Situated between Kowloon Tong of Kowloon and Tai Wai of New Territories, Lion Rock is one of the most famous mountains in Hong Kong. Not only does Lion Rock provide a place for recreational activities such as hiking, but it has been a symbol of the Hong Konger’s tenacious spirit.

Lion Rock earned its name from the rocky outcrop that resembles a crouching lion. At 495 meters high, Lion Rock provides a stunning 360-degree view encompassing Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, parts of Hong Kong Island (on a good day), and parts of New Territories.

That is why we have written this guide for the Lion Rock Hike, so travelers and locals can enjoy one of the most incredible hikes in Hong Kong!

We will also briefly discuss how you can hike Lion Rock at night!

Enjoy!

Not sure if the Lion Rock in Hong Kong hike is right for you? Here is a quick summary:

Duration Of Hike: Typically 3.5 to 4 hours in total for the standard loop but only 2.5 hours of hiking. The rest of the time is for breaks, taking photos, and watching the sunset (if you are hiking for sunset).

There is a shorter but less scenic route for anyone in a rush but still wants the scenic view at the top of Lion Rock. The shorter route takes a total of  1.5 hours of hiking out-and-back. (We will talk about the shorter route down below.)

Lion Rock Hike Difficulty: 6.5/10, the hike is fairly short, but the most difficult part is the consistent incline on the ascent. It is also fairly shaded once you are inside the Lion Rock Country Park.

Elevation Gained On Hike: 523 meters (1,715 feet) gained in total on the standard loop route.

Total Distance Of Hike: 6.7 Kilometer (Standard Loop Route)

Why Hike Lion Rock? Lion Rock (also called Lion Rock Hill) offers some of the most spectacular views of the Kowloon Peninsula. Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island can also be seen on a good day.

It is also a great outdoor activity (not too strenuous) in Hong Kong for any travelers looking to explore a more hidden side of Hong Kong. 

Above is the Lion Rock hiking route for the standard loop.

While there are many Lion Rock hike starting points, the most common one is the Wong Tai Sin MTR Station Exit B3. That is because the MTR makes it so easy to arrive at this point.

Once you have arrived at this point, you have two options. Because you are still in civilization, you can decide to take the minibus to Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple (Point B on map) or decide to arrive there on foot.

There is nothing particularly interesting from Wong Tai Sin Station to the temple, so you won’t be missing out on much. Besides, that part of the Lion Rock trail is quite steep and takes about 20 minutes.

If you want to take a minibus from Wong Tai Sin Station, you can take No. 18M from Sha Tin Pass Road here. They run every 7 minutes or so.

After you have reached Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple, it is another twenty minutes of uphill walking before reaching the entrance to the Lion Rock Country Park trail (Point C). If you want to avoid all of that walking (hiking) before, you can also take a taxi here, but this is the furthest a vehicle can go. 

After you have arrived at the official Lion Rock hike starting point, it is a 1-hour hike to the top of Lion Rock mountain.

Once you reach the top, you will end up at the tail of Lion Rock. Walk along the ridge of Lion Rock and you will shortly arrive at Lion’s Back and Lion’s Head.

When you are done admiring the views and taking photos, there is a path to the right of Lion’s Head that will take you down. It takes about 35 minutes to descend the mountain and arrive back at civilization. The path is very simple and paved with stone steps, making it a very safe option even if you are going down in the dark.

Once you have officially exited the hiking trail, find your way back home. The Lok Fu MTR Station is only a short 20-minute walk away downhill.

Getting To The Start Of The Hike

Getting to the start of the hike is extremely easy, even if it is your first time in Hong Kong.

We took the MTR (Mass Transit Rail) from Jordan (where we were staying) to Wong Tai Sin MTR Station. To take the MTR, or any public transportation in Hong Kong, it is recommended to have the refundable contactless Octopus Card, though you can also buy single-ride tickets at the stations.

We arrived at Wong Tai Sin MTR Station at 4 PM because we wanted to do a Lion Rock sunset hike. Sunset was around 6 PM and we figured it wouldn’t take us more than 2 hours to reach the top.

Arriving At The Entrance of Lion Rock Country Park (Start Of Dirt Path)

We decided to hike to the entrance of the Lion Rock Country Park instead of taking the minibus. It was only going to be a 40 minutes hike so we said what could possibly go wrong?

Oh boy was that path steep. It wasn’t just the steep incline that bothered us, but the debilitating Hong Kong heat from a mixture of warm weather, congestion, and lack of shade. To be honest, we felt that the first 40-minute to the official trailhead is harder than the 1-hour trail to the top of Lion Rock.

In about 20 minutes, we reached the Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple. The door was completely shut and we couldn’t get a glimpse of what was inside. If you turn around at this part of the hike, you will notice that you are above some of the public estates in the area, and most of them are over 20 stories tall.

Once you pass the Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple, you will be on Shatin Pass Road, the road which will lead you to the entrance of the country park. This part is as steep as the part before but you will start getting some spectacular views of the Kowloon Peninsula. Lots of hikers were coming down this road and most of them looked pretty exhausted.

After 20 more minutes, we arrived at the sign that said Lion Rock Country Park. Behind it was a dirt trail that led into the woods on the mountain.

Hiking To The Lion Rock Peak

We took a small break before we entered the trailhead of Lion Rock. Honestly, we were a little exhausted and VERY sweaty by then.

We reluctantly (only a little) entered the Lion Rock Country Park, already expecting the worst. To our surprise, the hike from the country park entrance to the peak of Lion Rock wasn’t that bad. It was mostly a dirt path with the occasional sections of stone steps.

