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HONG KONG – Global coffee giant Starbucks has debuted a distinctive new concept store within the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) in the West Kowloon Cultural District, transforming the typical café experience into a cultural journey. Now open to the public, this unique location blends contemporary coffee culture with ancient Chinese imperial aesthetics, offering exclusive, regionally inspired beverages, museum-themed merchandise, and interiors that reference the institution’s esteemed Ming and Qing Dynasty collections. This strategic pairing aims to enhance the visitor experience by marrying the familiarity of an international brand with profound local heritage and artistry.

The new HKPM Starbucks signifies a departure from the brand’s standard format, emphasizing elements of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and flavour profiles. The location features several bespoke artistic and culinary items designed specifically for the museum audience.

A Fusion of Art and Artisanal Coffee

The store’s design aesthetic immediately sets it apart. It is the only Starbucks in Hong Kong to display its name using a traditional Chinese calligraphy shop sign, a nod to the high street signage common during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This artistic sign was meticulously created by renowned local calligrapher Westley Wong.

Inside, the commitment to local artistry continues with several significant installations:

• A striking mural by local artist Elsa Ngai uses mineral pigments and clay paints to illustrate the detailed lifecycle of a coffee tree.
• Sculptor Leo Wong interprets the coffee plant through installations inspired by the classic Shan Shui style of landscape painting, seamlessly integrating nature and tradition.

These thoughtfully curated elements transform the space into a gallery-like environment, providing context that enriches the coffee-drinking experience.

Exclusive Menu Items Reflecting Imperial Tastes

Beyond the visual artistry, the HKPM concept store introduces a line of exclusive food and beverage items rooted in traditional Oriental flavours. A key innovation is the plum-flavoured beverage line, which utilizes sweet and sour plum sauce and whole plums blended with the choice of Starbucks’ coffee or oolong tea, available both warm and iced. This unique pairing transforms the traditional Chinese tonic flavour into a modern café staple.

Another notable inclusion is the Turmeric Oatmilk Latte, which infuses the popular drink with the subtle, warm spice of turmeric, further demonstrating an effort to localize the menu through Eastern culinary ingredients.

Furthermore, coinciding with the museum’s highly anticipated “Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums” exhibition, the store’s West Kowloon location (from February 20) introduced two exhibition-specific treats: the Golden Pistachio Pyramid Cake and the Mummy’s Secret Roll sausage roll. These playful, exhibition-exclusive items create a thematic connection between the gallery and the gourmand.

Unique Merchandise and Personalization

The museum location also features two extraordinary collections of Starbucks merchandise. One line draws inspiration directly from the museum’s imperial treasures of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, while the other features iconography from the Ancient Egypt exhibition, including demi mugs, tumblers, and passport holders.

Significantly, the HKPM location is the first Starbucks concept store in Hong Kong to offer personalized engraving services, allowing patrons to customize their purchased travel mugs and lifestyle goods, making them unique souvenirs of their visit.

Located on the G/F of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, this new Starbucks concept store offers visitors more than just a quick refuel; it provides a carefully crafted cultural intersection, enhancing the institution’s mission to connect art, history, and community through innovative experiences. This launch underscores a growing trend in cultural districts globally, where commercial partnerships are utilized to deepen public engagement with museum content.

Flower delivery hong kong

Hong Kong, [Insert Current Date] – Fujifilm has unveiled its innovative new instant camera, the instax mini Evo Cinema, which seamlessly combines the nostalgic charm of instant photography with modern video recording capabilities. Available now in Hong Kong for HK$2,980, this hybrid device allows users to capture both motion and still images, offering a unique mechanism to select and print specific frames from video clips into iconic instant photos—bridging the gap between analog keepsakes and digital memories.

Design Elements Channel Vintage Filmmaking

The instax mini Evo Cinema distinguishes itself immediately through its design, which pays homage to classic film equipment. The camera features a distinctive vertical grip, purposefully evoking the look and feel of 1960s machinery, specifically referencing Fujifilm’s own Fujica Single-8 8mm video camera. This tactile, intentional design contrasts sharply with the sleek simplicity of modern smartphones and action cameras, providing a more deliberate and physical shooting experience for enthusiasts.

