Hong Kong may be better known for its dazzling skyline and splendid lifestyle but this captivating Asian city also beguiles tourists with numerous cultural lures. A plethora of museums, art houses, and cultural centres offers a sneak peek into the destination’s centuries-old heritage. We have compiled a list of some of the offbeat cultural attractions in Hong Kong. Check them out.
Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC)
Home to an arts centre and a multi-disciplinary arts village, JCCAC is a must visit place, especially for culture vultures. Take a stroll around the Arts Village to admire the incredible works of arts such as sculptures, ceramics, and Chinese as well as western paintings. JCCAC’s Art Centre is home to the Jockey Club Black Box, which is often used as a venue for art workshops, themed exhibitions, and experimental stage performances. Art Centre also has exhibition galleries at two levels. Besides, JCCAC hosts several events throughout the year, with some of the most prominent ones being the quarterly Handicraft Fair and the Annual JCCAC Festival.
Yim Tin Tsai
This quiet island is the place, where the first Catholic community settled in Hong Kong. It can be accessed by a 15-minute boat ride from Sai Kung’s Pier. Today, the island is more or less abandoned but still boasts numerous attractions that represent the Catholic history of Hong Kong. St. Joseph’s Chapel is the most prominent attraction here. This chapel was built in 1890 and features an enchanting Italian Romanesque style of architecture. Besides, there are several other remnants of Hakka Culture here. Near the pier, you would come across a kiosk that sells a popular local delicacy called Hakka Sweet. The sweet comes in different flavours, with almond and pumpkin being quite popular.
Sam Tung Uk Museum
This Hakka Walled village was built in the 18th century and was converted into a museum in the 1980s. Today, it is a historical monument and allures a large number of tourists with its permanent exhibition, The Way We Were, where you can experience the typical village life of Hakka people. Agricultural instruments are also on display. Besides, the museum also hosts several temporary exhibitions. Consider being a part of a guided tour to understand the collection in a better manner.
Wanchai Livelihood Museum
Owing to its striking blue exteriors, the museum is often known as the Blue House. Built in the 1920s, this four-storey edifice features Lingnan-style of architecture and houses the first ever livelihood museum of Hong Kong. The structure was transformed into a museum to promote the cultural values of Wan Chai neighbourhood. Wan Chai residents arrange heritage walking tours to make tourists aware about this part of the city. A variety of temporary exhibitions and regular events illustrate the history and development of Hong Kong.
