This place is basically like a giant Etsy shop/Instagram photo opp…read more Came to take selfies in front of the koi staircase. Left with nearly a dozen pairs of cute and unique earrings crafted by HK-based jewelry maker @ashayatheone, for $8 to $15 (USD) a pair. Though I definitely spent more than I would have for souvenirs at the Ladies Market, it was worth it not to feel stressed out having to haggle on the streets of Mong Kok. Plus, I walked out with better quality stuff, supported a local business, and got to check out the current art exhibit ("LONG TIME NO SEE": a set of hand-drawn murals paying homage to the history of the PMQ building).

I'm glad that I decided to come on the recommendation from my friend. I wasn't sure what to expect…read morebut I enjoyed going through the different levels to browse the shops and exhibits from local artists and entrepreneurs. This is definitely not your average mall where it's the same brands and shops like at every other mall. It's too bad that the rooftop garden was under renovation when I went. It would've been nice to sit outside. I liked the exhibit that showed an example of what a home of a police family would've looked like. The video playing in the unit depicted happy tenants that loved living there and got on well with their neighbours. There was also a mahjong exhibit that was quite enjoyable and informative. I wasn't able to see the underground interpretation area, that'll have to wait for next time.

I kind of snuck in. I did. They were actually closed and open for appointments only, but I slid…read morein to check it out. The question of "are they open to the public or are they only open for appointments to potential buyers" is a slippery slope around Hong Kong. "Are you just looking or are you buying?" is another slippery slope. Without a solid contemporary art museum to anchor from, I seek out art any way I can...even slipping into Gagosian. Do as I say and not as I do: I suppose it would be best to call first and simply ask to say "can I come by and take a look, not to buy, but just to look" to be on the up and up with their blessing versus the sneek in approach. If you love contemporary art, this is your church. Their is a fine line between public museum and private gallery in Hong Kong and access to see what is out there in the contemporary world can really only be viewed in the private gallery. I cant lie though. Between several places like Gagosian and Pace, these places are the holy grail of contemporary art and absolutely go if you have an opportunity to be in this space because without doubt whatever is on their walls is spectacular.

I love the cute figures in this shop. I stumbled upon this because of the colorful window display…read more I don't normally spend money but since I am in Hong Kong for a few days, I treated myself to a rabbit couple dressed in traditional Chinese clothing that is supposed to symbolize good fortune and happiness. It brought a smile to my face. Go get yourself a cute figurine like I did!

First of all, this gallery was hard to find. It is on Gage Street yet its entrance is on its side…read more(corner Aberdeen Street) where you go up a typical walk-up building. What I thought was typical was actually a building that lay witness to the unfolding of Chinese history, because the site of the building is part of the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail. What does Voxfire mean? Well, referencing the Latin word "vox" which means voice then combining it with the assassination of Qing dynasty revolutionary Yeung Ku-wan, I'd say it means keep the voice or ideals burning. I have heard of Voxfire years back but only visited it recently because they held a creative networking event. Upon entering, I noticed the small yet modern white interior. Contemporary local artworks adorn the walls, along with a leather sofa at the side with a small table housing art books, where I chanced upon a Jeff Koons book. As strictly an art gallery, it is appropriate only for a solo exhibition or a really tight one-artwork-from-each-artist group exhibition. The gallery is very active in showcasing various art movements from artists that include surrealism, pop art, and mixed media. They also provide consultancy for artists needing to increase their brand exposure or create their brand identity, to further promote themselves and their artistry. Finally, they also hold awesome art and networking events where I met with fellow creative artists and got to share each other's side of the industry. The best thing that can come out of events like this is collaboration and that is how art can promulgate and the voice of artists can be heard.

I've been to 3D museum in Bangkok and it was so much fun, so when I learned that there's one in…read moreHong Kong I just have to visit!! I was warned that this place is small, so I know not to expect the two storey high gigantic backdrops I've seen before. The museum is actually not as tiny as I expected, but the backdrops are really small. They should find a building with taller space, and expand the drawings a few feet each way. Right now you have to be very careful not to include the outside area and the spot lights in your photos. Also, the low ceiling means that the light makes the seams between floor and walls more obvious. Another disappointment I have is that there are only a few scenes that are Hong Kong related. Otherwise it's over 90% related to One Piece. For people who are not anime fans, this just isn't very interesting. They seem to change their artworks regularly, many of the photos I saw in the reviews are no longer around. Nonetheless, we still have fun, and there is a nice guy who goes around showing us how to pose (he also snap pictures which hopefully you'll buy from him but there isn't much pressure.) Some scenes posted a sample pics to give you an idea how to post but unfortunately a lot of them don't have one and left us rather clueless as to where we are supposed to stand. The 4 stars here is a bit generous but I do want this place to succeed and improve and see similar businesses opening up. You do need to have friends to go with you. And better some friend who's a perfectionist, instead of just pressing the shutter, to advise you where to stand, how to pose, and don't mind stepping around a bit to get at the perfect angle for the best effect. Useful tips: - they have lockers available but charge for it. - wear jeans/shorts but not dresses and skirts which are less gravity defying. - if you go on your birthday with a friend, it's $149 for two instead of $128 each.

