Catharina Cheung

Time really flies by, and it’s crazy that it’s officially July. Temperatures have really been picking up, and whille the bravest of us (and those with super strong sunscreen) are happy to sweat it out on Hong Kong’s best hiking trails, there’s still plenty to do, see, and eat for the more air conditioning-inclined. Read on to see what the city has in store for us this month. RECOMMENDED: Make sure you check out our definitive list of the most 65 incredible things to do in Hong Kong!

Living in Hong Kong is great, what with our incredibly diverse range of restaurants and streets steeped in history and culture, among many other things. But life in the city can also be tough, especially on your skin – there is sun damage, mask-wearing, constant air conditioning, and other stress factors can all take a toll. Thankfully, we are also home to numerous top-notch establishments where you can indulge in a soothing facial and bring some life back into your skin. Keep reading for some of the best places to get a facial done in Hong Kong. RECOMMENDED: Looking for other ways to relax in Hong Kong? Check out the best spas in Hong Kong, or try these holistic and wellness centres in Hong Kong

From menu takeovers by renowned chefs to creative baked goodies and exclusive pop-ups, Hong Kong's food and drink scene is always hard at work to keep us happy, well-fed, and forever curious. If you're a bona fide foodie who's always on the lookout for the latest eats, turn your attention to these delicious happenings in the city right now. RECOMMENDED:  😋 New restaurants to check out in Hong Kong🍽️ 50 best restaurants in Hong Kong🍜 Unique Hong Kong dishes you need to try

Hong Kong and Macau’s music scene has been thriving with activity. From homegrown talents performing at intimate venues to international stars taking on the big stage, there’s much to look forward to for eager concertgoers. If you want to be in the know on all the latest music performances, festivals, concerts, and gigs happening in Hong Kong and Macau, bookmark this page and come back regularly for more updates.  RECOMMENDED: In the meantime, check out our list of the best live music venues in Hong Kong. 

Pride Month is in full swing, and if you haven’t been stunting it around town being loud and proud, then you’ve still got a while to celebrate. Whether you want to belt out gay anthems at a karaoke bar, ogle at bartenders, or just chill with like-minded people with good drinks and bites, these venues around Hong Kong are safe, inclusive spaces that gather the best of the queer community. RECOMMENDED:  🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ events to attend during Pride Month in Hong Kong 🪼 The most unusual things to do in Hong Kong 🎋 The history of Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding

Listen, Hongkongers need a break. We live in one of the world’s most densely populated, busiest, and most expensive cities, in an economy largely driven by fast-paced industries such as finance, banking, trade, and logistics. We are also notorious for our long working hours, and pulling overtime is largely considered the norm. So yes, it tracks that Hongkongers need the time and space to properly unwind every now and then. Thank god our city is also home to plenty of good spas and wellness facilities – here are some of the newest wellness treatments in town for this season. RECOMMENDED: Check out Hong Kong’s best healthy meal subscriptions, and ways to unleash your inner goddess

Much like our clothes, hairstyles, or even our phone cases, our nails are just another avenue to express ourselves and feel good in our own bodies. Whether you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up or a full-on pampering with the freshest designs on both your hands and feet, these nail salons are where it’s at.RECOMMENDED: You deserve nothing less than a full day of pampering, so why not book a package at one of these brilliant Hong Kong spas as well?

Just like dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs are an integral part of Hong Kong’s vibrant dining scene. Not only do these humble eateries consistently dish out local comfort food that are bursting with flavours, but they do it all at wallet-friendly prices too. Keep reading to find some of our favourite cha chaan tengs in the city. RECOMMENDED: If you’re after more casual dining options, take a look at our top picks for the best beachside bars and restaurants in Hong Kong!

The sight of pale yellow rods strung together in boxy structures is a ubiquitous one in Hong Kong. These are often erected alongside buildings for construction and repairs, and have been instrumental in the development of our famous skyscrapers and seasonal Cantonese opera theatres. Hong Kong would quite literally not be Hong Kong without bamboo scaffolding – but the government has recently decided to gradually phase out the use of these historical structures in favour of metal scaffolding instead. They might not be around soon, so in honour of our humble but beautiful building aids, here’s a deeper look into Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding.