Along the hiking route were several small viewpoints where hikers could get some stunning views of the Kowloon Peninsula below. It was nowhere near as spectacular as the 360-degree views you get at the top, but it was enough to motivate us to keep going!

About 45 minutes into the hike, we ran into a sign pointing left that says Lion Rock Peak 0.5 KM. Once we reached that sign, we knew it was the final part of the ascent. This last part was full of high steps that seemed to never end.

Though this bit was only 15 minutes long, it felt like the longest part of the hike. Eventually, we reached the Lion’s Tail, one of the three parts on the ridge that forms the actual Lion Rock.

Here is where we found the sign for the peak of Lion Rock.

The view at Lion’s Tail was actually not that spectacular, so we decided to move onto Lion’s Back. This is the location of the most famous photography spot on Lion Rock. Don’t miss the opportunity to snap a few photos here. 

The hike wouldn’t be complete without being on the Lion’s Head, so we moved along after a few photos and went up Lion’s Head. Many people decide to skip going up Lion’s Head because it is a rather dangerous spot with no railings (actually, there is no railing at all on the ridge).

However, we didn’t find it more dangerous than Lion’s Back.

Here we flew the drone and captured a few photos. There were a few minutes left of golden hour and we were just in time for sunset.

We sat and watched the sun fade below the horizon, slowly igniting the sky into golden hues.

This only lasted a good 15 minutes before the night fell upon us. The reason why we like hiking Lion Rock for sunset is that we can also see the urban city of Hong Kong light up in the dark skies.

In the sea of darkness, the lights from the busy roads of Kowloon, the skyscrapers dotting the city, and the public housing estates were a magical view.

It is no surprise why so many people do the Lion Rock hike at night!

Unfortunately, my camera died at that point (damn you Sony mirrorless) so I couldn’t capture a nice photo. We did take one from the phone though but it was only a fraction of the beauty we saw with our eyes.

Descending Lion Rock At Night

Sacrifices have to be made if you want the stunning night view on Lion Rock peak because you must descend in the dark afterward. Fortunately, we didn’t need to go back the same way we came from. There was a shorter trail that takes you towards Lok Fu.

It was our first time on the trail and we don’t usually have much luck when hiking at night (like the hike at Suicide Peak). However, after chatting with some fellow Hong Kongers, we found out that was a commonly used trail for people hiking down the mountain.

To our surprise, the path was immaculate. Yes, there were some steep steps at some parts of the trail, but the majority of the trail is well-paved, sometimes even better than actual sidewalks. Usually, we will fall at least once when we descend in the dark, but this time we did not!

It took 35 minutes before we were out of the Lion Rock Country Park territory. Then we headed towards Lok Fu MTR Station because that was the quickest way from the end of the hike to our shower!

If you are in a rush (maybe for the sunset), then consider this shorter route to the top of Lion Rock. The shorter route is simply the route we took on the descent. On the map above, it would be from Point E to Point D.

This shorter route takes about 1 hour to ascend and half an hour to descend, making the total time of hiking around 1.5 hours.

If you are considering this Lion Rock hiking trail, you will need to take the MTR to Lok Fu MTR Station or Wong Tai Sin Station. The trailhead for this route is located 20 minutes from both of these stations (not included in the hiking time).

Generally speaking, the best time to do any hiking in Hong Kong is in the winter (December to March). The weather is the most moderate and rainfall is infrequent.

If you are visiting Hong Kong in the summer, you might want to consider some indoor activities in Hong Kong because it will be HOT (Hot Kong)! You might want to consider a Lion Rock night hike in that case.

You want to avoid weekends when hiking Lion Rock. Because it is one of the most iconic peaks in Hong Kong, you will find big crowds on the peak. And honestly, there isn’t too much room at the top.

The best time of the day to hike Lion Rock is either early in the morning or around 2 hours before sunset. That way you can avoid the miserable Hong Kong midday heat and beat the crowd.

• Monkeys are occasionally seen inside Lion Rock Country Park, so you might see some when you are hiking Lion Rock. In that case, stay calm, don’t show them you have any food, and keep your belongings close to you and you will be fine. They are typically not aggressive.

• Just because this is a relatively short hike, make sure you bring enough water. We only brought 750 mL per person and we wished we had more.

• If you wish to hire a guide for the hike, you can check out my personal Airbnb experience here. Alternatively, reach out on the Contact page and I can give you a special offer!

• On the map, you might see another path to Lion Rock next to Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple. We highly advise against going on that path. It is a steep path where scrambling is required. There have been deaths on Lion Rock. It is not worth the risk.

• Hiking Lion Rock is one of our favorite things to do at night in Hong Kong, but extra precautions should be taken. Keep an eye on where the edge is when you are at the top because falling off would result in serious injuries, possibly fatal ones. You can use either route to reach the summit at night; it is entirely up to your preference.

Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest! 🙂

This is the end of our guide to hiking Lion Rock in HK. We hope you get to enjoy this beautiful nature’s creation the way we did!

Any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! The money will help run this site! Thank you 🙂

Not sure what to do at night in Hong Kong? Worry not.

With over 7.4 million people in Hong Kong, the mega metropolitan city might intimate first-time visitors, especially if they are not used to the city nightlife.

There are simply too many options.

From the skyscrapers in Central to the small fishing town of Sai Kung, numerous night activities are scattered throughout Hong Kong. Below we will talk about our 18 favorite things to do in Hong Kong at night so you can select the perfect one.

