This sponsored story was originally published on Travelog.me
You know us. We’re all about what’s up and coming, the next talk of the town and things that are jussst on the cusp of trending. And nothing in Hong Kong matches up to the hype than the scenic Southside neighbourhood of Wong Chuk Hang. Come with us, as we introduce you to one of Hong Kong’s newest hot spots.
Wong Chuk WHO?
First things, first. Where on Earth is Wong Chuk Hang (WCH) anyway? An ex-industrial neighbourhood which has always been more working class than hidden travel gem, WCH is situated right on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. This area is a peculiar mix of old school factories, apartments and patches of greenery and hills, making it easy to forget you’re standing in one of Asia’s busiest cities.
Once a quiet residential area, today you’ll find more and more artists, designers and hipsters making this their go-to spot with an emergence of galleries, graffiti and street art, design studios and casual hangouts. Get here in a cinch by the brand spankin’ new MTR line (Wong Chuk Hang Station), giving you fair warning that this place is destined to be buzzing with large crowds in the near future.
Enjoy Nostalgic Hong Kong
Ocean Park
Okay, so maybe this isn’t the “hippest” place, but what’s a visit to the Southside without a pilgrimage to Ocean Park?! Perfect for couples, friends and kids, Ocean Park is the largest amusement park in all of Asia. Get nice and close with adorable sea animals and pandas one second, and be a daredevil riding the floorless roller coaster the next! *Tip – head over during Halloween and Christmas for special performances and happenings.
Jumbo Floating Restaurant
For something a little bit gimmicky – or maybe a lot – head over to Jumbo Kingdom Floating Restaurant. It’s been featured in a bunch of movies, making it a must-visit attraction for visitors all over the world. Take a quick ferry ride to get there and enjoy a unique experience unlike any other. There are three restaurants to choose from, so pick whichever floats your boat. (Geddit?)
Where To Grab A Bite
The Butchers Club
Who doesn’t love a juicy burger?! Popular Wan Chai burger bar, The Butchers Club, now has a home in Southside where you’ll find their infamous hearty burgers and Australian dry-aged steaks. We’d be lying if we said we only had one favourite to recommend, but you’ll definitely want to check out their not-so-secret, “secret menu” for limited time offers. If you’re also into the bygone eras, you’ll love the location’s vintage fit-out which features antique pieces like travel trunks and roulette tables.
CIRQLE
If you fancy somewhere a bit posher, CIRQLE is the perfect place to be. Sitting on the 4th floor of the Ovolo Southside hotel, you can always expect healthy, fresh and creative dishes from their modern European-inspired menu. We still can’t decide what’s better though – the delicious food, their stunning open kitchen with chefs in full action or better yet, the kick-ass outdoor terrace with a perfect backdrop for drinks on a sunny afternoon! Come here with a bunch of friends or take that special person for a romantic evening out. *Word on the street is that an even better revamp is around the corner, so be on the lookout for their next rendition of how to keep things “cool & comfy”.
Where to Kick Back And Chill
Sensory ZERO
Sensory ZERO really takes following your passions to the next level, even if that means your two passions are…coffee and boxing. This eccentric cafe features a full-size boxing ring right in the middle of it with actual classes you can attend. Open and airy, the space is perfect for a quiet morning cuppa, an indulgent lunch or just a sneaky getaway when you need a breather! If you need to refuel, they’re well known for their artisan coffee that’s roasted on-location.
Elephant Grounds
With 5 locations across Hong Kong, Elephant Grounds is a bit of a household name amongst local hipsters, yuppies and influencers. Created by a duo that is obsessed with delivering the perfect coffee experience, their WCH branch completely transformed an original factory space into an artistic, open and inviting space to chat with friends over some coffee or a light meal. And in quirky fashion, they’re also known for their extravagant ice cream sandwiches with flavours changing every week.
ABOVE
So we mentioned Wong Chuk Hang’s amazing greenery, but there’s really only one way to take in these stunning views – at ABOVE. Hong Kong has no shortage of rooftop bars but what sets ABOVE apart is that it’s, by far, the most intimate. With sweeping views of the Southern District mountains, this is the ultimate place if you’re after a spot where you can have a 10/10 cocktail, on-point music AND also those deep conversations with friends. The bar menu is extensive and, if you happen to get stuck, don’t worry! Support the locally brewed Young Masters Ale which is always fresh on tap.
We Figured You Don’t Want To Leave
If that friend we all have, you know the one with funky clothes and a ton of personality, was ever transformed into a hotel…it would be Ovolo Southside. Part of Design Hotels, Ovolo encompasses everything that the new Wong Chuk Hang is about. Its uber industrial-chic design is edgy, bold and full of surprises making guests feel its stylish persona as soon as they step into the lobby.
The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with epic views, unexpected touches like an Apple TV and we love that there’s a completely free minibar that’s restocked daily! Book direct and you get treated to free Happy Hour with a wide selection of drinks and snacks. Home to CIRQLE and ABOVE, this hotel really has it all for a perfect weekend getaway as it keeps you right at the heart of this hipster haven. One last thing that’s going to make you smile – their infamous goodie bag is waiting for you on arrival!