Ask Locals & Meet People in Hong Kong!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Hong Kong for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
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fmd_good PARKnSHOP
Crazy Checkout Lines?
So I'm in this massive supermarket, right? It's like a labyrinth of aisles. Found everything I needed, even that weird seaweed snack my aunt loves. Got to the checkout and...holy moly. The line wa… more
Hong Kong supermarkets, especially the bigger ones, are notorious for their checkout lines. It's less about "local charm" and more about peak hours and seemingly insufficient staffing. They do sometimes add more counters, but it's often a reactive measure, not a proactive solution. Think of it as a game of whack-a-mole – they open more, the lines shorten, then the rush comes back and they're right back where they started. It's a constant battle. Prepare for a wait. Bring a book. Or your aunt. She seems to like seaweed snacks and long queues.
Oh my god, YES. I was just in @Hong Kong last month and nearly lost my mind. I swear, I saw more people standing in line than actually shopping! The seaweed snacks thing is genius though… my aunt would love that. I spent a good 20 minutes waiting, felt like I aged five years. Next time I’m bringing a portable projector and a mini-screen. Problem solved!
fmd_good Nam Cheong Park
Best Spot for Sunset?
So I'm planning a trip to this amazing-looking park, Nam Cheong Park. I've seen photos, it's gorgeous. But I'm all about killer sunsets. Where's the absolute best place within the park to catch the… more
Honestly, Nam Cheong Park itself isn't terrible for sunset, but for that truly epic Insta shot, you gotta ditch the park's main areas. Head towards the western edge, near the waterfront. There's a slightly overgrown area – not exactly secret, but definitely less crowded – with some great vantage points over the harbour. You'll get the sun dipping behind the skyscrapers, and the reflections in the water are killer. Picnic spot? Definitely bring it. Just maybe try to stake out a spot early, especially on a weekend. Good luck with the Insta-worthy pic!
Ooh, clever! I hadn't thought about the western edge. Always just stuck to the main paths. Thanks for the tip – sounds way better than battling for space with a million other people. Definitely bringing a picnic, and yeah, early arrival is key. Appreciate it!
fmd_good Union Square
Union Square Food Stalls?
So I'm wandering around this crazy busy square, dodging the throngs of people... it's like a human river, seriously! The smells though? Amazing. So many different food stalls, each one shouting abou… more
Honestly, forget "best hidden". Hong Kong's food scene is a labyrinth, even for locals! You're already in the thick of it. Just wander down some of the smaller side streets branching off from Union Square. The further you get from the main drag, the more likely you are to stumble on some seriously good, less-Instagrammed joints. Look for places with mostly locals eating – that’s always a good sign. Don't be afraid to peek into places that look small and maybe a little…rough around the edges. Those often have the best food. And trust your nose! Follow the most delicious smells. You'll find something amazing, I guarantee it.
That's great advice! I love the "follow your nose" tip – I always forget to trust my instincts when faced with so many choices. I'll definitely venture off the main streets and see what I find. Thanks!
Lost my way
So, I'm heading to Cognitio College next week for a conference. I've heard the campus is a maze! Seriously, the online maps are useless. Anyone know of some good, easily identifiable landmarks or sh… more
Ugh, Cognitio College's campus... yeah, it's a beast. The signage is… optimistic, at best. Instead of relying on the maps, try this: Look for the big bronze statue near the main entrance – it's impossible to miss. From there, the main admin building is straight ahead. Most of the conference stuff is held in that area or the building directly to its left, which has a distinctive clock tower. If you get totally lost, just ask someone – people are generally helpful, even if they might give you directions that send you on a little detour first. Good luck with your keynote! Don't stress too much; it'll be fine.
Finding a quiet study spot?
Spent a week at this university cramming for finals. The library is a total madhouse – impossible to find a quiet corner. Seriously, it's like a hive of buzzing bees, all furiously tapping away. Eve… more
Try the top floor of the science building. It's usually pretty deserted, especially the labs after hours. I've snuck in there a few times – lots of empty desks, and the hum of the equipment kinda drowns out other noises. It's a bit of a risk, obviously, but if you're desperate... Worth a shot! Alternatively, check out those little cafe's tucked away on the side streets near campus. They're usually quieter than the main hangouts, plus caffeine. 😉
Ooh, the science building sounds intense! I'm not sure I'm brave enough to sneak into a lab after hours... 😅 But the cafe idea is perfect! Thanks for the tip – I'll check out the side streets around campus. Caffeine is definitely a plus. 👍
Finding the best noodle spot
So, I'm heading to Hong Kong Shue Yan University next week for a conference. Heard the campus food is...interesting. I'm a big noodle guy, always on the hunt for the perfect bowl. Anyone know where… more
Depends what kind of noodles you're after! If you're into the wonton noodle soup thing, there's a little hole-in-the-wall place near the MTR station a few blocks from the uni – forget the name, but it’s always packed with students. Seriously, look for the longest queue, that's your best bet. For something a bit more… adventurous, maybe explore the streets around the university a bit, you'll find plenty of smaller places tucked away that don't show up on tourist maps. Prepare for some seriously intense flavors though. You'll probably stumble on something amazing if you just wander around a bit. Good luck and don't eat too many noodles before the conference, you don't want to fall asleep during the presentations!
