This place becomes a staple during arts festival time and I find myself coming here a lot. They…read morehave a few different sized theatres all with very good views and sound quality, it does get a bit chilly in the air conditioning so I would recommend having an extra cardigan or jacket to put on if you feel on the cold side. It's a little bit of a walk from either wan chai or admiralty stations but isn't too hard to find. I most recently saw Jane Eyre and The Scent of Ink here. Jane Eyre was a fantastically adapted play with a great stage set and beautiful song choice (I was pleasantly surprised by this). The Scent of Ink was performed by a dance company from Korea, showcasing Korean traditional dancing. The music and moves were very hypnotic, with the set design and costumes being very simplistic and aesthetically pleasing. They had a meet and greet with the dancers afterwards but it was late for me and I didn't stay for that part of it.

I came here for the very first time for an amazing play that was on during the summer, called "I…read moreLove Football". It was a spectacular performance - if they ever do a re run for it, i highly recommend it. The stage drama was about a young football player who aspires to be a professional football player here in Hong Kong. As we all know, being a professional football player is already a difficult career, and being in HK, it's even harder as there are only a few professional teams. Throughout the process, he loses himself, ruins relationships and even injures himself. He neglects people around him and he only focuses himself on winning. Overall, this story was about how the main character defeats all of his obstacles, going for what he is truly passionate about, what he's willing to give, or give up to accomplish his dreams. The reason why this theatre contributed to the overall play was because, first of all, the seats were comfy, the sitting area was spacious, there was very good room outside of the theatre where people could chill during intermission and while waiting to get into the theatre, finally, the sound projection was excellent. The other reason this theatre made this stage drama stand out, is because, the play is about football. How often do you see a stage drama about a sport like that? how can you play an actual game of football on a regular stage? The producers of the stage drama did it, and they did it well at the HKAPA lyric theatre. bravo!

This should be a very familiar name to the dancing community in Hong Kong; more likely still, you…read moremight have taken classes in here if you ever danced~ One of the leading dance institutes in Hong Kong, Studiodanz (SD) was established in year 2003 by Angela Hang and Yvette Nie. Offering a wide rage of dance styles from the more popular Hip Hop and Jazz funk to contemporary and Ballroom, SD believes that dancing is for everyone and anyone can dance. Located in an industrial building in Fortress Hill, a large space is reserved for the 2 dance studios for dance classes to take place. Normal dance classes hold around 20 or so people whereas during big events such as dance festival, in which renowned tutors and dancer abroad are invited to give classes in HK, the rooms could pack up to 50 people! Earlier classes start at 17:30 where as most classes start 19:00 and 20:30 catering to the working population, SD would be your another option other than hitting the gym and lifting dumbbells. The energetic dance moves not only will make you sweat, but will make you a star on the dance floor as well~ Just a side note, the couches outside of the studios are quite ideal for a quick nap and indeed many students often do too before the classes start; but if manners are in concern, I would suggest not to do so.

Another historical site revitalized/remodeled into an artsy area! Formerly a slaughterhouse, it is…read morenow an area for art studios, workshops, and galleries. Unfortunately I didn't see a clear map of where particular studios with exhibits vs private art studios were so it was kinda confusing just walking around. I still had a good time overall because the red bricks and green-accented windows make it a great backdrop of pics! There were also lots of posters for hands-on artsy classes such as ring-making and hair accessory-making workshops. I wish I had learned about these cool activities earlier on so I'd recommend doing some research and planning ahead.