Enjoy!

1. Watch Horse Races At Happy Valley (Wednesdays Only)

As a former British colony, the tradition of horse racing is ingrained into Hong Kong’s culture. Locals love it so much that two racecourses exist in Hong Kong: Sha Tin Racecourse and Happy Valley Racecourse.

If you are a horse racing enthusiast and want to do some gambling, the Sha Tin Racecourse is the better place. The horse races usually occur on Sundays, the only days when the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) will service the Racecourse Station.

However, if you just want a fun and relaxing time, then Happy Valley Racecourse is the better choice. Always boasting a great atmosphere (probably due to the bars serving booze and greasy food), Happy Valley Racecourse is the ideal place to catch up with friends, go on a date, gamble, or just to enjoy some horse races.

The massive venue has a capacity of 55,000 people, and the open-air space offers stunning night views of the surrounding buildings.

One thing to note is that horse racing is a fairly common event in Hong Kong, unlike other parts of the world that treat it as a glamorous occasion. Don’t be surprised when you see expats and tourists dressed up elegantly to the Happy Valley Horse Races while the locals are dressed down.

Don’t forget, Happy Valley Racecourse only occurs every Wednesday night. The entrance fee is $10 HKD.

If you are traveling alone in Hong Kong, check out this pub crawl with horse races!

2. Shop ‘Til You Drop At Temple Street Night Market

From Ladies Market in Mongkok to Apliu Street Market in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong is in no shortage of exciting street markets. However, many of them close at dusk, leaving visitors with not a lot of things to do at night in Hong Kong.

Thankfully, the Temple Street Night Market is open until late into the night. Located in the busy area of Jordan and Yau Ma Tei, Temple Street becomes flooded with tourists and locals once the sun sets. Spanning a total of five streets, there are over hundreds of stalls there selling a variety of cheap goods.

Clothing, electronics, souvenirs, mobile accessories, antiques, the list goes on and on! Stroll down the narrow pedestrian-only street and you will find yourself overwhelmed (in a good way) by the lights, merchandise, and other tourists!

Though Hong Kong is usually not a place for bargaining, it is a must when it comes to night markets such as Temple Street Night Market (especially if you look like a tourist).

When you are tired from the sensory overload, stop by some of the roadside stalls for food and drinks. Some of the must-try food in Temple Street are the seafood, clay pot hot-pot rice, noodles with dumplings, and tofu pudding dessert (Tau Foo Fah).

Featuring Hong Kongers’ favorite activities (shopping and eating), it is no wonder why visiting Temple Street is a popular night activity in Hong Kong! 

3. Go Squid Fishing In Sai Kung

Away from the madness and skyscrapers of Hong Kong is a small fishing town called Sai Kung. Located next to the sea, Sai Kung is a popular destination for water sports and island hopping in the day time. Sai Kung is also the home of some of the most stunning hikes in Hong Kong.

This popular seaside town quiets down at night as many of its attractions are unavailable. The night brings upon a new set of activities in Sai Kung, namely squid fishing.

The only way to go squid fishing is via a tour company, as you need to take a cruise to the middle of the sea. Once you have reached the ideal location, bright lights are used to attract squid towards the boat.

Surprisingly, squid fishing is quite similar to regular fishing (at least in my experience), with bait attached to a hook at the end of the string and enough patience to earn a Nobel Prize.

If you are fortunate enough to catch a squid (cuttlefish), be careful when you reel it up. As a self-defense mechanism, they will shoot ink at you!

At the end of your squid fishing tour, the chef on the cruise will cook everyone’s catch and prepare a small snack. Don’ worry if you didn’t catch any squid (like me and many other people on the tour), they will still feed you!

You can find tours on the pier of Sai Kung but you might have to wander for a bit. The tours usually start around 7 PM and last until 10 PM. It is the perfect ending to a day trip in Sai Kung.

To save yourself the hassle, you can secure your squid fishing tour online here.

4. Suicide Cliff Night Hike

If you are looking for an adventurous night attraction in Hong Kong, consider the Suicide Cliff Hike in East Kowloon.

Relax. The Suicide Cliff did not earn its name from the suicides that happen there but the sheer drop at the cliffs.

Suicide Cliff gained popularity after a photo of it won first place in a National Geographic contest. Nowadays, tourists and locals flock to this picture-perfect location to photograph the stunning landscape of Hong Kong. Because of its popularity, Suicide Cliff is often crowded, especially in the day time.

Consequently, hiking Suicide Cliff at night is becoming more and more popular. The night time offers a unique view of Hong Kong, a rare side of Hong Kong that only the adventurous can see.

From the skyscrapers to the housing estates to Victoria Harbour, countless amount of lights cover the city. Contrasted by the natural landscape of Suicide Cliff, you have the best of both worlds.

The Suicide Cliff is part of a mountain known as Kowloon Peak, or Fei Ngo Shan. At 602 meters above sea-level, it is the tallest mountain in Kowloon.

As the natural border between New Territories and Kowloon, many routes can take you to Suicide Cliff. However, some routes should be avoided (especially at night) because of how steep and dangerous they can be!

Another popular night hike is Lion Rock, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic mountains.

1. Visit Victoria Harbour For The Renowned Hong Kong Skyline

If you are not sure where to go in Hong Kong at night, Victoria Harbour will never disappoint.

Victoria Harbour is the most iconic landmark in Hong Kong, especially at night. Known as the birthplace of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour was the home of many small fishing villages. Eventually, many of these fishing villages grew (along with British colonization) and turned Hong Kong into the Pearl of Orient today.