Operation is facilitated by an integrated LCD monitor situated opposite the lens, which serves dual roles as a viewfinder during image capture and a selection screen for reviewing content. Critically, this screen allows users to scroll through recorded clips and isolate preferred frames, transforming fleeting video moments into tangible instant prints.

Digitally Enhanced Prints and Cinematic Effects

A standout feature is the way the Evo Cinema handles digital integration. Instant prints derived from video clips are automatically augmented with a QR code. When scanned, this code links directly back to the original video file, offering a clever fusion of physical print and digital playback. Users still have the option to print standard, unadorned instant photos, maintaining the pure analog experience of instax prints.

Adding creative depth is the innovative Eras Dial. Controlled by a rotating mechanism on the camera’s edge, this dial instantly applies visual effects inspired by past film and television eras—for instance, simulating the textured, saturated look of vintage CRT TV screens from the 1970s. The dial offers 10 distinct effects, each with 10 adjustable levels, providing a total of 100 possible variations. These effects are applicable to both videos and still photographs, and on video clips, select effects can even incorporate tailored audio overlays, promising a highly cinematic finish suitable for moody urban scenes or artistic street portraits.

Multi-Functional Capabilities Expand Utility

Beyond its core function as a hybrid capture device, the instax mini Evo Cinema acts as an all-in-one portable ecosystem. A dedicated companion application enhances the user experience, enabling video editing functions such as clip remixing and the addition of professional cinematic opening and ending templates.

Furthermore, the camera retains the functionality of a standalone photo printer. Through its Direct Print Function, users can transfer images directly from their smartphone camera roll to the Evo Cinema for instant printing, mirroring the capabilities found in the instax mini Link and standard instax mini Evo models. This makes the new device a three-in-one tool: an instant camera, a video recorder, and a mobile photo printer.

This release signals Fujifilm’s continued ambition to innovate within the instant photography market, providing consumers with a versatile tool that caters to both the desire for tangible photographic output and the contemporary demand for video content creation. Photographic enthusiasts and filmmakers alike will find the instax mini Evo Cinema an engaging new platform for capturing and sharing creative content in Hong Kong.

Blossom flower delivery

Hong Kong’s traditional bamboo scaffolding masters secured international validation last month when the towering temporary altar erected for Kam Tin’s Heung Jiao Festival (commonly known as the Da Jiu Festival) was officially certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest temporary bamboo altar structure. This monumental achievement highlights a critical juncture for this intricate craft, as the aging practitioners face the challenge of preserving a vital cultural legacy amidst declining interest from younger generations.

Master Craftsman Leads Record-Breaking Achievement

The immense structure, soaring five stories high and encompassing over 40,000 square feet, was assembled from more than 30,000 bamboo poles. The ambitious two-month project required 17 dedicated craftsmen and was spearheaded by Master Lai Chi-ming, one of the estimated 10 remaining professional bamboo theatre scaffolders in Hong Kong.

Master Lai, who learned the trade from his father through practical, on-site experience, relies purely on visual acumen and mental design rather than modern blueprints. This intuitive approach is central to the craft, particularly when constructing temporary folk theatres, which must be self-supporting—a highly distinct skill set compared to using bamboo for building construction, which typically leans on the rigid structure of the modern building itself. This ability to mentally map and engineer a “castle in the sky” is considered virtually irreplaceable by current computer technology.

The record-breaking structure housed traditional Chinese opera performances, known as Shengongxi, and was meticulously positioned so its central axis aligned perfectly with the main God’s altar on the festival grounds, ensuring the deities had the optimal viewing perspective.

The Art of Temporary Bamboo Architecture

Traditional bamboo theatres are designed to be mobile, constructed from bamboo, fir timber, and simple tools like saws and gimlets, before being covered with galvanised steel sheets for weather protection. Their temporary nature is a hallmark of Hong Kong’s iconic folk culture.

