Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

Hongkongers sure love shopping for blooms and blossoms to brighten their homes, whether it’s at the busting perennial Flower Market in Prince Edward or the annual seasonal Lunar New Year Flower Market that takes over the length of Victoria Park. Coming soon to Central Harbourfront this month for Hong Kong Art Month, however, is a whole different kind of flower market – one that gives flora the forever treatment. Henderson Land is teaming up with Pen & Paper and viral Australian artist Cj Hendry to present the ‘Henderson Land x Cj Hendry Flower Market’ from March 19 to 22 at the Central Harbourfront. Hendry – who is famous for her large-scale, hyperrealistic works of everyday objects and luxury items, and recently had a viral pop-up with cute bunny-like collectibles at West Kowloon – has brought her acclaimed immersive exhibition to town as a greenhouse pavilion pop-up at Victoria Harbour, showcasing her collection of 26 plush flower designs with more than 150,000 plush flower pieces on-site! Photograph: Courtesy Pen & Paper Making its Asia debut, the ‘Flower Market’ installation is a signature art concept that first appeared in New York in 2024. From chrysanthemums and narcissi to sunflowers, thistles, and violets, the ‘Flower Market’ will allow visitors to browse through Hendry’s textural creations, including two special commissions: the ‘Henderson Flower’ to celebrate the golden jubilee of Henderson Land, and the ‘Bauhinia’ to commemorate the Hong Kong event. All plush flowers that are part of the installation are available for purchase at $38 per piece, plus each registered guest will also receive one complimentary plush flower as part of their entry. Here’s the best part: admission is free to make the adorable art show accessible to all, but the quota is very limited and entry is first-come, first-served. Interested visitors will need to register prior to the event through the event website, which will generate an e-ticket for entry. As of this moment, all time slots have been spoken for, so registration has closed, but it’s worth keeping an eye out in case more spots open up! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Bar Leone is holding a guest shift at the 98th Oscars’ after-party DJ Snake to debut in Hong Kong as French May Art Festival 2026’s headliner Hong Kong launches first weight management plan to tackle rising obesity rates

March usually means Arts Month for us in Hong Kong, but the world’s eyes also turn to the annual Academy Awards. While most people are on the edge of their seats to see which stars get to take home awards, we Hongkongers have another local star to watch.  Tequila Don Julio has invited our city’s very own Bar Leone – currently ranked as Asia’s and the World’s Best Bar – and its co-founder, Lorenzo Antinori, to shake up bespoke cocktails at the Governor’s Ball, the 98th Oscars’ exclusive after-party on March 15. On the night, Antinori will team up with globally renowned mixologist, Charles Joly to serve two signature cocktails to Hollywood’s biggest stars – ‘Best in Show’, a Tequila Don Julio Blanco-based highball with ingredients like Italian aperitif and cucumber; and ‘Golden Margarita’, a savoury reimagining of the classic made with masa-infused gin and Tequila Don Julio Reposado for toasted grain and citrus. To complement Antinori’s creations, Joly will pour out two exceptional cocktails. He’ll use the brand’s 70 Cristalino tequila to create ‘Maestro Martini’, and spotlight Don Julio’s iconic 1942 tequila in ‘The Sequel‘, a coffee-inspired tipple that’ll round out the cocktail menu.  Photograph: Courtesy Don Julio Tequila In a public announcement, Antinori commented, “bringing Bar Leone from Hong Kong to Los Angeles for Hollywood’s biggest night is a real honour for us”.“Tequila Don Julio is made for celebrations like this, and we’re proud to be part of such an iconic event with global recognition.” Although the Governor’s Ball is exclusive to Hollywood’s elite, we can’t deny a bit of FOMO. Luckily, for us, we’ve always got access to Bar Leone on our home turf. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: DJ Snake to debut in Hong Kong as French May Art Festival 2026’s headliner Hong Kong launches first weight management plan to tackle rising obesity rates OOOO Waffle is bringing its bestselling Korean-style waffles to Hong Kong

Spring is in full swing, and the French May Arts Festival is just a few months away. While Hongkongers can anticipate a wide range of events spanning dance, music, visual arts, theatre and culinary experiences, we’ve got our eyes on the festival’s headline show on May 8. Set to take place in front of Victoria Harbour, the massive outdoor showcase will host international star DJ Snake, bringing a vibrant dose of Francophone culture to Hong Kong. As his debut performance in the city, DJ Snake will shake up Hong Kong with signature electronic sounds and high-energy production, promising a night of pulsating beats and spectacular visuals. He’ll also collaborate with a leading local DJ to create a unique East-meets-West performance. As one of the biggest names in electronic music, DJ Snake has accumulated over 52 million monthly Spotify listeners and over 40 billion streams, along with selling out arenas globally.  Having collaborated with artists across Justin Bieber, Cardi B, Selena Gomez, Future, BTS’ Jungkook, and plenty more, the leading DJ has been credited with creating chart-topping smash hits including ‘Let Me Love You’, ‘Lean On’, ‘Middle’, and ‘Taki Taki’.Full details about DJ Snake’s performance at French May’s open-air show have yet to be revealed. Stay tuned to this page for more information to come, and follow French May Arts Festival and Occasions Asia Pacific on Instagram to get your tickets once they’re released. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong launches first weight management plan to tackle rising obesity rates OOOO Waffle is bringing its bestselling Korean-style waffles to Hong Kong This new five-day pop-up in Sham Shui Po celebrates all things print magazines