Victoria Harbour acts as a natural separator between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula and offers unmatched panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline.

Spanning over 40 kilometer-squares, you might wonder where is the best place to see Victoria Harbour. Is it from the Kowloon side? Or is it from the Hong Kong Island side?

Both sides of Hong Kong offer spectacular views, but generally the Kowloon side looking towards Hong Kong Island is more preferred. Hong Kong Island is home to the majority of Hong Kong’s skyscraper, as well as the famous “The Peak” that looms over in the distance. Many of these skyscrapers have uniquely-designed facades that light up at night, making the night view much more spectacular.

On any given night, the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade in Kowloon is filled with tourists and locals, enjoying the beautiful Hong Kong skyline and/or on a leisure walk. If you have not been to TST yet, then make sure you check out other things to do in TST like the Avenue of Stars and K11 MUSEA. 

A more quiet location would be the West Kowloon Cultural District. Though a little harder to get to than Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), it has a much more peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

If you wish to see it from the Hong Kong Island side, you have many choices such as the HK Observation Wheel, the Peak, Tamar Park, and many more.

2. Watch The Symphony of Lights (Hong Kong Light Show)

To further emphasize the beauty of Victoria Harbour, a light show known as the Symphony of Lights occurs every night at 8 PM (except in severe weather conditions). At 13 minutes long, this show is the longest permanent light and sound show in the world.

Using a mixture of lasers and light decorations, over 40 buildings in Hong Kong Island come together to create a mesmerizing experience. Luckily for you, you can be mesmerized as many times as you would like because the light show will happen again tomorrow and the day after tomorrow!

The light show occurs on the Hong Kong Island side, so naturally the best place to see it is across from it at Tsim Sha Tsui. The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is the only location where you can hear the music as well!

3. Hong Kong Observation Wheel (HK Ferris Wheel)

Located at the Central Harbourfront is the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, the only Ferris wheel in Hong Kong. Rising up to 60 meters (197 ft), the HK Observation Wheel provides a stunning 360-view of its surrounding. Visitors can not only see all of Victoria Harbour, but also parts of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Peak.

At a cost of$20 HKD (at the time of writing), the Ferris Wheel is quite a bargain. It takes you on for 3 rotations and lasts 15 minutes in total.

While the night view at the top of the HK Observation view is sure to impress, visitors are also welcome to visit in the day time. In the daytime, you will have more visibility and can see much further. At night, Hong Kong lights up like the stars in the night sky, a view that you won’t forget!

We highly recommend you to secure your ticket beforehand for convenience, especially if you are visiting on the weekend!

4. Check Out Hong Kong’s Iconic Night View At The Peak

If you have ever seen photos of Hong Kong, then you are probably familiar with the night views from Victoria Peak, commonly referred to as The Peak. At around 550 meters in elevation, The Peak is a vantage point that rises above even the highest skyscrapers in Hong Kong.

It is also the highest mountain in Hong Kong Island.

If there is one night view to see in Hong Kong, it is the one at Victoria Peak. Towering over all the surrounding areas, you can see Central, Victoria Harbour, Lamma Island, and all the surrounding islands.

Like most vantage points of Hong Kong, The Peak is completely free. However, visitors usually tend to take the Peak Tram from Central to The Peak, and that costs $52 HKD for a return ticket. You can also elect to hike from Admiralty, which takes about an hour to reach The Peak.

Once you reach the top, you have the option to check out the view from the Sky Terrace 428 or just walk around. The view at the observatory is definitely better but the views from ground level aren’t too shabby.

If you are interested, check out this Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Observatory Combo. You can save some money!

5. Go On A Victoria Habour Cruise On The Aqua Luna Junk Boat

If you want a comfortable and unique experience to see Hong Kong’s night view, then climb abroad a traditional red-sail Chinese junk boat and go on a Victoria Harbour cruise. Known as Aqua Luna, these junk boats have been carefully crafted to provide guests a glimpse into Hong Kong’s heritage.

The bottom floor of the boat features ornate wooden tables and chairs, resembling historical Chinese aesthetics. On the upper floors, you will find lounge-like facilities such as lounge chairs and daybeds for guests to relax and enjoy the experience.

The Aqua Luna cruise tour lasts for 45 minutes and a complimentary drink is served upon boarding. You have the choice between wine, beer, soda, or just water, so don’t worry if you are traveling in Hong Kong with kids.

We recommend you to go on the Aqua Luna Symphony of Lights tour, as you can see the beautiful skyline and the light show at the same time!

Sailing on the Aqua Luna junk boat is an experience we highly recommend!

Find out more information here!

6. Ride The Star Ferry Across Victoria Harbour For Cheap!

Founded in 1888, the Star Ferry is one of the oldest modes of transportation in Hong Kong. The main use of the Star Ferry is to carry passengers from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central and vice versa, though you could also go from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui.

While it used to be the only way of crossing the Harbour, nowadays there are tunnels and the MTR. But the use of the Star Ferry still remains popular today, as it is the cheapest way to get across Victoria Harbour.

At a maximum cost of $3.7 HKD (less than half a USD), it is not hard to see why it is so appealing.

Riding the Star Ferry is more than just getting from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island or vice versa. The journey offers superb views of both sides of the harbor, something that is rare unless you charter a private cruise.

If you are traveling in Hong Kong on a budget, taking the Star Ferry would offer you night views that would typically cost you a fortune!