Historical records trace traditional Chinese scaffolding techniques back to the Han, Song, and Qing dynasties. These skills were brought to Hong Kong by craftsmen fleeing political unrest in mainland China, who later refined the methods—notably replacing thatch roofing with more fire-resistant galvanised steel.

Hong Kong features two main styles of these temporary theatres: the simpler, lower “Dragon Boat” style, often seen at the Tin Hau or Hungry Ghost Festivals; and the more elaborate “Great Golden Bell” style. The latter, which was utilised for the Kam Tin Da Jiu Festival, comprises an additional detailed layer atop the basic “Dragon Boat” frame, adding significant structural complexity and flair.

The Da Jiu Festival, an event that has spanned three centuries, is only held once every 10 years; the most recent, 34th iteration means enthusiasts must plan to attend the next festival in 2035.

Preserving an Intangible Cultural Heritage

Despite its rich heritage, the sector faces significant decline. Economic development spurred most of the more than 10 specialised theatre scaffolding companies to pivot towards less complex construction site work. Coupled with the general reluctance of younger generations to enter highly physical manual labour, only approximately four traditional scaffolding companies remain in existence today.

Master Lai acknowledges that while the craft is a unique intangible cultural heritage, passing it on is immensely difficult. The learning process requires intense determination, exceptional memory, innate talent, and a commitment to physically demanding work—qualities he finds scarce among potential young apprentices. He currently does not plan for his son to take over the business.

However, the international recognition of the Kam Tin altar has provided a boost of optimism. Master Lai expressed that if opportunities arise to teach this sophisticated form of architecture in the future, he would enthusiastically embrace the chance to ensure Hong Kong’s distinctive craftsmanship survives for another generation.

The record-breaking bamboo altar stands not just as a temporary structure for a religious celebration, but as a compelling tribute to the skill and enduring cultural legacy of Hong Kong’s master scaffolders. As these practitioners become rarer, the value of their artistry and its conservation increases exponentially.

Flower shop with rose

The esteemed Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) will commemorate its 25th anniversary this March, presenting an ambitious silver jubilee program featuring over 60 events across multiple city venues. Running from March 1 to 8, the festival brings together a stellar lineup of international and regional writers for talks, workshops, cultural events, and literary excursions to celebrate literacy and creative expression.

This milestone edition aims to transform Hong Kong into a hub for global literary discourse, hosting discussions ranging from Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction to poignant non-fiction memoirs and explorations of contemporary cultural trends.

Silver Jubilee Features Acclaimed Global Voices

In honor of its 25th year, the HKILF program has secured appearances from an array of critically acclaimed authors, ensuring diverse representation across genres and geographies.

A major highlight is the participation of Argentine-American writer Hernán Diaz, the celebrated author whose novel Trust secured the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. He will be joined by influential Indian writer Amitav Ghosh, scheduled to discuss his forthcoming work, Ghost-Eye. Representing contemporary Chinese voices is Hu Anyan, who will share insights from his compelling non-fiction memoir, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing.

The festival’s diversity extends far beyond traditional book signings, incorporating unique cross-disciplinary programming:

• Movement and Meaning: Authors and athletes Arshay Cooper and Bonnie Tsui will delve into the transformative power of physical activity. Cooper’s discussion focuses on his book, Let Me Be Real With You: Inspiring Stories of Hope, Grit, and Redemption.
• Genre Spotlights: Attendees can explore debut thriller writing with Liann Zhang, author of Julie Chan is Dead, and gain perspective on life transitions with Marga Ortigas, who will present her essay collection, WTF? Women Turning Fifty.
• Culinary Culture: Food enthusiasts have a treat in store with Michael Zee, winner of the Fortnum & Mason Cookery Book Award 2025, who will talk about his acclaimed cookbook, Zao Fan: Breakfast of China.

Multi-Venue Approach Enhances Accessibility

To accommodate the extensive schedule of events—including author talks, literary lunches, poetry showcases, and trivia nights—the HKILF will utilize several prestigious locations across Hong Kong. Confirmed venues include the Hong Kong Central Library, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Fringe Club, China Club, and Soho House.

