Catharina Cheung

Our city is absolutely an Instagrammer’s paradise and snap-happy Hongkongers everywhere do a fantastic job at documenting all the great things this place has to offer. From historic monuments, stunning hikes, and secret islands, there are plenty of amazing things to see that are unique to our sprawling metropolis. Here’s a list of Instagram posts that everyone in Hong Kong has definitely posted – and if you haven’t checked off the whole list yet, well, you will at some point. How many are you guilty of? RECOMMENDED: ✨ Beautiful places you won’t believe are actually in Hong Kong📷Hong Kong photographers you should follow on Instagram🇭🇰 12 Signs that you’re a real Hongkonger

Hong Kong is home to plenty of expatriates, and French people claim a large percentage among this group of foreign nationals who have chosen to reside in our Fragrant Harbour. In fact, the French Consulate estimates that there are over 25,000 French citizens living in Hong Kong, which means we have one of the largest Gallic communities in Asia. As such, every year in May, Hong Kong celebrates all things française with the French May Arts Festival. Along with the French GourMay Food and Wine Festival, this year will see over 100 arts and cultural programmes held across the city, as well as plenty of cross-cultural events that bridge East and West. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening during the French May festivities. RECOMMENDED: Meet the young creatives transforming Hong Kong’s arts sceneWhere to find Hong Kong-inspired cocktailsThe historic Lin Heung Tea House has reopened its doors

If you’ve been living in Hong Kong for a little while now, chances are you’ll have soaked up some of our habits and mannerisms just by sheer osmosis. Hongkongers are a neurotic, surly, loveable bunch, and now you are too! Now you can rest assured that no matter where life takes you, you’ll always carry bits of Hong Kong with you. RECOMMENDED: See if you recognise all these distinctly Hong Kong sounds, and check out these iconic products that are made in Hong Kong.

Autumn is here and the weather is now infinitely more suitable for traipsing around outdoors than during our sultry summers, but the idea of commuting all the way to somewhere rural for a hike – not to mention the journey back home – can be off-putting. If you’re anything like us and often find it hard to even crawl out of bed on the weekends, we’ve got just what you need. Here’s a list of accessible city hikes scattered around the hilly side of Hong Kong Island. RECOMMENDED: Want to check off some of Hong Kong’s must-hikes, we’ve outlined our favourites with tips and directions to help you on your way.

The weather has been perfect recently, cool enough to be crisp yet warm enough to not wear outerwear if you don’t want to. Of course, this heralds the season for hiking. The beauty of living in Hong Kong is that even in our sprawling metropolis, we are never very far removed from nature. Nestled along the foot of Lion Rock, Kam Shan, and Kowloon Peak, there are trails aplenty in Kowloon. Here are some hikes that you can reach easily from the heart of the city. RECOMMENDED: Rarely on Kowloon side? Here’s our guide to accessible city hikes on Hong Kong island instead.

Us Hongkongers have a lot to be proud of, but even among the many stellar facets of our city, our public transportation system is pretty top-notch. From our historic ferries and trams to the famously efficient MTR underground rail network, our public transport is what makes it so easy for people to travel anywhere in the city. But among this fleet of vehicles is an outlier that requires a bit of a learning curve. Enter the minibus: a colour-coded, speed limit-defying little vehicle that is just quintessentially Hong Kong. Here’s everything you need to know about riding Hong Kong minibuses like a pro. RECOMMENDED: Digital payment platform finally approved for Hong Kong taxisMovie tickets will go on sale for just $30 on Cinema DayTesla’s Cybertruck makes its debut in Hong Kong

Hallyu, aka the Korean wave, is still in full swing with more K-pop acts stopping off in Hong Kong and Macau on their tours. From long-awaited tours by second-generation bands and high-energy performances by emerging groups, to solo cons and exciting fan meetings, K-pop fans have so much to look forward to this year. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest Korean music celebrity happenings in Hong Kong and Macau, bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates.  RECOMMENDED: In the meantime, check out our list of upcoming concerts and music festivals in Hong Kong and Macau and more about the city’s music scene.

