Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

If you’ve been tempted by a plate of fresh oysters lately, perhaps you should hold off that craving for another time. The city is currently dealing with a sudden uptick in food poisoning cases, with raw (or undercooked) seafood, particularly oysters, turning out to be the common link in the majority of incidents. The latest cluster to make Hong Kong headlines involves eight people (five men and three women, all in their late 20s) who dined at the Clipper Lounge in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on January 31 and February 2. They ate raw oysters, salmon sashimi, crab legs, and brown crab, and between 25 and 75 hours later, symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever had set in. Four of them sought medical care, but no one required hospitalisation and all are now recovering steadily. After field inspection by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS), early indications pointed towards the raw items as the likely source. The restaurant has since been instructed to pause sales of the suspect dishes, carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection, and strengthen food-handling practices. This incident isn’t a one-off case either. Reported cases have climbed steadily from roughly one per week in late December last year, to an average of four cases in January. For the past few weeks alone (from January 18 to February 9), a total of 37 food poisoning cases have affected well over 100 people, with norovirus responsible for the vast majority. Time and again, epidemiological investigation has found that all affected persons had consumed raw oysters in the days leading up to their symptoms.  Photograph: Courtesy Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong Other recent outbreaks have been linked to venues including Chef’s Cuts in both Wong Chuk Hang and Kai Tak, L’Amour in Central, Harvest House in Causeway Bay, Dol Dam Gil Korean Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, and Odelice at New Town Plaza, Sha Tin. The oysters in question mainly came from suppliers in South Korea and elsewhere, prompting the CFS to suspend sales and distribution from several companies, including Seojun Mulsan, Jeton International Food and 88 Investment Holdings, and warn various outlets to remove any matching stock immediately. In response, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and CFS are conducting thorough investigations, on-site inspections, sample testing, and intensified checks at licensed premises to ensure proper storage temperatures and handling of raw oysters. Officials have repeatedly stressed that raw and partially cooked oysters carry inherent risks, especially during the winter months when norovirus activity tends to increase. The slightly better news is that most cases so far have been mild and self-limiting, but the rapid rise in numbers makes a little caution worthwhile. For now, the simplest way to lower your risk is to avoid raw or partially cooked bivalve shellfish, particularly if you’re pregnant, young, elderly, have a weak immune system, or have liver issues. Opting for fully cooked seafood instead is a much safer bet, as boiling or steaming shellfish at high temperatures eliminates harmful microorganisms. Good hand hygiene remains essential, which means washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet (alcohol-based sanitisers are not effective in killing norovirus). When dining out or travelling, especially to places where norovirus has been reported, it’s wise to choose hot, freshly cooked dishes over raw or cold items. And if symptoms do appear, they usually pass in one to three days with plenty of rest and fluids, but it’s best to see a doctor if things do not improve. Stay updated through the CHP and CFS websites to keep track of any new cases as they’re reported, and here’s to enjoying the rest of the season with happy, healthy stomachs. 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: 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 Chinese New Year Night Parade returns to Tsim Sha Tsui for the Year of the Horse

Love potato crisps? Love Lunar New Year? If the answer to both of those questions is a resounding “yes”, you’re going to love this new festive display at Citygate Outlets. Tung Chung’s popular outlet mall is teaming up with snack food giant Calbee for a Lunar New Year-themed installation comprising installations, interactive games, and a pop-up shop stocked with the most adorable merchandise featuring Calbee’s potato mascot. From now until March 8, snack fans can visit the ‘Golden-Crisp New Year’ installation at Citygate Outlets to celebrate Calbee’s 50th year in the Hong Kong market – which might come as a surprise to some, as it sure feels like Calbee crisps and crackers have always been a part of our lives and childhoods. ‘Golden-Crisp New Year’ features eight supersized installations, bringing Calbee’s iconic products and characters – including ‘potato fairy’ Jagabee Potta, Pote Kun, the Kappa Ebi Family, and Jagarico Kirin – to life.  