Exploring Hong Kong With A Gen Z-Approved Itinerary

My companions for this trip are true locals, born and raised in Hong Kong. They’re taking me around town to some of their favourite hangout joints — each more eclectic than the other.

Pottering around with a younger crowd gives you a fresh take on this bustling metropolis and its ever-evolving charm. With a bunch of GenZs as my tour guides, I’m discovering a side of the city I never would have.

What’s hot in Hong Kong?

“We never take these. They’re too slow,” my friends quip, as we get off the ding-ding tram after a 20-minute ride. We’re on our way to a coffee shop in Sheung Wan, when they give me an insight into how GenZs spend time in the city.

“As soon as we’re done with work, we’re out catching up with friends no matter what day of the week it is. That’s the culture here. We usually meet for a round of drinks. Or, for a stroll by the Victoria Harbour promenade. For meals, Shing Chai Hot Pot in TST, Pondside in Admiralty and Lua in Causeway Bay are trending currently,” they share.

A brisk walk later we’re at Coffee & Laundry. True to its name, this innovative spot lets you enjoy a cup of coffee while doing your laundry. We’re welcomed by checkered-floor tiles, an outdoor wooden seating area and white self-service laundromats that run 24 hours. Here you can flip through magazines, as your clothes get a soapy wash.

We strike up a conversation with a solo traveller from Switzerland, who seems to be enjoying his cold brew and mooncake. He tells us how he checked into an Airbnb with a bag full of dirty clothes and surprisingly, found this place right across the road. “I love the concept, it’s unique and practical. Plus, a lot cheaper than doing your laundry in Switzerland,” he shares.

After a quick coffee and several selfies later, we’re at our next stop. Just an amble away and with the same concept, fittingly called CLEAN. You’re greeted by airy, pastel-hued interiors, packed with throngs of youngsters and no place to sit. They seem to be enjoying the cafe’s famous oat milk latte and pandan cookies, as pistachio-coloured laundromats run in the background at full speed.

“This cafe-laundromat concept is Korean and K-pop inspired, and rarely found in Hong Kong. In fact, I hear there’s a Black Pink-themed laundry cafe in Seoul,” one of my friends points out.

Grab a drink

For a night out, we’re headed to Dragonfly in Central District. It’s a dragonfly-themed cocktail lounge tucked inside the historical gem of Tai Kwan, which is a former police station and one of Hong Kong’s most important cultural landmarks.

As soon as we enter, we’re transported into a world of dragonflies. The whole place is decorated with giant dragonfly centerpieces, a dragonfly-designed bar and dragonfly-wing patterned lamps. Its eerie green, dimly-lit interiors are a visual spectacle and unlike anything you’ll see.

The cosy ambiance sure seems to appeal local couples. “Looks like everyone here except us is on a date,” I point out, gazing around. “Yeah, dating and dating apps are very big in Hong Kong. In fact, on most nights, all our friends are out on dates, leaving those who’re single to hang out by themselves,” they explain.

We then hop over to Room 309. This secret, one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar is hidden inside a hotel room at The Pottinger. Upon arrival, we’re asked to fill out a proper check-in form and are handed over a key to access the door. “Since the bar is soundproof and discreet, even guests staying at the hotel are often unaware of it,” they tell me. The bar permits only 20 guests at a time and features a special ‘invisible menu’ with cocktails that are colourless, adding to the air of mystery.

Strike a pose

The next day I’m at Choi Hung Estate, a 60-year-old housing complex that sits beneath the iconic Lion Rock in Kowloon. One of the largest residential areas in the city and home to over 17,000 residents.

Its rainbow-hued façade, vibrant baseball courts and playgrounds are viral on Instagram. No wonder they’re flooded with influencers, who spend hours posing against its colourful buildings and graffiti walls. “For pictures, we come dolled up super early to avoid the crowds,” my friends share.

Then there’s Wan Chai, an art and cultural centre with a very fascinating history. Once notorious for being a red-light area, it has now transformed into a vibrant hub, teeming with unique restaurants and architectural hotspots.

You’ll even find an entire street dedicated to manufacturing and selling wedding cards. “These cards often have popular last names pre-embossed on them,” they tell me. Lee Tung Avenue is adorned with bright red lamps and lanterns, hanging from one end of the lane to another. And, even this early in the day, it’s buzzing with tourists and local bloggers. Everyone’s trying to get a perfect shot, so much so that not getting photobombed seems impossible.

Where to crash

My abode for the night is Ying’n Flo – a design-led, self-check-in space that especially caters to Gen Zs and millennials in the heart of this former red-light area. With a heavy focus on art, music and culture, it frequently hosts local gigs and workshops.

Offering smart-guest experiences and spaces designed for tech-savvy travellers, you can swiftly check yourself in and out using their digital keycards. Adjust your room settings or charge your purchase from the vending machines and the cafe to your room using the hotel app. You can even get in touch with the staff for special requests. There’s a kiosk onsite for a super speedy check-in.

I’m hanging out at the cafe-style lounge after a fun-filled day of sightseeing. Much like the rest of the hotel, it’s a symphony of timbered ceilings, poppy colours and terracotta brick floors. Boasting patterned tiles, a foosball table and cosy workspaces, the set-up is perfect for a young crowd.

In fact, the whole of Hong Kong looks tailor-made for them, with a myriad of attractions that are high-tech, futuristic and utterly Instagrammable. No matter where you are, the city seems to come alive with their presence.

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