Much like our clothes, hairstyles, or even our phone cases, our nails are just another avenue to express ourselves and feel good in our own bodies. Whether you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up or a full-on pampering with the freshest designs on both your hands and feet, these nail salons are where it’s at.RECOMMENDED: You deserve nothing less than a full day of pampering, so why not book a package at one of these brilliant Hong Kong spas as well?

If you’re a 90s kid who grew up in Hong Kong, karaoke was probably your go-to activity (remember Green Box and Red Box?). Well, that and going to arcades and gaming centres. From catchy anthems to tear-jerking ballads, there’s a whole library of Cantopop classics from the 2000s – all of which make for a perfect belting session at KTV. Here are some of the most classic ones. RECOMMENDED: Were you more into cartoons as a kid? Then get nostalgic over these classic cartoons from the 90s.

The negative impacts that us humans make on the world cannot be overstated. Every single day, Hong Kong disposes an overwhelming volume of waste in our landfills, with plastic items making up a large percentage. To tackle this salient issue on sustainability, Hong Kong’s lawmakers passed a law to ban single-use plastic items last October – a significant step forward into a more environmentally friendly future. This new plan will kick in soon on April 22, so here’s what you need to know about the new single-use plastic ban and what it entails. RECOMMENDED: Hong Kong is also implementing a waste-charging scheme – here’s what you need to know.  

As one of the best Asian cities ever with the second coolest street in the world, Hong Kong plays host to plenty of travellers who all need places to rest their heads. Whether you’re looking for a budget bed or ostentatious, heli-pad bedecked five-star luxury, there’s accommodation to suit every type of guest. From honeymoons to shoe-string gap years to swanky business trips – this is the definitive guide to staying in Hong Kong. RECOMMENDED: Check out the most incredible things to do in Hong Kong, the concerts and music events happening in town, and the best Cantonese restaurants to eat in Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we’ve based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The nine members of ZEROBASEONE file into the room with loud, cheerful greetings that bounce off the walls. There’s a good bit of shuffling, head-dipping, and butt-slapping before they settle down into their seats, but their vivacity is already infectious. In other words, the band mostly radiates golden retriever energy – with the exception of Ricky and Jiwoong, who both give black cat vibes – but the liveliness of these boys belies how thoughtful they become when they talk carefully about their goals and the future. For the uninitiated, ZEROBASEONE (often shortened to ZB1) is a South Korean boy band born of the reality TV competition Boys Planet. Out of 98 contestants on the show, the top nine winners – Sung Han Bin, Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Matthew Seok, Kim Tae Rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin, Park Gun Wook, Han Yu Jin – got to debut as a new boy group in mid-2023. Since then, ZEROBASEONE has set record sales with their debut album, won Korean music show accolades, made their Japanese debut, and just recently announced the drop of their new Korean album coming in May.  We sit down with ZB1 for a chat during Hong Kong’s first-ever KCON, where the boys found time between hosting events and putting on a special stage performance to talk to us about their music, their dreams, and performing to their fandom Zerose in a Hong Kong crowd. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) RECOMMENDED: Future Shapers: Tom Chan, child actor turn

After a Hong Kong fan meet with his Bad Buddy co-star Ohm early last year, Thai actor and singer Korapat Kirdpan – better known as Nanon – will be returning to our city with his own concert. The Thailand ‘Born to Beo’ concert wrapped up in March but still left fans wanting, so the 23-year-old is bringing his solo concert to us. Tickets range between $688 and $1,688, and while a random selection of attendees from the most affordable tier will receive photos and get picked to go to Nanon’s send-off session, VIP ticket holders will receive photos, signed posters, and access to both sound check and send-off. Sales start at noon on April 22.

An event venue within the new Go Park Sai Sha complex, Zaha Hadid’s first sports, retail, and entertainment project in Hong Kong. 