1. Let Your Voice Be Heard At Karaoke!

Karaoke is a big part of entertainment culture in Asia, especially in Hong Kong. Unlike the western counterparts where you have to stand in front of a group of strangers and hope to not embarrass yourself, the Asian version is much more intimate.

Karaoke in Hong Kong involves renting out private rooms where you and your friends can select your favorite songs to lose your voice to. Many of these karaoke establishments serve food and drinks, perfect for anyone that wants to stay for a while. How else do they expect you to last until 5 AM (closing time)?

Typically, karaoke rooms are rented out by the hour. Don’t forget to see if they have any promotions that will give you a better rate and let you spend the entire night in Hong Kong!

RedMr and Neway are our two favorite karaoke places in Hong Kong!

2. Dance Away At Lan Kwai Fong (LKF), Home Of Hong Kong’s Best Night Clubs

If you are looking for a crazy and unforgettable night out, then Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) in Central is the place to go. The L-shaped Lan Kwai Fong Street was dedicated to hawkers and street in the historical times, but now has one of the highest concentration of bars and clubs in Hong Kong.

Considered one of the top tourist attractions in Hong Kong, expect to find high prices in the dining establishments, bar, and clubs. A beer there can cost around $78 HKD, which is around 10 USD.

As a result, you will mostly find tourists and expats here. We would say around 75 percent of the people in LKF aren’t from Hong Kong.

If you do visit LKF, make sure you pre-game at the 7-Eleven at the entrance to LKF. With Hong Kong’s open-container laws, you can drink in public without any consequences. You can have the same beer for a fraction of the price you would pay inside the venues!

Still, be prepared to spend a fortune in LKF.

3. Laugh Your Socks Off At An Open-Mic Comedy Night

Though not too popular, the comedy scene in Hong Kong is worth checking out, especially if you are not sure what to do in Hong Kong at night.

With free entrances to most of the comedy nights, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a night out. However, many of these comedians are amateur and inexperienced, so just remember it is free when they tell a bad joke.

It is a great Hong Kong indoor activity for those rainy days when you still want to get out and do something fun and cheap. It is also a great place to meet people who enjoy comedy and having a genuinely good time!

Check out the comedy events calendar here.

1. Go For Late Night Food (Siu Yeh)

If you are a local Hong Konger, you must know their obsession wth night late food (called siu yeh in Cantonese). In some Hong Kong style restaurants, you might even encounter a special promotion for “siu yeh”, usually after 9:30 PM.

Don’t confuse siu yeh with dinner, because it must come after dinner, usually between the hours of 9 PM to 2 AM. Think of it like a second dinner!

While the tradition of siu yeh is slowly dying in Hong Kong (because of how unhealthy it is to eat so late at night), it is still a rather popular thing to do at night in Hong Kong.

Rather than having full meals as siu yeh, locals are more likely to have a light dessert instead. In fact, many Tong Sui Po (dessert shops) open only at night and close in the early hours of the morning.

When visiting a Tong Sui Po, you must try the tofu pudding (mentioned above) and the mango pomelo sago. Those two are my favorite Hong Kong desserts of all time!

2. Challenge Your Friends At A Board Game Cafe

If you are looking for a more chill night with your friends, consider checking out one of the board game cafes.

Our favorite board game cafe in Hong Kong is Wheat and Wood in Kennedy Town. Featuring a friendly atmosphere, great drinks, and a great selection of board games, it is a great place to spend the night in Hong Kong.

Battle your friends over a game of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Codenames (one of our favorites) while sipping on a gin and tonic or herbal tea. The only downside to Wheat and Wood is that they close a little earlier than most of the other board game cafes in Hong Kong.

If you are looking to play Monopoly until you have no friends anymore (Monopoly is heated!), then consider Capstone Boardgame in Causeway Bay. Closing at 11 PM daily, that is plenty of time to get a full round of Monopoly in (if you are lucky).

There are also various types of board games in there, and a friendly owner that is willing to teach you how to play them!

3. Wind Down On A Long Tram Ride

Living in Hong Kong can be stressful. With the long working hours, sometimes you just want to chill and enjoy some nice scenery with a soothing night breeze. If you want peace and quiet, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong at night alone is to ride the tram on Hong Kong Island.

Established in 1904, the tram is one of the earliest modes of transportation in Hong Kong. If you are talking about efficiency, the tram is definitely not fast by any means. On a busy day, it is possible to walk faster than the tram, but it is a relic of the past that Hong Kongers endear.

The electric double-decker tram (also called the Ding Ding) runs between Kennedy Town and Sau Kei Wan and passes beautiful places at night such as Central and Causeway Bay. With only a cost of $2.6 HKD, you can ride the entire route of the tram, enjoying the changing landscapes and the night breeze.

As part of Hong Kong’s heritage, the tram is one of the best attractions in Hong Kong.

4. Relax At Garden Hill In Sham Shui Po

Garden Hill in Sham Shui Po is a hidden gem in Hong Kong that only locals know about. Situated on a small hill above the lively neighborhood of Sham Shui Po, it is a popular spot for locals to bring a beer and just sit and chat with their friends.

The name might suggest that a garden exists at the top of the peak, but in fact, it earned its name for locating across from Garden Bakery Plant.

If you are into night photography, Garden Hill offers unobstructed views of Sham Shui Po and beyond. Bring your camera and tripod early in the day to make sure you get the location you desire!

Sham Shui Po is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Hong Kong. Featuring lively street markets, the Golden Computer Shopping Arcade, cheap roadside food vendors, a stroll down the streets of Sham Shui Po will reveal Hong Kong’s roots.

