Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

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

Hong Kong’s pet owners have been waiting for this one: the chance to bring their dogs along for a proper sit-down meal indoors – and to stop feeling guilty every time they leave their best friend at home to go out for dinner. For decades, the city’s food premises have operated under strict rules from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), banning dogs (and most pets) inside to ensure food safety and hygiene. Only guide dogs and approved service animals have been allowed as exceptions, with hefty fines possible for violations – but a new policy is about to change that for the first time in over 30 years. As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, the government is introducing a special permit that will let selected restaurants welcome dogs indoors. The initiative aims to support the growing pet community and boost the local ‘pet economy’ by giving businesses new ways to attract customers. In late January 2026, the secretary for environment and ecology Tse Chin-wan informed the Legislative Council that the first batch of these special permits is targeted for approval by mid-2026, with application dates yet to be confirmed.  The rollout will be limited to roughly 500 to 1,000 permits to allow for monitoring and adjustments before wider expansion. If demand exceeds the quota, permits will be allocated via a lottery system. Operators will be required to pay an application fee of $140 and must follow detailed guidelines such as displaying clear signage at entrances, prohibiting dogs from being placed on dining tables or coming in contact with food and tableware, and forbidding the cooking or preparation of dog food on the premises. Applications from certain high-risk setups like hotpot or barbecue venues will not be accepted. Pet owners will also 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.  This new scheme sits alongside several other recent pet-friendly initiatives in the city. Select bus routes now accommodate pets on weekends and certain weekdays, while the Light Rail has made its pet-carrying scheme a permanent feature on weekends and public holidays. Coming up on March 1, up to 1,200 dogs will also be allowed on MTR trains for the first time as part of the SPCA Dogathon charity event.  The first restaurant approvals remain several months away, but mid-2026 is now the clearest target date for when dog-friendly dining could begin to appear in Hong Kong, so watch this space for more updates!  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 Antiquities Authority has newly declared two buildings as monuments Hong Kong rolls back public transit seatbelt rule just five days after launch Bacha Coffee joins the blind box bandwagon with their brand-new collection

Hong Kong is inseparable from its instantly recognisable Victoria Harbour skyline, whether it’s observed from Hong Kong Island side or from Kowloon side. Dispersed among these towering skyscrapers, humble in height but just as formidable in reputation, are time-worn edifices that carry the city’s colonial past and Chinese heritage, numbering in the hundreds, quietly keeping record of Hong Kong’s past. And that tally only continues to grow: Just last week, the Antiquities Authority added two more buildings to that list, declaring them as monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. On January 30, the Hong Kong government gazetted a notice stating that the Antiquities Authority has added two structures in the Western District on Hong Kong Island to its collection of preserved and protected monuments: the Main Building of Old Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital in Sai Ying Pun and Kwong Fook Tsz in Sheung Wan. Both buildings are more than a century old, and are expectedly rich in history and purpose. Photograph: Courtesy gov.hk Opened in 1922 by the Chinese Public Dispensaries Committee (CPDC) on Western Street in Sai Ying Pun, the Old Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital served an important function as a centre for maternity services catering to Chinese women. Chinese midwives were also trained on the premises to learn modern nursing methods, demonstrating the cooperative alliance between Chinese and Western medical professionals to promote maternity health and empower women. After the Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital found a new home on Hospital Road in 1955, the original building – a red-bricked structure standing on a coursed rubble plinth with a granite portico entrance – continued to be a hub for diverse activities and has been used as a community centre since 1961, first operating as the Tsan Yuk Social Centre, later as the Western District Community Centre to this day. Photograph: Courtesy gov.hk Kwong Fook Tsz in Sheung Wan, also known as Pak Shing Temple, is located on the unassuming Tai Ping Shan Street, and was constructed even earlier than the Old Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital, in 1895. Prominent Chinese businessmen and members of the emerging Chinese elite raised funds to build the first Kwong Fook Tsz in 1956, hoping to establish a benevolent space for worship in which the Chinese community could store the soul tablets for deceased migrant workers who died in the city, honouring their ancestral roots in this final resting place in light of them being unable to return to their hometowns. Later, Kwong Fook Tsz adopted a dual purpose in providing aid for the sick, homeless, and elderly. Due to poor hygiene standards, this makeshift “Chinese hospital” – a desperate choice for local residents who could not afford medical services – served as the impetus for the Hong Kong government to establish a Chinese hospital, leading to the establishment of Tung Wah Hospital in 1870. Following an outbreak of the bubonic plague in the area, the current Kwong Fook Tsz was eventually rebuilt on the same road. Not only is Kwong Fook Tsz’s structural layout unique, but the communal services it provided in housing soul tablets, medical services, and offering refuge are singular among the surviving temples in the city, lending to Kwong Fook Tsz’s lasting significance. Both declared monuments are open for public visits, with respective opening hours and further information available on the Antiquities and Monuments Office website. 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 rolls back public transit seatbelt rule just five days after launch Bacha Coffee joins the blind box bandwagon with their brand-new collection This TCM-inspired cocktail bar has opened a new lounge at Épure with a pop-up wellness event

