Stepping out in Hong Kong with new history, art and food walks

Beneath Hong Kong Central’s glitzy skyline is a living museum of history, art, food and culture.

To get a street-level perspective on Hong Kong’s Old Town Central and neighbouring Sheung Wan, five themed walking routes have been released to reveal more than 100 years of Hong Kong history.

The routes introduce visitors to colonial monuments, temples, art galleries, street art, antique stores, hip boutiques, restaurants, bars and local delicacies.

Heritage Trail: Time Traveller

The Central and Sheung Wan areas were where modern Hong Kong began. From Possession Point, where the British flag was first officially raised, to the Tai Ping Shan area, where many Chinese people first settled in the 1840s, this trail leads visitors through some of the city's oldest streets and offers glimpses of what life was like during its infancy.

Art Trail: Crazy for Art

Take a stroll down Hollywood Road, one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong, lined with art galleries covering ancient to contemporary and Asian to Western. Enjoy street art down the many side alleys.

Treasure Hunt Trail: Hidden Gems in Back Alleys

This route takes you to Upper Lascar Row with its mix of antiques; a blooming creative neighborhood on Tai Ping Shan Street and in the PoHo area, where design studios are nestled between teahouses; and the Bridges Street area, where visitors can find second-hand books, knickknacks and reminders of the city's past.

Dining Trail: Tasting Hong Kong

Central is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from traditional dim sum and international and fusion cuisine to local dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls) and street food.

Highlights Trail: Something for Everyone

This walk covers the top landmarks and points of interests from each thematic route and is ideal for visitors who have limited time.

Fact File

• Download the walking guides at discoverhongkong.com.