Hong Kong has launched its first-ever action plan on weight management on World Obesity Day (March 4) to address the rising issue of overweight and obese adults in the city. This three-year action plan comes in response to data from the Department of Health's population health survey conducted between 2020 and 2022, which found that over half of Hong Kong's adult population were either overweight or obese. Officials have framed the initiative as Hong Kong’s contribution to the national Weight Management Year initiative and the World Health Organization’s global framework for curbing obesity. The plan is structured around five key pillars: strengthening health education and promotion, fostering a supportive social environment, enhancing health service delivery, adopting a life-course approach to health promotion, and continuously monitoring weight trends. These translate into 15 specific objectives that government agencies will work toward over the next three years. The first year, 2026, focuses on raising awareness, the second year targets positive changes, and the third aims for maintenance, where healthier habits become part of normal life. The first public initiative kicks off on March 21 with a ‘10,000 Steps a Day’ walking challenge integrated into the eHealth mobile app’s e+Life platform, with a launch ceremony and carnival taking place that same day at the West Kowloon Cultural District. Beyond the walking challenge, the plan includes longer-term measures such as installing weight measurement devices in public housing estates and schools, integrating weight management messages into school curricula, and designing pedestrian-friendly urban spaces that encourage physical activity.  Photograph: AFP/Isaac Lawrence Dr Edwin Tsui, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, said the plan takes a systematic approach covering the full lifespan, from prenatal nutrition to maintaining function in old age. He emphasised that the strategy strengthens primary healthcare’s role as the gatekeeper of public health by promoting collaboration between Chinese and Western medicine and using the eHealth platform to help citizens manage their health data. While weight management plans are in the works, some officials acknowledge major challenges. Dr Anne Chee, head of the non-communicable disease branch at the Department of Health, told a radio programme that among overweight individuals, two-thirds believe their weight is “just right” or even “too thin”, and that many have taken no action to manage their weight in the past year. Chee also highlighted the need for more public education, noting that many people may not fully understand how to calculate their body mass index as there is a lack of knowledge on weight management. Sports professor Lobo Louie from the Education University also warned that maintaining motivation may be difficult, pointing to the gap between raising awareness and sustaining behavioural change.  The action plan brings together multiple government bureaus and departments, including health, education, leisure and cultural services, and urban planning. A cross-departmental group established last October is coordinating these efforts and promoting collaboration across government, business, academia, and community organisations. For now, the plan relies on voluntary participation and public education. Whether that will be enough to reverse the trend remains to be seen as officials stress that willpower and clinical care alone cannot solve Hong Kong’s obesity problem, and that the broader environment must also support healthier choices. More details are available on the Department of Health’s Change4Health website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: OOOO Waffle is bringing its bestselling Korean-style waffles to Hong Kong This new five-day pop-up in Sham Shui Po celebrates all things print magazines Hong Kong is setting up more designated stops for taxi fleets

Catching a cab at some of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist attractions and busy transit hubs can be challenging at the best of times, but the introduction of new designated stops for Hong Kong’s five taxi fleets could help significantly in the near future. Hong Kong government officials shared last week that more designated stopping places to accommodate passengers using one of the city’s new fleet taxis are in the process of being set up at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, M+, Hong Kong International Airport, and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, adding to already existing stops such as Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, Ocean Park Hong Kong, and more. Fleet taxis are different from Hong Kong’s regular red, green, and blue cabs in that these more premium, more modern vehicles belong to one of five officially licensed taxi fleets approved by the Hong Kong government. You may have already seen them around town without knowing what they are: Joie, SynCab, Big Bee, Amigo, and Big Boss. What sets the fleet taxis apart is they must offer online hailing services, electronic payments, electronic communication channels, and driver monitoring systems for passenger safety. Photograph: Courtesy GovHK Adding more designated stops for Hong Kong’s fleet taxis is one more step the Hong Kong government is taking towards modernising cab service for customers. Starting on April 1, all taxi drivers – fleet cab or otherwise – are required to offer at least two forms of electronic payment options to passengers for convenience’s sake. One of them will be a QR code option, such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, and BoC Pay, and the other will be a card or non-QR code option, such as Hong Kong’s common Octopus card, credit card, or FPS. Drivers will be required to put stickers on their vehicle windows to inform passengers which electronic payment methods are available to them. Cash, of course, continues to be an option as well but we have a feeling digital payments are going to be most people’s preferred method once widely available. With the addition of designated stops, the city’s five taxi fleets will be able to expand their coverage network of pick-ups and drop-offs. We hope more locations will come soon to make this service more convenient for Hongkongers to get from point A to point B! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Free nostalgic tote bag from Hong Kong Public Records Building goes viral Fan-favourite fondue restaurant Chesa is introducing a new menu of Swiss classics What is villain hitting – or, why are old ladies smacking people with a shoe?