Freespace at West Kowloon Cultural District will be hosting the first-ever Hong Kong International Shakespeare Festival (HKISF). This event brings the renowned European Shakespeare Festivals to Asia, featuring global troupes and artists from locations including Hong Kong, Romania, Italy, South Korea, UK, and Australia. There will be five productions and one associate programme performed over two weeks, and audiences can expect to see an all-female version of King Lear, a dance-centric Lady Macbeth, the opera Roméo et Juliette by Opera Hong Kong, Hamlet_Avataar featuring an unlikely mix of Korean clown performances and Indian music, and more.  Prices for each performance differ, with tickets ranging from $220 to $450. These early-bird tickets are on sale until April 21, while public sales will begin on April 26 at a higher price point.

As part of their Earth Day programme, Eaton HK will partner with National Geographic Explorers to present a series of interactive sessions and a photography exhibit that all delve into indigenous preservation and archipelago stories – these voices then feed into greater conversations on climate change. On the weekend of April 13, youth groups can participate in workshops ranging from art and tapestry making to photography and even a form of cartography that empowers marginalised groups called counter-mapping.  To complement these sessions, Eaton HK will also host a photography exhibition called Island Constellations, featuring images captured by frontline and indigenous youth who were given cameras to capture their respective regions. Join a screening of Bigger Than Us on April 21, a documentary produced by Flore Vasseur and actor Marion Cotillard, which follows an Indonesian girl who is an activist against plastic pollution in her country.  Attendees can register their interest here.

K-pop band Riize will be performing in Hong Kong for one day only on June 1. Despite only debuting in August 2023, the seven-strong group has already made a mark with their impressive debut album sales, and was also the opening act for IU on the second day of her H.E.R. world tour. For their own Riizing Day fan-con tour, the group will be performing in nine locations, including Hong Kong. Since they’ve just announced a new mini album, concert attendees will be the first to hear their new tracks live. Tickets range between $1,099 and $1,799, and fans who have registered for a Briize fanclub membership can access the pre-sale on April 17. General sales will then start on April 18.

Straight off the back of their single Grab Me, the four-man band AB6IX embarked on a fan concert tour that will take them to our shores in May. The last time these guys were in town was during their debut year of 2019, so this is a great chance to see them live after five years. Tickets run from $880 to $1,680, and the highest tier guarantees access to either the fan sign, a group photo session, the soundcheck rehearsal, the high-five goodbye session, a signed polaroid, or a signed poster.

EXO member Baekhyun will be in Hong Kong for his Lonsdaleite Asia tour. His initial schedule only accounted for two days in the city, but the responses from his fans have been so overwhelming that they have now added an extra date to the concert set – these extra tickets are going on sale on April 10. Tickets range from $899 to $2,099, and while all ticket tiers will receive a photocard of unreleased Baekhyun images, VIP ticket holders will also get to attend the soundcheck and the send-off session.

The award-winning makers of Wild The Musical and Bug Symphony are back again with another family-friendly musical performance, this time themed around underwater creatures and marine life sustainability. Shark Symphony tells the story of an underwater restaurant in Hong Kong whose reputation for serving responsibly caught seafood takes a dive when they serve shark’s fin soup at a banquet. The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) brings a mix of live orchestral music, dance, acrobatics, contortion acts, and more by a diverse lineup of 36 Hong Kong-based performers, including award-winning actor Crisel Consunji. If you’ve ever wanted to see belly-dancing jellyfish, Chinese sword-dancing swordfish, and a break-dancing great white shark, this is the performance you need to attend.  Tickets range from $120 to $480 with half-price concessions available.

Japanese singer and lyricist Aimer will be returning to Hong Kong after five years for a concert. Named ‘3 nuits’, or ‘three nights’ in French, the tour will be going to three major Asian cities, namely Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong. Having started her musical career back in 2011, Aimer has plenty of hits, including the theme songs for several anime series such as Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man, and Bleach. Catch the singer’s signature husky vocals on July 9 – tickets are now on sale, ranging from $780 to $1,380.

K-drama fans and Arohas, listen up! Actor and K-pop band Astro member Cha Eun-woo will soon be coming to Hong Kong for a show and fanmeet. This event marks the first time this multi-talented South Korean celebrity returns to our city to perform in five years, so don’t miss your chance to see Cha in the flesh. Fans will get to watch his live performances, engage in open conversations with their idol, as well as enjoy exclusive benefits depending on their ticket tier. All attendees will receive photocards and possibly also get signed posters and signed merchandise sets – there are set amounts that will be given out at random. Meanwhile, VVIPs can also access the greeting and goodbye sessions, as well as sound check. Tickets run from $788 to $1,788, and will open for sale at 10am on April 12, so make sure you set a calendar alert!