The Cattle Depot used to be a few blocks away from where I lived. When it was still used as a…read moreslaughterhouse till the 90s, locals seldom walk pass that area and avoided it like a plague, because of the intense smell of pigs and cows emitting from within (people who frequented locations next to the old times KCRC railway tracks would know what I meant, same thing as when the livestock carts pass by, only that for the depot, the smell STAYS). Around the year millennium, it ceased operation finally, and was listed as grade 2 historical building by the Antiquities and Monument Office. It was revitalized (well, revitalization is a new term, there was no such terminology back then, simply - kept and reused) as an Artist Village, aimed at providing studio space for the artists expelled from Oil Street Artist Village when the land was reclaimed by the government. During its early days as an Artist Village, it was managed like a private rental premise and wasn't opened for public visits, expect for the open day origanized for a few times, when the artists display their works like an exhibition. There was a guard at the gate, and back then architectural students had to reason quite a bit with the guard, showing student cards and all, to ask for permission to visit the place and take pictures for school projects, paper research etc. etc. (or sneak in when Mr. Guard was shirking somewhere). Coming to the present day, the depot outdoor area is finally open daily for free visits from 10 to 10. I'm truly glad about the change in policy and in the raised social awareness about historical sites in HK. It is most certainly beneficial for citizens to feel a sense of belonging when given more access to places of local history merits. One can't help but compare the Depot with recent revitalization-for-art projects like the PMQ in central (which I have a separate review) that generated much more buzz. The low-profile Depot had been repurposed for over 10 years but still seems to be lacking a 'business model' that can elevate it to the communal level, and explore its full potential in activating the district or the art-design scene. On the other side of the coin however, as it is not managed by a private group, it is less governed by commercial viability and the rent can remain low, for the benefit of artists to retain their independent stature.This give and take, how would you balance? More details about this heritage:- https://www.heritage.gov.hk/tc/conserve/cattleDepot.htm

Really spacious and next to many artworks and displays outside. Has a souvenir shop with…read moreinteresting trinkets and also small business items.

The building's exterior is a major hot spot for Instagram pictures, as is the rest of the…read morepromenade. It really doesn't look like much at first glance, but it looks amazing in photographs. I, personally, have never saw a performance here, but I did go inside to use the restroom. There's also seats in the middle of the lobby, which is absolutely perfect for resting aching feet after strolling around East Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Chun Kwan Temple located in Tsing Yi is built to worship the god called "Chun Kwan," every year…read morein late April there is a traditional festival held to celebrate his birthday. The event normally holds 5 days to 7 days in playground next to Tsing Yi market. A temple-like worship place will be set for followers. What more attractive is a giant bamboo made opera stage, where people can watch Chinese opera. People like me the post 80s or younger, probably are not interested in buying ticket, but in here, you are free to enter as long as you don't take a seat. I like bringing friends there and spend like 20 mins to listen and try understanding, is kind of free of change traditional culture exploration. Out the stage is night market, you can find lots of local street foods such as stinky tofu, curry fish ball, fake shark's fin soup; also some rare like dragon bread candy or "beng tai wan" (a kind of herb tea which is good for body cooling). You can also try an old Chinese form of folk art called "Sugar people." By heating mixture of sugar and maltose in a metal vessel to certain temperature, artist makes figures such as dragon, birds or girls; or just to blow a sugar ball. These candies are used to be toys of children in 1970s, and now a rare folk craft. If you miss the festival, you can still try to come in May the "Tin Hau Dan," similar event but in smaller scale!

Tai Kwun is a well renovated prison yard (Victoria Prison), the Central Police Station, and…read moreMagistracy that it once was, transformed into a large cultural hub with rotating exhibitions. They also have some shops, restaurants, and even guided heritage tours for ad additional cost. Otherwise, the place can be explored for free. It is accessible right off the Mid-Levels escalator and timing of the escalator's direction is crucial so that you don't wear yourself out before the exploration itself. The area is not extremely handicap friendly, so knowing that may help your travels. Tai Kwun is on top of the hill so it is steep as you walk down back to Central MTR Station. I got to visit all of the buildings on a self-guided tour and discovered that one of the prison cells housed Vietnamese revolutionary Ho Chi Minh amongst other historical inmates. Whether you're a history buff or just a curious explorer, Tai Kwun is a unique place to visit.