Photograph: Courtesy Citygate Outlets Expect to see a giant sculpture depicting cascading crisps falling into a snack bowl, Jagabee Potta in festive Lunar New Year garb holding a spud, the L2 Atrium floor transformed into a board game, and more, if snapping pictures at photo spots is your kind of thing. Jagarico Kirin waits beside the ‘Fortune Catcher Station’ to cheer you on during the Crispy Grab Challenge, roll a dice on the ‘Potta-stic Game Garden’ to reach the finish line first or play with seesaws modelled after fries or shrimp sticks, and fish for shrimp at the ‘Shrimp-venturous Catch Interactive Game’ with the Kappa Ebi Family. Photograph: Courtesy Citygate Outlets On weekends and public holidays, collectors will want to make a beeline for the ‘Calbee Golden Crunch House Pop-up Store’, located in a gigantic Jagabee Fries House flanked by potato-inspired bean bags and Jagabee Potta installations on both sides of the structure, and decorated with fun facts about the cute potato-based character. Inside, the shelves are filled with Hong Kong exclusives and coveted first-release Calbee merch! We’re talking cuddly Jagabee Potta plushies, fuzzy-soft crossbody bags in the shape of the Calbee mascot, Lunar New Year-themed cushions featuring the character Pote Kun and friends that unfolds into a blanket, mini-dolls, keychains – the list goes on. But that’s not all – over at the L2 Bridge of Citygate Outlets, there’s an Instagrammable sculpture featuring Jagabee Potta as the God of Wealth, in addition to a wall of festive gacha machines for lucky visitors to win Calbee-themed charms, griptoks, and more. Photograph: Courtesy Citygate Outlets Last but not least, a festive installation is not the only thing that Citygate Outlets and Calbee had in the works for their collaboration. For a chance to snag a limited-edition Citygate Outlets x Calbee Multi-Purpose Clips Blind Box – which offers winners a chance to collect one of 12 designs in the shape of a crisps packet – there are a few things you must do. If you’re not already a member, register as a Club CG pre-member on the Taikoo+ App or the Citygate Outlets WeChat Mini Programme, participate in the ‘Golden Sticks MasterChef Digital Game’ and ‘Shrimp-venturous Catch Interactive Game’ at the L2 Atrium to complete missions, and follow Citygate Outlets on social media. We already know what we’ll be using these for if we manage to get one: to clip our Calbee Prawn Crackers bag shut after a good snack sesh – if there’s anything left, that is… 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: Macau is the most active region in Asia when it comes to love and sex, according to Time Out Chinese New Year Night Parade returns to Tsim Sha Tsui for the Year of the Horse M+ is bringing back its popular after-hours museum parties from March onwards

Valentine’s Day is coming up this weekend, and it’s got us thinking about love and human connection, and the possible differences between how regions and cultures can affect the way we approach dating. If you’re curious too, we have good news: Time Out has conducted a global survey with thousands of respondents, and we are ready to spill the tea where 16 cities in the Asia-Pacific region stand against each other in the realms of dating, sex, and connections. Read on for the results! On attractiveness It might come as some surprise that leading the entire group of Asian cities is our sister SAR Macau. Despite Hong Kong being three times as big as Macau in land area, and housing 10 to 11 times Macau’s population size, our 720,000-strong Macanese neighbours sure have been keeping way busier. The disparities don’t seem to hinge on attractiveness: Macau residents reported noticing someone attractive approximately 10 times per month, while Hongkongers don’t trail that far behind with attractiveness noted approximately seven times per month. On flirting and dating The rest of the survey seems to indicate that the issue with Hongkongers lies with being less proactive after spotting someone attractive. People from Macau reported flirting with someone 10 times per month, while Hong Kong is at the bottom of the pack, only flirting 2.9 times per month on average. It seems that we’re a shy bunch when it comes to approaching people we find attractive! Hong Kong respondents also reported going on dates only three times per month on average, while Macanese residents are dating close to 12 nights per month. 