Jenny Leung

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

This list is from 2025. Our latest ranking for 2026 is live here. People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest n

We all know how unpredictable the weather in Hong Kong can be – one minute it’s the perfect beach day, and the next rain is pelting down hard enough to hurt. But don’t let our bipolar weather stop you from having fun in the city. Whether you’re trying to dodge the summer heat or escape a sudden rainstorm, Hong Kong has an incredible lineup of indoor venues and activities that promise just as much excitement as hitting up a hiking trail or exploring a country park. Here are all the best places to go when the weather won’t cooperate, rain or shine. RECOMMENDED: 😍 65 things you need to do at least once in Hong Kong🎉 Free things to do in Hong Kong🛍️ Hong Kong shopping mall guide

You don’t need any occasion to show your appreciation for someone with some beautiful blooms, but they sure do make a celebration that much more special. Even if you don’t have a lavish present or a Michelin-starred booking in the works, a beautiful bouquet of flowers can still be a lovely gift to melt someone’s heart. From well-established spots to modern florists with a hipster spin, here are some of our favourite places to pick up blooms. RECOMMENDED:  🕰 The latest Hong Kong shopping news🛍 Places for cheap shopping

In a city where life moves at warp speed, plenty of people turn to palm readers, tarot cards, kau cim sticks, face reading, or even bird fortune telling to get a second opinion on love, money, career or just whether tomorrow will be less chaotic than today. It’s all part cultural habit, part harmless entertainment, and occasionally, part genuine comfort when the future looks a little foggy. Whether you’re a die-hard believer or just want to see what a bird picks out of a cage for a small fee, Hong Kong delivers every flavour of fortune telling imaginable. Here are some fantastic recommendations to get you started.  

Sure, there’s plenty to do when exploring Hong Kong, but if you’re planning for a big date – well, that’s a whole different game. Lucky for you, we’re here to point you in the right direction. Whether it’s a sweet first date, a special occasion, or something to reignite that spark, here are some great date ideas that will get those butterflies going. RECOMMENDED: 💕 Hong Kong’s most romantic restaurants💐 Best flower shops and florists in Hong Kong🍫 Chocolate shops we love in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong means red packets, family chaos, and the question: where and what are we eating? Skip the home kitchen stress this Year of the Horse and let some of the city’s most talented chefs handle the auspicious spread. From Cantonese classics to glorious buffets, we’ve rounded up the city’s top CNY menus this year so you can enjoy all the festive eats with none of the hassle. RECOMMENDED: 🐴 Chinese New Year events to celebrate Year of the Horse in Hong Kong 2026 🌺 13 auspicious fruits and flowers for Chinese New Year

In Hong Kong’s rapidly changing landscape, it has become increasingly difficult to stay connected to our deep cultural and historical heritage. Luckily, over the past years, there have been many revitalisation projects across our city that recreate spaces with new functions but still celebrate history. Take a trip down memory lane as we visit some of these iconic buildings that used to have different uses back in the day.  RECOMMENDED: Read more about the city’s historical landmarks and lost architectural gems that will make you nostalgic for old Hong Kong 

With Hong Kong in constant change and flux, it’s always helpful to stop and appreciate our city’s long, complex, and fascinating past. One of the fastest-growing cities in modern history, starting from humble origins, Hong Kong’s timeline of development has left behind various markers of our storied past. And what better way to explore that past than through our efficient network of roads and streets? As a humble fishing village, Hong Kong had a small network of roads, but during the subsequent century, many new streets were paved, named, and put into use, meaning that many have a long and interesting history. Here are some of our favourites. RECOMMENDED: Hong Kong’s streets were once neon-drenched; find out more about the history, tradition, and legacy of Hong Kong’s neon signs.

Hong Kong is home to some of the most unbelievably stunning scenery and picturesque country parks, but there’s something extra beautiful about the sight of dawn-breaking sunlight that keeps every hiker and photographer excited, even if it means waking up during gruelling hours just to catch the sunrise. From beaches to hillsides, have yourself an outdoor adventure by visiting these amazing vantage points and expect to be treated to an unrivalled golden view.  RECOMMENDED: Looking for a different view? We've also got a list of the best places to watch the sunset in Hong Kong too.  

