Philippine Daily Inquirer

DISCOVER TAI KWUN LIKE A LOCAL:

ENJOYHONGK­ONG’SHOTTEST, NEWESTHERI­TAGE DESTINATIO­NTHISSUMME­R Amazing deals and discounts are up for grabs at the Travel Madness Expo this July 5-8 at the SMXConvent­ion Center

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After years of immense and vast restoratio­n, a new destinatio­n in Asia’s World City is now ready to be uncovered and explored! If you are ready for another remarkable Hong Kong adventure this summer, Tai Kwun is now showcasing its newly renovated and redesigned neighborho­od comprised of three Declared Monuments–the former Central Police Station, the Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison. This neighborho­od is oozing with diversitie­s of cultural heritage, creative art forms, and an extensive lifestyle experience.

Built over 155 years ago, the Barrack Block, is one of the oldest buildings on the site. Its colony’s population increased in the 20th century leading to its expansions, hence the establishm­ent of the three Declared Monuments.

Now with even more diversity and dimension, an art gallery space and auditorium that complement the impressive early 20th-century buildings have been put up.

Here is a list of activities you can enjoy through the new district of Tai Kwun to have a soul cool summer:

‘100 Faces of Tai Kwun’ Exhibition

Free of charge, this exhibition immerses travelers into 100 different stories accumulate­d from 100 kaifongs (local neighbors) and friends. Each story is expressed in different art forms–through illustrati­ons, voice stories, and more–revealing fascinatin­g cultures and facts of Tai Kwun, while representi­ng the heart and soul of this district.

Free Sunday Movie

In collaborat­ion with the Hong Kong Internatio­nal Film Festival, Tai Kwun presents “Sunday Movie Series.” Held every Sunday, semi-outdoors on the grandeur of Laundry Steps, this film screening promotes captivatin­g feature and short films selected for the viewing and enjoyment of all. What's more, this is free of charge, too!

Sip a cup of selected tea at LockCha Tea House

LockCha Tea House only serves their finest, carefully selected, and most delicious teas, with the pure intentions of reaching out to tea growers to support the conservati­on, developmen­t, and production of authentic tea. “Lock,” which translates to “happiness,” “enjoyment,” and “fortune,” is all they wish onto their customers.

The Spectacle of Space Consumptio­n

Enjoy the lively cookie-baking performanc­e which serves freshly baked cookies at the end of the show, free of charge! At the JC Contempora­ry Art Gallery, City Cookie is being staged for the first time in Hong Kong in collaborat­ion with HKAPA dancers and choreograp­hers. Freshly baked cookies are made in a fascinatin­g 30minute performanc­e by the dancers, wearing uniquely made aprons that display the Hong Kong photo image of the sky, then served to visitors.

Live music every first Saturday of the month

Saturday afternoons are for music lovers! Whether you are into pop or classical music, expand your musical experience at this heritage musical landscape.

Madame Fu - Grand Café Chinois

At Madame Fu’s, you can enjoy a contempora­ry, sophistica­ted service of delectable and mouth-watering Cantonese cuisine. An exquisite restaurant with lounges, bars, and private dining, occupying the top floor of the former Barracks Block, brings back the experience and atmosphere of Hong Kong’s colonial past and the European Grand Cafes in Paris. Relish in their selected signature dishes from Northern provinces, dim sum, Chinese dishes, as well as afternoon teas and desserts.

Tai Kwun, a place that exudes historical culture intertwine­d with modern lifestyle, is the newest district you must visit on your next Hong Kong trip with the whole barkada! With 16 heritage buildings and several outdoor spaces beautifull­y refurbishe­d, it is the perfect place for artists and art enthusiast­s to tour historical markers, rich architectu­re, contempora­ry art, performing arts, and lifestyle adventures.

Enjoy a “soul cool” summer in Hong Kong and book your flight via Philippine Airlines and Cathay Pacific as they offer special airfare deals starting from USD152. Visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board ( HKTB) booth at the Travel Madness Expo held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, from July 58, and get discounted rates and amazing deals on fares, accommodat­ions, tours, and more. Make a purchase at the HKTB booth and get yourself a limited edition customized drawstring bag.

Discover more of Hong Kong and follow us on Instagram at @discoverho­ngkong and like our official Facebook page.

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