Specific details regarding individual event timings and ticketing arrangements are being finalized and will be released to the public shortly. Prospective attendees are encouraged to monitor the dedicated Eventbrite page for the festival, where the full event schedule and ticket purchasing options will be progressively made available. Further events and ticket sales are anticipated to be added by the end of January.

Promoting Literacy Through Youth Engagement

Running concurrently with the main festival is the vital Young Reader’s Festival, scheduled from March 2 to 13. This parallel initiative is dedicated to promoting education and literacy among children and students. The program offers tailored talks and workshops, providing young people with invaluable opportunities to interact directly with authors and master the foundational skills of creative writing.

The 25th annual HKILF represents a significant cultural achievement for Hong Kong, underscoring the city’s commitment to global literary exchange and cultural enrichment. As one of Asia’s preeminent literary gatherings, the festival not only celebrates the written word but also fosters a dynamic environment for intellectual conversation and artistic connection. Interested parties should secure tickets promptly once sales commence, as high demand is expected for this landmark anniversary celebration.

花束

Hong Kong’s persistent enthusiasm for premium Japanese hambagu (hamburger steak) will see a significant new entrant this February, as Yamamoto Hamburg, the original concept from Chef Shohei Yamamoto, prepares to launch its second-ever international outpost at PopCorn Mall in Tseung Kwan O. The opening introduces a family-focused alternative to the city’s current dining sensation, offering a more extensive menu centered on tradition and high-quality, handmade patties, promising to satisfy the city’s seemingly insatiable appetite for authentic Japanese comfort cuisine.

The Hambagu Hype Continues

The dining landscape in Hong Kong has been notably influenced by the Japanese hamburger steak trend since the highly publicized arrival of Hikiniku to Come nearly two years ago. While that establishment, known for its focused A4 Kyushu wagyu set, continues to generate near-unobtainable reservations across its two locations, the market is poised for healthy competition. Yamamoto Hamburg, established by Chef Yamamoto in 2005—a decade and a half before its viral sister brand—is designed to be a more accessible, everyday dining destination.

Chef Yamamoto founded the brand based on the comforting culinary experiences of his childhood, emphasizing dependable ingredients and preparation rooted in household familiarity. This approach differentiates Yamamoto Hamburg from its innovative, hyper-specific counterpart, aiming instead for an inclusive atmosphere where high standards remain paramount.

Menu Diversity and Signature Flavors

Unlike the single-set philosophy of Hikiniku to Come, Yamamoto Hamburg will offer diners a noticeably expanded array of choices. The core offering involves handmade patties crafted from a blend of Spanish pork and high-grade Australian Black Angus beef. These are usually complemented by a rich, signature demi-glace sauce, which gains a powerful umami depth from its inclusion of miso and dashi.

While the complete Hong Kong menu is forthcoming, diners can anticipate several signature dishes that exemplify the brand’s broad appeal. Set to feature in the launch are the classic feast hamburg and the regionally popular spicy mentaiko hamburg. Other crowd favorites from the Japanese domestic menu, such as the garlic hamburg with yuzu pepper and the fried egg hamburg, are highly anticipated additions. This broader selection positions the Tseung Kwan O location as a versatile option for lunch and family dinners.

Strategic Market Entry and Community Focus

The upcoming debut at PopCorn Mall marks only the second international venture for the Yamamoto Hamburg brand, underscoring the strategic importance of the Hong Kong market. The 1,700 square-foot space will feature a modern bistro design and is planned to accommodate up to 60 patrons, ensuring high volume capability.

In an official statement, Chef Yamamoto expressed his enthusiasm for bringing his original concept to the city. “Since opening in Tokyo two decades ago, my vision has been to share the joy of Japanese handmade hamburg, crafted with safe, reliable ingredients and the warmth of home cooking,” he remarked.