Ask a dozen Hongkongers where to get the best dim sum in Hong Kong, and you’ll likely get a dozen different answers. Dim sum is a huge part of Hong Kong’s unique heritage and cultural identity, and therefore, also a big part of our diet. There’s everything from white tablecloth establishments housed inside luxury hotels to dinky neighbourhood gems, but equally as satisfying. Ahead is a list of the very best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong. The settings may vary, but just about everything they serve is highly recommended. RECOMMENDED: Pull up a chair and eat like no one's watching at the best restaurants for solo dining in Hong Kong.

Turn back now, vegetarians, this one is for the meat lovers. Much to the delight of us carnivores, Hong Kong is home to many top steakhouses that serve all kinds of meat cuts from different countries, prepared in a number of ways, and for a range of different budgets. So, whether you’ve got a hankering for a t-bone, going simple with a sirloin or ribeye, or think you can handle a tomahawk, get your steak knife ready as we share our pick of the best steak restaurants in Hong Kong. RECOMMENDED: Prefer something else instead? Grab a table at the best hotpot restaurants in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s biggest street art festival is back for its 11th edition, taking over Central and the Western District from March 21 to 29. More than 20 local and international artists from 14 countries will transform the neighbourhood into an open-air gallery, creating large-scale murals in real time. This year’s lineup includes Italian artist Fabio Petani with his geometric botanical style, Indonesian artist Hardthirteen painting a Bruce Lee portrait, and Hong Kong’s Enoch Wong bringing his signature realism to city walls. Irish artist Asbestos will also roam the streets throughout the week with a three-metre roving character named BORN. For 2026, HK is also collaborating with GoGoX for “Art on the Move”, turning cargo trucks into mobile exhibitions that visitors can step inside. The festival kicks off on March 21 with an opening night at PMQ featuring live art battles, while HKwalls Digital lights up the Sino LuminArt Façade along the harbour and Kai Tak Mall’s LED screens throughout the week. Guided mural tours depart from PMQ on March 28, and the whole event wraps on March 29 with a grand finale on Chater Road, where live painting, art trucks, and hands-on workshops bring nine days of dazzling street art to a close.

The Pizza Project is giving indecisive diners exactly what they want this March: the 3-in-1 Pizza alla Pala. This long, Roman-style pizza lets you pick any three flavours from the menu and get them side by side on a single base! Go for a classic Margherita next to something bolder like the Frutti di mare seafood pizza, pair the meaty Carnivore with a creamy Carbonara, or let the table build its own dream combination from the full menu – everything from the ‘Orgogliosa’ with burrata and pesto to the creative Pistacchiosa with pistachio paste and mortadella. The 3-in-1 Pizza alla Pala is available daily throughout March on the à la carte menu at both the Wan Chai and Central locations.

Century-old teahouse Lin Heung Lau has teamed up with digital bank ZA Bank on a limited-time collaboration that brings fortune-themed dim sum to Central. From now until April 18, diners can order three special dishes: ZA Golden Eggs (quail egg siu mai with gold foil), ZA Treasure Bowl (ingot-shaped custard bun) and ZA Piggy Bank (piggy-shaped steamed bun), each at a discounted price of $25 with a ZA card. Beyond the food, there are photo spots at the venue and a lucky wheel check-in booth where diners can win limited-edition ‘Foodie Series’ plush blind boxes while stocks last (until March 31). ZA Bank users dining at the venue can also participate in flash ‘God of Wealth Opens the Vault’ events for a chance to share $2,000 in a group lai see, along with additional perks like rebate coupons and a 12 percent discount on bills over $300 paid with ZA card. 

In the lead-up to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony on March 25, the 50 Best Signature Sessions is coming to town to bring a series of exclusive culinary collaborations. Guests will be able to enjoy one-off menus hosted across some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, each pairing local talents with visionary chefs from around the world for one night only. These carefully curated menus will blend distinct culinary worlds in the most innovative and delicious ways. Expect boundary-pushing takes on Chinese traditions with Joseon-era Korean royal influences, organic seasonal cooking fused with Himalayan reinterpretations, French foundations mixed with innovative Indian accents and standout pastry work, as well as modern southern Chinese classics with contemporary twists.  Find out more about the 50 Best Signature Sessions events here.