The Hong Kong Public Records Building is not typically where you expect to find a viral moment – but here we are. If you’ve been scrolling through Xiaohongshu (known in English as the social media app RedNote) lately, you might have noticed a particular Hong Kong-related bag that’s been showing up everywhere on the feed. Designed with a black-and-white print of Queen’s Road Central in 1924, this viral canvas bag is a souvenir from the Hong Kong Public Records Building, given away for free to encourage visits to their current exhibition ‘Unyielding Land, Eternal Heroes: 80th Anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance’, featuring over 120 selected items that documented Hong Kong’s hardships and resistance during the Japanese occupation period from 1941 to 1945. After announcing its release on their official Facebook page on March 3, the bag ran out of stock in just two days. Those who managed to get their hands on one were pleasantly surprised by the quality, with some saying it felt more like a boutique item than a typical freebie. Unfortunately, many were left empty-handed and found it rather inconvenient that the gift was only available from Monday to Friday during work hours (9am-5.45pm). Photograph: Courtesy 小馬達阿豆 / RedNote That said, there are still souvenirs available if you make the trip. All you have to do is grab an exhibition leaflet and complete different missions. For mission one, visitors will have to collect exhibition-themed stamps at the Reference Services Counter (1/F) and in the Exhibition Hall (2/F) to redeem a randomly selected ‘Hong Kong in Pictures’ postcard. Meanwhile, mission two requires visitors to follow the Public Records Office's Facebook page, take a photo against the themed backdrop (near the entrance of the Exhibition Hall), and share it on social media to receive a pen holder featuring photos of the Central and Sheung Wan harbourfront in the 1960s. As for the tote bags, the official word is that the first batch has been fully distributed, which we secretly hope means a second batch will be coming soon, so keep an eye on the Public Records Office’s Facebook page for any upcoming announcements. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Fan-favourite fondue restaurant Chesa is introducing a new menu of Swiss classics What is villain hitting – or, why are old ladies smacking people with a shoe? The Pizza Project’s new menu lets you pick three flavours on one pizza

The Peninsula Hong Kong’s long-standing fondue institution, Chesa, is taking “new year, new me” quite seriously with a reimagined à la carte menu that brings Swiss comfort food and nostalgic chalet dining experiences into the limelight, alongside tableside service, a bistro-like atmosphere, and an immersive environment that highlights mountain culture. Chesa first opened at Hong Kong’s ‘Grande Dame’ in 1965 and has since been a firm wintertime favourite among Hongkongers seeking the familiar flavours of alpine dining. With more than six decades of heritage under its belt, the restaurant channels the spirit of mountaintop dining halls through timbered walls, rich textiles and woodwork, and mid-century chalet interiors, preserving the hallmarks of Swiss hospitality. Photograph: Courtesy Chesa With their refreshed menu, the après-ski celebration that Chesa is known and loved for undergoes a revamp, but the new dishes continue to exude warmth and sensorial delight. Must-orders include the reinvented traditional barley cream soup with air-dried beef in puff pastry crust ($220) and the moreish escargot baked in garlic and herb butter with grilled sourdough bread ($260 for six pieces; $480 for 12 pieces). Mains like the tender roasted lamb cutlets with honey, fresh thyme, braised carrot, and lamb jus ($490) and the indulgent venison Rossini with pan-seared foie gras, mushroom duxelles, confit shallots, and smoked mash potato ($580) set the tone for the heart of the meal, while the classic Wiener schnitzel with green salad and fries ($980) recalls old-school alpine dining. Photograph: Courtesy Chesa Of course, no visit to Chesa is complete without a fondue or raclette experience, and happily the popular fondue moitié-moitié with Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgois ($370), raclette du Valais ($270) with new potatoes, pickled onions, and gherkins still retain their importance on the menu. Aside from Swiss flavours, Chesa also embodies alpine traditions through its audial curation, engaging diners with thematic tunes and sounds such as cow bells and the alphorn. Guests can even take part in a cherished analogue ritual to write postcards and send them to loved ones or friends through the restaurant’s Swiss Post Office boxes after their meal. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended reading: What is villain hitting – or, why are old ladies smacking people with a shoe? The Pizza Project’s new menu lets you pick three flavours on one pizza Everything you need to know about Asia Coffee Music Fest’s Hong Kong debut