12 other APAC cities separate the ranking gap between Macau and Hong Kong, with locales like Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, Beijing, Seoul, and more all getting more dating action than Hong Kong. Only Singapore and Kyoto rank even lower than us, reporting a monthly dating frequency of three and two nights, respectively. Photograph: Shutterstock On nights out and sex When asked about how often they have a night out that might lead to romance, Macau once again tops the charts, having a very respectable 11 nights per month with potential romantic partners. In stark contrast, Hongkongers only have the same kind of nights out on an average of 1.9 times per month. The only city ranking lower than us in this category is Singapore, but that’s hardly any consolation. We have all these world-renowned bars and nightlife spots to choose from, and we’re just squandering them? Shame on us! Finally, when it comes to getting down and dirty, Hong Kong rises slightly higher in the group of 16 cities to reach rank 13, reporting having sex 3.2 times per month on average. If you’ve read this far, it should come as no surprise at this point that yes, it is once again the randy people of Macau who top the list, making beds rock 9.2 times per month on average. The Thai capital of Bangkok comes as a close second at nine times per month, followed by the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur at 6.7 times per month. In contrast, the cities that are getting laid the least are all Japanese: Osaka at three times, Tokyo at 2.6 times, and Kyoto at two times per month. So what’s the takeaway here? It seems that the average Hongkonger does come across people they consider attractive often enough, but they just don’t follow through with approaching and flirting with them, let alone taking people out on dates and fun nights out that generate sexual chemistry. Whether this behaviour is due to inherent shyness, lack of confidence, or baked-in cultural ideas is unclear for now, but obviously, this all means we are having way less sex compared to most of our Asian neighbours!  Of course, not everything is a competition, but it’s worth remembering that emotional and sexual connections are such a human and important part of our existence. Flirting, attractive tension, and romantically ambiguous nights out can be so much fun, and if your obsession with Korean romance dramas are anything to go by, you already know this, Hong Kong! Let’s all unclench a little, let go of the more prudish societal ideologies, and go have fun this Valentine’s Day!  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: Chinese New Year Night Parade returns to Tsim Sha Tsui for the Year of the Horse M+ is bringing back its popular after-hours museum parties from March onwards This Hong Kong supermarket has launched a retro concept store in Yau Ma Tei

Hong Kong’s biggest Lunar New Year celebration is making its spectacular return this month, commandeering the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui for a Year of the Horse extravaganza like no other! Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade 2026 will take place on Tuesday, February 17 – the first day of Lunar New Year – featuring a programme of stunning floats and performances under the theme ‘Best Fortune World Party’. Here’s what to expect from the event: When and where is the Chinese New Year Night Parade? Mark your calendars – the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will happen on Tuesday, February 17, from 9pm to 9.45pm. Tsim Sha Tsui will be blocked off for the occasion to accommodate the route of the floats and performances. We anticipate onlookers will gather in Tsim Sha Tsui well before the event begins to secure a good, free-of-charge spot for viewing the Chinese New Year Night Parade, and luckily, there will be entertainment to keep them occupied – pre-parade performances start at 6pm to drum up excitement, and will include lion and dragon dances, magic, and acrobatic rope skipping. Photograph: Courtesy HKTB What kind of floats will be at the Chinese New Year Night Parade? Major sponsors and participating event partners will be launching 12 different floats to wow the crowd. Cathay is poised to celebrate Lunar New Year and its 80th anniversary with an aircraft-themed display; the Hong Kong Jockey Club will lean into the synergy between its equine heritage and this year’s matching Chinese zodiac animal for a moving installation featuring auspicious symbolism with horses; Ocean Park Hong Kong will showcase its animals ambassadors and exciting attractions; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s 20th anniversary will be lovingly commemorated with a festive Disney-themed presentation, in addition to many other jazzed-up floats.  McDonald’s Hong Kong will also mark its 50th anniversary with nostalgia, joining in the festivities with a train design inspired by its iconic 1980s restaurants. Lam Tsuen Wishing Square will bring a mobile interpretation of its famous Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree to the Chinese New Year Night Parade, and viral characters like Labubu and Molly will make an appearance too, thanks to the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association float. Photograph: Courtesy HKTB What else can I see at the Chinese New Year Night Parade? Live performances make up an equally important part of the programme. For the Year of the Horse, 16 performing teams from mainland China and around the world will converge in Hong Kong to take part in the Chinese New Year Night Parade. As a matter of fact, 13 of them will be making their Hong