Hong Kong's Lunar New Year flower markets are in full swing, transforming parks and playgrounds across the city into colourful, bustling bazaars that capture the festive spirit like nothing else. From February 11 to 17, these 14 markets offer a mix of auspicious plants, festive decorations, toys, handicrafts, gadgets, and plenty of street food stalls.  Victoria Park in Causeway Bay remains the biggest market with a total of 400 stalls this year, including a special 'Red Hot Chef' collaboration between HSBC and Korean star chef Anh Sung-jae featuring over 20 festive bites from top local restaurants. All markets vary in size with different opening hours each day, so pop over to our complete guide for the full rundown.

Swire Coca-Cola HK is closing its 60th anniversary celebrations with ‘The Bottling Hunt’, an exclusive public guided tour of the newly upgraded Hong Kong Coca-Cola Museum on March 7. The one-hour experience takes place inside the world’s tallest Coca-Cola bottling plant in Sha Tin and takes on a time-travel theme to follow the brand’s ‘Made in Hong Kong’ story since 1965. Highlights include vintage collectables, a scent challenge in a recreated 1886 pharmacy, views of the production lines, sustainability insights, and interactive moments. Admission is completely free, but only 30 places are available per session (1.30pm-2.30pm, 3pm-4pm, and 4.30-5.30pm). Online registration opens at 2pm on February 12 on a first-come, first-served basis – so set your reminders.

The Harbourside Swing Fest is back from April 24 to 26 for a three-day celebration of swing dancing and jazz culture. Produced by Rhythm Studio, this festival brings together world-class international instructors for inspiring workshops, alongside dance parties, competitions, and live jazz music curated by renowned local music director Nate Wong. The event welcomes dancers of all levels, but if you're a complete beginner, then be sure to check out the 'Dance in a Day' programme, where you'll get an introductory session before dancing the night away at the Harbourside Swing Fest Saturday Night Social. Registration is now open with a range of passes, while details of venues and the full schedule will follow soon. 

Escape to the seaside for a magical weekend as Repulse Bay turns its Palm Court into an elegant European-style Christmas market, featuring over 10 bespoke vendors – including CUÍT, INUF Breakfast Club, La La 5Curio, Mercato Gourmet, The Whisky Library, and more – will fill the courtyard with tempting treats and thoughtful gifts. On 14 December, local florist Yusaki Hanaya will also host a wreath-making workshop, while Creative Collab runs a children’s Christmas storytelling and sing-along session.

For the first time, Citygate Outlets is teaming up with Asian design platform Pinkoi to bring a massive Christmas market where you can check off your Christmas gift list all in one go. Running from December 19 to 21 and 24 to 26, the Ho~Ho~Holiday market will play host to over 100 independent designers – many of whom will be making their Hong Kong debut – flying in from all across Asia, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and beyond. Expect a joyful mix of Japanese minimalist jewellery, stylish Korean fashion, stationery from the UK, Thai artisan bags, plus award-winning coffees and festive treats from around the region.  Live indie buskers and Christmas carollers will keep the atmosphere warm, while CLUB CG members can redeem points for wreath-making or paper-clay crystal-ball workshops. Spend anything at the market and you’ll walk away with a free gift, plus a $100 Citygate e-voucher if you sign up as a new CLUB CG member on the spot.

Stanley Plaza's annual Christmas market is a must-visit every holiday season. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the seaside holiday market is amping up the merriment with the playful theme ‘Merry Gingermas’, a nod to ginger as both a warming spice and the Cantonese slang for ‘gutsy’ (gau geung; 夠薑). For 10 consecutive days (December 19-28), the piazza and Murray House will gather over 100 stalls packed with creative gifts, handicrafts, and seriously good food. With nearly 30 food and drink brands joining in the festive fun, visitors will be pleased to see returning favourites like Hugo’s Cheese, Biergarten’s German classics, and The Nutter Company’s local gelato, alongside newcomers such as Michelin-recognised Fisholic, Curry Boy, and Jacques n Grill’s pop-up serving exclusive ginger-spiced dishes. Clan & Company by Magnolia Lab will also offer a special ginger cocktail to keep everyone warm and buzzy while browsing for gifts.