This major special exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum highlights the former glory of the Yuan Ming Yuan imperial garden, which was also known as the ‘Garden of All Gardens’. With artefacts such as paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, architectural models, drawings, and prints – many of which are on display in Hong Kong for the very first time – this event provides a great look into the life and artistry of the Qing court.  The garden-palace was first constructed by the Emperor Kangxi and later fully developed by his fourth son, Emperor Yongzheng, with a total of five emperors continually adding to the Yuan Ming Yuan over the course of more than a century. It was the most favoured imperial residence outside of the Forbidden City and boasted spectacular landscaping, scenery, and architecture. The Yuan Ming Yuan was sadly looted and destroyed during the Second Opium War, but this exhibition aims to transport visitors back to the height of its glory through five thematic sections on its overall layout, the seasonal festivities that were celebrated, its landscaping design, imperial family life within the grounds, and its eventual destruction. The displays will also be complemented by documentary screenings of The Lei Family, who were the Qing dynasty royal architects over several generations and had worked on the Yuan Ming Yuan. Standard tickets cost $150 and will also grant access to other thematic exhibitions in the Hong Kong Palace Museum, while a special combo ticket costi

This popular exhibition opened last December, and is currently on its second rotation of paintings, with a total of 20 new works on display until June 2 that were not shown during the initial rotation. Highlighting the works of court painters, literati artists, and other professionals throughout the Ming Dynasty, the exhibition shows the multifaceted lives and spiritual world of the people of that era. Of the 97 pieces of artistic works, 16 are grade-one national treasures, which is why these fragile paintings are being exhibited in rotating batches. This second batch shows Tang Yin’s The Trees in the Wind and Qiu Ying’s The Orchid Pavilion – these artists make up half of the Four Masters of the Ming Dynasty. The second rotation will run until June 2, and the third will start on June 5.

The ninth edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars live award ceremony will be held in Hong Kong for the second year in a row. On July 16, the event will bestow accolades on various bar talents from across Asia, including the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, which highlights outstanding service; the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender award, where bartenders themselves choose one of their peers who has further the craft of bartending the most; as well as the final Best Bar in Asia award. The Bartenders’ Feast will be hosted on the night of July 15, while the main Asia’s 50 Best Bars event will take place on July 16, along with red-carpet arrivals, interviews, a drinks reception, as well as the awards ceremony and countdown. Last year, Hong Kong’s own Coa was crowned The Best Bar in Asia, a title that they have held consecutively since 2021. “Asia’s 50 Best Bars stands as one of the most significant events in Asia’s bar calendar and, amidst Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and thriving food and drinks scene, the city emerges as the ideal backdrop for hosting once again,” says their head of content, Emma Sleight. This annual list of Asia’s best bars is curated from an anonymous group of 265 industry leaders from across the region, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and cocktail experts. Details such as the exact time and location of the awards ceremony have yet to be announced – check back for more updates as we hear them. Recommended reading: Time Out Bar Awards 2024 nominees h

Broadway International Group will bring the International Tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music to make its Hong Kong stage debut. Led by the original director of the North American tour and three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, this popular musical is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, and still remains as beloved as ever. You may already be familiar with the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, but the stage production is a whole new experience that deserves to be seen and appreciated in its own right. Read on to find out more about this revival. Photograph: Courtesy Harmony Studio SG How long will The Sound of Music run in Hong Kong? Due to overwhelmingly positive responses from Hong Kong audiences, The Sound of Music has decided to add an extra 24 shows to the season, so the musical will be in town from April 16 to June 9. Shows will run from Tuesdays through to Sundays, with weekend matinee performances. The Sound of Music will be performed in English with Chinese subtitles provided. How much are tickets for The Sound of Music? Tickets range from $588 to $1,188, and can be purchased on their official website. Its seasons in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the soon-to-open Shanghai are all sell-out shows, so grab those tickets if you haven’t yet. Photograph: Courtesy Harmony Studio SG What is The Sound of Music about? Based on the 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta von Trapp, the