Kong debut. Look forward to the ornate masks and costumes of the dancers of Bacolod City Masskara Festival from the Philippines, the traditional flag performance presented by Italy’s Bandierai degli Uffizi, the humorous Emoji Parade from Turkey, Cromosauro’s larger-than-life mechanic dinosaur choreography, a marching band performance from The Bluecoats, Egypt’s Tannoura Dance Group with their vibrant dancing inspired by Sufi folklore, cheerleading from The Manly Seabirds from Australia, acrobatic skating by Trio Skating Nistorov, and so much more. What is the Chinese New Year Night Parade route in Tsim Sha Tsui? Hong Kong Cultural Centre will serve as the starting point for the Chinese New Year Night Parade. Floats and performers will proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, before coming to a finish at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers. It’s expected that the procession will reach Canton Road at around 8.30pm, Nathan Road at approximately 9pm, and Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers at 9.45pm. Photograph: Courtesy HKTB Best places to watch the Chinese New Year Night Parade Spectators will have two options to see the Chinese New Year Night Parade in person: show up early and hope for the best along free-of-charge viewing spots on Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, or shell out for the spectator stand at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Seating is split into Area A ($600 per person), Area B ($550 per person, with some partial-view seats), and Area C ($450 per person, near the viewing deck). You can purchase your tickets from the Hong Kong Tourism Board Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui starting from Saturday, February 7, at 8am. If all else fails, the TVB Jade channel is broadcasting the event from 8pm to 9.45pm.  Photograph: Courtesy HKTB What if I miss the Chinese New Year Night Parade? If you happen to miss the actual procession on February 17, there’s still a way to ooh and aah at the floats! From February 18 to March 3, some of the mobile installations will pop up in various places across town, including Ocean Park Hong Kong, Lam Tsuen, Sha Tin Racecourse, Victoria Park, and Kai Tak Sports Park (until February 26). On February 18 and 19, the global performers will put on a show at Kai Tak Sports Park, bringing their moves to shopping malls and other attractions. How do I get there? The MTR will be your best bet, as there will be road closures before and after the Chinese New Year Night Parade. Alight at Tsim Sha Tsui Station or Tsim Sha Tsui East Station. If you’re making your way from Hong Kong Island, take the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai. 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 bringing back its popular after-hours museum parties from March onwards This Hong Kong supermarket has launched a retro concept store in Yau Ma Tei Harbourside Swing Fest returns for its 2026 edition in late April

Party animals, it’s happening – M+ is kicking off the spring season of its best-selling M+ at Night museum gatherings next month with fresh experiences and exhibitions! ‘Endless Realms’ on Friday, March 6, will mark the return of M+ at Night, except this time, the after-dark programming will be even more diverse than ever before. From the dazzling stage and the intriguing galleries to engaging encounters, ‘Endless Realms’ is themed around the current ‘Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker’ exhibition that runs until May 3.  Photograph: Courtesy M+, Hong Kong Attendees will be grooving to Mandarin R&B tunes from Hong Kong indie musician Gordon Flanders’s repertoire, swaying to vocal performances by local acapella group Boonfaysau, bopping to the energetic beats of Mr Ho’s DJ set, unravelling the abstract works of Chinese-French artist Zao Wou-ki, and taking part in a guided workshop to learn printmaking techniques. M+ Guides will also lead talks to reveal the creativity and concepts behind Zao’s evocative art. Besides music, art, and interactive activities, M+ at Night will also introduce stand-up comedy and a quiz game show for the first time ever at the March 6 event. Bilingual Hong Kong comedian Vivek Mahbubani will be the host, so expect whip-smart commentary and a night of non-stop laughter. As with previous M+ at Night editions, there will be food and drinks available for purchase at the museum. Photograph: Courtesy M+, Hong Kong Aside from the special showcase featuring Zao, guests can also access the exhibitions ‘M+ Sigg Collection: Inner Worlds’, ‘Things, Spaces, Interactions’, ‘Making It Matters’, ‘Shanshui: Echoes and Signals’, and ‘Robert Rauschenberg and Asia’ during M+ at Night at no extra cost. Early-bird tickets are available from now until February 22 for $240 per person on Klook, CTrip, KKday, CTS, Cityline, Damai, Artmate and Trip.com. Full-time students who want to take advantage of the early-bird promotion can purchase a ticket for $160 on Cityline. Regular tickets will be available from February 23 