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Tung Chung is so much more than “the place next to the airport.” As the home of Ngong Ping 360 and the Big Buddha, Tung Chung is also a hiker’s playground, a shopper’s paradise, and utterly perfect for a family day out. Highly accessible by both train and bus, there really is no reason not to pay a visit. Read on to find out why and how you can spend days exploring this cosy Lantau Island neighbourhood.
As the first outlet mall in Hong Kong, Citygate Outlets remains wildly popular even more than 20 years after it first opened. It’s not hard to see why: With over 150 international brands represented, ranging from Adidas to Versace, as well as year-round discounts, the retail extravaganza is bound to satisfy shoppers of all kinds on a hunt for a bargain.
After spending the whole day here (which is more likely than you’d think!), take your pick of riding either the bus or the MTR back home, both of which are conveniently located right next to the mall. If you’re bringing the kids with you, make sure they don’t get too soaked dashing through the open-air fountain in the plaza outside!
Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung | (+852) 2109 1332
Let’s face it—Ngong Ping 360 and the Big Buddha were probably the first things that popped into your mind when you thought of Tung Chung. The tourist attraction is so famous it needs no introduction, but if you’re a repeat visitor, conquer your vertigo and try the glass-bottom crystal cabin cable car for a unique Hong Kong experience.
Once you’ve alighted the cable car and arrived at the foot of the Big Buddha, take a 10-minute detour and check out the Wisdom Path. Once there, marvel at the snaking rows of wooden columns with verses from the ancient Heart Sutra carved upon them.
Ngong Ping 360, Ngong Ping Cable Car Tung Chung Station, Tung Chung | (+852) 3666 0606
If you’re looking for something more off the beaten track, check out this 1960s Hong Kong-themed wet market in the Yat Tung neighbourhood. Located in Yat Tung Estate, the Hong Kong Market (Yat Tung) is adorned with vintage decor reminiscent of old Hong Kong, including overhead signs, a British post box, and even a good ol’ rickshaw cart.
Other than fresh produce and things like pantry staples, the Hong Kong Market also features a neat corridor just for street food stalls. Snack on freshly-wrapped wontons, Hainanese chicken and more—it’ll be worth the 20-minute walk from the MTR station.
Hong Kong Market (Yat Tung), Yat Tung Shopping Centre, 8 Yat Tung Street, Tung Chung
Of course, who can write an article about Lantau without mentioning hiking somewhere? There are already plenty of hikes that begin at Tung Chung station with a bit of something for everyone. First of all, there’s the steep but rewarding hike to the Big Buddha for cable car-rejecting masochists. From the Big Buddha, hike to Lantau Peak for magnificent 360-degree views of Lantau Island and even the airport. If you’re keen on visiting two places on the same day, hike from Tung Chung to Tai O, Discovery Bay, Mui Wo—the list just doesn’t stop. Check out another hiking trail to the Big Buddha here.
If hiking sounds too strenuous, how about a relaxing seaside cycle with a picnic to boot? After renting a bike at the Sunny Bike Shop—located twenty minutes from the train station—do a few warm-up loops around the rustic neighbourhood. When you’re ready, set out for Sunny Bay by following the train tracks—that way, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost. Enjoy the views of the waterfront on the other side as you’re biking, before stopping at Sunny Bay for an idle picnic. Find out more in our full guide here.
Sunny Bike Shop, No 110, G/F, Ma Wan Chung Village, Tung Chung | (+852) 2988 8511
These military forts are true relics of the past, built in 1817 before the British even set foot in Hong Kong. The forts have seen their fair share of battles back in the day and even served as a police station and a college after the Japanese occupied it during the Second World War. Walk 15 minutes from the MTR station to visit the battery, then continue on for 20 more minutes to check out the well-preserved traditional Chinese architecture of both.
If you enjoy the sea more than you do mountains, consider a walk along the Tung Chung East Promenade as a less strenuous alternative to Tung Chung’s numerous hiking trails. Since its recent renovation, the seaside passageway now has a plethora of new facilities, with a bird house, mini fishpond, and cherry blossom garden for those looking to reconnect with nature. It also has a multi-use skateboarding area, a mini playground and exercise area, plus a multi-use grass lawn, making it the perfect place to go with the entire family.
