Lunar New Year Tour – Shatin Edition

The ONE and ONLY Lunar New Year Tour in Hong Kong – Shatin Edition

Embark on a cultural journey with our upcoming Lunar New Year tour in the vibrant heart of Hong Kong. Join us on:

Sunday, 3 March 2024

Tour Highlights:

Price: HKD$ 680
Group Size: 3-8
Transportation: Walking and hiking
Meeting Point: Shatin MTR Exit B
Hosted in English
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (3.5 – 4 hours)

Inclusions:

Expertly led by a licensed guide and the owner of @explore_hongkong.
The tour includes Chinese Lunch at the oldest restaurant in Shatin, which is also Bruce Lee’s favourite!
Hosted in English.

About:

Many Shops and restaurants are closed during the Lunar New Year, but it doesn’t stop Angel from exploring Hong Kong! Join her this Lunar New Year so you can experience the vibrant festivities and traditions of this auspicious occasion. Angel, an experienced licensed guide and the owner of the renowned @explore_hongkong Instagram page, will takes you on an unforgettable journey through the New Territories.

The tour will take you to the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery, where you will embark on a refreshing hike and be mesmerized by the sight of thousands of Buddha statues adorning the path. Keep an eye out for monkeys, believed to bring good luck in the Year of the Dragon.

Following the hike, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at the 85-year-old hidden restaurant, where you can savour a range of dishes, including the famous chicken congee and roasted pigeon. This meal not only nourishes the body but also immerses you in the history and flavors of Shatin.

To conclude the tour, Angel will lead you to Che Kung Temple, the most popular destination for locals during the Lunar New Year. Feel the vibrant atmosphere as you seek blessings of good luck and fortune for the Year of the Dragon.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the Lunar New Year like a local in Hong Kong. Join Angel on this unforgettable journey and usher in the Year of the Dragon with joy, prosperity, and good fortune. Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Tour Itinerary:

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery: Hike the 500 steps! You might be able to see Monkeys along the way too!
Lunch at 85-year old hidden restaurant: Chinese lunch at the oldest restaurant in Shatin, known for its rich history and as Bruce Lee’s favorite spot.
Che Kung Temple: This is the MOST popular and luckiest place for locals during the Lunar New Year

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Experience + Teacake Masterclass

When you hear “Tai Hang,” the first thing that comes to mind is the incredible fire dragon dance, a tradition that’s been going strong for a century. But there’s more to this spot than meets the eye – it used to be a bustling Hakka village, and now it’s a hub of cool shops and historical spots that everyone loves. That’s why it’s often called Causeway Bay’s backyard! Join us for this one-off tour of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre in English, for behind the scenes access ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

Tour includes:

Expertly led in-depth tour of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre at 12 School Street, Tai Hang
Hakka Steamed Buns making workshop
A rendezvous with Fire Dragon itself
️Lunch at Hakka Ting
A visit to the unique Lin Fa Kung Temple
MTR travel

Workshop (Hakka Steamed Buns):

Next, prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an immersive Hakka Steamed Buns workshop. Learn the art of crafting these delightful delicacies under the guidance of experienced Hakka chefs. Unleash your creativity as you shape the buns, fill them with scrumptious ingredients, and embrace the culinary traditions of the Hakka people.

Fire Dragon Visit:

This one-off visit grants you access to the awe-inspiring Fire Dragon for the last time before the festivities begin. You will be able to see the scale and meticulous craftsmanship of the unique dragon sculpture which is adorned with countless incense sticks, later to be arefired up during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

Lunch at Hakka Ting:

As the day unfolds, indulge in an exquisite lunch at Hakka Ting, a charming restaurant renowned for its delectable Hakka cuisine. Savor the authentic flavors of traditional dishes, elevating your culinary adventure to new heights. The rich heritage of Hakka food will be a perfect complement to the immersive experiences of the day.

Visit to the Lin Fa Kung Temple:

Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the Lin Fa Kung Temple, a place steeped in history and spirituality, and unique lotus shaped architecture.

Meeting point: Tin Hau MTR

Date: Tuesday 12th March

Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm

Inclusions: Local cultural heritage guide, lunch, Hakka teacake workshop

Adult ticket: $318

Language: English

Tour code: CTIS-ICHKFIREDRAGON12

Dragon Boat Festival Tour

Join us on a group tour for this annual Cultural festival at the charming Aberdeen Harbour to experience the Dragon Boat Festival like a local! Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race is one the oldest and most traditional in Hong Kong, with more than a hundred year of history.

