music festival Shi Fu Miz returns to a far-flung Hong Kong location in March This major athleisure brand is opening its first Hong Kong flagship at K11 Musea Hongkongers can expect to see a ‘blood moon’ on Lantern Festival this yearv

Our city is no stranger to music festivals, having regularly played host to international events like Boiler Room, Clockenflap, and Magic Room. Whether you’re a lover of house and disco or you’ve got DNB and techno on repeat, there’s bound to be an event for you to gather and vibe with like-minded individuals. While locally organised festivals are harder to come by, we come bearing good news for lovers of local beats. After a year-long hiatus due to financial difficulties, Shi Fu Miz is returning in March!  First launched in 2016 by local creative agency FuFu Asia and Mamie’s collective, Shi Fu Miz has been an anticipated annual celebration of music that ranges from rare grooves and funk to disco, house, and techno. This year’s festival will follow a new format at a brand-new location. Setting up at Tai Tong Ecopark in the serene valley of Yuen Long’s Tai Tong Village, the festival will take place among sprawling fields, abundant lychee forests, and tranquil lakes, bringing a unique experience to festivalgoers.  Photograph: Courtesy Shi Fu Miz The Feng Shui stage will be the home of groovy vibes; think house, deep house, and disco on a rolling grass field, set against an open horizon ideal for sunset watching. The Valley stage will focus on techno in a concrete opening within a forest, while UK-influenced beats take over the Dragon stage alongside a scenic pond. The line-up includes a curated selection of international stars alongside local talents, including Chicago native and house and techno wiz Hiroko Yamamura, Tokyo trance duo Minna-no-kimochi, London techno icon Rrose, and Hong Kong’s experimental 0159 Collective, Arthur Yeti, DJ Fabsabs from Cantomania, and Feed the Dragon.  Beyond music, Shi Fu Miz 2026 will also feature a programme of creative activities and interactive workshops for visitors of all ages to participate. Stay tuned for more updates closer to the festival!  Shi Fu Miz 2026 will take place from 12pm to 12am on March 21 at Tai Tong Ecopark, Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long. Tickets are priced from $508 per person, with student access available. Children aged under 12 can enter for free. Reserve a ticket at shop.tiks.asia.  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: This major athleisure brand is opening its first Hong Kong flagship at K11 Musea Hongkongers can expect to see a ‘blood moon’ on Lantern Festival this year Uber launches direct ride-hailing service from Hong Kong to Macau

People often say, “When one door closes, another opens” – but in this case, when one brand vacates prime real estate, another one swoops in shockingly fast. Following the impossible-to-anticipate and much-lamented closure of British afternoon tea institution Fortnum & Mason earlier this year, it’s looking like the desirable waterfront space left behind by Fortnum’s has been snapped up by American athletic apparel retailer Alo Yoga. Alo Yoga is famously loved and endorsed by celebrities, including Jin of BTS, Jisoo of Blackpink, Ningning of Aespa, Sana of Twice, and more. With household names like these attached to the brand, it’s no wonder Alo Yoga is gaining in popularity in this part of the world. In the realm of athleisure, Alo Yoga is giving its Canadian neighbour, Lululemon, a run for its money, though it’s been reported that Alo Yoga resonates more with the yoga and pilates crowd, while Lululemon holds up well in the high-performance segment. More than just sportswear, Alo Yoga has made a business out of promoting wellness as a lifestyle, offering accessories, branded gear, skincare, as well as the Alo Wellness Club app, with premium content ranging from guided workouts and self-care rituals. Photograph: Courtesy Alo Yoga Up until now, Alo Yoga did not have a physical presence in the Hong Kong market; its full collection is available for purchase online on aloyoga.com with shipping options to Hong Kong and a curated selection is also stocked at Lane Crawford. Its new two-storey space at K11 Musea spans 7,000 sq ft and will mark Alo Yoga’s first Hong Kong flagship. We’re still waiting for an official announcement from the brand, but with boardings already up and screaming the Alo Yoga name, it’s not hard to see what’s on the horizon. For Alo Yoga evangelists, the flagship will no doubt be a shopping heaven. For those new to the brand, some of Alo Yoga’s bestsellers include the Alosoft Sincere Fitted Jacket, Serenity Wide Leg Sweatpant, Accolade Full Zip Hoodie, Alo Sunset Sneaker, and Sway Bootcut Sweatpant for casual and active days, and more dressy pieces like the Dreamscape Button Down Long Sleeve and the Suit Up Trousers. 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: Hongkongers can expect to see a ‘blood moon’ on Lantern Festival this year Uber launches direct ride-hailing service from Hong Kong to Macau The Henderson has been named World’s Best Property at the International Property Awards

Missed the last ‘blood moon’ in September because of your bedtime? Good news: there’s another one just around the corner. Mark your calendars for the Lantern Festival as the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has confirmed the next major astronomical event – a total lunar eclipse – will take place on March 3, and you won’t even need to stay up late for this one! What is a lunar eclipse? Lunar eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in direct alignment, forming a straight line that causes the Earth to cast a shadow on the moon. A total lunar eclipse will create the appearance of a ‘blood moon’ – so named for its reddish glow when the Earth’s atmosphere is perfectly positioned to scatter shorter blue wavelengths of light, while simultaneously allowing longer red wavelengths of light to reach the Moon. What time can we see the eclipse? HKO reports that the total lunar eclipse is expected to begin on Tuesday, March 3, when the Moon enters the penumbra, the first stage of the lunar eclipse, at 4.43pm, but hold your horses before you decide to skive off work to see it – this initial phase of the eclipse will not to visible in Hong Kong anyway. Stargazers will need to hold out until 7.04pm for the beginning of the total eclipse, and at 7.34pm, the maximum eclipse will occur, so that’s what you’ll want to set your alarm for. Between 7.04pm and 8.03pm, the Moon will be in its total eclipse phase for 59 minutes, and that’s when you will be able to see the famous ‘blood moon’ phenomenon. Gradually, the Moon will leave the umbra at 9.18pm, and the eclipse will end at 10.25pm when the Moon completely exits the penumbra. Photograph: Anthony Wallace/AFP Where should I go to see the total lunar eclipse? Cast your gaze to the east, HKO advises. For best results, you’ll want to find someplace that offers unobstructed views, and of course, the weather has to play ball. Locations with high elevations will offer a height advantage over the skyscrapers. Consider places on the eastern side of Hong Kong such as Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay in the New Territories, or Shek O and Cape D’Aguilar on Hong Kong Island for minimal light pollution. If you’re content to remain at home, HKO is hosting a live webcast here in collaboration with the Hong Kong Space Museum and other educational organisations, so you can observe the astrological phenomenon without ever leaving the sofa. Is there anything I should avoid doing during the lunar eclipse? Well, not really – a lunar eclipse is not like a solar eclipse, so you can stare directly at the Moon without protective eyewear. However, if you’re of the superstitious ilk, there are certain things that some cultures suggest to avoid doing – such as cooking or eating during the astronomical event, handling sharp tools or objects, or engaging in auspicious activities, as some believe there are imbalanced energies in the air during this time. 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: Uber launches direct ride-hailing service from Hong Kong to Macau The Henderson has been named World’s Best Property at the International Property Awards This new art event in Hong Kong lets you eat food inspired by the works you see

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!