June has rolled around again, which means it is time for all the girls, gays, and theys to unapologetically slay. Whether you’re more for going to queer bars, drag shows, or simply curling up with a homoerotic romance on the telly, there’s plenty you can do for Pride Month. Here are some of the best LGBTQIA-related parties, brunches, shows, and events that are happening in town! RECOMMENDED: Check out the must-watch movies from Hong Kong’s queer icon Leslie Cheung!

Italian cuisine comes in many different forms. There’s intricate Michelin-starred fine dining, rustic family-style spreads, and huge, comforting pizzas for friends to share. Instead of settling for just any old eatery that serves Italian food, we went armed with our forks to pick out the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong. Keep reading to discover where to indulge in Italian cuisine in the city.  RECOMMENDED: Want to try some authentic local cuisine? Book your tables for the best Chinese New Year menus before the holidays begin!

There are only two types of Hongkongers who have never heard of Stephen Chow (周星馳) – newborns, and liars. Okay, not really. But come on, we’re talking about the man whose name is synonymous with laughter amongst the Hong Kong movie scene here, so you’ll have to excuse us for getting a little bit over-excited. The celebrated actor-director has been aching our sides for around three decades now, and with the promise of the highly-anticipated sequel to his immensely popular film Kung Fu Hustle, Chow doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. To celebrate one of Hong Kong’s all-time cinematic greats, we’ve compiled a list of – in our opinion – the most memorable films by the King of Comedy.  RECOMMENDED: Want to watch more local classics? You’ll have fun going through our list of the 100 best Hong Kong movies ever made.

For the month of July, the Mandarin Oriental’s acclaimed LMO Freshly Baked is presenting one of Hong Kong’s most distinguished culinary destinations, The Chairman. We’ve most recently heard from them when the Cantonese fine-dining venue was ranked in the annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. The LMO Freshly Baked’s Tastemaker series gets homegrown culinary icons to reimagine some of their most distinctive dishes, and The Chairman has created three time-limited offerings that are an homage to Cantonese flavours, and exclusive to this pop-up. There’s the Szechuan Spicy Peppercorn Beef Pie ($98) featuring tender beef short rib, shiitake mushrooms, and spices packed into a flaky pastry; and a Lotus Root and Celtuce Salad ($98) with lily bulb, baby corn, and shrimp in a refreshing pine nut dressing. Finally, there’s also the Char Siu Sauce Chicken Thigh Sandwich ($78), where the juicy chicken is glazed in The Chairman’s signature char siu sauce, served on fluffy Hokkaido milk bread with caramelised onions. This is the first time that The Chairman has ever translated their award-winning food into a casual, grab-and-go format – and a great opportunity to try out offerings from a Michelin-starred restaurant for under $100! Proceeds from LMO Freshly Baked also go to supporting Mindset, a charity that raises awareness and supports mental health. Find The Chairman x LMO Freshly Baked from July 1 to 31, on the second floor of Landmark Atrium in Central.

Bookworms, get ready as the annual Hong Kong Book Fair returns this year in mid-July. The fair is themed around food culture and future living, and will feature plenty of food literature since both cuisine and reading are great carriers of culture. There will also be plenty of seminars with acclaimed writers such as Rie Qudan, Lindsay Varty, Osamu Okamura, and more; book launches; and a range of multicultural activities. Since the Book Fair is celebrating its 35th anniversary, this edition offers some special offers for both Hongkongers and tourists alike. Visitors born in 1990 – the year the Book Fair first started – will gain free entry with valid identification. 500 special ticket packages will also be available, allowing five visitors to enter the fair for the price of three people. Lastly, those who spend more than $500 at the Book Fair can stand to receive a limited-edition tote bag and a special gift. Don’t leave without stopping by the exhibition of eight tables by different artists, each exploring themes like food and healthy living, surplus and the future, table and etiquette, culture, music, and art. You’ll probably walk out of the fair physically hungry but mentally satiated. The Hong Kong Book Fair 2025 will run from July 16 to 22 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the legendary Carmen from French composer George Bizet, one of the world’s best-known operas, The Peninsula Hong Kong is presenting a brand-new adaptation of this 1875 opera – but the catch is that it’s set in a Hong Kong bar in the 60s and 70s instead of 1800s Seville. And where else should Les Amours de Carmen Wong be held but within The Peninsula Hong Kong’s beautiful fine dining spaces? To make the evenings even more special, each performance will be accompanied by culinary offerings specially created for the occasion. Head to Gaddi’s on July 21 or Felix on September 20 to enjoy the contemporary opera performance as well as special one-off menus. The extremely limited Les Amours de Carmen Wong opera and dinner experience is priced at $4,800 per person, and is available by reservation only. 