The ever-popular White Christmas Street Fair is back! This year, the market is turning Taikoo Place into a love letter to Hong Kong’s iconic neon signs. Under the theme ‘Colour the Season’, the White Christmas Street Fair will illuminate Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Square, and Taikoo Park in electric pinks, blues and golds, starting the moment you step out of Taikoo MTR and into a glowing urban light tunnel. Expect more than 40 retail and F&B stalls, including new fusion spot Cooshti and a dozen Taikoo Place restaurants serving limited-edition neon-inspired dishes and festive classics. Everything will run on digital food-and-drink coupons to cut paper waste, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own containers or rent reusable ones on-site. Even the giant neon wreath, handcrafted by neon master Wu Chi-kai, will be upcycled into table lamps after the event. Beyond shopping and eating, there will also be a two-metre Christmas gift box arena for rhythm-and-light team games, a Friday-night Cantopop disco with Cantomania, and an interactive theatre piece blending community stories with a colour-changing tree. This year’s proceeds will go to Operation Santa Claus, and for every dollar raised, Swire Properties will also match the amount with a dedicated contribution to the Tai Po relief effort.

The China Hong Kong City Car Boot Christmas Market returns to its prime harbourfront spot in Tsim Sha Tsui for 10 days across December! Working in collaboration with local woodworking brand Start from Zero, this year’s market features over 100 stalls and a strong local line-up that includes independent fashion labels, handmade accessories, celebrity brands, vintage finds, and classic car displays. As you shop around and enjoy food and drink ranging from satay bites to craft coffee, a six-metre-tall Christmas tree will light up the space while local bands and DJs turn up the energy with live music on selected nights.

Good news, muggles – Starbucks is about to get a wizarding makeover. The coffee chain is set to team up with the Harry Potter franchise for a new line of merchandise and beverages across the Asia-Pacific region, celebrating themes of friendship, courage, and community. Starting March 23, fans can get their hands on a lineup that goes beyond the usual themed cup. Featuring over 20 drinkware and lifestyle accessories, the spellbinding collection has everything from Hogwarts House mugs that change colours when you pour in something hot, to tumblers and cold cups adorned with wands, cauldrons, and owls, all done up in rich house colours with little constellation details. For something a little less conspicuous, they’ve also got Bearista keychains dressed in Hogwarts-inspired robes, Sorting Hat sticky notes for your desk, and travel tags ready for your next adventure. Photograph: Courtesy Starbucks On the drinks front, Starbucks is also whipping up three Honeydukes-inspired drinks – iced latte, a frozen tea, and a Frappuccino blend – each with popping Honey Bergamot-flavoured bubbles that burst with citrus flavours as you sip. Unfortunately, these will only be available in select locations, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, but that’s adding to your list of reasons for a quick trip! The merch will be dropping in Hong Kong, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,

Red A is back with another round of tiny classics. The local brand, which has been manufacturing plastic household goods since 1949, has just released its third mini-series, shrinking down five more of its iconic products into collectable keychains. Photograph: Courtesy Amaz by Lokianno The latest ‘Old Days Chapter’ blind boxes from their ‘Made in Hong Kong’ miniature series are inspired by some of Red A’s most signature items from the 1960s to 90s. The collection features a classic candy box (known in Cantonese as ‘chuen hap’) from the 1960s with gold dragon and phoenix motifs; a school bag, aka ‘space briefcase’ (1970s), that was apparently tough enough to sit on; and that familiar red little plastic stool (1970s) we’re sure you’ve seen, and probably still see, in kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms everywhere. There’s also a plastic watering can (1970s) that was used for gardening, home cleaning, and floor washing during a time when water rationing was a thing, along with a red and white chamber pot (1990s), which is maybe less glamorous but still a recognisable part of local life for plenty of people. Photograph: Courtesy Amaz by Lokianno You can check these cute collectibles out in person at Amaz by Lokianno in Causeway Bay, where they’ve set up an ‘Old Days Corner’ mini exhibition with a range of nostalgic Red A products on display. Four local artists – including Castor, Foon Wong, Jackal, and Maggie Fu – have also put their own spin on the classic Red A funnel st

