"Art by the Harbor Art lovers must stop by the Hong Kong Museum of Art, situated near the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour promenade. The main collections here include paintings, calligraphy work, and sculptures from Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese artists. Rare Chinese antiques are also featured here. The Museum is also Hong Kong's best source for international touring exhibitions, and has successfully put on acclaimed shows such as the recent Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal exhibition, which showcased the legendary pop artist's best works."

"Encountering Hong Kong's Past The best way to know a city is through its history. Hong Kong’s many well-curated museums tell the stories of its heritage by allowing visitors to literally walk through it. For a journey through time, the Hong Kong Museum of History uses impressive, life-size replicas to take you through 400 million years of the city’s development. Start with a tour of its terrain, wander through recreated streets of Old Hong Kong and end with a film on that pivotal moment in 1997 when it acquired its Special Administered Region status. The kids will love exploring the different Hong Kong eras and identities, too."

"Learning Through Fun Just across from the Hong Kong Museum of History in Tsim Sha Tsui is the Hong Kong Science Museum. Here, the name of the game is learning through fun interactive experiences. Through over 500 exhibits, children (and adults!) will be introduced to the science of light, math, motion, sound, and more. You can't miss the Energy Machine, which takes up four stories and is the largest of its kind in the world. Keep an eye out for special exhibitions, too, that occur year-round and will surely keep the kids on their curious little toes."

"Sensory Exploration You'll have spent your days taking in the sights, tastes and sounds of Hong Kong , but have you considered exploring the city without one of your senses? Each 75-minute tour at Dialogue in the Dark, led by a visually impaired guide, takes you through simulated Hong Kong settings for a journey like no other. You'll walk through a room in complete darkness with the help of a white cane and experience scenes of Hong Kong like riding on the Star Ferry, shopping at the supermarket, attending a concert and walking through a forest. Without the ability to see, you'll soon realize how temperatures, textures and sounds can contribute to one overall experience. Your other senses will be immensely heightened and more alert to just how beautiful surroundings can be, even without the ability to see."

"Best Performances in the City Housing several performance halls and many exhibition spaces, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre is the place to go to see some of the best local and international performing artists. Monthly rosters include shows from the Hong Kong Philharmonic and local children's choirs, as well as special occasions to see touring dance companies and musical ensembles. Additionally, the annual opening of the Hong Kong Arts Festival in February marks the beginning of one of the city's most popular events. This calendar draws audiences in to see the best musical and theatrical troupes from all around the world."

"Hong Kong’s oldest colonial British building dates back to the 1840s and served as the office and residence of the Commander of the British Forces in Hong Kong up until 1978, when it was handed over to the government. In1984, the Greek Revival house was rebornas the Flagstaff House Museum. Its collection of about 600 teaware items from as far back as the 11th century B.C.E.includes many fine examples of the famous Yixing teapots. Besides exhibits of tea bowls, teacups, teapots, and ewers, there are demonstrations and lectures about the significance of tea drinking to Chinese culture."

"Hong Kong has been one of the world’s most important ports for eons. This museum, an especially great destinationfor families with children, has more than a dozen galleries with exhibits highlighting the importance of the port of Hong Kong to China’s role in world trade throughout history. There are exhibits on sea bandits and on the development of Victoria Harbour. Explore collections of navigation equipment, ship models, nautical paintings, and photographs of traditional Chinese junks. There’s a cool gallery showcasing the sounds of the sea—whistles, bells, horns, the crash of waves, the clank of halyards, the thrum of engines—and another on passenger ships, whether they carry poor immigrants or leisurecruisers. A very realistic bridge simulator will give you a feel for maneuvering a range of vessels, from huge container barges to high-speed boats and even Hong Kong’s famous Star Ferry."

"Cantonese Opera at Bamboo Theatre, West Kowloon Cultural District Still in the nascent stages of building (at this writing), the West Kowloon Cultural District puts on occasional shows. This was a Cantonese opera stage over a week in 2012."

"New Use for Old Barracks You'd never know there could be such a serene escape from neighboring buzz until you've discovered Hong Kong 's Asia Society Center. Located just a few steps away from Pacific Place mall and the surrounding major hotels, this architectural and cultural gem is worthy of every cliche. First of all, the grounds already tell a tale. The Asia Society is built on the Old Victoria Barracks, Former Explosives Magazine site. You'll enter the main building and be led through a maze of walkways, embedded in lush greenery - it's hard to believe just how quiet it could be in the city center. You'll pass old British military buildings, too. There are often rare shows on exhibit here, like the one by the acclaimed Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, which we were there for. We went excited for the show, but even more surprised by how much we loved the location itself. Best of all, entrance is free. There's also a popular restaurant, named Ammo, on site."

"The Mid-Autumn Fire Dragon Chase Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival of lights. In the Tai Hang neighbourhood, a traditional fire dragon dance began in the 19th century, and nowadays continues to occur on the eve, the day of, and the day after Mid-Autumn to chase away bad luck to the area. A dragon is created out of straw with hundreds of burning sticks of incense and is paraded through the streets, led by a strong drum beat. It pauses momentarily from block to block to allow spectators to pluck out some incense, and therefore bringing some of the good fortune home. Back then, a continuous three-day parade warded off a plague. Now, this firey and smokey experience is celebrated with roaring crowds cheering the dragon as it passes by, often to bless shops and passerbys. It's an experience of community togetherness that's not to be missed."

"Art with a Global Reach The German cultural institute's Hong Kong branch provides a platform for local artists and photographers to promote and showcase their work, and for the public to visit, for free. Aside from hosting exhibitions by local artists, you'll also find weekend markets with local designs on sale. A continuing roster of courses, projects and shows, along with a film archive available for public use, also encourage cross-cultural exchanges."

"A Perfect Autumn Destination Nestled in the gorgeous Former French Concession is the quaint Ferguson Lane, a lovely "nook" of specialty boutiques, restaurants and cafes. It plays host to some of the city's brunch spots and fuels caffeine fiends with potent doses of coffee concoctions at Farine and Coffee Tree. Don't miss C'est Si Bon, a carefully curated shop of homewares featuring designs by some of the city's best local talents. Make this your destination after an autumn walk around town to enjoy one of the most charming Shanghai afternoons possible."