Joanna James
As one of the most exciting areas in Hong Kong, Kowloon is not only a shopping hotspot but a cultural hub as well. Here are some of the top activities to experience when travelling around in Kowloon.
A visit to the iconic Hong Kong Science Museum is not only an activity reserved for science enthusiasts as the state-of-the-art institution is one of the country's most engaging and contemporary edutainment hotspots. Young children will go wild with the hands-on showcases on display at this museum which employs modern technology to offer visitors a seamless tour complete with presentations made by robots, VR based games and even a video games arcade. Learn chemistry, biology and physics the fun way at the Hong Kong Science Museum where science comes to life in the best way possible.
Often referred to as Hong Kong's most peaceful highlight, the Chi Lin Nunnery is a mesmerizing point of interest for all tourists who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Hong Kong. The Buddhist compound which dates back to the 1930s was reconstructed entirely in wood without the use of a single nail and the central architectural marvel is not the only highlight in this tranquil escape as the Tang dynastic style complex also includes the lotus ponds and lush, green spaces. The temple halls contain precious Buddhist relics as well as sculptures representing the Bodhisattva and Sakyamuni.
Although Kowloon is home to countless boutiques and shopping venues none compare to the Temple Street Night Market in terms of the sheer variety of goods available. The vibrant local thoroughfare occupies a cross section of the area from Man Ming Lane to Nanking Street and one can be sure to find everything under the sun in this sprawling marketplace where the products are not only affordable but also of good quality. Lively once the sun goes down, the experience of window shopping in this market alone will suffice as the attraction is an integral part of Hong Kong's retail culture. Visitors based at the Dorsett Mongkok or any similar budget hotel in Hong Kong will find that the market is within easy reach of most accommodation hubs.
Occupying the former location of a barrack set up by the British Army, Kowloon Park is one of Hong Kong's most breathtaking recreational attractions to date. Lined with banyan trees and thematic gardens the park is interspersed with fountains and other bodies of water to offer visitors a welcome respite from the cosmopolitan feel of the remainder of Hong Kong. Spread out across 33 acres, the vast expanse also includes a bird park and an aviary. An indoor sports centre and an aquatic centre where the swimming pool is used by a whopping 200 swimmers daily is also part of the landscape.
When it comes to discovering the local art scene, there's nothing quite like spending an hour at the C&G Artpartment, the trendiest and edgiest art gallery in Hong Kong. Showcasing the talent of local contemporary artists, the founders Clara and Gum have made space a platform for budding local painters who are socially conscious artists hoping to change perspectives through their work.
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