You’ve done the harbour view restaurants, you’ve been to all the hidden eateries, and now you’re looking for something new. Well, local food brand A Spark of Madness has your answer. For two nights only on March 26 and 27, the local condiment brand is hosting ‘Sparked on a Sampan’, an eight-course Cantonese feast aboard one of the city’s last floating restaurants. Curated by the sampan aunties themselves, the menu features fresh local seafood paired with bottles from CWS Wines and the brand’s Hong Kong-inspired sauces. A vegetarian option is also available, with one egg dish that can be modified to vegan upon request. Photograph: Courtesy A Spark of Madness Back in the 1960s and 70s, this was how Hongkongers ate since they were largely fisherfolk. Families lived on the water, neighbours visited by sampan, and folks would gather for meals while floating from boat to boat. For two nights only, guests can experience this taste of old Hong Kong, served with a view and a delicious touch of ‘madness’. The evening runs from 7pm to 9.30pm on both nights. Tickets are $685 for the vegetarian menu and $785 for the seafood option, and you’re welcome to BYOB or purchase beverages on board. Since the weather in late March is unpredictable, do bring along a sweater and wear comfortable shoes, as you will be getting on and off two different boats on the night.  Photograph: Courtesy A Spark of Madness For those looking for a dining adventure that goes beyond the usual, this promises an ev

Ask anyone to list the things they love about Hong Kong, and cha chaan tengs will likely be near the top. Whether it’s because there’s no better value for money anywhere in the city, the way a post-night-out bowl of instant noodles just hits different at 2am, or the fact that you’ve been going to the same one since you were a kid, these establishments are so embedded in our daily lives that we rarely stop to examine them – but this new exhibition at Airside suggests it’s about time we did! Curated by architectural historian Charles Lai and product designer Kay Chan Wan Ki, ‘The Cha Chaan Teng Codex: Tales of Invisible Designs’ exhibition brings together a team of cross-disciplinary creators – including architects, product designers, carpenters, graphic designers, filmmakers, and even chefs – to examine everything from the science behind perfectly scrambled eggs to the visual language of hand-painted signage. Photograph: Jenny Leung The exhibition unfolds across seven chapters, each tackling a different dimension of cha chaan teng culture. Chapter one displays artefacts from decades past, including the original 1951 licence applications from Yuk Woo Cafe and the preserved neon sign of Wan Chai’s now-shuttered Sun Fung Kee. Visitors will then pass the actual sign and door of the former Hoi On Cafe in Sheung Wan to enter chapter two, which reconstructs a vintage cha chaan teng complete with seating booths that first emerged from local small-scale furniture makers, who adapted

Ferry fares to Lamma Island and Cheung Chau are about to feel a bit heavier in the pocket starting April 1, as single-journey fares on six key routes are set to climb 12.5 percent. This price bump comes as the Transport Department locks in new five-year operating licences for Sun Ferry and Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry. The department describes the increase as the most moderate and minimal they could manage after operators initially pushed for a 20- to 30-percent hike to offset shrinking passenger numbers, surging staff and fuel costs, and heavy losses that could reach up to 35 to nearly 50 percent without government aid. For most core routes like Central to Yung Shue Wan on Lamma, the weekday adult single fare will likely jump to around $24.90. Cheung Chau follows the same pattern, landing at around $32.90 on weekdays and $47.60 on Sundays and holidays. Multi-ride tickets, monthly passes, and most concessions get hit with a milder eight-percent bump, with some extra perks thrown in like extended validity on certain multi-trip options. Meanwhile, the government proposed that the Mui Wo and Peng Chau services switch to fast-ferry only with unified pricing, getting rid of the regular ferries altogether. Photograph: Courtesy Sun Ferry Services Company These changes come at the same time as the Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme revamp, which will swap out the flat rate of $2 for elderly passengers. Instead, trips with a normal full fare of $10 or less will stay at $2, while a