The 42nd edition of the Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA) took place last night on April 14 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, honouring the best Hong Kong films from 2023. Legal drama A Guilty Conscience, Jack Ng’s directorial debut, took home the top prize of Best Film Award, while filmmaker Soi Cheang won Best Director with the mystery thriller Mad Fate.  Though having missed out on Best Film, The Goldfinger was the film which won the most categories, including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume and Makeup Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Design. Notably, the legendary Tony Leung Chiu-wai also won Best Actor for his lead role in this crime drama starring opposite Andy Lau – this is the sixth time he has won Best Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Leung was up against Bowie Lam, Dayo Wong, Siuyea Lo, and Dong Chengpeng in this category but ended up coming up top with his portrayal of the unscrupulous businessman Henry Ching Yat-yin, a character inspired by the real-life founder of Hong Kong conglomerate Carrian Group, which was embroiled in a major corruption and fraud scandal before eventually collapsing. Actor and martial artist Sammo Hung Kam-po was honoured with the HKFA Lifetime Achievement Award for his film career which has spanned over six decades. Crime drama In Broad Daylight also won in three categories, with Best Actress going to Jennifer Yu, and David Chiang and Rachel Leung clinching Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, r

Cinema Day is returning this year on Sunday, April 21, when 63 participating cinemas will sell their regular movie tickets for just $30. Starting from noon on April 17, keen cinema goers can start buying Cinema Day tickets both online and in person at theatre counters. Hong Kong’s major cinemas and some smaller theatres are part of this promotion, including Broadway, MCL, Emperor Cinemas, Cinema City, Newport Circuit, Golden Harvest, Golden Scene, Lumen Cinema, and more. All tickets on the day – including special screenings for IMAX, 4DX, CGS Laser, and Real D Cinema format – will be priced at a flat rate of $30. Note that each person can only purchase a maximum of four tickets at in-person counters.  As part of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024, which is themed ‘Arts and Action’ this year, Cinema Day will also screen a selection of films that match this theme, as well as some titles that won at this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards. Recommended reading: Digital payment platform finally approved for Hong Kong taxisHistoric Lin Heung tea house has reopened after two yearsHong Kong MTR to raise fares in June Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on what's going on in the city.

Hong Kong has a fantastic public transport system, including a fleet of approximately 18,000 taxis ferrying citizens around at a relatively affordable rate – though the one complaint that taxis garner the most is that the majority still only accept cash payments. Luckily, Hong Kong fintech company Wonder, a subsidiary of Bindo Labs, has won approval from the Transport Department to install its system in local taxis so they can finally accept digital payments. Taxi Pay x Wonder, called Taxi Pay for short, is a system that allows users to choose from 18 types of digital payment. Just like any other form of digital payment these days, users can expect to either scan a QR code or tap cards on a payment terminal. Passengers paying via UnionPay can enjoy a 10 percent discount on their fare, and will have the handling fee waived for two months, while Alipay users should take note of a 3.5 percent handling fee. Visa, MasterCard, JCB, WeChat Pay, Discover, Diners, and FPS users can enjoy a waived handling fee until June 30, with a possibility of extension to the end of the year. Of course, this new tool will be rolled out gradually, and Wonder is offering to install their smart taximeters and smart payment terminals for free for the first 2,000 taxis to sign up for the platform. The plan is for Taxi Pay to be installed in 8,000 cabs by this December. Recommended stories: Everything you need to know about IU coming to Hong Kong7-Eleven is giving away free onigiri this weekThe historic