Ahh so fun!!! Came here with my dad because he was the best at taking pics (girl gotta get that…read moreinsta pic right??) and surprisingly, we both had a great time!! They changed some of their pictures when I went (for example there wasn't a water wing) but it was still a great experience. They have different sections such as an area for One Piece and another one for HK lifestyle. There's an area where the place gets a bit crowded but I didn't care much for those backdrops so I just skipped ahead. We made two rounds around the place before leaving and it wasn't overwhelmingly long :) Came on a Saturday afternoon too! But...a huge crowd came in right after we left so thank god we left!

BEST. GIFT STORE. EVER. Located inside the HK Convention Centre in Wan chai, this is a place for…read moretourist AND locals alike. It is a really big stores filled with really interesting design goods. I know there are quite a few design shops around town but what I really like about this is that a lot of the goods they sell here, aside from the fact that they are brilliantly designed, they are mainly local designers.. actually I think all of the designers are local. The shop has a good variety of products, from kitchen to stationary to jewellery and more. I personally really like the jewellery selection. They are all locally made, not exuberently over priced but good quality and a few of the brands they sell, i believe make one-of-a-kind pieces. Another section I like is where they have all the cute useful electronic goods, like the really cute usb sticks, embellished headphones, and other electronic accessories. I have bought gifts here for people who were visiting or when I went back home. This is THE place to look for good souvenirs. I even brought my tourist friends here and they went insane shopping for things to bring home. The store is really big, not all of the products are relevant and not every single piece is a gem but in general, I think the quality of products they sell here is above average in terms of gifts and souvenirs.

Pace is like one of the godfathers of the art world. They are one of the heavy hitters out there…read morein the world of contemporary art. I often need my contemporary art fix and today I found it at Pace Gallery. They are in the business of selling art, but take that to your advantage to view some great art that they are in the market to sell. Anything they are showing on their walls is relevant, important, cool and worthy of a look. Just installed and up until early January 2016 are five great new works by Lee Ufan. Most people would not know that Pace is up on the 15th floor of the centrally located Entertainment Building. Their space is not large and really about the size of a large living room...a large living room with fantastic art on its walls! Art Basel Hong Kong has continued to advance art in Hong Kong over the years, including Pace opening this gallery I believe in 2015 (they have been part of Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Basel worldwide for many years now). When galleries like Pace decide to open shop in a city, that means something. Silvia the galleriest could not have been more lovely. We spent some time peaking out her window looking for Antony Gormley statues parked on roof tops. See....art is everywhere....you just need to keep your eyes peeled and seek it out! Upon arrival, their doors were open (very welcoming). Don't be intimidated and go!

Hidden in the glass and concrete jungle of Hong Kong is this quaint little Victorian building…read moresafeguarding Hong Kong's avant garde treasures. The building itself is a photo opportunity as its unique round shape makes it look like a mini castle of relaxation, out of time and place in the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Inside, lies a quiet little art gallery. If you work in the area, I invite you to come in on your lunch break, relax, and enjoy a zen moment to refresh your mind before jumping back into the fray. Hong Kongers are often trapped in a perpetual grind. Due to crazy high real estate prices, people have to work a lot of overtime and multiple jobs to pay for a very tiny flat. Often, the higher paying jobs are on Hong Kong island while the low cost housing is far away in the new territories. Commuting 3 to 4 hours a day and working long hours results in a daily grind with zero free time. You come home after a long day at work, a long commute, crash onto your bed, then, as soon as you open your eyes, the grind starts all over again. Hong Kong is full of opportunities, but only for those creative and resourceful enough to get out of the grind. The fringe club is full of that creative vibe. For example, I went to a performance there by a musical group, "Western District", which is not a performance of catchy tunes you can listen to on your commute for the daily grind. It is, rather, a musical workshop where the musicians are experimenting and testing the boundaries of just exactly what is music. What is a piano? What is the boundary between melody and cacophany? How do you play a piano? Their experimentive spirit, your discussion with the artists and other patrons during the intermission just might be that creative spark that starts your fire that eventually burns down your daily grind. You must challenge what is, in order to build what will be. P.S. Honestly, I really didn't "get it" and, thus, didn't enjoy my experience at The Fringe Club. I enjoy old world craftsmanship such as Renaissance art or Ming Dynasty Imperial porcelain. I don't "get" abstract art such as Kandinsky. I enjoy listening to Mozart or Chopin played by a pianist who has slaved for years to perfect his/her performance. I don't "get" the group, Western District, which performed abstract "music" such as a German guy reciting German poetry whilst an Opera singer alternately sang and whimpered like a puppy with a pianist playing randomly by pounding on the piano with a shower curtain rod. However, everyone else there seemed to really enjoy themselves. Their performance was packed with people paying 180 HKD to listen to them perform whilst standing up because they ran out of seating space! Hence, the positive review with 4 stars even though I wanted to give it 1 star. The most difficult reviews to write are positive reviews of stuff you really didn't enjoy. LOL!

Have been in and out of here for different reasons, for the now closed restaurant, the happy hour…read moreon the grassy roof, concerts and most recently, for Nike's Air Max Con. There is enough reviews that cover the history of the building, but what makes it valuable is that in midst of Hong Kong the financial hub, where people barely slow down for a meal let alone to appreciate art, is a venue where art and performances are showcased. The location is convenient and right next to Lan Kwai Fong, where you can go for a drink after the shows. The place is a bit cozy and far from state of the art, but I appreciate it for what it does and think that it does it pretty well.