Learn about the history and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, watch the Dragon Boat Race ON A SAMPAN fishing boat, try the traditional Cantonese Rice dumplings prepared by a local auntie and MORE! Let’s explore Hong Kong like a local!

Secure your place by booking on or before 20th May!

Date: Monday, 10th June 2024

Price: HKD$ 530 (Adult)

HKD$ 380 (Children between 5 to 12 years old, must be accompanied by an adult)

Transportation: Walking and Sampan ride on Aberdeen Harbour

Meeting: Lei Tung MTR station, Exit A1

End Point: Ap Lei Chau Market

Time: 9:00am to 11:00pm and 12:30pm to 2:30pm (two sessions x 2 hours)

Inclusions: Expertly led by licensed guide and owner of the 131K-instagram page @explore_hongkong, the tour includes a Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour and 1 food stop for traditional Dragon Boat Festival Rice Dumplings and drinks.

Exclusions: Public transportation

Language: English

Highlights

45-min Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour with Captain Ten, a local fisherman in Hong Kong!
Story and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong
Visit the 250-year-old Hung Shing Temple, which has kept people living on boat safe for centuries!
The Shui Yuet Temple, Ap Lei Chau
History of Ap Lei Chau and Aberdeen, the birthplace of Hong Kong
Enjoy a Cantonese Rice dumplings made by local aunties!
We have prepared a Dragon Boat Festival souvenir for you!

Jewish Heritage of Hong Kong

Explore Hong Kong’s Jewish Heritage: Book a Private Tour and add these elements to your day

Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage is a captivating aspect of the city’s multicultural history. Despite a relatively small Jewish population of around 4,000 individuals residing in the city, their influence has been momentous. Our specialist Jewish guide to delve into this remarkable heritage.

Jewish Traders in Hong Kong

In the mid-1800s, Jewish traders were among the pioneering foreign merchants to establish businesses in Hong Kong, Macau, and Canton, taking advantage of China’s opening to international trade. Their involvement played a pivotal role in the development of Hong Kong’s economy, positioning the city as a vital trading hub in the region.

Ohel Leah Synagogue

One of Hong Kong’s most significant Jewish heritage sites is the Ohel Leah Synagogue located in Midlevels. Constructed in 1902, the synagogue bears the name of Leah Sassoon, an esteemed member of Hong Kong’s Jewish community. With its striking blue and white façade and intricate interior, the synagogue stands as a testament to the community’s history and devotion.

Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley

The Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley serves as a poignant Jewish heritage site. It serves as the final resting place for numerous members of Hong Kong’s Jewish community, including the influential Sassoon family, who played a pivotal role in the city’s economic development. This serene and contemplative location provides an opportunity for visitors to pay their respects and delve into the history of the Jewish community in Hong Kong.

Peninsula Hotel and Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui

The Peninsula Hotel and Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui also hold great significance as Jewish heritage sites. Constructed in 1928 by the philanthropic and entrepreneurial Kadoorie family, the Peninsula Hotel showcases stunning colonial-era architecture and has welcomed numerous renowned guests throughout the years. Nathan Road, the thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, was named after Sir Matthew Nathan, a Jewish governor of Hong Kong in the early 1900s.

Diverse Roots of Hong Kong’s Jewish Population

Approximately half of Hong Kong’s Jewish population hails from overseas, representing countries such as the US, UK, France, Australia, South Africa, Israel, and Canada. This diversity contributes to the richness of Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage, underscoring the city’s role as a global center for trade, culture, and innovation.

Book a Customisable Tour

Embark on a journey to explore Hong Kong’s Jewish heritage, unravel the history and culture of the Jewish community, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s global significance. Our customisable tours offer an immersive experience, inviting you to book a tour with us and discover all that this vibrant and dynamic city has to offer. Book a longer full-day car tour of Hong Kong and Kowloon and include the Jewish Heritage elements to your trip.

Aberdeen Sampan + Public Housing Estate Group Tour

This is a tour where you can appreciate the nature, learn about the history and culture of Hong Kong and experience the life of local fisherman all at once!

Join us on an inspirational group tour, exploring Aberdeen, the cultural birthplace of Hong Kong. This includes Ap Lei Chau, the fourth most densely populated island in the world. During the 3-hour tour, we will be on foot and take a traditional wooden sampan fishing boat, and dive into the harbour’s history.

Enjoy a bowl of boat noodles, traditionally prepared by local fisherman, whilst enjoying the beautiful view of the Aberdeen Harbour on a sampan. You would be able to take photos in front of the iconic Hong Kong Floating Restaurant.

