Review: Tai Kwun

What's this place all about?
Home to one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world, Hong Kong never wastes a square foot. Which is why it’s so refreshing to come across a place like Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts. Open in 2018 off Hollywood Road, this landmark heritage regeneration project welcomes visitors with a massive courtyard surrounded by 16 historic colonial-era buildings and leafy trees. It’s a free, open, and relaxed space—a unicorn in Hong Kong—that delivers big on its promise of arts, culture, dining, and shopping experiences. Roll up to Tai Kwun on any given day and you’ll find a roster of events including rotating exhibitions, art installations, concerts, performances, screenings, regular tours, and storytelling spaces.

What's the vibe?
Living history.

Is there a tour, and is it worth taking?
You can take a free 45-minute guided tour of the heritage site (book online in advance), but a self-guided walk is just as rewarding thanks to audio guides and historic markers along the route.

Who else comes here?
Hongkongers looking for a place to chill out, enjoy the luxury of space, shop, dine, and catch a screening.

Does it live up to the hype?
Hong Kong sometimes gets a bad rap for its propensity to raze neighborhoods, but Tai Kwun shows just how much adaptive reuse can thrive. With its dramatic courtyard, breezy verandas, art and heritage trails, Tai Kwun feels like a love song to the city.

Who would you recommend it for, and why?
If you’re an art enthusiast, check out the latest exhibitions. Food lovers can choose from a buffet of international flavors, from dim sum spots to French bistros, and casual cafes to romantic bars. Architecture geeks and history buffs will be in heaven, as will shoppers looking for high-quality local souvenirs. Even if you just want a break from the crowds, the peaceful courtyard could be just what you need to unwind.