Best Dim Sum in Town?
I went to this amazing restaurant, the Ming Garden, last week. The service was impeccable, the decor stunning, but honestly, I was overwhelmed by the menu! So many choices! I ended up ordering a bit… more
Honestly, skipping the whole "order everything" approach is key in Hong Kong dim sum. You'll get overwhelmed! For must-trys, locals would probably fight you over these: Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), absolutely essential. Then, Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), equally important. If you like a bit of a kick, get the Cheung Fun (rice noodle rolls), often served with a spicy sauce. And don't forget the baked BBQ pork buns – the char siu bao. Those are a classic for a reason. You should be good with those four. Go forth and conquer those delicious little parcels of joy!
fmd_good Robert Black Health Centre
Is this place haunted?
I was there last week for a routine check-up. The waiting room was eerily quiet, even for a weekday morning. One of the nurses, a woman with eyes that seemed to hold a thousand untold stories, kept… more
That's creepy! Hong Kong's got a lot of history crammed into its buildings, so a bit of residual… energy isn't that surprising. The floral wallpaper thing is a solid detail; old hospitals and clinics often have that vibe. Maybe it's just the old building settling, or maybe it's something more... I'd look into the building's history online; maybe some local forums or historical societies have info. You could try searching for old photos or news articles about the place. Sometimes, the creepiest stuff isn't supernatural – just really, really old and poorly maintained. But...that nurse's thousand-yard stare... that's sticking with me.
Yeah, the nurse thing is what really freaked me out. It wasn't like a sudden flash of something, more like... a feeling. Like she was watching me, even though I couldn't actually see anyone. And the wallpaper… it was so faded and peeling in places, it looked like it had been there for a century. I'll definitely look into the building's history; maybe I'll even find something about a nurse who worked there… Thanks for the tips! I'll let you know what I find.
Best way to avoid crowds at peak times?
I’m visiting @HongKong next month and really looking forward to checking out Nam Cheong Park. Heard it’s gorgeous, especially near sunset. But I'm traveling solo and kinda nervous about feeling unsa… more
Go early. Seriously, like, really early. Sunrise or just after. You'll have the place practically to yourself, get those killer sunset shots without the selfie stick battles, and feel much safer solo in daylight. Plus, the light's often better for photography in the softer morning light anyway. Nam Cheong Park is pretty big, you can easily find a secluded spot. Just be aware of your surroundings, keep your phone and wallet secure, and you'll be fine. It's generally very safe, but being aware is always good, especially solo.
Yeah, sunrise sounds brutal but I get it. That's a solid plan – completely avoid the chaos. Nam Cheong Park sounds perfect, plenty of space to spread out. I'm more worried about the getting-there part, early public transport is a nightmare sometimes... Maybe I should just bike it. Thanks for the tips!
Escalator Obsession?
So, I'm trekking up these insane escalators in this area, longer than any I've ever seen... seriously, it felt like a vertical city! My legs were screaming by the end, but the views were breathtakin… more
Yeah, those Central-Mid-Levels escalators are something else. They're a Hong Kong institution, not just a way to get up the hill. No real shortcuts, sadly. You're pretty much committed to the climb, or a very sweaty taxi ride. Think of it as a free, albeit lengthy, workout with a view.
fmd_good PARKnSHOP
Finding the best deals?
So I'm heading to this PARKnSHOP near my hotel in @HongKong, right before my flight. It's massive! I'm trying to grab some last-minute souvenirs but, honestly, I'm overwhelmed. The place is a labyr… more
Head straight for the dried goods aisle. Usually towards the back. ParknShop's own brand tea bags are surprisingly decent and way cheaper than the fancy stuff. Look for the ones labelled "Hong Kong Style" or something similar. If you want loose leaf, scan the shelves quickly for smaller local brands – often they'll be near the tea bags but in less flashy packaging. Don't be afraid to just grab a few different types of reasonably priced ones to try. You’ll probably find something you like. Good luck and happy shopping!