We will then visit one of the oldest public housing estates in Hong Kong to learn about the history of public housing development and understand more about how one-third of Hong Kong population live their lives in this second most expensive city in the world. A small hike around the area allows us to see the hundred-year-old waterfall and the seashore shrine which houses thousands of statues of Gods and Goddess, guarding people in the area for decades.

Let’s explore Hong Kong with us like a local!

Price

HKD$ 580

Transportation

Walking and Sampan ride on Aberdeen Harbour

Meeting

Lei Tung MTR station, Exit A1

End Point

Aberdeen Bus Terminus, Aberdeen

Time

11:00am to 2:00pm

Inclusions

Expertly led by licensed guide and owner of the 116K-instagram page @explore_hongkong, the tour includes a 30-min Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour and a bowl of traditional boat noodles* and local food in one of the oldest cafés in Hong Kong!

Exclusions

Public transportation

Highlights

Explore Aberdeen, the birthplace of Hong Kong. Learn about Aberdeen’s earliest role as a vital port of trade, incense manufacturing and fishing.
Explore Ap Lei Chau, the fourth most densely populated island in the world, including the culturally significant Hung Shing Temple and Shui Yuet Temple
Continue the journey on a Sampan and take photos in front of the iconic Hong Kong Floating Restaurant.
*Enjoying a bowl of traditional boat noodles on a Sampan
Learn how important the God and Goddess of the Sea are to fishermen in Hong Kong
Visit one of the oldest public housing estates and understand about how one-third of Hong Kong population live their lives in this second most expensive city in the world.
A small hike to see the hundred-year-old waterfall and the seashore shrine which houses thousands of statues of Gods and Goddess, guarding people in the area for decades.
Visit one of the oldest Hong Kong cafés for local snacks and drinks

*tasting might change due to availability

We also provide this tour virtually if you are unable to join in person. Check it out here.

Lunar New Year Group Tour – Mong Kok Street Market Edition

Discover the Magic of Hong Kong Lunar New Year Tour – Mong Kok Street Market Edition

Embark on a cultural journey with our upcoming Lunar New Year tour in the vibrant heart of Hong Kong. Join us on:

20 January 2024 (Saturday)
28 January 2024 (Sunday)

Tour Highlights:

Price: HKD$ 398
Group Size: 3-10
Transportation: Leisurely walking
Meeting Point: Mong Kok MTR Station Exit C4
End Point: Flower Market, Prince Edward
Time: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm (2 – 2.5 hours)

Inclusions:

Expertly led by a licensed guide and the owner of @explore_hongkong.
Indulge in the flavors of the Lunar New Year with a variety of snacks.
Hosted in English.

About:

Gain insights into the Lunar New Year traditions with Angel from @Explore_hongkong, a renowned Hong Kong travel influencer with a dedicated following of 128K. Angel will take you to the spots her family frequents to prepare for the Lunar New Year, providing a comprehensive guide on how locals celebrate. Ask her all the “whys” about the Lunar New Year and become an expert on the subject. Let’s Explore Hong Kong like a local!

Tour Itinerary:

Mong Kok Market: Immerse yourself in a local fresh market, your one-stop-shop for the Chinese Reunion Dinner essentials.
Timeline of Local Traditions: Discover the complete process of local Lunar New Year preparations.
Guide to Lunar New Year Flowers and Snacks: Uncover the significance and variety of Lunar New Year flowers and snacks.
Dim Sum Delight: Visit @explore_hongkong’s favorite Dim Sum restaurant in Mong Kok.
Lunar New Year Greetings: Learn the top 5 greetings to increase your Lai See (red envelope) haul in the Year of the Dragon.
DOs and DON’Ts: Ensure good fortune in the Lunar New Year with a guide on customs and traditions.

Explore_Hong Kong Lunar New Year Preparation Tour

Discover the Essence of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong!

Inclusions

Embark on a guided journey through the heart of Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year preparations with Angel, the passionate owner of @explore_hongkong. As a licensed guide, she shares her family traditions and insights with her 128K devoted followers. This immersive experience includes:

Dim Sum Delight: Indulge in a dim sum break at a charming old tea house, savoring traditional dim sums and sampling diverse New Year snacks along the way.
Insider’s Knowledge: Learn the ropes of Lunar New Year preparations from a local perspective. Angel will guide you to the places her family frequents for their New Year essentials, making this a comprehensive journey into the heart of local customs.
Lai See Etiquette: Unravel the mysteries of giving and receiving Lai See. Discover the significance of the practice and gain valuable insights on how much to give and to whom.
Q&A with Angel: Have all your Lunar New Year curiosities answered by Angel. From the “WHYs” behind various traditions to becoming a Lunar New Year expert, this tour promises a wealth of knowledge.