The selection of Tseung Kwan O was intentional, reflecting a desire to engage with the local community. Chef Yamamoto cited the “warmth and vibrancy of the local community and its accessibility” as key factors, positioning the restaurant as a welcoming place where families can enjoy the authentic essence of Japanese dining, reminiscent of home-cooked meals.

The arrival of Yamamoto Hamburg signals a maturation of Hong Kong’s enthusiasm for Japanese comfort food, providing consumers with greater choice and accessibility beyond the restrictive reservation models currently dominating the premium segment. For residents in the New Territories, the Tseung Kwan O opening offers a highly sought-after, exclusive culinary experience right on their doorstep.

hk flower show 2025

The highly anticipated Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) is set to mark its silver jubilee this year, presenting its 25th annual edition with an expansive, week-long celebration of global prose and intellectual discourse. Running from March 1 to March 8, the festival will feature over 60 distinct events, including author discussions, specialized literary workshops, cultural excursions, and poetry readings, solidifying its status as a vital hub for readers and writers across Asia.

Global Literary Heavyweights Headlining Silver Jubilee

To commemorate its significant milestone, the HKILF has curated a robust lineup featuring several internationally acclaimed authors across diverse genres. Headlining the roster is Argentine-American writer Hernán Diaz, the 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner for Fiction for his novel Trust. Also confirmed is the eminent Indian writer Amitav Ghosh, who will engage audiences in a discussion about his forthcoming work, Ghost-Eye. Representing contemporary Chinese literature, writer Hu Anyan is scheduled to present his poignant nonfiction memoir chronicling his experiences, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing.

The festival program spans far beyond traditional fiction and poetry, incorporating broader cultural and timely themes. The intersection of sports and narrative will be explored by authors and athletes Arshay Cooper and Bonnie Tsui, focusing on transformation and resilience. Cooper will specifically delve into themes of hope and grit discussed in his book, Let Me Be Real With You: Inspiring Stories of Hope, Grit, and Redemption.

Diverse Narratives and Culinary Explorations

The HKILF is committed to showcasing a wide spectrum of voices, including emerging and established talent tackling contemporary social issues. Attendees can look forward to hearing from Liann Zhang, discussing her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead, and Marga Ortigas, who will present her candid essay collection, WTF? Women Turning Fifty, which critically examines the experience of aging.

Culinary literature receives its own spotlight with Michael Zee, the celebrated writer and photographer behind Zao Fan: Breakfast of China, winner of the 2025 Fortnum & Mason Cookery Book Award. Zee’s session promises to be a treat for food enthusiasts, connecting literature with the rich culinary traditions of China.

Strategic Venues Host Festival Events

The diverse array of talks, performances, and literary gatherings will be hosted across several distinguished cultural locations throughout Hong Kong. Key venues include the Hong Kong Central Library, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, the Fringe Club, the historic China Club, and Soho House.

While the detailed schedule, specific venue timings, and ticketing arrangements are expected to be finalized and released shortly, eager attendees can secure early access to general information and initial ticket sales via the dedicated Eventbrite page. Organizers anticipate adding the full spectrum of events and ticket options late this January.

Promoting Literacy Through Youth Engagement

Running in parallel with the main festival events, the Young Reader’s Festival (YRF) will take place from March 2 to March 13. This crucial component of the annual literary effort focuses intensely on education and literacy development for students and younger readers. The YRF provides valuable opportunities for children to participate in interactive workshops and author sessions designed to foster a passion for creative writing and reading comprehension.

The 25th HKILF is set to not only celebrate a quarter-century of bringing world literature to Hong Kong but also to reinforce the city’s role as a sophisticated cultural destination where intellectual exchange and artistic expression thrive.

訂花

Hong Kong’s intense appetite for high-quality Japanese hamburger steak, or hambagu, is set to be further satisfied with the arrival of Yamamoto Hamburg, an established Tokyo-based brand. Opening its doors at PopCorn mall in Tseung Kwan O this February, Yamamoto Hamburg promises a more diverse, family-oriented dining experience compared to its wildly popular sister concept, Hikiniku to Come, signaling healthy competition within the city’s highly saturated F&B market and offering diners a new opportunity to experience authentic Japanese comfort food.