Sham Shui Po is also a much poor neighborhood in Hong Kong compared to the skyscrapers you see in Hong Kong Island. It is not uncommon for locals here to live in cage homes and subdivided flats.

We recommend you to spend the day exploring the bustling neighborhood of Sham Shui Po, then head up to Garden Hill to watch the sunset. Stay past the sunset and you will witness Hong Kong’s metamorphosis.  Slowly, the orange hues of sunset will turn into bright lights that dot the Hong Kong night view.

5. Chill Out By Instagram Pier (Western District PCWA)

Instagram Pier is one of the latest attractions in Hong Kong.

The Instagram Pier is actually the Western District Publi Cargo Working Area, a place you won’t necessarily consider beautiful. However, what draws a ton of love to this place is its wide-open space.

As a visitor, you might not understand why open spaces deserve attention. Hong Kong has one of the most expensive housing in the entire world.

A sizable portion of Hong Kong locals lives in tiny homes that measure only a few meter squares. With no leg room or any stretching room, it is no wonder why open spaces such the Instagram Pier is beloved.

In fact, it was named one of Hong Kong’s best public spaces in the first ever “Hong kong Best Public Space” award in 2013.

During sunset, you will find loads of people at Instagram Pier, taking photos for Instagram and the beautiful sunset.

At night, the area is less crowded and is one of the most popular places for jogging, leisure, and just chilling out. It is also one of the most famous places to admire Hong Kong’s most famous bridge, the Tsing Ma Bridge.

Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest! 🙂

This is the end of our guide for top things to do in Hong Kong at night! We hope this has at least given you a rough idea of what you can do on those long nights!

Any questions? Leave a comment!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! The money will help run this site! Thank you 🙂

Hong Kong summers can be extremely hot, or extremely wet, which is why you should always plan some indoor attractions to visit in Hong Kong to do, just in case!

Just because the weather is not the best doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time!

Here we will talk about the best indoor activities in Hong Kong, perfect for anyone (un)lucky enough to visit during the Hong Kong rainy season or the infamous heatwaves!

Enjoy!

1. Challenge Your Friends At Wheat And Wood Board Game Cafe

What better way to spend a rainy day than play board games? There are half a dozen board game cafes in Hong Kong, but our personal favorite is Wheat and Wood in Kennedy Town because of its relaxed and chilled atmosphere, friendly staff and decent collection of games to play.

Boardgame cafes in Hong Kong are one of the most popular rainy day activities in HK, and is a great way to kill time while spending time indoors.

At Wheat and wood, you can battle your friends at one of Asia’s favorite board games such as Catan, Rummikub or Codenames whilst drinking delicious coffee or herbal tea.

And if those games don’t take your fancy, then the classics such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk and Uno are also available.

2. Visit Hong Kong’s Best Museums!

One of my favorite indoor activities in Hong Kong is o take my time admiring some of Hong Kong’s top museums. My personal favorites are the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Hong Kong Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui. Not only are they across the street from each other, but they are completely free and have some cool and interactive exhibits – perfect for anyone traveling in Hong Kong with kids!

Another favorite museum in HK is the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin (also free to enter). While a little out of the way in the East New Territories, this is definitely worth a visit! The Heritage Museum is a little bigger than the other Museums and contains exhibits about Hong Kong history, culture, and art. If there’s one museum in Hong Kong not to miss, it’s this one!

Other notable museums in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Space Museum, Tai Kwun Art Museum, and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (for you boat enthusiasts). Some exhibitions are free, and others charge a small fee. It is best to check on the website for fees and charges.

3. Bounce Around At Ryze HK

For those traveling with kids in Hong Kong, you’ll love Ryze HK. This is the biggest and best trampoline park in Hong Kong with an obstacle course, a huge trampoline field, and a trapeze.

For those wanting to do something more active and tire the kids out, this is the best indoor activity in Hong Kong with kids on a rainy day.

Though it doesn’t come cheap. Adults can expect to pay around $150 HKD per hour, while children under 6 can expect to pay $95 HKD an hour. The price is cheaper the more hours you book, so it’s better value for money if you allow a couple of hours.

Make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment!

Credit: WikiCommons

4. Fish Your Own Shrimp Dinner At HA Cube

This is by far one of the most fun indoor activities in HK. At HA Cube, you can catch your own shrimp (actually massive prawns) from their indoor shrimp fishing pool, which they will then cook for you at the end.

Although this activity is exciting, it’s not the cheapest attraction in Hong Kong. At $130 HKD an hour, you might want to plan another activity to fill your day after. Similar to most places in Hong Kong, the rate goes down the more hours you spend there.

We would also recommend standing at the sides of the pool, as this looked like the best place to catch shrimp. 🙂

Or you could be like us, standing there for an hour with a fishing rod in your hand, jealous of everyone else catching several prawns on the side. Though a little pricey, HA Cube makes up for it by cooking the shrimp to perfection! And don’t worry if you only catch one or two shrimps in an hour (or none!), they will cook a few extra for you so you have a full plate.

HA Cube is also conveniently located in Diamond Hill in eastern parts of Kowloon, adjacent to the famous Chi Lin Nunnery Temple.

5. Go Yum Cha And Stuff Your Face With Dim Sum

In Hong Kong, dim sum is not only one of Cantonese favorite cuisine, but a quintessential part of life. Locals referring to the act of going for dim sum as “yum cha”, literally translating into “drinking tea” in Cantonese.

