In Hong Kong, we love to travel, but under the pandemic, it has become extravagant to go on an overseas trip. There is a silver lining, however – right here at home, Hong Kong has a wealth of stunning spots where you can relax your mind and body, from unnoticed attractions in the city’s downtown areas to breath-taking natural scenery in its numerous country parks. So here’s a primer to help you explore the beauty of Hong Kong in the early spring!
Although time machines don’t really exist, you can still experience walking through Lok Wah South Estate’s "time tunnel", which gives you the feeling of travelling through time and space as you step through its series of concentric circles.
To embark on this peaceful, reflective journey, take minibus 22M from Yue Man Square in Kwun Tong to reach Lok Wah South Estate. Go to the roof of the parking lot of Lok Wah Commercial Centre and you will find a row of light blue hollow-core walls. Amid the visual effects of overlapping layers, a fantasy space that resembles a continuous extension of a tunnel is formed. With a little creativity, you can easily take beautiful pictures with a unique artistic sense.
Climb up one more flight of stairs and you will see another "time tunnel"! The light of this tunnel is even better, with Lok Wah South Estate as the background. Think of a more original concept to shoot, and transform your photos with special light and shade effects.
Lei Yue Mun in East Kowloon has a history of more than 150 years. In the past, most of the villagers were farmers, fishermen and miners. If you pay a visit, be sure to check out the quarry, where the atmosphere is completely different from the concrete jungle in the downtown area. With the sunset as an adornment, it can be an extraordinarily beautiful landscape, tinged with a sense of ruin.
Try to time your visit with the sunset, and schedule enough time so you can truly savour it. To get here, walk 15 minutes from Lei Yue Mun Plaza to Sam Ka Tsuen, then keep going along the waterfront until you see Tin Hau Temple. After that, if you go straight, you will see a small village, and after passing through this village, you will arrive at Lei Yue Mun Quarry. The huge stone mountain is like a natural high wall, adding a sense of mystery to the scenery in front of you. After watching the sunset, you can visit one of the delicious seafood restaurants nearby – something Lei Yue Mun is famous for.
With a little exploring, you can discover Cape Collinson Battery tucked away along the shoreline in Siu Sai Wan, Hong Kong Island. Built during World War II, the battery has stood the test of time, although the top of the bunker collapsed during Typhoon Mangkhut. The base, however, is still intact, which adds a sense of decadent beauty to any pictures taken here. To find this hidden gem, depart from Siu Sai Wan Plaza and take Leaping Dragon Walk to Cape Collinson Road, which will lead you to your destination.