onwards at $320 per person. M+ Members can enjoy 50 percent off on additional tickets for their own entry. All guests, including those entering with student tickets, must be at least 18 years old. Photograph: Courtesy Winnie Yeung @ Visual Voices / M+, Hong Kong After ‘Endless Realms’, M+ at Night parties will continue on May 1 and June 5. The May 1 event will be curated around the ‘Lee Bul: From 1998 to Now’ exhibition running from March 14 to August 9, highlighting the South Korean artist’s contemporary installations and two-dimensional works. June 5 will be framed around John Giorno’s thought-provoking ‘Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong’ project, presenting recorded poetry readings in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin through vintage cradle telephones. M+ at Night’s programming will surely draw inspiration from these dynamic showcases, and we can’t wait to see how! 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 supermarket has launched a retro concept store in Yau Ma Tei Harbourside Swing Fest returns for its 2026 edition in late April Shiro brings its signature ‘crystal sushi’ to its second location in Tai Kwun

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

If your usual weekend plans could use a dose of retro glamour, clear your calendar for April 24 to 26 as the Harbourside Swing Fest returns. This three-day event, dedicated to celebrating vintage dance and jazz culture, promises a weekend filled with infectious rhythms, global talent, and immersive experiences that transport participants back to the golden era of Lindy Hop.  Photograph: Courtesy Harbourside Swing Fest Highlights to look forward to include a stellar lineup of instructors from around the world. Headlining the teaching roster are French experts Marion Quesne and Sylvain Guiheneuc, known for their dynamic energy and deep love for Lindy Hop. They’ll be joined by regional powerhouses Adamas Kim from Korea and Sing Lim from Singapore – both of whom trained directly under Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning and have since built thriving scenes in their home countries. Music takes centre stage too, with a dedicated roster of live jazz performances curated by acclaimed local music director Nate Wong.  Photograph: Courtesy Harbourside Swing Fest One of the festival’s most anticipated activities is the ‘Dance in a Day’ programme that’s perfect for beginners. In a single immersive session, newcomers can go from learning the ropes to dancing the night away at the Harbourside Swing Fest Saturday Night Social. It’s an invitation to experience the full spirit of swing dancing without any prior commitment. Photograph: Courtesy Harbourside Swing Fest Whether it’s workshops, social dances, competitions, or showcases, there’s ample opportunity to learn from masters, mingle with other dance-loving guests, and get those feet shuffling on the dance floor. Registration is now open, with options for a full weekend pass, party pass, day pass, or workshop pass. Stick around for updates on venues and the full schedule coming soon, or head to their official website to find out more. 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: 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 Everything you need to know about the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival

If you’re a fan of Shiro’s inventive sushi creations, there is reason to rejoice – the popular Pacific Place restaurant has welcomed a new sister location in Tai Kwun! Helmed by executive chef Tatsuya Iwahashi and executive sushi chef Jeff Ko, Shiro Central is poised to become a darling of the Aqua Restaurant Group portfolio, showcasing innovative cuisine that draws inspiration from Japan’s vibrant food culture. Tai Kwun is, on its own, already rich in heritage, and its collection of 16 historic buildings within the complex each carry their own tales. Shiro’s new restaurant location in Central finds itself in the two-storey Armoury, looking out across the Parade Ground. Built in 1925, mounted guards commandeered the structure during the Japanese Occupation to use as stables, and later, the Armoury housed the traffic division of the Central police. After Tai Kwun reopened to the public in 2018 following a major revitalisation, the space was home to Aaharn, David Thompson’s Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, before giving way to the Armoury Terrace bar, and now finally, Shiro Central. Photograph: Courtesy Shiro Shiro Central brings to Tai Kwun all the things that cemented Shiro Admiralty as a firm favourite among patrons. Its picture-perfect crystal sushi – featuring flavoured jelly layered atop fresh fish and rice – is certainly a must-order, and comes in various configurations, including fatty salmon with mint and sake jelly, botan ebi and avocado with ponzu jelly, and scallop and caviar with kimchi jelly. Chef Iwahashi adds to that his saikyo-style grilled black cod – tender texture elevated through a rich marinade of miso, mirin, and sake.  