The hambagu phenomenon first swept Hong Kong with the 2022 launch of Hikiniku to Come at IFC Mall, quickly becoming a destination that demanded Olympic-level reservation skills. Despite opening a second location in Tsim Sha Tsui, demand has scarcely waned. The upcoming debut of Yamamoto Hamburg, founded by Chef Shohei Yamamoto—the same culinary force behind Hikiniku to Come—introduces the market to his original brand, founded 15 years before the viral concept.

A Focus on Comfort and Culinary Variety

Unlike the streamlined, singular focus of Hikiniku to Come, which prioritizes an A4 Kyushu wagyu set menu, Yamamoto Hamburg differentiates itself by embracing variety and a welcoming, inclusive ethos rooted in Chef Yamamoto’s childhood culinary memories.

“My vision since opening in Tokyo two decades ago has been to share the joy of Japanese handmade hamburg, crafted with safe, reliable ingredients and the warmth of home cooking,” Chef Yamamoto shared in a recent release. “Compared to the innovative style of Hikiniku to Come, Yamamoto Hamburg presents an authentic daily feast centered upon family and the comforting essence of Japanese dining.”

The restaurant’s signature patties blend high-quality Australian Black Angus beef and Spanish pork, enveloped in a unique demi-glace sauce created with miso and dashi for a profound umami flavor. While the complete Hong Kong menu remains under wraps, diners can confidently anticipate key offerings such as the classic Feast Hamburg and the flavor-packed Spicy Mentaiko Hamburg. Given the brand’s popularity abroad, anticipation is high for other beloved dishes, including Garlic Hamburg with Yuzu Pepper and the Fried Egg Hamburg, to make their way onto the local menu.

Tseung Kwan O Secures Exclusive International Debut

The Tseung Kwan O location at PopCorn marks a significant milestone: it is only the second international outpost for Yamamoto Hamburg outside of Japan. The restaurant will occupy a spacious 1,700 square-foot venue, designed with a modern bistro aesthetic capable of seating up to 60 guests.

Chef Yamamoto noted that the choice of the PopCorn mall was strategic, underscoring the brand’s community-focused mission. “We chose Tseung Kwan O’s PopCorn Mall as our debut location for the warmth and vibrancy of the local community and its accessibility—a place where everyone can feel at ease and enjoy our delicious hambagus together.”

This opening not only alleviates pressure on the highly sought-after Hikiniku to Come locations but also enriches Hong Kong’s dining scene with a respected, high-quality offering. For local food enthusiasts who value meticulous preparation and diverse menu options, Yamamoto Hamburg offers a fresh, authentic taste of classic Japanese comfort cuisine. The expansion signifies Hong Kong’s ongoing status as a global hub for diverse, competitive, and highly specialized international gastronomy.

bloom florist

Hong Kong’s culinary scene rings in the Lunar New Year with a bold fusion as The Pizza Project launches a limited-time menu celebrating the Year of the [Fire] Horse by merging quintessential Italian dishes with the intense, numbing heat of Sichuan cuisine. Available throughout February 2024 at their Central and Wan Chai locations, the exclusive Sichuan Collection introduces three provocative items—two pizzas and a daring dessert—that spotlight the distinctive mala flavor profile, offering diners a fiery East-meets-West gastronomic adventure.

The Art of Aromatic Fusion

While viral trends like Japan’s “drinkable” Mapo Tofu experiment have recently stirred internet debate, The Pizza Project’s approach—integrating sophisticated Chinese flavors onto traditional Italian bases—shows a more considered and palatable culinary innovation. The new collection skillfully incorporates Sichuan staples, including mala pepper and dried chilies, into beloved baked dough and frozen treats.

The menu anchor is the Mapo Pizza (HK$130), a creative homage to the legendary 19th-century dish invented in Chengdu. Although it eschews the traditional tofu, this pizza delivers on flavor intensity. It is generously topped with savory pork mince, creamy fior di latte cheese, garlic, dried chili, and a potent mapo sauce infused with Sichuan pepper, resulting in a rich, flavorful pie that culminates in a compelling numbing heat.