One of Hong Kong’s oldest restaurants, Lin Heung Lau, has suddenly announced a grand reopening on April 1, 2024. A historic tea house on Central’s Wellington Street, this restaurant has been in our city for over 104 years, and is well-known for serving dim sum on old-school trolleys. Lin Heung Tea House has been through some rough patches in its time. Back in early 2019, their landlord failed to renew their lease and it was set to close, but the restaurant was saved by the skin of its teeth when its employees took over through a joint venture. Things went well until August 2022, when the management decided it could no longer go on as a result of the pandemic. Luckily, the sun has not yet set fully on this traditional dim sum parlour, as Lin Heung Lau has once again reopened after being away for two years. While tea and dim sum will be served as they always have in the restaurant proper, they’ve also made an effort to modernise their offerings, introducing trendy hand-shaken drinks to go from their ground floor space. We’re just glad this isn’t the last we’re seeing of its iconic bamboo steamers on trolleys. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Recommended reading: Hong Kong Airport is giving away flight tickets to Japan and Bali6 Hong Kong restaurants listed on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024MTR will raise its fares starting from June Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newslette

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is launching some exclusive rewards for the Easter season, most exciting of all being free round-trip flight tickets to Japan and Bali! From now until April 7, HKairport Rewards members who spend a minimum of $15,000 at any airport shop or restaurant, on HKairportShop.com, and on their food ordering service will receive one round-trip ticket to Japan or Bali. The expenditure amount can be accumulated from across all the above retail points.  Travellers who make purchases at the Luxury Concierge will also be eligible for this flight ticket giveaway. Each HKairport Rewards member can redeem this offer twice during the promotional period. During this giveaway period, members will also be able to earn two points for every dollar spent, while new members will receive a $100 shopping voucher which can be used when $300 or more is spent in a single transaction at designated retail shops. Visit HKIA’s official website to find more information. Recommended stories: Hong Kong MTR to raise fares by 3% in June South Korea's famous Waterbomb Festival is coming to Hong Kong McDonald's and Japanese artist Verdy collab for a special exhibition Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on what's going on in the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Almost 100 years after it first opened its doors in Hong Kong, the historic Jimmy’s Kitchen will return to Central following its closure back in 2020. This latest iteration by Epicurean Group will see the restaurant moving a little down the neighbourhood from Theatre Lane to the Pedder Building.  Photograph: Courtesy Jimmy’s Kitchen / Epicurean GroupChicken Kiev at Jimmy’s Kitchen Boasting a dining lounge, cocktail bar, crudo bar, main dining rooms, as well as a private dining room, the eatery will be helmed by Hong Kong-born executive chef Russell Doctrove – formerly of award-winning restaurant group Maximal Concepts – who has promised to retain the old Jimmy’s spark while giving dishes a contemporary spin. Since Jimmy’s Kitchen has always displayed influences from Russian, British, and Indian flavours, diners can still expect to enjoy classics such as their chicken madras ($228), chicken supreme kiev ($238), Angus beef mince on toast ($168), and baked Alaska ($228). Honestly, we’d be happy even just nibbling on their complimentary pickled onion appetisers.  Photograph: Courtesy Jimmy’s Kitchen / Epicurean Group The space itself has been given a revival in design for this new chapter, and while wood panelling is still heavily featured, the use of lighter accents gives Jimmy’s a more contemporary feel. Hongkongers can be happily reacquainted with the famously long lunches at this historic din

The Octopus card, Hong Kong’s ubiquitous contactless smart card used for payment on public transportation, in shops, for healthcare, and even government services, will soon extend its reach to mainland China. Plans are in place for users to swipe a new Octopus card on public transport in over 320 mainland Chinese cities from the second quarter of 2024. The main selling point of this Octopus version is that users can top up the card using Hong Kong dollars, and fares will automatically be deducted in Chinese RMB. Previous iterations of similar cross-border Octopus cards like the Hu Tong Xing linking Hong Kong and Shenzhen did not receive much enthusiastic response, mainly because it required users to top-up Hong Kong dollars and RMB separately – a problem that this new Octopus card has resolved. The launch of this card would significantly smoothen the ease of travelling up to mainland China, where payment has long been a bit of hassle since Hongkongers have to sign up for a variety of apps as accepted payment systems across the border are different. This new Hong Kong–Mainland Octopus card will be on sale from Monday, 25 March, available for purchase at various convenience stores as well as seven MTR stations, namely Hung Hom, Lok Ma Chau, Sheung Shui, Fanling, Tsuen Wan, Kowloon Tong, and Admiralty. The card will cost $88 without deposit or inherent stored value, and has a maximum stored value limit of $3,000, just like the cards currently in circulation. Though tech-savvy us