New to the menu, the bluefin tuna and seared salmon with maitake, soba and tofu salad, grilled wagyu beef horaku-yaki served on a hot plate, and the vinegar-cured shime saba with yuzu shiroita-konbu sushi all make their debut at Shiro Central, complementing existing dishes that seamlessly demonstrate Shiro’s contemporary Japanese dining concept. Between a wide selection of snacks and cold dishes, a generous range of creative sushi and classic sashimi, skewers from the robata grill, tempura and hot dishes, noodle and rice dishes, and desserts, diners will be absolutely spoilt for choice. Photograph: Courtesy Shiro Compared to Shiro Pacific Place, Shiro Central exudes a more upscale, intimate feeling. With a semi-private dining space accommodating up to eight guests, sushi counter seats, indoor and outdoor tables, as well as omakase options available, the restaurant is suitable for casual catch-ups, business lunches, happy hours, romantic dates, and weekend indulgences. If coming for dinner, start at Shiro Bar with a hojicha highball before moving into the dining room to enjoy a tantalising meal featuring the finest and freshest produce. 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: Everything you need to know about Japan’s official cherry blossom forecast 2026 Everything you need to know about the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival Hong Kong to approve first dog-friendly restaurant permits by mid-2026

Spring calls forth one of Japan’s most coveted flora-inspired celebrations: the cherry blossom season! Every March and April, sakura trees in full bloom line the streets of Japan in an aesthetic pink hue, attracting locals and visitors alike to admire the cherry blossom’s stunning birth. The beautiful but short-lived cherry blossom viewing is so beloved that the Japanese take it very seriously, and the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) keeps a close eye on weather conditions with a detailed forecast of the blooming season that goes through several updates in the lead up to the occasion. The JMC has recently announced its third and newest update for cherry blossom season 2026, offering location-specific blooming dates and times for visitors to plan their annual spring sojourn accordingly.  Photograph: Courtesy Japan Meteorological Corporation Cherry blossom season in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more According to data from the JMC, the first blooms this year will likely be spotted in Kochi and Nagoya on March 21, with Nagoya blooms reaching its fullest on March 30. Meanwhile, cherries in Tokyo are expected to flower on March 22 and be in full bloom by March 29. Predictions for popular tourist destinations include initial blooms in Osaka on March 25 and full blooms on April 1, while Kyoto will see a blossoming period from March 25 to April 2, and Fukuoka’s will run from March 22 to March 30. Northern destinations such as Sapporo will receive its first blooms on April 26 and reach full bloom on April 30.  Photograph: Ann Chiu The JMC’s predictions are based on past research on the Somei Yoshino, one of the most common types of cherry blossoms in Japan. While actual flowering and full-bloom times of the trees may differ by a day or two, the JMC has historically been pretty accurate with its predictions. Cherry blossoms usually take around five days to a week to reach full bloom from flowering, and the JMC suggests the best time to see these stunning flowers is up to a week after full bloom.  Keep up to date with the latest information regarding cherry blossom season in Japan at s.n-kishou.co.jp. If you’d like to keep track of the growth of sakura ahead of and during your trip, try out the Sakura Navi forecast app!  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: Everything you need to know about the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival Hong Kong to approve first dog-friendly restaurant permits by mid-2026 Hong Kong’s Antiquities Authority has newly declared two buildings as monuments

Hong Kong Arts Month is almost upon us, and one of the highlights of this annual arts and culture celebration held in March is the long-standing Hong Kong Arts Festival, now back for its 54th edition. Running from February 27 to March 27, the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival is connected by a poignant theme of promoting courage, peace, and resilience, and will gather more than 1,100 performers, musicians, and artists to present more than 45 distinct programmes in a packed schedule of over 170 performances.  Here’s a small selection of the highlights and what to look forward to at this year’s Hong Kong Arts Festival, including our picks of which performances shouldn’t be missed. