San Po Kong: Ultimate Guide

Although Hong Kong offers a versatile range of activities, rock-climbing has never been one of the more popular choices. Nevertheless, those looking for a challenge to test their nerves (that won’t be as terrifying as a haunted house or as perplexing as an escape room) should try rock-climbing, which may very well be the quick fix needed. Just Climb, a 5000 square-foot mountaineering facility located in San Po Kong, is the perfect spot for all ages and groups: it doesn’t matter whether you’re a fresh-faced newcomer or a seasoned pro, Just Climb provides programs and walls dedicated to your specific level of expertise with experienced instructors climbing with you every step of the way. If you’re worried, don’t overthink it – just climb!

Up the stonewalled stairs, through the tree-lined entryway, and the splendid Chi Lin Nunnery comes into full view in all its amalgamative glory. Combining heavy influences from the Tang dynasty and trace elements of Japanese aesthetics in its design, this elegant, tranquil, cypress-enforced Buddhist complex is the only architecture in modern-day Hong Kong to be entirely constructed according to traditional Chinese, Tang era architectural techniques. Within the vast nunnery, you will also find rows upon rows of exquisite bonsai trees, serene lotus ponds, and the beautiful, scenic Nan Lian Garden with its meticulous landscape and intricate, Tang-consistent style (and if you’re feeling hungry, there’s also a tearoom and a vegetarian restaurant). The soul-soothing establishment that lies on the edge of San Po Kong and Diamond Hill cuts through Hong Kong’s mayhem and a myriad of skyscrapers and high-rises, serving as a public oasis for the worn and weary to centre themselves and find their inner peace.

With 50 years of history under its belt, the restaurant has shown no signs of slowing down, remaining untouched by the curse of quality decline that many restaurants seem to go through. The soft and savoury beef offal is still cooked fresh daily, the signature handmade meatballs are ever-chewy and delicious, and the beef brisket is always trimmed to just the right ratio of fat-to-meat and braised to perfection. And of course, there’s the beefy broth and hearty serving of noodles. For just $30, this unforgettably comforting bowl of noodles will definitely keep you coming back for more.

This neighbourhood dessert store offers a huge variety of Chinese sweet soups, but the most popular item on the menu is the steamed ginger milk pudding. You can enjoy it both hot and cold. 

Named after the Dickens-penned Bleak House, Bleak House Books is a brightly-lit, uncluttered independent book shop. The space is cleverly utilised to display the store’s somewhat limited yet fantastic collection of classics, second-hands, paperbacks, hardbacks and more, leaving just enough room to comfortably fit in a few chairs for those who really want to fully immerse themselves in a good novel or two. From popular comics to books by Chinese and Japanese authors, and even sheet music, Bleak House has something for everyone. It is a serendipitous paradise for all those who step foot in this little store that is decidedly anything but bleak.

So you want to barbecue with your friends or family, but your surroundings are less-than-ideal, and you don’t really have space or the amenities to feasibly host a barbecue party with ten or twenty-some guests – what do you do? Going all the way to somewhere like Tai Mei Tuk in New Territories is obviously not the answer, but it’s looking like the only option, isn’t it? Maybe that was the case a decade ago, but in recent years, many urban parts of Hong Kong have created sky gardens dedicated to providing accessible rooftop barbecues for everyone, San Po Kong being no exception. With a 4,000 square-foot expanse of green grass, a ball pit, swinging benches, a karaoke room, and more facilities for leisure and entertainment, the DIY barbecue spot is perfect for large parties looking for a hearty meal and a fun-filled night.

While many dim sum joints use fresh ingredients, no other dim sum specialist does it better than Master Chan Dim Sum Specialist. Founder Master Chan has been making dim sum for years – having previously served in a five-star hotel as head chef, he’s had years of experience and has deservedly earned his name and reputation as the master of this delicate, difficult cuisine. Though all their high-quality dim sum is made and steamed to-order, Master Chan Dim Sum Specialist’s best items are definitely their fish roe siu mai, honey-glazed char siu buns, jumbo spring rolls and crispy cheung fun.

This airsoft business in the heart of San Po Kong has been hailed as Hong Kong’s largest and most luxurious indoor war game battlefield. Impact Force CQB offers a choice of four themes, each with its own intricately designed layouts for all types of combat: be it long-range sniping in a larger zone or a battle between assault rifles in close quarters, players will most definitely be able to experience an adrenaline rush in the way that best suits them. Complete with realistic props, authentically-styled replicas of real-world military weaponry, atmospheric background music, extraordinary special lighting effects and fine details to every aspect of their interior design and provisions, these thoughtfully adapted kill houses in the spacious 30,000 square-foot arena are fully equipped to facilitate some good times and hot action. So if you’re looking for something to do with your friends that doesn't involve a tediously long film or boring karaoke songs, or if you’re organising a corporate team-building activity and you’re running out of ideas, try this mock combat warfare simulation to test out your teamwork and get the blood pumping!