Top Five Things to do in Kowloon Tong
One of the wealthiest areas in Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong boasts many high-end luxury homes and famous schools. The district attracts celebrities from across the city to move in, with the home of the late international martial arts superstar, Bruce Lee also in Kowloon Tong. Less populated and consisting of a lot of attractions for exploration, it is the place to experience Hong Kong's diverse urban planning.
Shan Sin Chun Tong is formerly known as Fung Ying Pavilion in Dongguan. After the Second World War, it was relocated to Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. It was then moved to Kowloon Tong in 1970, where it became the largest of its kind in Kowloon featuring a "Sam Tsing Zing Hall", "Men Su Dai Hall", "Kwun Yam Hall" and "Dau Mou Hall". The temple is famous among worshippers and tourists who would like to learn more about the history of Taoism. There are Chinese Traditional Medicine and Western clinics in the halls, and they also operate a charitable foundation to help those in need. Famous Cantopop singers Anita Mui and Wong Ka Kui are also enshrined in the Shan Sin Chun Tong, where fans come to pay tribute to their idols.
2 An enclave of European classics
Being a former British colony means that many colonial-style architectural buildings can still be found in various districts around Hong Kong. Flint Road is one of the most distinctive streets in Kowloon Tong and its English name comes from Flintshire, Wales in the UK. The stone fence on the roadside generates a nostalgic classical atmosphere of the colonial period. Next to it, the Maryknoll Convent School is a prestigious elite school. Its red-brick campus is more than 80 years old, which combines a variety of European classical architectural styles and looks unique among the adjacent modern buildings. It has become one of the landmarks of Kowloon Tong and was listed as a declared monument in Hong Kong in 2008. The nearby area has been a filming location since the 60s and is now used mainly for shooting nostalgic projects.
3 The Secret Garden
As Kowloon Tong is a residential district, there are many recreational parks and facilities for residents. There are a handful of unique ones including the refurbished Cornwall Street Park where it is split into four themed areas and a lot of art installations and leisure facilities can be found. Not far from Cornwall Street Park, there is a hidden gem called Kent Road Garden. The park is relatively small, but there are a dozen of Maple trees and park benches where visitors can relax and admire them from–perfect with Autumn just around the corner! With more accessible transport options, Kowloon Tong is a better choice compared to the more popular ones in New Territories so pack a picnic and while the afternoon away.
4 Shop 'Til You Drop!
Kowloon Tong is a relatively tranquil residential area but one of its busiest locations has to be Festival Walk. One of the most famous shopping malls in Hong Kong, it is conveniently located on top of the Kowloon Tong MTR station. Designed by American-based Arquitectonica who drew on inspirations from running water, canyons and the glacier, the mall covers an area of 980,000 square feet. Festival Walk has more than 200 stores with the majority being in the middle-high end range with plenty of luxury international brands for a shopping spree. It houses a cinema and the second-largest indoor ice rink in Hong Kong with the venue being popular for many international skating events and performances. The atrium of the mall can accommodate large-scale decorations and is the location for the iconic 70-feet Christmas tree during the festive season.
5 Enjoy Panoramic Views of Hong Kong
Apart from luxurious homes, Kowloon Tong also has some wonderful hiking trails. One of them starts from Eagles Nest Nature Trail. After a short walk uphill through a tree-lined path, hikers will reach Eagles Nest Hill. From there, they can enjoy the commanding views spanning from Sham Shui Po, Cheung Sha Wan to Stonecutters' Bridge. Further uphill is the peak of Beacon Hill where hikers will find a radar station, from which they can go downhill by passing through Crow's Nest Hill and enjoy views of Lion Rock and the city from different angles along the walk. Hikers can then take the Tate's Cairn trail, going through Maclehose Trail (Section 5) and a host of military relics including military marker stone, pillboxes and trenches. Alternatively, hikers can choose to hike up to Lion Rock or Amah Rock which is the landmark of Wang Tau Hom and Sha Tin. The walk is relatively easy; and with the weather cooling down, it's time to plan some hiking!