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Arts Festival Music Without a doubt, one of the most highly anticipated events in the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival programme is Jockey Club InnoArts Series: Kagami by Ryuichi Sakamoto & Tin Drum, a mixed-reality performance honouring the late Japanese composer. From February 27 to March 15, Sakamoto will “return” to the baby grand – in a manner of speaking – through an immersive, tech-driven approach blending motion capture and spatial audio that preserved his presence and piano-playing for attendees to observe through VR headsets, making his final performance a lasting legacy. With an extensive collection of musical happenings to choose from, it all depends on taste and preference. Not to be missed is the legendary Sir John Eliot Gardiner, who will perform in Hong Kong with the Constellation Choir & Orchestra for two nights only from March 6 to 7, and indulge audiences with his celebrated interpretations of Mozart’s Requiem, K626 and Great Mass in C minor, K427 and Bach’s Mass in B minor, BWV232. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Arts Festival Dance From ballet and contemporary to flamenco and more, the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival is showcasing movement like never before. Catch the Asia premiere of La Bella Otero from February 27 to March 1, presented by the Ballet Nacional de España. Director Rubén Olmo reimagines the fascinating life and times of 19th-century Spanish artist Carolina Otero, replete with stunning costumes, breathtaking choreography, and powerful music. From March 27 to 29, director Li Xing will bring modern flair to the Chinese dance production Dream in the Peony Pavilion, working with talented performers from the Suzhou Song and Dance Theatre to unfold this classic love story on stage. Based on Tang Xianzu’s acclaimed Ming-dynasty play, The Peony Pavilion (1598), Xing’s take on the tale will showcase thrilling ensemble dances and poetic staging evoking eternal romance. Photograph: Courtesy Emilija Jefremova / Hong Kong Arts Festival Theatre Classics from all epochs are experiencing a moment in popular culture, and the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival is feeding into this interest with Jockey Club East-meets-West Series: Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, a unique Chinese-language music-theatre adaptation of Aristophanes’ ancient Greek comedy. In a humorous take on “make love, not war”, the play follows titular character Lysistrata on her radical quest to unique womenfolk and strike against the violence of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. Meanwhile, German theatre director Sebastian Kaiser will team up with the HKAPA for a pared-back interpretation of Liu Yichang’s novel, The Drunkard, a groundbreaking work known for its stream-of-consciousness prose. Using an “ultra-poor, hyper-mobile theatre” philosophy, Kaiser’s approach breaks down traditional boundaries and walls for an unexpected experience that toes the line between awake and dreaming. Photograph: Courtesy Patrik Borecký / Hong Kong Arts Festival Opera Western opera and Chinese opera are sharing the spotlight this year at the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival, with productions like Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin by the famed National Theatre Brno from the Czech Republic and Red Wedding Bed by the Fujian Province Liyuan Opera Inheritance Centre among the diverse offerings.  Alexander Pushkin’s influential novel, exploring a bittersweet story of unrequited love, gets a dramatic revival through a Central European lens, while the ancient Chinese art form of Liyuan opera, boasting a history of 900 years, is lovingly preserved through passionate performance and minimalist aesthetics. Photograph: Courtesy Ekopics / Hong Kong Arts Festival Circus For something whimsical, the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival is also hosting a number of acrobatics and circus performances. Catch Focasa and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre founder Lin Hwai-min’s collaboration, One to One Hundred: A Brave Journey, for a spellbinding experience that combines stunts and storytelling for wow moments. Canadian troupe The 7 Fingers (Les 7 Doigts) will present Duel Reality, a blend of contemporary circus antics, theatre arts, and Shakespearean romance and drama to thrill audiences from March 20 to 22, performing Romeo and Juliet in a completely novel way. How much are tickets to the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival? Urbtix is the official ticketing partner for the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival, offering a range of ticketing solutions for the different scheduled shows. Click here for more information on specific pricing and availability; standard and student tickets are offered, as well as preferential pricing for people with disabilities or wheelchair users. See the full programme for the 54th Hong Kong Arts Festival 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: Hong Kong to approve first dog-friendly restaurant permits by mid-2026 Hong Kong’s Antiquities Authority has newly declared two buildings as monuments Hong Kong rolls back public transit seatbelt rule just five days after launch

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!