You know the feeling – you’re staring at the pizza menu, the server is coming over, and you’re caught in that silent tug-of-war between tempting options, wishing you could just have a bit of everything. Well, The Pizza Project has the answer to that dilemma with its new three-in-one Pizza alla Pala, a long, horizontal pizza that lets you pick three of your favourite flavours all at once. Photograph: Courtesy The Pizza Project Ditching the traditional round pie, this Roman-style pizza is baked on refractory stone for that ideal texture – crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. Instead of settling for just one, diners can pick any three flavours from the menu to sit on the same crust. Think classic Margherita next to something bolder like the Frutti di mare seafood pizza or the Il ladron (The Thief) with salsiccia sausage and sun-dried tomatoes. Or pair the meaty Carnivore with a creamy Carbonara twist and the Ortolana Veggie Patch featuring fresh vegetables such as red onion, eggplant, red bell pepper, olives, button mushrooms, zucchini, and artichoke. Other options include the Orgogliosa (Italian Pride) with burrata and pesto, the Rustica topped with pancetta and potatoes, the indulgent Testarda with pancetta and quail eggs, and the Pistacchiosa with pistachio paste and mortadella – all these mouthwatering flavours are up for mixing and matching, it’s entirely up to you. Available daily throughout the month of March, the Pizza alla Pala is on the à la carte menu at both the Wan Chai (5 Star Street) and Central (26 Peel Street) locations. Whether you’re chasing variety or dining with an indecisive group, this three-in-one option lets your overthinking take the night off. For more information and reservations, head to thepizzaproject.hk. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Everything you need to know about Asia Coffee Music Fest’s Hong Kong debut Grammy-winning jazz-pop sensation Laufey is coming back to Hong Kong this May Joji has announced a Hong Kong date for his global ‘Solaris’ arena tour

Love coffee? Love music? Here’s something we never thought we’d say: there’s an event coming up in Hong Kong that would tick all the boxes. Asia Coffee Music Fest (ACMF) will be making its Hong Kong debut on March 6 to 8 at Kai Tak Sports Park (East Village) and – you guessed it, it’s in the name – the spotlight will be on all things brews and tunes. More than 30 leading coffee brands from around Asia will be present at ACMF to show off their wares. Among them are award winners and speciality roasters from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, mainland China, and more, including Doan, Coffee Friends, Brewman Tokyo, Bloom Coffee, Blend Kyoto, Maubere Mountain Coffee, Ignis, Fifth Wave Coffee, Cafe Break, Naru Speciality Coffee, and so many more. Hong Kong brands will also be thoroughly represented by Hushush Coffee, Taste Trigger, Flow Float, Blossom, I’m Thirsty, Ah Jeng’s Coffee Club, LoCoFarms, C108, Personal Best Coffee Roasters, Ideaology, Urban Coffee Roaster, and Colour Brown. ACMF will also host a number of major competitions during its run, including the Latte Art Championship, the Coffee Roasting Championship, the Signature Coffee Championship, and the Cup Tasters Championship, so expect thrilling showcases of award-winning brewing techniques on display! World-class baristas and experts will be judging the results, including Emma Markland Webster, the first official barista champion of New Zealand; Jacky Lai, the winner of the World Coffee Roasting Championship in 2014; and Stanley Chien, the winner of the World Siphonist Championship in 2023; among others. Photograph: Courtesy Asia Coffee Music Festival Over at the ‘Exclusive’ and ‘Discovery’ exhibitions, hard-to-obtain coffees will be spotlighted, including experimental beans from Panama, Colombia, Peru, Yunnan, and Ethiopia, available in limited quantities only for a rare tasting experience. With Sony Music as a collaborator on the event, this means the rising stars on the company’s label will be taking the stage to showcase the link between coffee and music. Hear from Andy on Friday, and Michael C, Lagchun, and Wooly on Saturday, while Phil Lam and Cath close out the show on Sunday for a thrilling grand finale. Other than music and coffee, ACMF will also stage a marketplace packed with food vendors, so there will be plenty to snack on and browse through. The Baker & The Bottleman, Cinnabon, Birria Y Birria, Overlock Pastries, Teemtone, and Pigsman are just some of the eateries who will be keeping attendees fed and watered. You can also join the Coffee Aroma Block Workshop to repurpose used coffee grounds into coffee bricks, which are perfect to be used as natural deodorisers in fridges or clothing cabinets! Get your tickets now, starting from the basic entry ticket ($40) to the one-day pass ($140) with two 100ml coffee tastings included, the three-day pass ($320) with six 100ml coffee tastings included, and the exclusive pass ($800), which gets you three days of access plus three 150ml premium coffees, exclusive privileges, a limited-edition coffee cup as a souvenir, three collectible cards, as well as fast-track entry into the event. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Grammy-winning jazz-pop sensation Laufey is coming back to Hong Kong this May Joji has announced a Hong Kong date for his global ‘Solaris’ arena tour Lin Heung Lau releases fortune-themed dim sum and blind boxes with ZA Bank