Super Junior is celebrating their 20th anniversary (!!) this year, and they’re bringing their world tour ‘Super Show 10’ to both Hong Kong and Macau. The second-generation group will also release their 12th studio album Super Junior 25 on July 12, which is their first album in about three years. This gives fans plenty of time to get familiarised with their new songs, as the nine active members will take the stage at AsiaWorld-Arena on September 5 and 6, and then at Galaxy Arena in Macau early next year on January 10 and 11, 2026.

South Korean singer-songwriter and actress Bibi has just kick started her first-ever world tour ‘Eve’ – starting with Seoul, she is taking the stage across the US and Canada before making her way back to several Asian cities including Hong Kong. Since her debut in 2019, Bibi has established herself as a strong contender in the Korean hip-hop scene, with a genre-bending sound that blends R&B, indie rock, and funk-pop influences.  She has just released her second studio album Eve: Romance in May, so expect to hear bangers like Hongdae R&B, Bluebird, and more performed live. Bibi will take the stage at the AsiaWorld-Expo on Sunday, August 3, with tickets running from $699 to $1,799. The VIP packages will include a special laminate and lanyard, an autographed postcard, early access to merch, access to the pre-show soundcheck party, and a group photo with Bibi herself for VVIPs.

Globally popular Korean girl group Blackpink has announced the highly anticipated Asia leg of their Deadline world tour, and Hong Kong’s on their schedule! The last time Blackpink was in town was during their Born Pink world tour, when they played three concerts at the AsiaWorld-Expo in early 2023. That was the highest-grossing tour by a girl group, and with the release of several successful solo projects from Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa since then, we can only expect even more people to want to see them perform live now. Since Hong Kong is the final stop on their Deadline tour, we’re also keeping our fingers crossed they end things with a bang and jazz things up for our shows.

Indie Hong Kong hip hop artist Tyson Yoshi has announced his first concert at the Kai Tak Arena, promising to show fans a new side of himself: the self-proclaimed villain. Instead of a straight-up ‘bad guy’, Yoshi’s villain signifies his position as a black sheep in the music industry, from not doing pop to insisting on remaining independent instead of signing onto a major label. Referencing his favourite anime shows, he says, ‘Other artists might be the heroes in Naruto or One Piece, but I’m more like Death Note.’ Yoshi’s concerts will run from July 4 to 6, and tickets range from $680 to $1,180.

The legendary Brazilian composer and percussionist Ney Rosauro is putting on a special performance of folk music from his home country, joined by the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. Rosauro will be both guest conductor and soloist at this one-off concert of his own compositions, featuring some local talents sharing his stage. Fiona Foo will play Rosauro’s famous ‘Concerto No.1 for Marimba and Orchestra’ – known as the most popular marimba concerto of all time – while the Hong Kong Philharmonic’s principal timpanist James Boznos and renowned local marimba musician Eliise Liu will present the Hong Kong premiere of Rosauro’s ‘Double Concerto for Marimba, Timpani and Orchestra’. The composer himself will also perform a solo rendition of his Brazilian Suite for vibraphone. Tickets are available from $200 to $500, with concessions available.