Highlights of the Tour

Explore key landmarks and experiences that make this Lunar New Year tour unforgettable:

1. Dried Seafood Market: Delve into the world of Chinese reunion dinner ingredients, exploring the symbolism behind the most expensive components.

2. Chinese Temple Visit: Understand the cultural significance of locals visiting a temple before Lunar New Year, gaining insights into age-old traditions.

3. Lunar New Year Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of one of Hong Kong Island’s busiest markets. Learn the art of selecting the best decorations and snacks for a festive celebration.

4. Lai See Mastery: Receive expert guidance on the art of giving and receiving Lai See. Learn the top 5 Chinese New Year greetings to enhance your interactions.

5. DOs and DON’Ts Guide: Ensure good fortune in the New Year by understanding the cultural do’s and don’ts. Angel’s expertise guarantees a seamless and auspicious celebration.

Logistics

Dates: Sunday 14th January, Sunday 21st January & Saturday 27th January
Price: HKD $680
Language: English
Duration: 4 hours (dim sum lunch included)
Meeting Point: Sai Ying Pun MTR Station Exit A1
End Point: Wan Chai Market
Transportation: Public transportation (Please prepare your Octopus Card)

Join us on this enlightening adventure as we Explore Hong Kong like true locals, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Lunar New Year traditions!

Big Buddha & Tai O – private Lantau car tour

Lantau Island Car Tour: Discover the Hidden Treasures

Comfort, Convenience, and Exclusive Access

Make the most of your visit by taking a Lantau car tour with your very own driver and guide.
Enjoy door-to-door service, collecting you from and returning you to your hotel, airport, or cruise ship, ensuring a seamless and memorable day out.
Experience comfort and convenience as we navigate Lantau Island’s attractions in a private car.

Choose from our car options:

Premium Toyota Alphard: Ideal for groups of up to 5 passengers, offering spacious and luxurious travel.
Luxury Mercedes V-Class: Perfect for larger groups of up to 6 passengers, providing a sophisticated and comfortable ride.
Benefit from our exclusive license to access the restricted zone of Lantau Island, offering unique opportunities not available with other tour companies.
Our knowledgeable and friendly guides, fluent in English, will ensure you make the most of your time in Hong Kong.

Flexible Itinerary and Tailored Experience

Choose from a variety of options to include in your itinerary based on your interests and time constraints.
Enjoy the flexibility to customise your tour and create a personalised experience.
If you have a specific destination in mind that is not listed, simply inquire, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Lantau Island Attractions: Unveiling the Gems

1. The Big Buddha: Visit the iconic Big Buddha statue and Po Lin Monastery.

- Explore the importance of Buddhism and its representation in the hearts, minds, and belief system of the people of Hong Kong.
- Ascend the 268 steps to the Tian Tan Big Buddha, a magnificent statue rising 34 meters into the air, offering panoramic views and attracting pilgrims from across Asia.

2. Tai O Fishing Village: Immerse yourself in the charm of the traditional fishing village.

- Wander through stilt houses inhabited by fishermen and their families.\Experience the relaxed atmosphere and slow pace of life in one of the best-preserved places in Hong Kong.

Additional Options to Enhance Your Experience

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: Take a breathtaking ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, offering stunning views of the landscape surrounding the Big Buddha.
Cheung Sha Beachside Lunch: Indulge in a delightful beachside lunch at Cheung Sha, savouring the flavours of Hong Kong.
Tai O Waterfall and Rock Pool: Discover the natural beauty of Tai O with a visit to the waterfall and rock pool, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Hong Kong DolphinWatch Experience: For nature enthusiasts, embark on the Hong Kong DolphinWatch experience and encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Unlocking the Charms of Lantau Island

As one of the only tour companies licensed to access the restricted zone of Lantau Island, a car tour with us opens the door to this fascinating part of Hong Kong.
Lantau Island, known as Hong Kong’s green lung, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore its captivating beauty.
Let us craft a personalised Lantau Island car tour that exceeds your expectations and creates memories to last a lifetime.
Contact us today to embark on an unforgettable journey through the hidden treasures of Lantau Island.