Calling all Laufey fans in Hong Kong – this is not a drill. We repeat, this is not a drill – the Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter who has captured hearts with her soulful jazz-pop melodies and emotionally resonant songwriting is coming back to Hong Kong for another concert this year! Mark your calendars for May 12 at AsiaWorld-Arena for Laufey’s upcoming Hong Kong show, which will also mark the official start of the Asia leg of her ‘A Matter of Time’ tour. Laufey’s latest album and third full-length studio LP, A Matter of Time, was released in August 2025, and the ethereal songstress has since been touring extensively across North America and Europe to promote her dreamy new songs to sold-out stadiums and packed arenas. Laufey was last in Hong Kong in August 2024 for a concert as part of her ‘Bewitched: The Goddess Tour’, so this next show in May will be your chance to either see the talented musician perform again, or be wowed by her artistry for the first time. Bewitched and A Matter of Time both won the Grammy Award for ‘Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album’ in 2024 and 2026, respectively – a testament to Laufey’s unique ability to captivate audiences with her nostalgic blend of jazz, classical, and modern pop sounds, marking her as one of the most exciting artists of our time. Fans can look forward to Laufey showcasing her multi-instrumentalist skills as she switches seamlessly between piano and guitar and cello; thematic set design and theatrical projections to whisk audiences off to an atmospheric wonderland with Laufey as the musical guide; bittersweet and intimate songs that pluck at heartstrings; and immaculate live renditions of her beloved songs, including ‘From the Start’, ‘Valentine’, ‘Silver Lining’, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Skyler Barberio / Trafalgar Releasing Run, don’t walk, to get your tickets – Laufey’s shows have been known to sell out fast in the past. Visa Infinite cardholders will benefit from priority access to purchase tickets first on March 9 from 10am to 4pm; BOC Visa cardholders can enjoy presale access next on March 9 from 6pm until March 10 at 10am. Live Nation members can secure their tickets on March 10 from 3pm onwards until 11.59pm. Finally, the rest of the tickets will be made available to the general public on March 11 starting at 11am, on Cityline. Costs range between $699 and $1,299 for general tickets, and $1,899 to $2,199 for VIP tickets. Based on the shows that Laufey has been playing on the ‘A Matter of Time Tour’ thus far across Europe and North America, it’s likely that her setlist for the Hong Kong show will look something like this: Act I Clockwork Lover Girl Dreamer Falling Behind Silver Lining Bored Too Little, Too Late Act II Seems Like Old Times Valentine Fragile While You Were Sleeping Let You Break My Heart Again Act III Carousel Forget-Me-Not Cuckoo Ballet (Interlude) Act IV Mr Eclectic Castle in Hollywood Promise Goddess Tough Luck Snow White From the Start The Final Act Sabotage Encore How I Get Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Joji has announced a Hong Kong date for his global ‘Solaris’ arena tour Lin Heung Lau releases fortune-themed dim sum and blind boxes with ZA Bank Capella opens within Galaxy Macau with a luxurious suite-only concept

