Pottinger Street / Central (Hong Kong) -- Even though this wasn't my first trip to Hong Kong, I…read moremust've conveniently forgotten how steep the hills can get to elevation-challenged tourists like myself, especially the steep inclines to be found in the Central district on Hong Kong Island. That's why there are helpful automatic walkways and escalators under long canopies over certain roadways. That was definitely a smart urban renewal move built back in the '90's, but Pottinger Street has been left intact. This atmospheric walkway consists of a series of steps and inclines on terra firma and retains its vintage Hong Kong charm with seemingly random stone slabs that connect Connaught Road Central up to Hollywood Road. Souvenir kiosks line the street on both sides, and they apparently change depending on the holiday season. Jamie W and I were here too early to see Christmas trinkets and decorations, but we saw stall after stall of local tchotchkes and T-shirts. It's worth the stroll in either direction. RELATED - Exploring Hong Kong? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3AGgadg

A touristy three or four block sloping street made up of granite slabs that aren't quite stairs…read more Its official name is Pottinger Street, named in 1858 after Henry Pottinger, the first Governor of Hong Kong, serving from 1843 to 1844. Fun fact was that in the early days in HK, Chinese and European residents used to live separately in different neighborhoods. Pottinger street once acts as a rough boundary between the two groups. The Chinese used to mainly live west of the street and westerners to the east. Today there are various vendors selling trinkets and services such as caricature painting on the street. Many blockbuster HK movies have had iconic scenes filmed here including "Lust Caution", "October Besieged City", "Infernal Affairs III", and "Dragon and Phoenix Fight".

In most hongkongers' eyes they don't need to get a car, "we are living in a tiny city and is too…read moreconvenient to take MTR or buses." True, be honest, I spent quite a lot to take care a car, especially the parking fee is so heavy in Hong Kong, and I don't drive every day. However, once you find a place where your car can bring you easily, everything is worth. There is a cool place in Tsing Yi you can have a perfect view to two of the most stunning bridges in our city, where is hard to go without your own car. Drive yourself and park in Lantau Link visitor center, the carpark is always empty and nobody pay the parking fee. Follow the instruction to walk to visitor centre, then you can see the entrance of viewing platform is just few meters away from the door. This platform is a free public area in the top of Tsing Yi, and after you walk upstairs around ten minutes you can have almost 180 degree to view the whole Tsing Ma Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge. You can easily spot Ma Wan and Lantau Isalnd following Tsing Ma Bridge, and can take a look to Ting Kau and Sham Tseng from Ting Kau Bridge. The platform is a beautiful place to relax and capture sunset pictures, and of course, to view the fireworks (if there is any) at night. You can stay there as long as you wish, enjoy the beautiful lookout to the bridges, harbor and the islands. I've been here several times and there is always no one, feel like my private rooftop and that's probably a main reason why I love going so much.

Small, but well loved neighborhood temple with unique coiled incense hanging and wafting through…read morethe air. There's a small public outside courtyard, smaller inner courtyard with incense shop and reception, and three different altars. Two other people were doing devotion while I was there, a lady was washing the floor, and a man was attending the reception/shop. I almost missed it because the pedestrian street has so many things that could easily distract you and make you miss it if you aren't looking for the simple white arch along the alley.

Temples can often be overkill to those of us from the Western world, because it is simply unknown…read moreand abundant in this area of the world. But I believe with three "Man Mo" temples around Hong Kong and the SAR, this one is a worthy stop if you find yourself in the area. Because it is in Tai Po, it is void of tourists and quaint. It feels very local and peaceful. It was built in 1891 and was declared a historical monument in 1984. More so than other temples I have seen, this place is very well taken care of. The small courtyard was so exceptionally clean and manicured. The temple is also small and dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). We were the only two people there, other than the one man who was attending the temple reception desk. This temple is located about mid way down Fu Shin Street, which is a small market street for shopping (less tourist trinkets and more designed for locals) and also around the corner from the Railroad Museum.

While wandering around Wan Chai, I came across the Blue House and the Hong Kong House of Stories…read more The Hong Kong House of Stories (香港故事館) is a tiny museum that is packed with nostalgic old items from Hong Kong's past, giving you a quick glimpse into the city's history and how much it has changed over the years. The space is small, so it doesn't take long to explore, but it was fun to poke around the exhibits and appreciate the effort that went into curating them. I also liked that there were some handmade souvenirs that I could pick up! It was a charming and worthwhile stop, especially if you're in the area already.

This is an old restored building with a little shop in the bottom floor. The shop keeper tells the…read morestory of the history of the building, which was cool to hear, as well as sells different handmade items from the shop (technically they are for donation). The shop also has other strange and curious things to browse through.

Though it is relatively a "touristic" spot since it is promoted by Hong Kong Tourism Board, not too…read moremany people really did try to hike here before guess because of its steepness vs Dragon Back (a real touristic spot. Now it is as crowded as mongkok after being promoted. So pretty sad to me) So, I think Ng Tung Chai still kept its original nature, and really recommend you to go if you love HK natural side! Another reason I recommend you a go is that it is really hard to believe how gorgeous the waterfall is until you reach there! I browsed web photos and thought it is small, but when I reach there, I was totally amazed! Tips: Go earlier around 8/9am so that you will not meet crowd just in case :) Tips 2: Definitely it cannot be compared with waterfall in other countries LOL but if to compare within HK, it is the tallest, longest and would say best!

This is a special place to all CU people, alumni, students, staff alike…read more This is also a place of deep emotional attachment to i believe all who have studies in CUHK. Located just in front of the university library, this is more than mere a sculpture. Rumors have it that whoever dares to pass thru the arch of the sculpture, he or she shall never graduate from the university unless he or she rolls down the steep flight of stairs next to chinese culture research center. I am not sure how true the rumor is, but i rarely see people date to pass through the arch. It is also a place for big events to take place. In the university dance community, during the first semester there will be joint-U mass dance; dance teams of different universities will flock to this part of CU for a show. The statue serves as a backdrop to witness the show. While in the past it was actually the place for student to hold forums to discuss political issues, a place for different opinions to voice out. It is also a place to gather and to unite the students as an entity to represent themselves in critical times. As an alumni, this is a place where I feel proud of; for it is a symbol of the students in CU has a deep tradition in playing an active role and standing firm on their own grounds. CU is a place not only to gain knowledge, it is also a nurture ground for social responsibilities.