Why? Because any dim sum restaurant will immediately serve your tea of choice when you sit down. There are specific types of tea served at a dim sum restaurant, and they all have specific names.

For black tea, Pu-erh (pronounced bo-lay in Cantonese) is your closest bet and the most popular choice. Chrysanthemum (pronounced Gook-Fa) is another popular choice among locals. Then you have the regular oolong tea and green tea.

For locals, yum cha or dim sum is more about a family gathering, spending time outside, and just hanging out for hours with tea and a newspaper. Though this seems to be a dying culture year after year.

Now that you have a brief understanding of yum cha and dim sum’s significance to the locals, it is time to talk about where you can find some!

Hong Kong is inundated with dim sum restaurant. In Hong Kong, you don’t find dim sum, dim sum finds you. Though most of them are quite decent, we are here to tell you the best ones.

Tim Ho Wan is a popular choice amongst locals and tourists. Known as the “world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant”, Tim Ho Wan is a dim sum restaurant chain in Hong Kong. Though there are 5 branches of Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong, the original Tim Ho Wan can be found in Olympian City (here) in Kowloon.

Tim Ho Wan has delicious dim sum, but it is by no means a fancy place. It is not a comfortable spot to sit in and just hang out for a long time, which is why it is not getting as many locals a cheap Michel-starred restaurant should bring.

Other great options include the famous Maxim’s Palace or the Victoria Habour Restaurant, both with great food and comfortable seating.

6. Try Your Chances In LOST Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are a lot of fun, but they are not for the faint-hearted! Those traveling Hong Kong with friends may enjoy an afternoon testing their friendship and knowledge in one of Hong Kong’s most popular escape rooms.

There are several escape rooms across the city, but the one we would recommend is LOST Escape Rooms. LOST has multiple locations in the city, and each one presents a different context and degree of difficulty.

If you fancy escaping from Treasure Island (moderate difficulty), then head to their Causeway Bay room. If you want to battle your nemesis (hard difficulty) then their Mong Kok room is for you. For your first escape room experience, we would recommend the Tangata Manu room in Causeway Bay (the easiest room).

Each escape room lasts around 45 minutes and can fit 2-10 people depending on the room.

The escape rooms are said to not be scary, but it is recommended for kids under 13 to be accompanied by an adult. It is best to book online to avoid disappointment, but you can just turn up on the day also. 

7. Cuddle Some Cute Animals At A Rabbit Cafe

We have all heard of cat cafes, but have you ever heard of a rabbit cafe? In the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling Causeway Bay district is Hong Kong’s one and only rabbit cafe: Rabbitland cafe.

Rabbitland cafe is a unique place to kill an hour or so on a rainy day in Hong Kong, with it’s cute and comfortable interior and warming selection of herbal teas…and of course, the abundance of bunnies!

While petting and feeding the rabbits are allowed, don’t expect to be able to pick them up and smush them in a bear hug because hugging is not allowed. Personally, I agree with this policy, as being picked up all day by strangers must be pretty weird for a rabbit.

8. Try Your Hand, Or Your Foot, At Ice Skating

The Rink @ Elements HK shopping mall in Olympic has to be one of the most convenient indoor activities in Hong Kong. Though the rink is small, there’s barely any queue due to it’s flexible access time and ‘no schedule’ policy.

The Rink is the first ice-skating facility to install a ‘pay-as-you-skate’ system. Not only can you now pay by the minute, instead of booking for an hour or so like most places, you can also pay for your time using Hong Kong’s electronic contactless card, the must-have octopus card.

Ice-skating equipment is available to hire from the free spectating area, and as it’s conveniently located in a shopping mall, it is not far from food and beverages when you’re done!

Credit: Wing

9. Test Your Strength At Attic V Indoor Rock Climbing Gym

Indoor rock climbing in Hong Kong has become a huge trend over the last couple years, with indoor rock climbing gyms opening up across the city, it’s hard to choose which one to check out!

Our personal favorite is Attic V, the pioneers in rock climbing gyms in Hong Kong. For travelers visiting Hong Kong in the hopes of hiking and climbing all the wonderful mountains of Hong Kong, Attic V is the next best thing for a rainy day activity in HK.

Having recently relocated to expand its indoor facility, Attic V has climbing walls for all abilities and ages. Not only that, but visitors can purchase a day pass for $120 HKD, meaning you can climb for as long as you like all day – you can even leave, and come back later. Not bad at all!

10. Battle Through A Zombie Apocalypse At VR Arena

If you’ve ever tried a VR game, the experience is unlike anything else in this world! If you haven’t, then maybe your first rainy day activity in Hong Kong should be to spend some time at VR Arena in Causeway Bay.

Here you and your friends can run, hop and skip through a 360-degree virtual world shooting zombies for as long as your hearts content…or until your time runs out, which at $160 HKD per hour you may want to consider putting a timer on.

Though a tad pricey, it is no doubt a unique and entertaining experience and perfect for a rainy day in HK. Make sure you reserve your spot before turning up by visiting their website or Facebook page.

1. Enjoy Tasting Some Of Hong Kong’s Craft Beers

Possibly one of my favorite things to do indoors in Hong Kong at night is to enjoy an array of elegantly crafted craft beers at Hong Kong Island Tap House in Tin Hau, Hong Kong Island.

This unique bar advertises over 40 locally brewed beers and ciders, but every time I’ve visited, there’s been at least 60 beers on the menu! And for those who cannot decide what to drink, you can order a tasting flight of 6, 200ml beers for around $160 HKD.