It’s no secret that we love this city and all it has to offer, and we’re always proud to call ourselves Hongkongers. But if there’s one gripe we have – a bone to pick, if you will – it is that Hong Kong is not exactly the most pet-friendly place in the world. We have the bustling city, the teeming nightlife, the lush greenery, and so much amazing food, but when we look at other cities all around the world, Hong Kong pet owners can’t help but think about how we can’t simply stroll into malls or places of entertainment with our furry companions, or even ride on the subway with them. Luckily, things are taking a turn for the better, with the Hong Kong government recently announcing the introduction of a special permit that will allow selected restaurants to welcome dogs indoors. Targeted for approval by mid-2026, between 500 and 1,000 permits will be issued to restaurants which apply for them. This means that we could see a sudden influx of restaurants that actively embrace patrons dining alongside their pets within this year – an absolute dream for dog owners who are tired of being relegated to outdoor seating with no air conditioning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by April & Artie (@aprilandartie) To address some of these queries: restaurants granted the pet permit will be allowed to determine the extent of their participation, and the policy does indeed cover air-conditioned areas in restaurants. Pet owners will be required to keep their dogs under control at all times with a leash no longer than 1.5 metres or secured to a fixed object. Dogs will also not be allowed on dining tables or to come in contact with food and tableware. It remains to be seen whether there’s a limit on how many dogs each pet owner can bring into eateries, and secretary for environment and ecology Tse Chin-wan also said on February 10 that dog diapers will most likely not be made mandatory as it may cause discomfort to dogs who don’t need them. High-risk venues like hotpot or barbecue restaurants will not be granted pet permits.  When asked which restaurants they would want to see welcome their pets in the near future, Hong Kong’s pet owners are not picky – they’re just happy that the option to do so is happening in the first place. Stephanie Lown, who works at the SPCA Hong Kong and is the founder of the outdoor adventure group Exploring Dogs, is just “thrilled to have any options open up to dogs at all!” Her rescue dog Lola is an energetic, active adventurer of the great outdoors, so Lown can think of “nothing better than ending a hike with your dog and being able to stop at a café or restaurant for a nice refreshing drink or meal”. Cho would love to see Korean restaurants and dim sum places adopt a pet-friendly attitude, while Dorathy wants to see their dining options expand to include cha chaan tengs or fast-food joints. We don’t know if Maxim’s Palace in City Hall or your local Café de Coral will soon embrace hungry pups, but it sure is a nice thought! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Life in Hong Kong with Lola (@livin_da_vida_lola) Promoting pet-friendly eateries is a great step in making Hong Kong a more inclusive city for animals. Considering that the local pet economy is a multi-billion dollar market driven by mostly younger citizens with the financial means and the inclination to provide the best for their animals, there is plenty more that can be done to make people happy while tapping into this sizable income pocket. Hong Kong is already trying out having pets on public transport, with select bus routes accommodating animals on certain days of the week and the Light Rail in the New Territories allowing pets on the weekends. Pet owners are now eagerly waiting for expanded transportation options, as well as regulations that don’t require their pets being placed in carriers – it’s easy to put a Pomeranian in a bag, but try doing the same with a Bernese Mountain Dog.  “Right now, I am always on foot or taking cabs everywhere whenever I travel with my dogs,” Cho muses. “I hope one day dogs will be allowed on either the MTR or on buses.” Dorathy concurs, saying that as a medium-sized dog owner, “it would be fantastic to bring my dogs on the MTR and buses”, adding that she wouldn’t mind putting her Samoyeds in diapers to ensure hygiene if needed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Exploring Dogs (@exploringdogs) Cho also adds that there are not enough dog-friendly parks and beaches in Hong Kong – dogs are currently banned from most parks and public beaches, with only a handful open to dog owners and their pups. “We usually end up on unregulated beaches that are filled with plastic, broken glass, and trash, which is so dangerous for dogs. Hopefully we’ll see more dog-friendly places so our fur babies can enjoy nature too.” Lown looks even further ahead, hoping to see more housing options open up to pet owners as well. “The last couple of years have definitely shown promise with ferries, KMB buses, and the MTR welcoming dogs for SPCA’s Dogathon, but we still have some ways to go. Other countries have had these pet-inclusive policies for years, if not decades!” Lastly, she hopes that with this recent wave of pet-friendly sentiment, the Hong Kong government might review the city’s animal cruelty laws, which she laments have not been updated in 90 years. “It would be good to see the government finally implementing a ‘Duty of Care’ policy which would help improve animal rights and welfare in Hong Kong.” Hear, hear! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s recent food poisoning outbreak linked to raw oysters Calbee opens a limited-time Chinese New Year pop-up at Citygate Outlets for snack fans Macau is the most active region in Asia when it comes to love and sex, according to Time Out