Well, that didn’t last long: A controversial mandatory seatbelt provision that the Hong Kong government introduced on January 25 has been repealed just five days after it came into effect. On January 30, the secretary for transport and logistics, Mable Chan, announced at a press conference that the legal provisions mandating bus passengers to wear seatbelts would be removed, following technical deficiencies in the legal language. Under the short-lived law, passengers who did not wear a seatbelt on buses would face a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to three months of imprisonment. However, the provision’s wording caused confusion and, following consultations with the Department of Justice, it was acknowledged that the legal clause did not accurately reflect the policy’s intent of requiring all passengers on buses to wear seatbelts where available. It was pointed out that the provision seemed only to apply to new buses registered after the law came into effect; passengers riding on older buses did not face the same requirement. Not long after the new seatbelt regulation came into effect, it already met its first obstacle. On January 29, Citybus filed a police report following an incident in which a passenger aboard its 795X route service was trapped in their seat for over 45 minutes, being unable to unfasten a seatbelt buckle that had been tampered with. More than a dozen firefighters were on the scene to assist, in addition to four paramedics, an ambulance, and three firetrucks. Eventually, the passenger was rescued, and sent to Caritas Medical Centre. It’s possible that the recent Citybus incident, alongside an onslaught of public criticism levelled at the public transit seatbelt law, led to its swift repealing on January 30. For now, as the Hong Kong government prepares to roll back the ill-fated seatbelt provision, there is no statutory requirement mandating that bus passengers must wear seatbelts. Wearing seatbelts in private cars, taxis, vans, trucks, minibuses, and other vehicles where it’s a must remain unchanged. However, the government continues to encourage citizens to get into the habit of wearing a seatbelt on franchised or non-franchised buses wherever possible. In other words, the choice is yours. 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: Bacha Coffee joins the blind box bandwagon with their brand-new collection This TCM-inspired cocktail bar has opened a new lounge at Épure with a pop-up wellness event See yum cha in a chaotic new light at Lousy and Davidgoodtime’s art show

As one of the hottest trends of 2025, it’s not surprising to see the hype for collectibles extend beyond the original reach for toys and figurines. Now, you can get blind boxes of just about anything, even the coffee in your pantry. Singaporean coffee brand Bacha Coffee has just hopped on the bandwagon with its latest launch that features two types of blind boxes, each filled with a surprise variant of the brand’s finest 100-percent Arabica specialty beans.  The Discovery Blind Box is ideal for casual coffee enjoyers and includes a box of Bacha’s signature coffee bags, either milk or dark chocolate-covered coffee beans, raw sugar candy sticks, plus an exclusive gift certificate. To embark on your blind box discovery journey, simply select a sealed box from the three bean options on offer: single origin, fine flavoured, and naturally CO2 decaffeinated.  Photograph: Courtesy Bacha Coffee For coffee connoisseurs, the Indulgence Blind Box collection offers a refined flavour discovery. Inside, you’ll get two loose specialty coffees, a box of coffee bags, a set of coffee filters, and one coffee accessory that ranges from a bone china Bacha mug or signature Bacha iced coffee glass to enjoy your mystery brew with. Simply choose your preferred flavour profile between single origin and fine flavoured to begin your discovery!   Bacha Coffee’s blind box collections are available online at bachacoffee.com now until stock lasts. The Discovery Blind Box is priced at $388 each, while the Indulgence Blind Box is priced at $658 each. While you’re picking out your next brew, check out Bacha’s Year of the Horse gift hampers – both the Good Fortune Hamper ($788) and Lucky Brew Hamper ($1,488) include a choice of coffee gift box and loose coffee beans, ideal for curating thoughtful treats for yourself or your coffee-loving friends. 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 TCM-inspired cocktail bar has opened a new lounge at Épure with a pop-up wellness event See yum cha in a chaotic new light at Lousy and Davidgoodtime’s art show Art book publisher Taschen is having a huge sale in early February

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! 

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

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

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

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