Founded by two sisters, Nail Me has been around for 16 years now, boasting three branches in Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, and Tai Koo. The latter is their largest and newest location, and has already become a neighbourhood mainstay for those living in Tai Koo and Quarry Bay. They focus on using natural, sustainable, and non-toxic nail products in their salons, and stock their polishes from the USA or South Korea – no dodgy Temu chemicals here. The team is also fantastic at nail shaping and are exceeding patient with getting the bare nails perfect before starting with colours and designs. Done up in pastel accents and light wood fixtures, the Tai Koo Nail Me is spacious and comfortable, with two private rooms that are perfect for a cosy session with your bestie.

American artist Aryo Toh Djojo, known for fusing the subcultures of California with science fiction and spiritual iconography, is having his first solo exhibition in the China area. In this new body of work, he explores mysticism and the unknown with heat-reactive paintings that transform and reveal themselves when the temperature rises. The visuals are paired with soundscapes inspired by drone music as well as photographic light leaks to create a dynamic, atmospheric experience. ‘Spectra’ is running in Perrotin until July 5.

M+ is hosting this adaptation of Trevor Yeung’s solo show that represented our city at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings that include pet shops, seafood restaurants, public fountains, feng shui arrangements, and more, Yeung examines the relationship between humans and aquatic systems. See pet fish shops and filtration systems that are abandoned and devoid of aquatic life, and a defunct fountain in a European courtyard. The exhibition runs from June 14 to October 12, and entry is $120.

Local artist Chang (formerly referred to as Ernest Chang) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his gallery, The Stallery, with an exhibition exploring the conflicts between time, technology, and life. Chinese scholar’s rocks are typically prized for their natural resemblance to things – ‘Artifice’ overlays the heresy of modern-day symbols onto the purity of natural rock forms, and asks if this strips away its artistic value. To match these rocks, the gallery has been transformed into a Zen garden with pebbles on the floor, artificial grass, and even a traditional Chinese bridge. This exhibition is running until August 31.

Who has read the gold foil-covered Egyptology book, watched The Mummy films too much as a child, and has been obsessed with ancient Egypt ever since? Yeah, same here. If the Egyptian section of museums has always been your favourite, then you can look forward to this special exhibition on treasures from ancient Egypt that’s coming to Hong Kong this year! From mid-November onwards, the Hong Kong Palace Museum will host the ‘Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums’ exhibition. Our museum has signed an agreement with the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt to bring 250 priceless artefacts from seven major museums in Egypt, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Luxor Museum of the Ancient Egyptian Art, the Suez National Museum, and the Sohag National Museum. There will also be recent discoveries from Saqqara, a royal burial ground and the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, that will be on display. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Palace Museum Visitors can expect to see statues of pharaohs and deities, gold ornaments, stone sculptures, large-scale coffins and sarcophagi, animal mummies, and more, dating from up to 7,300 years ago and representing over 5,000 years of history from this ancient civilisation. All of the artefacts in this exhibition are on display in Hong Kong for the first time, and many of them have never even been shown outside Egypt before, so it’s sure to be a feast for any history buff.  Among the four themed sections,

Back in mid-May, the news dropped that popular modern Filipino restaurant Barkada was closing its doors. Luckily, they also announced in the same breath that it wasn’t for good and they were simply looking to move somewhere with a more affordable rent. It’s now been confirmed that Barkada has found a new home – and still in Central, no less. They’ve just moved up the hill to Soho, next to Holy Eats, and while the new venue is definitely smaller than their FOCO Building location, it does mean that diners will finally be able to feel cool without the patio doors and fold-out windows letting out all the precious air conditioning! The restaurant is also revamping their menu direction to a ‘Filipino heart, New York edge’ concept, so we can probably expect some American-inflected offerings. (No worries, we’re told their lumpia and spicy coconut noodles are still around.) The new Barkada is now in their soft-launch period, and diners can enjoy 15 percent off their bill and BYOB until July 14. For now, they are open from 6pm to 10pm on Wednesday, Thursdays, and Sundays; 6pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays; and closed on Mondays to Tuesdays. Find Barkada at 25 Elgin Street, Soho. 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 reading: Socio’s team opens cocktail bar and nightclub hybrid Gossip Cristiano Ronaldo will visit Hong Kong for the opening of his CR7 Life Museum Han So-hee is coming to Hong Ko

