Hong Kong, Colonial Echoes and Cantonese Soul
The Vibe of the Past
Beneath the towering skyline and neon shimmer lies a Hong Kong that still remembers, the fragrance of incense drifting from temple altars, the clatter of mahjong tiles in open-air tea houses, the British red-brick clock towers and art deco facades that speak of a colonial chapter now past but never forgotten. This is a city where East and West entwine seamlessly, and where nostalgia lives not in silence, but in motion on double-decker trams, Star Ferry rides, and street stalls that have stood for generations.
Travel
Star Ferry Ride
Hop aboard the iconic Star Ferry at sunset for panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. The ferry ride, simple yet profound, offers the most scenic and nostalgic commute between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30 – 19.45
Admission Fee: (Mon – Fri) 5 HKD/Person (Sat – Sun) 6.5 HKD/Person
Double-Decker Trams (“Ding Dings”)
Experience a charming piece of old Hong Kong aboard the city’s double-decker trams. These vintage vehicles rattle through the city’s oldest districts, offering a moving glimpse into urban history.
Address: Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan
Opening Hours: Daily 5.00 – 24.00
Admission Fee: 3 HKD/Person
Western Market
Wander into a preserved slice of colonial-era Hong Kong at Western Market, one of the city’s oldest surviving Edwardian buildings. Housed in a striking red-brick structure, the market features a charming mix of fabric merchants, local crafts, and nostalgic boutiques that reflect the city’s trading heritage. Its vintage allure and architectural grace make it a favorite stop for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Address: 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00 – 20.00
Eat
Lin Heung Tea House
Step back in time at Lin Heung, one of the last traditional dim sum tea houses in Hong Kong. Staff push steaming carts of bamboo baskets around the room while patrons share tables and stories over tea.
Address: 160-164 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Daily 6.00 – 23.00
Kau Kee Restaurant
Famous for its beef brisket noodles, Kau Kee is a no-frills institution beloved by locals. Expect fast service, shared tables, and bowls of rich, tender, slow-cooked satisfaction.
Address: G/F, 21 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 12.30 – 22.30 Close on Monday
Retro, Hong Kong
Retro is a charming new café on Jaffe Road in Wanchai, styled like a 1920s diner with checkered floors, vintage lighting, and classic booth seating. Serving all-day brunch, pastries, and specialty coffee, it offers a cozy, nostalgic escape from Hong Kong’s fast-paced café scene.
Address: 160 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Daily 8.00 – 18.00
Stay
Lanson Place Causeway Bay
In the heart of Hong Kong, where tradition meets modernity at every turn, a new cultural experience awaits, one that invites you to slip into a timeless qipao, step aboard a vintage open-top tram, and glide through the city’s storied streets in true 1960s elegance.
Introducing the Ding Ding Qipao Tour, a weekend experience curated by Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, in partnership with Hong Kong Tramways. This nostalgic journey celebrates the essence of old Hong Kong while offering modern travelers an immersive escape.
The experience begins with the selection of a traditional qipao, a symbol of grace and Chinese heritage, from the boutique Yan Shang Kee in Central. Available in styles for women, men, and children, the garments bring a touch of retro flair to the day. Once dressed, guests board a beautifully restored 1920s-style open-top tram, embarking on a one-hour scenic ride from Western Market to Causeway Bay. As the tram glides past bustling streets and familiar landmarks, every moment becomes a living snapshot of history.
The journey continues at Salon Lanson, the hotel’s refined lounge next to the Causeway Bay Terminus, where guests can enjoy a specially crafted cocktail, The World of Suzie Wong, a romantic nod to the classic film set in 1960s Hong Kong.
Address: 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Website: www.lansonplace.com/causewaybay/
The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel
This repurposed 1960s government building is now one of Hong Kong’s most stylish hotels. The Murray offers panoramic views, fine dining, and sophisticated design within walking distance of The Peak Tram and Hong Kong Park.
Address: 22 Cotton Tree Dr, Central, Hong Kong
Website: www.niccolohotels.com/en/the-murray-hong-kong
Tai O Heritage Hotel
Housed in a meticulously restored 1902 colonial police station overlooking the South China Sea, the Tai O Heritage Hotel offers a rare and tranquil escape into Hong Kong’s rural, coastal past. Nestled in the historic fishing village of Tai O on Lantau Island, this nine-room boutique hotel blends colonial charm with modern comfort, preserving original architectural features like arched colonnades and tiled floors while offering sweeping views of the sea and nearby stilt-house community. Guests can stroll through narrow alleys lined with traditional homes, sample local delicacies at the market, or relax on the hotel’s verandas watching fishing boats glide by. With its peaceful setting, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, the hotel provides an evocative, nostalgic retreat far from the city’s frenetic pace.
Address: 14 Shek Tsai Po St, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Website: www.taioheritagehotel.com
