Hong Kong is actually really beautiful! The top five hidden local secrets fully revealed

Is Hong Kong just concrete jungles and shopping malls?
Follow me! Unlock 5 tucked-away secret spots
Tell me—how many of these Hong Kong "bests" can you find below? 👇


📍 Sha Tau Kok
The former restricted area is gradually opening up! Explore the Chung Ying Street Garden and the new landmark at Sha Tau Kok Pier!
🔸 Stroll along Hong Kong’s longest 280-meter pier, snap photos at the pure white lighthouse, and take the ferry directly to Lai Chi Wo/Yap Chau/Kap Uk
🔸 Visit Chung Ying Street Garden, view the Chung Ying Street checkpoint from afar, and witness the “one street, two cities” (Chung Ying Street is not officially open yet)
🔸 Take photos at the “Sunrise Sha Tau” stone plaque and the Sun and Moon Pavilion viewing platform at Sha Tau Kok’s tip
Tip: You must apply for a restricted area permit online from the Police Force or join an authorized tour group in advance
🆘 Friendly reminder: The second phase of Sha Tau Kok’s opening plan does not include Chung Ying Street; please do not trespass
As it is near the border area, please follow on-site instructions and comply with border control regulations
Sha Tau Kok Pier extends to deep water and is close to the border; please do not play in the water


📍 Lai Chi Wo
A “living heritage” hidden in the northeast New Territories, fully preserving the Hakka walled village architecture, with the largest silver leaf ancient forest in Hong Kong and the legendary “Hollow Tree King”
🔸 Walk along the century-old trail and experience the wisdom of traditional Hakka architecture (Feng Shui walls, Hip Tin Temple)
🔸 Search for the giant hollow tree and stroll along the mangrove boardwalk
🔸 Support local villagers’ stalls and try Hakka delicacies like fried rice crackers and handmade tea cakes
Tip: You can visit this together with Sha Tau Kok; access by boat or a 1.5-hour walk from Wu Kau Tang; be sure to protect yourself from sun and mosquitoes!
🆘 Friendly reminder: Lai Chi Wo coastline is part of a marine park; please do not take any natural items (organisms/shells)


📍 Ha Pak Nai
Recognized as the most beautiful sunset viewing spot in Hong Kong! At low tide, the mudflats form a natural “sky mirror,” reflecting the colorful sunset—perfect for photography!
🔸 Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset to fully enjoy Hong Kong’s most dreamy sunset
🔸 Explore military relics; the abandoned Ha Pak Nai bunker has a nostalgic beauty, ideal for artsy photography
🔸 Take a minibus to Lau Fau Shan to enjoy a fresh seafood feast
Tip: Check tide times before you go (low tide is best), and wear slippers~
🆘 Friendly reminder: Going barefoot on the oyster beds can cause injury; always wear shoes to protect your feet


📍 Yap Chau
Hong Kong’s tiniest inhabited island! A 0.04 square kilometer island showcasing stunning erosion and weathering landforms
🔸 View the sea arch (Duck Eye) formed by years of erosion, and admire Dapeng Bay and the Shenzhen skyline
🔸 Discover rare local rocks, including Hong Kong’s unique brown-red breccia and the fault zone (Duck Neck) landform
🔸 Learn about the island’s fishing community migration history at the Yap Chau Story House and witness the island’s dramatic changes over time
Tip: Kap Uk and Yap Chau can be visited together; bring your own food and water; ferry service is very limited! Only available on weekends/public holidays from Ma Liu Shui (1.5-hour trip)
🆘 Friendly reminder: Check the weather before you go and plan your trip accordingly
Please treat the natural landforms with care


📍 Kap Uk
Visit the over 200-year-old Kap Uk Tin Hau Temple, learn about the island’s history, and savor freshly made cuttlefish balls!
🔸 Kap Uk Tin Hau Temple was built in 1763, with well-preserved stoneware ceramic eaves, protecting fishermen for nearly 300 years
🔸 Stroll along the Kap Uk cultural trail, scan QR codes to hear villagers’ stories, and enjoy poetic coastal views from the high pavilion viewing platform
🔸 Taste traditional hand-made cuttlefish balls and steamed scallops with garlic vermicelli
Tip: Kap Uk and Yap Chau can be visited together; island ferry usually departs around 3:00 PM, so plan your time carefully~
🆘 Friendly reminder: Check the weather before you go and plan your trip accordingly
Pay attention to timing to avoid missing the return ferry


From restricted areas to century-old silver leaf forests, sunset golden hues, and the smallest island—these hidden spots prove that Hong Kong is not just neon and darkness, but also mountains, rivers, and sunny beaches waiting for us to discover.
How many more Hong Kong “bests” do you know? Comment and let me know! 😋

Great places to visit, photo spots, lifestyle, must-visit check-in points, hiking and outings

Post by LocalGuides_HK | Jul 28, 2025

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