We’ve all seen Socio and its queues outside that trails out along Staunton Street. If you enjoy their sustainability-forward Asian-inflected cocktails, then you’ll be glad to know that the people behind Socio have a brand-new concept in their latest nightlife destination named Gossip. Knowing that cocktail bars don’t usually have good music to vibe to, and that nightclubs usually only serve overpriced but uninspired drinks and pricey bottles with sparklers, Amir Javaid and Max Bajracharya have decided to give Hong Kong’s night owls the best of both worlds by combining these concepts into a premium cocktail club.  Their drinks menu is inspired by the many traditional masks of Asia, each with its own personality and story, and giving rise to its accompanying cocktail made with distinctly Asian ingredients such as mango sticky rice, Korean gochujang, and Sichuan pepper. Thotsokan, a lemongrass and coconut-washed Tanqueray gin-based cocktail, contains Thai flavour profiles with kaffir lime distillate, mango sticky rice, sparkling wine, and a piece of dehydrated fruit – it’s light, refreshing, and the perfect first drink to start with. Photograph: Courtesy Gossip Some of our other favourites include the creamy, Japanese-inspired Hannya, made with yuzu koshō and kombu-infused Bacardi, lichiko, dry sherry, clarified pear, white chocolate, and topped with a foamy puff of matcha air. One of Gossip’s best on the menu is the Nuoxi, which is a delicately savoury mix of Sichuan pepper-i

Hong Kong’s football fans were all in a tizzy when the news broke earlier this year that a Cristiano Ronaldo museum is opening in Hong Kong. It has now been confirmed that the CR7 Life Museum will officially open on July 7. Housed within the sixth floor of K11 Musea, this museum will span over 12,000 sq ft, featuring immersive exhibits, authentic memorabilia, and interactive storytelling that highlight Ronaldo’s discipline, resilience, and excellence over the course of his three-decade career. If you’ve been following him since Alex Ferguson signed a young Ronaldo to Manchester United back in 2003 – making him the first Portuguese player ever to be signed to the club – then CR7 will allow you to take a fond walk down memory lane, and even see some of Ronaldo’s jerseys and trophy collection up close. What makes things even more exciting is that Ronaldo will be visiting Hong Kong in person to celebrate the museum’s opening, which will be the first of its kind in Asia. Exact details about his arrival and the events that will inevitably take place are yet to be disclosed, so watch this space for updates!  Apart from the museum, the brand is also opening the first-ever CR7 Life Museum Official Flagship Store in Times Square, which we expect to be packed with exclusive Cristiano Ronaldo signed merchandise and memorabilia. 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 reading: Han So-hee is coming t

Fans of popular Han So-hee will be glad to know that the popular South Korean actor is coming to town on her fan meeting world tour ‘Xohee Loved Ones’. This marks the first time ever that Han is going around the world for the sole purpose of connecting with fans (nicknamed ‘sosamos’). As seen in the event’s tagline, “You are sparkling treasures to me”, Han is taking this as an opportunity to personally show her appreciation to her global fans. Attendees can expect a variety of thoughtfully curated special segments apart from the standard meet-and-greet, in which Han has promised to appear as her most genuine self. There will be group photo sessions, autographed Polaroid photos given out, a hi-touch event, and other activities that will give sosamos the opportunity to interact with the screen star on an intimate scale.  Han has previously made appearances in Hong Kong before, but only for brand events, so if you’re a fan and want to see her up close on home turf, then seize this chance. The fan meeting will take place on Saturday, September 6, at Go Park’s AXA Dreamland. Tickets range from $888 to $1,688, and will go on sale at 11am on Monday, June 30. 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 reading: Pure launches a fitness-led smart wellness studio with the new Re:set Everything you need to know about G-Dragon’s Hong Kong concert 2025 Tickets to M+ museum will cost a single flat price f