Ever wanted to go back in time and shop at a supermarket from the 1950s? It might come off as a rather specific fancy, but for those who harbour such a dream, you’re in luck: Hong Kong’s homegrown supermarket giant, Wellcome, is hopping aboard the nostalgia train with the launch of a retro-inspired concept store in Yau Ma Tei. Designed as a tribute to Hong Kong’s extensive retail history, Wellcome has repurposed its Prosperous Garden branch in Yau Ma Tei as an exhibition destination to celebrate the supermarket’s 80-year-plus legacy. Founded in 1945, Wellcome has been a constant in the lives of local families, serving the needs of generations of Hongkongers. As the city evolved, Wellcome evolved with it, but this branded concept shop preserves a slice of the supermarket as shoppers might have seen it back in the 1950s to the 1970s, complete with vintage character, photogenic interiors, and time-limited collectibles. Each aisle, stocked with a curated selection of products, doubles as a fetching backdrop oozing charm and colour, so no doubt this location will quickly become a popular attraction! Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Snap photos of the LED-emblazoned shopfront, which takes its cues from Hong Kong’s famous urban landscape of neon lights; discover classic interior design elements such as the vintage silver-and-green turnstile, a sea of red plastic lamps popularised in wet markets, and patterned floor tiles; and admire nostalgic grocery setups and heritage exhibits that showcase the allure and shared memories of Hong Kong’s past.  As part of the concept store activation, Wellcome is also launching special deals and brand collaborations to commemorate the occasion, including a reusable Wellcome Retro Eco Bag for $28 with a single transaction of $100 – it’s reminiscent of Wellcome’s old-school red-and-yellow carrier, making for a keepsake that’s both practical and sentimental. Additionally, Wellcome will team up with tech equipment manufacturer Smeg to offer a limited-edition Lifebox ($88 with any purchase of $100 or more) from February 6 to 19, and Hong Kong’s own lifestyle brand G.O.D. for a Lunar New Year-themed game set ($68). Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Wait, there’s more! While the weather’s still below 20 degrees Celsius, pop over to Prosperous Garden to sip warmed Vitasoy soy milk from glass bottles – a Hong Kong childhood memory that many will dwell on fondly. You can also take your chance at a Lee Kum Kee capsule machine from now until March 31, which will dispense a surprise miniature magnet depicting one of the condiment maker’s signature products. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Harbourside Swing Fest returns for its 2026 edition in late April Shiro brings its signature ‘crystal sushi’ to its second location in Tai Kwun Everything you need to know about Japan’s official cherry blossom forecast 2026

Love dim sum and surreal imagery? You’re in good company. Hong Kong street artist Lousy, best known for his bold graphics resembling glyphs and pictorial shapes, is collaborating with viral food photographer-artist David Leung – also known as Davidgoodtime, who specialises in capturing reflected food images highlighting pareidolia – for a dynamic exhibition about dim sum and the ritual of yum cha.  Hosted at JPS Gallery, ‘Double Umami’ is an artistic ode to Hong Kong cuisine, reimagined through the unique lenses of two distinctly different creators, who shaped their love of dumplings and morning teas into a visual celebration of Hong Kong’s DNA.  Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery In the exhibition space, visitors will encounter a customised dim sum cart installation, decorated by David and Lousy, in addition to photographs depicting beloved dim sum dishes in Leung’s signature mirrored style, mounted inside bamboo steamers crafted by master artisan Lui Ming of Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle. ‘Crab’s Kid Burn & Sell’ shows siu mai in a different light, appearing almost like the face of a crustacean, while ‘Char Siu Cat No. 2’ draws parallels between char siu bao and felines. We also particularly liked the birdcage installation which houses real emu eggs and plastic cards from dim sum carts inscribed with the Chinese onomatopoeia for bird chirps. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery Branching out from photography onto canvas and installation work for the first time, Leung is also presenting the ‘Sauce’ series, applying the same mirrored techniques to create patterns reminiscent of Rorschach inkblot tests. Inspired by traditional Fu Lu Shou statues representing fortune, prosperity, and longevity, Leung uses foldable boards loaded with pigment to ‘find’ faces hidden in the paint. In contrast, Lousy – rather than focusing on the food aspect of dim sum – aims to capture the feeling of community and chaos experienced during a yum cha get-together. He paints and draws on top of old dim sum order sheets to give graphic form to the hustle and bustle of a Cantonese restaurant, depicting figures sat at a table, abstract interpretations of food, hands pouring tea, and more. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery David and Lousy’s collaborations don’t end there. Lousy has teamed up with Wendy’s Wok World for a ‘Special Collab Soy Sauce’. 22 bottles of Tiu Yuen small-batch soy sauce are covered in custom packaging artwork created by Lousy. Meanwhile, Leung worked with chef May Chow of Little Bao to wrap 50 bottles of her handcrafted Fook Jiang chilli sauce in original ‘chilli sauce’ Rorschach artworks, bringing the food-focused project one degree closer to the art of Chinese cooking. ‘Double Umami’ is on exhibition at JPS Gallery from January 30 to March 7. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Art book publisher Taschen is having a huge sale in early February Starbucks opens at the Hong Kong Palace Museum with Hong Kong’s first Chinese calligraphy shop sign and exclusive products Fujifilm releases a camcorder-instant camera hybrid in the instax mini Evo Cinema

