The hidden gems in Hong Kong that selfie-loving mainland Chinese tourists have discovered
Some locations have earned mythical status on social media, while others had Hollywood cameos
Run-down residential buildings, dense public housing estates, a spiral staircase and the last swimming shed in Hong Kong are among gems frequented by young mainland Chinese visitors to the city who increasingly eschew well established tourist traps.
As “golden week” – a seven-day stretch of holidays starting on National Day on Monday – begins for mainland Chinese residents, obscure locations that offer a perfect selfie opportunity in crowded Hong Kong are the attractions of choice for tourists from across the border.
These spots are scattered citywide – from Sham Shui Po to Quarry Bay, Sai Wan and Yuen Long.
On a rooftop of a shabby 10-storey residential building on Tai Nan Street, thrill-seeking visitors scale a two-metre tall fence just to dangle their legs off the edge for a photo to brag about: when captured at an appropriate angle, a colourful building opposite with a mural design titled the “Rainbow Thief” forms the perfect backdrop.
The artwork, splashed onto the facade of a building, was created by Madrid-based artist Okuda San Miguel in 2016. It begins with a three-dimensional animal head at the top, followed by psychedelic colours that run to the ground.
But “Rainbow Thief” in Sham Shui Po is just one of other attractions in Hong Kong popular with more discerning visitors in recent years.