The food is pretty simple and pretty pricey, so we wouldn’t recommend eating there, but for beer lovers you cannot find a better evening indoor attraction in Hong Kong.

2. Dine At One Of Hong Kong’s Top Rooftop Restaurants

Wooloomooloo Steak House is one of the most popular rooftop restaurants and boasts the best steak in the city. If you want a special evening, this is no doubt the place to go.

If you want to save the pennies but still experience the luxury of a rooftop restaurant, Piqniq offers a small but affordable menu and outdoor seating. The view overlooks the high rises of Central, and not of the harbor, but it’s still impressive.

For those that don’t fancy eating and just want a drink and an awesome view, head to Sugar for some insane views and cocktails. If you’re not staying at the hotel you do need to book your table in advance because it’s so popular, but don’t worry, it’s free and easy to do on their website.

3. Laugh Your Socks Off At An Open-Mic Comedy Night

This is possibly one of the more under-rated  Hong Kong indoor activities as comedy is not hugely popular. However, comedy nights are frequent and are often free, so it’s worth checking one out if you have nothing better to do.

Though we must warn you, a lot of the “comedians” are often amateur and inexperienced…so just remember, it is free!

At least you won’t get wet from the rain, and it’s a good place to meet new people.

Check out the comedy events calendar here.

4. Sing Your Heart Out In A Karaoke Room

In Hong Kong, you and your friends can hire your own karaoke room where you can each take turns to serenade one another with your beautiful song. Meanwhile, your friends battle each other at beer pong, Xbox games, darts and other entertaining distractions from your poor, I mean wonderful, singing…

There are a number of karaoke rooms in HK, some offering free-flow drinks…some offer BYOB…some even offer headphones so you can really hear the soprano in all its glory.

But our personal recommendation is Red Mr, a top karaoke room in HK who offers comfortable and luxurious rooms as well as top of the range sound equipment. They have rooms in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, so you’ll surely find one near you!

Karaoke, or sing-k as the HKers call it, is a traditional indoor activity in Asia. So if you really want to party like a local, head over to a karaoke room!

Credit: Flickr

1. Shop At Harbour City Mall

While Hong Kong is not short of malls, Harbour City Mall is one of the best malls in Hong Kong. Not only does it have an enormous array of luxury and retail shops, but it has possibly the best air con in all of HK. No kidding, it’s like walking into a fridge!

But seriously, there is nothing you can’t find in this mall. It has plenty of restaurants and cafes too, for those serious shoppers who need a little pick-me-up.

Though while we would not choose shopping as our first indoor pastime in Hong Kong, it is certainly one of the easiest.

2. Immerse Yourself In An Independent Film At An Art-house Cinema

Hong Kong is teeming with cinemas. You can find a blockbuster movie in nearly every mall and every district. However, if you want to watch an alternative, independent movie, you may have to look a little harder.

Broadway Cinematheque in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon is one of the few cinemas in Hong Kong showcasing independent European movies. In one of the oldest and most authentic districts in Hong Kong, this art-house cinema is a must-see attraction in Hong Kong.

And because of its niche market in movies, the price is a lot less than the super snazzy blockbuster cinemas at around $95 HKD a movie.

3. Enjoy Some Afternoon Tea

On a rainy day, many tourists and locals flock to the five-star hotels for afternoon tea of scones, cakes, and mini sandwiches. The most popular hotel has always been Hong Kong’s oldest and most treasured hotel – The Peninsula.

The Lobby at The Peninsula is a beautiful restaurant with an elegant and luxurious interior, and not to mention the delicious selection of cakes available for afternoon tea. The only downside is the price. At a minimum spend of $350 HK, this is no doubt a place to go for a special occasion.

Guests should also note that there is a strict dress code at The Peninsula and guests are required to wear smart casual clothing (no sportswear). So please leave your Hawaiian shirt and flip flops for another day. Make sure you book in advance if you don’t want to be disappointed! The Peninsula is extremely popular.

If you want to taste some authentic and delicious British afternoon tea in Hong Kong, then you don’t need to break the bank. Teakha in Sheung Wan has some of the best-rated scones in Hong Kong and a top-rated Victoria Sponge cake, which is a cake that’s hard to come by in Hong Kong, for some reason!

Teakha is a reasonable $25 for scones, and they even have a deal where scones and any selection of tea can be purchased for $30. So if you want delicious food at an affordable price, this is the place to go! 

4. Check Out A Book Shop Cafe In Yau Ma Tei

For book lovers who fancy chilling with a good book and artisan coffee, then you’ll love Kubrick. This book shop cafe combo is the perfect place to pass the time on a rainy day. You could literally spend hours here immersing yourself in a good book and quenching your thirst.

And, if you’re planning on visiting the art-house theater we mentioned above, you might want to add Kubrick to your list of things to do indoors as it’s literally next door. Perfect!

Hong Kong receives the most rainfall from the month of June to August, coincidentally on some of the hottest months of the year. Luckily, with this Hong Kong blog post, not only will you have indoor things to do in Hong Kong on a rainy day, but also something for the excruciating hot days.

However, even on “cool” days, Hong Kong can be humid and warm, and nothing is better than visiting some of these indoor places in Hong Kong with air conditioning!

Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest! 🙂

This is the end of our guide for top indoor activities to do in Hong Kong! We hope this has at least given you a rough idea of what you can do on those rainy days!

Any questions? Leave a comment!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! The money will help run this site! Thank you 🙂