Listen, we love a good beat drop or screaming chart-toppers like any other nighttime reveller in the city, but in this era of EDM and throwback pop-heavy party scene, it would be nice to enjoy something authentic that sounds different for once. Well, it looks like we got our wish, because a vinyl record-based bar has just announced they’ll be opening in Lan Kwai Fong. The brainchild of longtime friends Brian and Ah Hei, the 8055 vinyl bar has had previous iterations based in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, which grew in popularity to welcome even local celebrities and creatives like Eason Chan and Tyson Yoshi as patrons. The pandemic eventually saw the shuttering of the bar – but not for good. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Building on their seven-year brand identity as a hotspot for authentic vinyl DJ-ing, graffiti art, and Japanese chill drinking culture, 8055 is now back in the game with a new home in the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife district, Lan Kwai Fong. Expect the warmth and pops of analogue sound being played all night, with a focus on Japanese hip-hop, jazz, funk, and city pop – a sound that’s pretty unique within our nightlife scene and, frankly, a breath of fresh air from all the other clubs around. To pair with the music, 8055’s drinks turn the focus on premium Japanese whiskies and umeshu plum wine. Their signature tipple is an elegant, simple umeshu soda, but you can also truly do things the Japanese way by leaving the choice up to the bartender, omakase-style. Staying true to the brand’s history, 8055’s new venue will also allow guests to freely draw, scribble, and unleash creativity all over the walls with graffiti markers, so if you’ve ever left your mark in bars like Not2Sweet, you’ll want to do the same here as well. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Check things out at 8055’s grand opening party on January 24, when they’ll be hosting a 10-hour DJ relay from 8pm onwards. The lineup will include Andrew Bull, better known as DJ El Toro or the ‘Father of Hong Kong DJs’, who is famous for initiating the city’s first disco in The Peninsula hotel as well as the iconic Canton Disco. Sounds like a party and a half! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Kodak Apparel opens a time-limited concept store in Hong Kong New brasserie Chouchou brings French comfort food to an elevated setting in Wan Chai Sai Ying Pun’s historic steakhouse Sammy’s Kitchen announces closure this month

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My Festival members, take part in this seasonal activity by purchasing a $1,000 gift card to receive a limited-edition Baby Namagaki birthstone bag charm and candy can clutch – where you can store your hard-earned sweets.  Namagaki Festival will be at Festival Walk from October 24 to November 13. See footage of the Namagaki Festival pop-up here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 18 hotels in Hong Kong and Macau have been awarded 2025 Michelin Keys OneRepublic is coming back to Hong Kong in February 2026 The best Halloween parties in Hong Kong this year

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture display, there will also be a Water Parade Market at the promenade near Tamar Park. Aside from pop-up stores, F&B stands, game booths, photo spots, and a capsule toy zone, the market will also feature other internationally popular IPs from KPop Demon Hunters, season five of Stranger Things, Squid Games, Snoopy and the Peanuts, as well as Hong Kong’s classic TOLO Founding Duck, which is marking its 40th anniversary. Early-bird tickets to the festivities will be available at $50 for adults, starting at 12 noon on September 26. Walk-in tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. All tickets include a $20 merchandise voucher, which can be redeemed cumulatively on purchases of every $200. Attendees can also buy a viewing platform special ticket at $150, which includes entry to the Water Parade Market. See some footage of the Water Parade here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best Oktoberfest events happening in Hong Kong this year The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (September 22-28) Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong braces for the strongest typhoon of the year as it approaches the city

Do you remember an exhibition last summer that displayed miniature scenes of the Central and Western districts in Pacific Place? In case you missed it, the Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) is back once again, this time with more incredibly detailed dioramas of life in Hong Kong, including seven brand-new miniatures that have never been seen before. The 24 art pieces will highlight some of Hong Kong’s famous landmarks, cultural customs, and unique lifestyles. Peek into painstaking recreations of Sunday dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, chaotic nighttime revelry along Lan Kwai Fong, the customs of worship and pin wheel buying at Man Mo Temple and Wong Tai Sin Temple, a moving model of the fifth generation of the Peak Tram funicular railway, views of Victoria Harbour complete with boats sailing and fireworks, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Joyful Miniature Association The new miniatures at this show include the Kai Tak Sports Park, the legendary old Kowloon Walled City, night scenes of Temple Street, horse racing, aquatic animals on sale at one of the many shops along Goldfish Street, the cable car at Ngong Ping 360, and Hong Kong’s transhipment history at the Insta-famous Western District Pier. The JMA brings together over 100 Hong Kong artists who collectively integrate the traditionally European craft of miniatures with our distinctly local culture using cutting-edge technology. If there’s one way to stroll through the most iconic sights and experiences of Hong Kong in just a few steps, this exhibition is definitely it. ‘Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition’ will be on display at The Peak Tower from April 25 to June 23 – JMA’s longest exhibition in the city. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong ranked as the 10th most walkable city in the world; 1st in East Asia Hong Kong Airport Express proposes fare increase of 9.4 percent The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is hosting a carnival this Sunday

We sit down with artist and designer Joe Foti before his new exhibition in Hong Kong

March in Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to the Wanchai Convention Centre to spend a day or two at Art Basel. This year’s fair gathers 240 global galleries, with large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, digital art, live performances, video works, and more to see!

From a world without colours to her love of big city metros, we caught up with British artist Monster Chetwynd for a round of quick-fire questions while she's in town for her new installation at Pacific Place!