Magistracy Dining Room is a British restaurant located in an over 100-year-old historical monument…read morein Tai Kwun, Hong Kong. Once a judicial house, this majestic space was transformed into a fine dining room. The red leather dining booths and candlelit settings made it a perfect spot for date night or anniversary celebration. Starters: ＊Gillardeau Spéciale No.3 ＊Steak Tartare** ＊Scottish Razor Clams ＊Heritage Tomato Tart*** Out of all the starters we got, I enjoyed the steak tartare and tomato tart the most. The steak tartare was made table side in front of us. The tomato tart was a sleeper hit. Topped with fresh tomato, the flower-shaped shell was filled with crème fraiche that tasted like a fresh and light dessert. Mains: ＊Grilled Boston Lobster ＊Slow-Steamed Atlantic Cod ＊Roasted Ora King Salmon Sides: ＊Japanese Hen-Of-The-Wood Roasted Mushrooms ＊Creamed Spinach Every course was exquisitely crafted with the finest and the most luxurious ingredients. I picked the lobster and it was delectable. I preferred lobster bisque more as I found the lobster soaked in brown butter hollandaise too heavy for my liking. Dessert: ***Baked Alaska*** The highlight of the night was absolutely the Baked Alaska. The tableside flambé left us in awe, and it was fun to see the server put off the fire with chinese folding fan. The pistachio ice cream and cherry sorbet gave the dish a refreshing touch to balance out the heaviness. Be mindful that the portion is HUGE and it is impossible to takeaway, so I highly suggest sharing it with at least 3-4 people.

Contemporary urban art may not be everybody's cup of tea. Most of the time, it goes right over my…read morehead but every now and then, I would get an inkling of the artist's message. What I find interesting about Oi! is that it is not your conventional art gallery. Oi! is not big. It sits on the corner of Oil Street and Electric Road in Fortress Hill on the island. A century ago, the waterfront was right outside this property. It was logical for the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club to set up base here and operate until the government took over thirty years later in the 1930s. The historic brick buildings are specimens of the post-Victorian Arts and Crafts Architectural Movement. On the day of my visit, the theme was to stimulate our audio, visual, and tactile senses. The artists encouraged people to actually touch their creations. I like when art can be approached from more than one dimension. There was one exhibition room that was stark empty except for a porthole in the floor; and another one in which I had to duck my head because a block TV set was hanging from the ceiling. I also got to interact with other eclectic and obscure art pieces. Unexpectedly, the co-op kitchen was offering visitors complimentary miso soup on site. I guess if wine and hors d'oeuvres are served at the traditional art openings, why not offer hot soup at Oi! The idea was "they cook, you clean" so people had to do the little chore of washing the bowls they had used. I thought that was pretty neat. Everything was cool. Before heading out, I decided to use the restroom. I really wish I hadn't. They were either understaffed or negligent to have left the facility in a ghastly state. It might have been the visitors. What a shame to end my visit this way. For me, Oi! was an experience. I enjoyed the history aspect. I didn't have a full grasp of the pieces I saw but art is subjective. New exhibits rotate in periodically. Maybe next time I'll make a connection with one of them. 3.5

As we were simply walking by, I knew that this was clearly an old set of buildings that had been…read morerestored, but I was not sure what this space was exactly. With the kind staff at the customer service booth that went the extra mile to show me key parts of the facility and pointed out the specifics of the art installation spaces and the Social Gastronomy experiment space, I think I am a bit of a fan of this place. Once an old boat yard and covered mostly by water, this is a perfect example of Hong Kong recycling, reusing and re-purposing public building space. Part museum (with two installations currently: North Point Dream Properties Limited and 7-Paperholic), part social experiment on food with XCHANGE (turning leftovers and seasonal ingredients from participants and neighborhood markets into mouthwatering dishes), part community service/social hub (with talks, lectures, workshops, etc), part historical venue (Oi! is a Grade 2 Historic Building and they provide daily tours at 2:30pm, 4:45pm and 6:30pm daily). Art is really the driving factor for me with Oi!, but clearly their aim is really to connect with the community on a socially conscious level much greater than just art. But if you are not driven by social matters, note that admission to Oi! is free. The space is not large, but there is intellectually a lot going on to absorb at Oi! Although I did not have time to really understand all pieces of this space, I took a Oi! newspaper to go and have visited their website to sign up for news and events going on here. I will absolutely return to discover a bit more.