We are often asked when is the best time to visit Hong Kong. There is no doubt in our minds that fall (or autumn) is the perfect time to come to Hong Kong. There is less sweating profusely. Thunderstorms come less frequently. Are you planning on being in Hong Kong during this perfect season? If so, we have news about what’s going on and some seasonal activity suggestions perfect for visiting Hong Kong during this season. Here are 12 cool things to do in Hong Kong this Fall 2018.
1. Do a fabulous hike
Have you seen our guide to the best short and scenic hikes in Hong Kong? Fall is a great time of year for hiking. The temperatures and humidity are a little more bearable and after the summer’s rain, the landscape is lush and verdant. From leisurely strolls to more demanding short hikes, there is a walk to suit everyone, whatever your age or level of fitness. Check out our guide for more details and more hiking suggestions.
2. Join a food tour
During the Great November Feast, we’re running a special promo with 10% off all Sham Shui Po Foodie Tour. If you take this tour any time from October 22nd to November 20th you can enjoy the discount. This neighbourhood is one of our favorites. It is an authentic local district which does not put on fancy airs and graces – instead you take it as you find it, warts and all. But the food is to die for, we promise. Want to join us? Book your tickets online using promo code “November2018”.
3. Indulge your tastebuds at the Wine & Dine Festival
We can hardly believe that this is the 10th anniversary of this popular festival, which goes from strength to strength each year. If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or simply want to enjoy a day or evening out with your friends, this is the place to be. The Wine and Dine Festival kicks off on October 25th and runs until October 28th. There are over 450 booths ready to present their products, with wine pairings, artisan cheese tastings and demonstrations from top chefs. Find out more about the Wine & Dine festival in our in-depth blog.
4. Dance the night away at ClockenFlap
It’s also ten years since the first ClockenFlap took place and this fantastic music and arts festival with the ever so slightly crazy name is back this November. So far, the line up includes indie band Interpol, over from New York, and the sensational R&B sound from Khalid. Touring solo is David Byrne, once the lead singer for the excellent Talking Heads and Taiwanese singer songwriter anpu will also be performing – you might know her as Deserts Chang. The action kicks off on the November 9th and runs until the 11th. It promises to be a memorable weekend, so get your tickets booked to one of our favorite things to do in Hong Kong in the Fall before they sell out.
5. Visit an Outlying Island
Now that the heat of summer has dissipated a bit, it is a good time to visit one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands. Though many tourists confine themselves to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, there are actually 263 islands, most of them located in the New Territories. The largest of Hong Kong’s outlying islands is Lantau, where you will encounter several Buddhist temples and of course the Big Buddha. Lantau’s home to some incredible beaches and also known for its vegetarian cuisine. On Lamma Island you can still visit a traditional fishing village; other highlights include a Tin Hau temple and Kamikaze Cave. Cheung Chau’s famous bun festival does not take place until May, but do not let that stop you from visiting Cheung Po Tsai Cave, hideout for a 19th century pirate.
6. Eat, drink and be merry during the Great November Feast
This month-long celebration of all things foodie kicks off in just a few weeks. A varied and, of course, mouth-watering program is promised. The QRE Whisky Walk on November 17th is a self-guided route along Lee Tung Avenue and Queen’s Road East linking over twenty outlets – make sure you consume plenty of snacks and canapés to help you pace yourself. “Sunset Cheers” at Harbour City enhances weekends from October 19th to November 4th. Buy a tasting pass and enjoy seafood and fine wines overlooking Victoria Harbour. Events take on a Japanese theme at the Lan Kwai Fong Japan Carnival on November 10th and 11th. Try sake, shochu and awamori, try on a yukata and enjoy Japanese music and dance performances. Prefer Europe? Marco Polo German Bierfest comes back to Hong Kong from mid-October to mid-November, with typical food and beer accompanied by the Notenhobler Band.
7. Salute to Kwan Kung at Tai Kwun
Kwan Kung is seen by many Hong Kong locals as a symbol of loyalty and righteousness. The life of this general and the way he influences our everyday lives in the 21st century is marked by an exhibition at Tai Kwun. It runs throughout the autumn and into January.
8. Dress up for Halloween celebrations
Running from now until October 31st, the Ocean Park Halloween Fest is sure to get you screaming. This spook fest is one of the scariest things to do in Hong Kong this autumn 2018 but also one of the most fun. Ticket holders will be armed with a ghost detecting torch as they venture into a derelict hospital. This multimedia and addictively interactive attraction will get your heart racing as you encounter horrifying freaks, scary clowns and ghouls galore. If the Ocean Park Halloween fest is not enough to satisfy your appetite for horror-related thrills, then Lan Kwai Fong Halloween Street Party needs to be on your calendar too. Don your most amazing fancy dress costume and enjoy themed food and drink at this, the most raucous party of the season.
9. Keep laughing at the 12th Annual International Comedy Festival
The 12th Annual International Comedy Festival runs from October 11th to November 3rd. America’s Sean Patton and South African comic Barry Hilton are the headliners, but this is also a competition, so for the newest, freshest and funniest stand up, book your tickets. This event takes place at the Take Out Comedy Club, Elgin Street, Central.
10. Heritage Vogue – Hollywood Road 2018 Street Carnival
2018 sees the return of this popular carnival which took place for the first time last year. Hollywood Road is set to be the stage for this one day event, which takes place on November 4th, incorporating performances, exhibitions and workshops. The street carnival has an underlying goal – to enhance the public’s understanding of the long history of Hollywood Road and promote heritage conservation in Hong Kong. Highlights include a night parade, featuring large-scale Man Cheong and Mo Tai puppets as well as dragon and lion dance teams.
11. Trot along the Oxfam Trailwalker
The Oxfam Trailwalker is a special kind of fundraiser. You see, unlike the usual endurance runs and long distance walks, this one is a team event. You and three team mates need to work together as a single unit to encourage each other to finish the 100km MacLehose Trail within a strict 48-hour time limit. The event has been held since 1986 and since that time, a massive HK$538 million has been raised for worthy causes designed to alleviate poverty and offer emergency disaster relief to the needy. If you are not participating, why not come along and cheer on those who are?
12. Show support at the Pink Dot Hong Kong 2018
The LGBT+ community in Hong Kong are pleased to welcome you to this fantastic celebration, taking place on October 21st at West Kowloon Art Park. Pink Dot is now in its fifth year, a carnival and outdoor concert placing diversity and acceptance centre stage. The extensive line up includes the Prototyke Lab, Summer, Takki Wong, Nowhere Boys, On Chan and the three colourful characters that are Drag Extravaganza. Whether you are LGBT+ yourself or consider yourself an ally, why not come down and join in the fun?