Hong Kong’s art scene reaches its annual peak every March, and this year, Tai Kwun is set to be buzzing with all kinds of art events from March 23 to 29. Partnering with Art Basel Hong Kong, Tai Kwun Art Week is a seven-day celebration that invites visitors to experience creativity in motion, whether through experimental performances, after-hours gallery hopping, or simply raising a glass at a heritage-site bar.  Photograph: Courtesy Tai Kwun The highlight of this year’s programme is undoubtedly its live performance roster, which brings together creatives from Hong Kong and around the world. On March 28, Art After Hours: Beings in Motion (7pm-10pm) explores the body as a vessel for expression. Curated around themes of embodied knowledge and vulnerability, the programme features leading creative voices such as Geumhyung Jeong, Justin Taplacido Shoulder, and Tation. Another one of the week’s more intriguing offerings is Geumhyung Jeong’s ‘Fire Drill Scenario’, a performance that choreographs safety instructions to explore the excitement and risks both artists and audiences take when partaking in live performance experiences. Photograph: Courtesy Tai Kwun Photograph: Courtesy Tai Kwun Apart from live performances, the visual arts programme at Tai Kwun is also worthy of your time. Be sure to check out Supplying the Globe, the second chapter of Stay Connected: Art and China Since 2008. Featuring over 70 works from more than 40 artists, it examines personal stories as well as

Hong Kong’s art month is in full swing, which means the usual rhythm of exhibition openings, art fairs, and champagne receptions is well underway. But if you’d rather trade the white cubes for something with a bit more fresh air, HKwalls is back for its 11th edition from March 21 to 29, turning Central and the Western District into an open-air studio. More than 20 local and international artists from 14 countries are taking part this year to create large-scale murals, interactive installations, and more. Italian artist Fabio Petani will be bringing his signature blend of Euclidean geometry and botanical motifs, while Indonesian artist Hardthirteen is set to create an iconic portrait of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Also in the mix is homegrown artist Enoch Wong, who will be covering the city’s walls with his signature dreamy illustrations. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for Irish artist Asbestos, who will be roaming the city with a three-metre roving character named BORN, draped in hand-stitched fabric to stage an immersive performance piece throughout the festival week. Photograph: Courtesy HKwalls The festival officially gets going on the evening of March 21 with an opening night at PMQ, presented by Kronenbourg 1664. From 6pm to 9pm, the courtyard will host a live Art Battle where artists go head-to-head, and attendees will get their first look at one of this year's more ambitious additions – a collaboration with GoGoX that transforms ordinary cargo trucks into mob

Hong Kong theatre fans have only waited a few decades but hey, we made it – Jesus Christ Superstar is finally coming to town! This summer, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre will host the legendary rock opera from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber for its long-awaited Hong Kong debut as part of its international tour. Originally released as a concept album before storming the Broadway stage in 1971, this timeless musical retells the biblical tale of Jesus Christ’s final days from the perspective of Judas Iscariot. The story is told entirely through song, with a rock score featuring well-known numbers like Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, and Gethsemane. Just last August, Cynthia Erivo herself starred as Christ in a three-night-only production of this musical at the Hollywood Bowl, alongside Adam Lambert playing Judas – we won’t be seeing them in Hong Kong unfortunately, but it’s still going to be spectacular. Photograph: Courtesy Evan Zimmerman / Jesus Christ Superstar Directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this reimagined production by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre picked up the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in 2017 and the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical in 2016. After selling out in London, touring North America, Australia, and the UK, it’s finally our turn in Hong Kong. Catch Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre from July 8 to August 1, 2026. Showtimes are Tuesday to Friday at 8pm, Sa

If you’ve had Hakujitsu on repeat since 2019 or can’t stop listening to the Jujutsu Kaisen soundtrack, the wait is finally over. Clockenflap Presents just dropped the news that Japanese rock band King Gnu will touch down in Hong Kong to perform for the very first time, bringing their ‘King Gnu CEN+RAL Tour 2026’ – the band’s largest-ever tour – to the AsiaWorld-Arena for two nights only this May. Who are King Gnu? Formed in 2017, the four-piece band – comprised of Daiki Tsuneta (vocals/guitar), Yu Seki (drums), Kazuki Arai (bass), and Satoru Iguchi (vocals/keyboards) – have carved out a niche with their self-described “Tokyo New Mixture Style”, blending alternative rock, jazz, hip-hop, and classical elements that shift from track to track. Their breakthrough came in 2019 with the hit song Hakujitsu, which racked up over 500 million views, but they’ve since dominated global charts with anime soundtracks like SPECIALZ, Ichizu, and Sakayume from Jujutsu Kaisen, and the recent TWILIGHT!!! for the newest Detective Conan film. When and where are the King Gnu Hong Kong shows? The band will be performing on May 29, 2026 (8pm) and May 30, 2026 (6pm) at AsiaWorld-Arena. Photograph: Courtesy Sony Music King Gnu Hong Kong ticket prices and sale dates Tickets are now on sale exclusively via KKTIX with four price categories to choose from. Standing and assigned seating tickets are available for $1,480, while assigned seating alone is priced at $1,280, $980, and $780. Do note that there’s