By now, even people who aren’t that into K-pop will know that South Korean mega group BTS are currently inactive as they’re doing mandatory military service. However, the seven-strong band has been doing very well at keeping their fans fed with a steady flow of content such as solo songs – V’s brand-new single Fri(end) drops at noon on March 15, by the way. With Suga’s Suchwita web show recently wrapping up, Min Yoongi stans might be feeling a little bereft at the thought of slogging through over 400 days before the rapper gets discharged. Well, despair no more, as Suga has announced that his 2023 D-Day tour as Agust D (the stage name he goes by for his solo music) has been filmed and will soon hit the big screens worldwide. If you missed seeing him live in concert last year, this is your chance to experience the pulsating energy and explosive emotions of one of South Korea’s best rappers in full surround sound. Most of the feature will be of the last day of the D-Day concerts, but the cinematic cut will also include special guest stages with fellow BTS members RM, Jimin, and Jungkook. Hong Kong ARMYs can catch the D-Day finale from April 10 to 13 in various cinemas across the territories such as Movie Movie, MCL, Broadway, Premiere, Emperor Cinemas, and more. Check the official website for precise locations and screening times. Tickets run from $140 to $190 for the IMAX version. Recommended stories: Hollywood Road named the second coolest street in the world79 Hong Kong rest

The list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 has been revealed days ahead of the grand reveal of the big 50 list on March 26. This is the fourth year that the extended 51 to 100 list has been announced, and L’Effervescence in Tokyo has topped this half of the list.  This year welcomes 12 new entries, spanning 16 cities. Singapore and Tokyo lead with eight spots each. Bangkok features seven eateries, including newcomer Haoma at number 90. Hong Kong nabs six spots, which includes Howard’s Gourmet (#100), Godenya (#88), Estro (#71), Vea (#68), Ta Vie (#55), and Xin Rong Ji (#52). Other cities like Kuala Lumpur, Manila, New Delhi, and Shenzhen each present a standout restaurant on the prestigious list. Our neighbouring Macau has also been mentioned, with Jade Dragon (#59) making the list. "With 12 new entries and representation from 16 Asian cities, this extended list offers gourmets worldwide a selection of establishments to savour during their travels and a variety of exceptional experiences to choose from," shares William Drew, director of content at Asia's 50 Best Restaurants.   Photograph: Courtesy Godenya Now in its 12th edition, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will announce top rankings during an exclusive awards ceremony in Korea on March 26 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. Special awards, including the Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award, Beronia Asia’s Best Sommelier Award, Sustainable Restaurant Award, Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, High

In the midst of all the Oscar-related buzz, our own city had also hosted the 17th Asian Film Awards (AFA) on Sunday, March 10 at the Xiqu Centre. Celebrating excellence in Asian cinema, the Asian Film Awards Academy voted from a score of films and silver screen professionals from South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan, to Sri Lanka, mainland China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan. Japan topped the awards list this year, winning Best Film for Evil Does Not Exist, Best Director for Kore-eda Hirokazu, and Best Actor for Yakusho Koji, but Hong Kong also took home a range of accolades. Nick Cheuk won the Best New Director award for his film Time Still Turns The Pages, a drama about a secondary school teacher whose attempts to help a suicidal student end up triggering his own childhood traumas. As a screenwriter, Cheuk had also previously worked on Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight (2017) and Paradox (2017). Other wins for Hong Kong include Rachel Leung, who took home Best Supporting Actress for crime drama In Broad Daylight. Crime drama The Goldfinger, starring Hong Kong film heavyweights Tony Leung and Andy Lau, won in two categories at this year’s AFA, with Best Costume Design and Best Production Design awarded to Man Lim-chung and Eric Lam, respectively. See the full list of nominees and winners at the Asian Film Awards’ official website. Recommended stories: Eight restored classics to be screened at Hong Kong International Film FestivalCelebrate global LGBTQ+ stories with Five Fi