What is arguably Hong Kong’s most popular gym brand is now aiming to also take care of our rest and relaxation needs, on top of urging customers towards fitness goals. Pure Group has now launched the brand-new Re:set by Pure, a space that offers smart wellness experiences perfect for pairing with gym sessions. In our hectic city where burnout and chronic fatigue are unfortunately common, Re:set offers a respite where Hongkongers can recharge and return to daily life feeling calmer and more energised. They also flexibly meet your body’s changing requirements, starting every session with a personalised Body Meter scan that checks in with your physical and mental states, and selects modalities catered to differing needs every day. The data-driven, expert-led process has been designed to deliver results. Photograph: Courtesy Pure Group Some significant facilities in the Re:set studio include a Re:vive zone with pioneering recliners that combine red light therapy, compression therapy, and zero gravity all in one experience; a Progressive Cold Shower System that adapts to the different needs of female and male bodies; hot and cold immersion for contrast therapy that strengthens the immune system; both infrared and traditional saunas; and an area for mobility and breathwork. While these tools are excellent for recovery after strenuous exercise, Re:set isn’t just for athletes – it’s also for sedentary office workers, busy parents, frontline staff, entrepreneurs under pressure, stre

West Kowloon Cultural District’s M+ museum has welcomed over nine million visitors since opening in late 2021, and they’ve learnt a thing or two over the years – namely, that people always want easy access to everything under one roof. So to meet the needs of their diverse audience, M+ has decided to change their admission to a new single-price ticket system. Starting Tuesday, July 15, these new tickets grant access to all M+ galleries, including special exhibitions. The new admission is available at a flat price of $190 for adults and $100 for those eligible for concessions. Currently, a general admission ticket to M+ costs $120, which provides access to the standard galleries on the second floor, the Mediatheque, the Grand Stair, and the Roof Garden. Tickets for special exhibitions, such as the ‘Picasso for Asia’ show, currently cost $240 and also grant access to the rest of the museum. The new pricing system means visitors can enjoy everything M+ has to offer at a price point in the middle. Combo tickets for children and accompanying adults are also available. One adult and one child can enjoy a combo price of $250, while two adults and one child will cost $400. This is a lower price than the current ticketing system, where the family combo for two costs $300 and the combo for three costs $480. M+ members also benefit from this price restructure, as they will enjoy unlimited access to all of the museum’s exhibitions throughout the year from July 15 onwards. Currently, the

From Wong Kar-wai films to tourist landmarks, neon signs have always been an iconic heritage that’s symbolic of Hong Kong. Celebrate the artistic romanticism of this slowly disappearing art form at this special exhibition in PMQ. Named ‘Neon Heroes: Illuminated Dreams’, six interactive neon sculptures in the courtyard of this historic compound stand as a tribute to this glowing part of Hong Kong’s legacy. What makes this exhibition even more special is that it is a showcase of talents across three generations of local artists. Jerry Loo has collaborated with his grandfather Wong Kin-wah, who is one of Hong Kong’s most senior neon tube-bending craftsmen with over 66 years of experience under his belt. Together, they’ve reinterpreted our city’s beloved neon signs, blending traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary vision and aesthetic. Since he is a superhero enthusiast, Loo has used this as his inspiration for this series of vibrant sculptures, each influenced by a different superpower or superhero transformation. For example, there is The Luminous, a tribute to anime legends like Dragon Ball; The Dragon Within, a nod to the most ubiquitous Chinese mythological creature; and Superhero Landing, mimicking Superman’s classic fist-down pose, complete with dramatic cracks on the floor.  Apart from these contemporary pieces, there will also be a signature neon work from Master Wong on show, offering a look into the meticulous details that went into lighting up Hong Kong’s golden