Shore Excursions

While your ship is in port, make the most of your visit by taking a private car shore excursion around Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula with your very own driver guide. We take all the stress out of your visit with our door-to-door service, collecting you from and returning you to your cruise ship terminal.

As well as offering comfort and convenience, we are one of the few tour companies licensed to access the restricted access zone of Lantau Island by car. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides all speak excellent English and will ensure you make the most of your time in Hong Kong.

We have a number of shore excursion car itineraries. The first is a classic Hong Kong Highlights tour taking in several better-known destinations. We often recommend this to first time visitors as it takes in many of Hong Kong’s best known and most iconic spots.

However, if you would prefer to go further off the beaten track to see another side of Hong Kong, we would recommend our Explore the New Territories tour. There are plenty of fascinating spots that are difficult to access by public transport and also tend to be a little less crowded.

Listed below are some of the options we could include in your itinerary depending on your interests and time constraints. Your itinerary is completely flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs. If you have a destination in mind that is not listed, please enquire and we will accommodate your request if possible.

Hong Kong Highlights Shore Excursion

Hong Kong Island:

Victoria Peak
Man Mo Temple
Stanley Market
Aberdeen

Kowloon:

Wong Tai Sin Temple – Make a wish at Hong Kong’s most vibrant temple
Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery – Enjoy a beautiful garden and tranquil retreat
Mongkok’s Markets: Bird Garden, Flower Market, Goldfish Market, Ladies Market

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of Hong Kong and Kowloon

Lantau Island for Big Buddha & Tai O Shore Excursion

Lantau Island:

The Big Buddha
Po Lin Monastery
Tai O Fishing Village
HKZM Bridge

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of Lantau Island for Big Buddha and Tai O

Explore the New Territories on a Shore Excursion

Sai Kung for the National Park or the seafood promenade.
Tai Po District: Wet market, floating fishing village in Sam Mun Tsai, Tsz Shan Monastery* and Guan Yin Statue.
Kadoorie Farm.
Abandoned villages and fortified walled communities in Sha Tin.
The 10, 000 Buddhas Monastery in Shatin.
Monkey Mountain the native (and very tame) Macaques monkeys. *Please do not feed the monkeys under any circumstances.
Jat’s Incline: An amazing panoramic view.
Shopping at Sum Ngai Brass Factory or Yuet Tung China Works

*A visit to the Tsz Shan Monastery must be booked at least four weeks in advance.

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of the New Territories

Lantau Island Full Day Tour

Lantau Island is known as Hong Kong’s green lung, and you can imagine stepping back in time 50 years when you visit. Most of this stunning island is untouched and can only be accessed by public transport. I will navigate you seamlessly through the highlights in this 8 hour private tour. Highlights include, a private car transfer from your accommodation to the cable-car, skip the line access at the cable-car (I am a licensed guide and so you will avoid the long lines), the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery and Tai O fishing village.

I will help you to understand the meanings of the stories that make this place so special, and how the teachings weave their way into Chinese culture and society on this experience. We will arrive by cable-car via skip-the-line access and enjoy the stunning and dramatic landscapes of Lantau on the 24-minute panoramic ride. Once we arrive to the top of the mountain, we will continue by foot to explore all corners of this uniquely different part of Hong Kong. Many times travellers visit this area as a first introduction to Buddhism, let me open it up for you! There are many things to see, but not that easy understand, such as Buddha’s story, a visit to the memory palace connected to the Big Buddha statue, and the word “emptiness” in relation to the faith – perhaps the most misunderstood word in Buddhism. I can also show you a hidden place where you will be able to “speak” directly to the Buddha. These are the things that you will not learn from a guide book.

This is an in-depth look at Tai O village. This is a must-see for anyone interested in visiting the real Hong Kong. This relaxing village is one of the best preserved places on Lantau Island, indeed the whole of Hong Kong, largely owing to the efforts of the local community… and a place to just really slow down. Situated at the end of the Pearl River Delta, where it meets the South China Sea, its history and culture are intrinsically linked to its geographical location. We will take a small boat ride to view the stilted houses for a close up look at how people live in this small enclave. There is a chance to view the Hong Kong- Macau – Zhuhai bridge from the open estuary and maybe a pink dolphin or two. Then we will visit the Tai O Heritage hotel, a former colonial police station which was converted in 2013. This has a story all on its own. Finally, we will wander through the market streets, say hello to the villagers who live there, and see all the home-made produce (much of which is linked to the preservation of fish).

Read more on this unique corner of Hong Kong on our blog – Tian Tan Buddha