News broke last week that Jimmy Ho, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic tattoo artists, has passed away at the age of 82. For anyone who’s been part of the city’s tattoo culture or just appreciates the old-school roots, Jimmy was more than an artist – he was a pillar of the local tattoo scene. Born in 1944, Jimmy Ho grew up in the trade. His father, James Ho, is widely credited as Hong Kong’s first professional tattoo artist, opening Rose Tattoo Studio back in 1946 after arriving from Shanghai. Jimmy jumped into the family trade at just 14 years old and spent his entire career honing his skills, building a reputation for bold designs that blend American traditional style with Japanese and Chinese influences. Photograph: @jimmyhotattoo While tattoos once carried heavy stigma, mostly tied to rebellion, triads, and gang activity, Jimmy championed the distinctive style of the Hong Kong tattoo genre and devoted his life to preserving the craft. He was a true OG in every sense – dedicated, skilful, and pivotal in turning tattoos into a celebrated art form. Jimmy eventually took a step back from tattooing in his later years, and around 2019 his protégé Justin Ng took over the day-to-day operations of the shop, International Tattoo (國際紋身)/Jimmy & Justin Tattoo. No official word has surfaced on whether there’ll be any changes going forward, but for now, it seems that Jimmy’s legacy will live on through Justin. Jimmy’s ink tells stories that’ll outlast us all. If you’re looking for inspir

M+ has just opened the doors to one of the most anticipated art events of the season, ‘Lee Bul: From 1998 to Now’. Fresh from a successful run at Seoul’s Leeum Museum of Art, where it drew over 100,000 visitors, the exhibition features more than 200 works spanning from the late 1990s to 2024. From cyborg figures that reimagine classical statues to sprawling installations that evoke the ruins of failed utopias, viewers will get to see the most complete picture of Lee’s visionary practice to date.  Photograph: Jenny Leung Who is Lee Bul? Born in 1964, Lee Bul is a South Korean artist who has carved out a reputation as a key voice in contemporary art. Shaped by her upbringing during Korea’s turbulent socio-political landscape, she first gained notice in the late 1980s with bold performances that challenged social norms. From there, her work expanded into a multifaceted practice, drawing on science fiction, critical theory, and art history to interrogate themes like the body, gender, and the allure of utopian ideals. Her pieces have graced major venues worldwide, from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art to London’s Hayward Gallery, often prompting viewers to confront the double-edged nature of human advancement. Photograph: Jenny Leung What to expect at ‘Lee Bul: From 1998 to Now’ The exhibition is arranged in three parts, guiding visitors through the key phases of Lee’s artistic evolution. You’ll first encounter large-scale installations from her Mon grand récit series, w

Switzerland and China don’t seem to have much in common, but did you know that both have spent centuries perfecting the craft of paper cutting? This spring, the University Museum and Art Gallery at HKU is bringing these art forms together for the first time in an eye-opening exhibition that lets you explore a unique craft from two disparate cultures. Opening on March 20, the ‘Tradition & Perfection: Paper Cuttings from China & Switzerland’  exhibition lines up works from both countries for a side-by-side look. A parallel show will also be running simultaneously at the Kunsthaus Interlaken in Switzerland. Swiss paper cuttings are all about storytelling, stepping in during the mid-19th century to replace the popular shadow pictures known as silhouettes. Typically cut from black paper and laid out with a clean symmetry, they zoom in on everyday Alpine scenes with intricate detail. Works from pioneers like Johann Jakob Hauswirth and Louis Saugy will be on display, alongside contemporary pieces by Ueli Hofer, Martha Kneusslin, Nelly Naef, and more. Photograph: Courtesy University Museum and Art Gallery The Chinese works take a different approach, with red paper leading the way as a symbol of good luck. These cuttings are often produced in sets, with works revolving around different subjects or themes such as tigers and peacocks, Beijing opera masks, pagoda towers, or the scenic beauty of various regions. Symbolism also runs deep with Chinese pieces; a pine tree paired with a cra