Complementing this offering is the Chinese Diavola (HK$130). This fusion pie successfully marries two spicy traditions: the Italian spianata salami—a cured meat from Calabria seasoned with hot chili peppers and paprika—with powerful Chinese additions. The Diavola is elevated with umami-rich XO sauce, bold Sichuan spices, and a final burst of chili garlic, appealing directly to those who favor pervasive heat in their savory dishes.

The Icy-Hot Dessert Challenge

Perhaps the most unconventional offering in the Sichuan Collection is the Sichuan Ice Cream (HK$80). Typically, a dessert serves as a palate cleanser after spicy fare, but this creation appears designed for the truly dedicated heat-seeker.

This unusual ice cream blends creamy fior di latte with aromatic Sichuan herbs and pepper, creating an intentional dichotomy of icy cold and intense internal heat. The texture and flavor profile are further complicated by a crown of crunchy peperone crusco (aromatic fried peppers from Italy’s Basilicata region) and a vibrant drizzle of cherry tomato jam. This dessert pushes the boundaries of conventional flavor pairings, ensuring the mala experience lingers long after the last bite.

| Item | Key Flavors | Price (HKD) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Mapo Pizza | Pork Mince, Sichuan Pepper, Mapo Sauce | $130 |
| Chinese Diavola | Spianata Salami, XO Sauce, Sichuan Spices | $130 |
| Sichuan Ice Cream | Fior di Latte, Sichuan Herbs, Peperone Crusco | $80 |

Dining Implications and Availability

The Pizza Project’s limited-time Sichuan Collection demonstrates the vitality of Hong Kong’s dining landscape, where chefs consistently seek new ways to merge global cuisines. This initiative follows a broader trend of incorporating local and regional Asian ingredients into Western staples, offering novel experiences to both local diners and international tourists.

This specific menu is available for the month of February 2024 only. Diners interested in tackling the unique blend of Italian tradition and fierce Sichuan spice are encouraged to visit The Pizza Project’s Central or Wan Chai venues soon before the limited-edition items conclude their run. While this collection caters specifically to those who appreciate high heat, it serves as a flavorful reminder of Hong Kong’s position as a dynamic, borderless culinary hub.

母親節送咩花？

Hong Kong is significantly expanding its accessible shoreline, shifting focus to the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour following the successful completion of a continuous pedestrian path along Hong Kong Island. The government aims to connect the majority of Kowloon’s waterfront by 2028, creating nearly 14 kilometers of new or upgraded public promenades. This proactive development, supported by Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, is part of a broader strategy to establish 34 kilometers of fully connected, accessible harbourfront across both sides of the iconic waterway, enhancing public space and urban connectivity.

Harbourfront Strategy: Building on Island Success

The momentum for extensive waterfront development stems from a recent major achievement on Hong Kong Island. In December, the long-anticipated eastern segment of the East Coast Boardwalk opened, effectively linking North Point and Quarry Bay. This new connection means pedestrians can now traverse the entire northern shore of Hong Kong Island, from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, establishing a seamless, lengthy public promenade.

With this project finalized, attention has turned to the equally ambitious revitalization of the Kowloon shoreline. According to the Secretary for Development, approximately 70 percent of Kowloon’s currently developable harbourfront—more than 14 kilometers of the available 21 kilometers—is already accessible to the public. However, plans are underway to push this connectivity even further, integrating disparate sections into a cohesive network.

Upcoming Kowloon Promenades and Openings

The strategy involves numerous independent projects that, when completed, will form the backbone of the continuous Kowloon walkway. Many existing sections already offer excellent pedestrian access, notably the areas around Tsim Sha Tsui, spanning from the Star Ferry Terminal toward Hung Hom, and the vast expanse of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD).