The 2025 World Airline Awards recently took place at the Paris Air Show, and Hong Kong’s air carriers have done us proud. Out of more than 325 global airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways has been ranked third in the world’s top airlines of 2025. This year, our city’s flag carrier has risen up the ranks from fifth spot in 2024 – and was also crowned first place for the World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment and the World’s Best Economy Class. Additionally, Cathay also won third place for the World’s Best Cabin Crew, the World’s Best Business Class, and the World’s Cleanest Airlines. Basically, we have an amazing economy class and entertainment for the everyman, as well as a top-notch business class, all tended by friendly and attentive crew members, within some of the world’s cleanest planes. Sounds like a great deal. Photograph: Courtesy Cathay Pacific Apart from Cathay, some of our other flight carriers also did well at the awards. Hong Kong Airlines ranks at number eight for the World’s Best Regional Airlines, while HK Express ranks at number three on the list of the World’s Most Improved Airlines. On the World’s Top 20 Airlines in 2025 list, Qatar Airways was crowned number one, followed by Singapore Airlines, a carrier which had previously won the top slot five times – these two airlines have been consistently jostling for number one and two on this list since 2017. Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and ANA All Nippon Airways round off the top five airlines of this year. Widel

The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) has already been in Hong Kong for three years, and to celebrate its anniversary, the museum is launching The Palace Academy Summer Art-venture Series. This includes learning and engagement programmes, summer workshops, discounts on memberships, family package prices, and more. At the heart of these celebrations is a series of engaging, creative activities designed for young people and families. The ‘Storytelling through Patterns’ masterclass explores how patterns found in artefacts and architecture can be presented in dynamic narratives to bridge heritage and modernity – so if you enjoyed HKPM’s ‘The Ways in Patterns’ exhibition, this will be right up your alley. This masterclass, held on July 22, will recruit 50 young creatives aged between 14 to 18, and selected students will receive a one-year HKPM Friends - Youth membership. Register by 12 noon on July 3 to take part. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Palace Museum On August 16 and 17, the HKPM Family Day invites families to take part in a cultural adventure, with activities themed around Chinese gardens, architecture, and mythical creatures. Everyone is encouraged to dress up as animals or bring along beloved stuffed toy animals, and the museum will give out 1,000 tickets to children for its thematic exhibitions during this event. Other festivities include an archaeologists workshop, as well as classes on making shadow puppets, intaglio copperplate etching, stop motion animation, and mor

Of the various land crossings between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, arguably the most worn and underrated is the Huanggang port. But this checkpoint is due to get a new facelift, with Shenzhen authorities confirming that the project is expected to reach completion within this year. The Huanggang port is the first and only 24-hour passenger checkpoint between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and has been in the process of reconstruction since 2019. This is the first time that we’ve had official confirmation about the new port’s anticipated timeline. Over the years, travellers have veered towards the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau checkpoints since they’re more straightforward and linked directly to the MTR. In contrast, Huanggang has always been a little more annoying to navigate, as one would need to go through immigration board a bus, alight after a short ride to go through another immigration checkpoint, before finding and getting back on the same bus. The upside is that it is open around the clock, and since it runs on coach services, travellers will always be able to get a seat. Thankfully, the upcoming remodel is also bringing new checkpoint arrangements. Travellers will only need to go through one round of inspection and customs clearance, replacing the original system which required two checks in both the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese sides. This “co-location arrangement” means that the clearance process can be dialled down from approximately 30 minutes to a mere five minutes. Without the ne

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026 report, published by higher education analysts QS Quacquarelli Symonds on June 19, Hong Kong now boasts five universities ranking among the top 100 universities in the world, including the highest-ranked educational institution on the 2026 list located within East Asia. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has moved up six spots since last year’s list to now claim the title of the 11th best university in the world. QS’ data shows that HKU’s academic reputation scored 99.3, while the employment outcomes of their alumni scored 99.8. This stellar ranking on the global chart means HKU has beat out various other universities that are also known for their academic excellence, such as Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (ranked at number 12), Peking University (ranked at number 14), the University of Pennsylvania (ranked at number 15), Tsinghua University (ranked at number 17), Yale (ranked at number 21), and Princeton (ranked at number 25). The only Asian university ranking higher than HKU is the National University of Singapore, which came in the list at number eight. But Hong Kong’s other tertiary institutions also made commendable rankings, with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) climbing up four spots from last year to now sit at number 32, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) rising three spots to reach rank 44. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University rose three spots from last y