Several key openings are scheduled over the next two years, significantly enhancing localized connectivity:

• 2024: The Kai Tak area is set to see a major upgrade with the introduction of a new, inclusive 13-kilometer pathway designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. This complements existing walkable routes, such as the path between Shing Kai Road Garden and the Kai Tai Sports Park Dining Cove.
• 2026: Several crucial links are planned, including:
  • A new pedestrian passage connecting the busy area of Tai Kok Tsui directly to the West Kowloon Cultural District.
  • A waterfront promenade adjacent to the New Acute Hospital in Kai Tak.
  • New public access and spaces at the former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier.

The ultimate vision is a fully linked Kowloon harbourfront encompassing districts like Nam Cheong, Tai Kok Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan, Kai Tak, and Kwun Tong. The completion of both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon projects will realize a metropolitan-wide 34-kilometer network, transforming urban life and recreational opportunities around Victoria Harbour.

Implications for Urban Life and Tourism

The push for a fully connected harbourfront reflects a modern trend in urban planning, prioritizing accessible, pedestrian-friendly public spaces. For residents, this translates into expanded recreational areas, opportunities for cycling and running, and improved access to the water’s edge. Economically, these promenades drive localized tourism and benefit businesses located near the waterfront.

While the government has set a target of high connectivity by 2028, detailed plans for bridging every single section of Kowloon’s shoreline—particularly through challenging industrial or residential areas—have not yet been unveiled. However, the current pace of development indicates a strong governmental commitment to realizing a seamless Victoria Harbour experience, cementing Hong Kong’s status as a city that cherishes its iconic waterfront. This unified path will ultimately provide a monumental route for locals and visitors seeking an immersive, walkable journey across the city’s heartland.

情人節鮮花

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has launched a temporary initiative offering complimentary one-way cross-border shuttle transfers directly from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Macao for eligible international visitors. This effort, running through December 31st, aims to significantly streamline travel between the two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) utilizing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), allowing passengers whose final destination is Macao to bypass Hong Kong immigration entirely.

This seamless transit service is specifically designed for international travelers holding foreign passports who arrive in Hong Kong by air. By remaining within the restricted transfer area of HKIA, visitors can board a dedicated coach service that transports them directly across the HZMB to the HZMB Macao Port for immigration processing and entry into Macao. This elimination of an interim immigration clearance in Hong Kong significantly reduces transit time and enhances the overall journey experience for foreign tourists.

Eligibility and Logistics for Direct Transit

To qualify for the free transfer, international visitors must possess a valid foreign travel document and present a flight boarding pass stub confirming arrival at HKIA on the same day as the desired coach departure to Macao. Any required Macao visa must be secured prior to travel. It is crucial for eligible travelers to reserve their spot in advance through the official Macau Hong Kong Airport Bus website, as seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upon arrival at HKIA, passengers must not clear Hong Kong immigration. Instead, they should proceed to the SkyPier Terminal Transfer Coach Ticket Counter located in the E2 Transfer Area. At this counter, travelers must sign a declaration form. A notable benefit of this scheme is the streamlined baggage handling; passengers do not need to collect their checked luggage in Hong Kong. By presenting the airline-issued baggage receipt at least 60 minutes before the scheduled bus departure, luggage transfer arrangements are completed automatically by the service providers. After these steps, the complimentary one-way ticket is issued, and travelers depart from the SkyPier Terminal for Macao.

Exclusions and Onward Travel in Macao

It is important to note that this complimentary service is exclusively reserved for international visitors holding non-Greater China foreign passports. Residents of the Greater China region (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao) are not eligible for this specific promotional offer.

Once the bus arrives at the HZMB Macao Port, international passengers proceed through Macao immigration. From the port, visitors have easy access to various modes of onward travel throughout the city. Options include taxis, public bus routes such as 101X to Ferreira do Amaral Square, 102X to Hengqin Frontier Post, and 103X to Terminal Marítimo de Passageiros da Taipa, as well as multiple connecting shuttle services provided by major hotels and integrated resorts.

This time-sensitive initiative underscores the growing infrastructure connectivity between Hong Kong and Macao, leveraging the HZMB to facilitate international tourism flow and further cement the two SARs as cohesive travel destinations in Asia.

訂花