Tung Chung East Promenade, Tung Chung
Get ready for some unique sights as you walk along Tung Chung Art Walk. Although Hong Kong is viewed as a working hub, creativity is actually all around, including at the Tung Chung Art Walk, where you can see artists’ creativity flourish in a variety of manners. With 26 artworks erected around Yat Tung over two decades ago, both residents and visitors alike can admire the sculptures and structures in person as they explore the neighbourhood. Located approximately 20 minutes away from the MTR station, the Art Walk is conveniently located near the trailhead for the Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail and the Tung O Ancient Trail.
Tung Chung Art Walk, Yat Tung Estates, Tung Chung
Anyone with a sweet tooth must try the glorious cinnamon rolls at Cinnabon. The irresistible treat comes in a variety of sizes and is freshly baked in-house using Makara cinnamon from West Sumatra and topped with a guiltily good frosting.
Grab a hot cuppa joe to balance the sweetness, or go all out and order the signature cold-brew cinnamon roll. Feeling something savoury instead? Sample a piece of Cinnabon’s piping hot grilled cheese panini. Made with a special dough, we guarantee it will be unlike any other panini you’ve ever had before.
Cinnabon, Unit 298, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung
Remember all those exploding omurice videos you saw on Instagram? You don’t have to wait for your next trip to Japan to dig into this delicious dish! Slice the immaculately smooth omelette and watch it burst with oozy goodness yourself at Banchan & Cook.
This Korean restaurant is one of few in Hong Kong that serves an exploding omurice instead of a regular one, and it sure does not disappoint. Whether you go for the classic omurice with roasted beef or the fancier thick sliced bacon omurice with Mentaiko sauce, you’re sure to be in for a delightful (and highly Instagrammable) meal.
Banchan & Cook, Shop 334, 3/F, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung
When you don’t know what to eat, you can’t go wrong with a stacked burger and a side of fries. One of Shake Shack’s eight locations in Hong Kong, the Tung Chung outpost has over 3,000 square feet of space, so bring your friends, family, and pets! Serving its iconic Shackburgers, Smokeburgers, and pistachio shake, the restaurant also has a bright and funky mural inspired by the classic aeroplane chess board game that’s the perfect backdrop for your selfies.
Shake Shack, Unit G20, G/F, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung
Presented by the same F&B group that operated Amante Bar & Restaurant (which has since closed), The Next Chapter is a hit among locals and day-trippers, featuring a sizeable selection of wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails. For mains, you can’t go wrong with the char-grilled snapper with spicy tomato sauce or the char-grilled NZ sirloin steak. It also has differently themed live music every Friday, plus a typhoon and storm promotion that guarantees a free second round of drinks, making it the perfect place to unwind after a rough week.
The Next Chapter, Shop R&S, G/F, Seaview Crescent, 8 Tung Chung Waterfront Road, Tung Chung | (+852) 2907 6808
It’s time to restore all those calories you burnt after that hike with a hearty bowl of deep-fried tempura. Just kidding, but seriously, if you love tempura, you’ll have to try Tung Chung’s tempura rice bowl hotspot. We recommend Kaneko Hannosuke’s Edomae premium tempura rice bowl for the ultimate experience—it’s an all-in-one bowl with tempura conger eel, shrimp, mixed seafood fritters, snow peas, and more.
Kaneko Hannosuke, Shop 101A, 1/F, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung
With Tung Chung so close to the sea, it’d be almost criminal not to eat its bounties while appreciating the beautiful seaside. Perched upon the top floor of the Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel where diners can enjoy their meals al fresco, the ocean view from the terrace of the restaurant is unbeatable. You can also choose to lounge with a glass of sparkling wine indoors if you want to be protected from Hong Kong’s unpredictable weather. Delight your taste buds with any choice of food from its expansive menu of exquisite meats and seafood, which ranges from Australian Wagyu and Atlantic cod to lobster bisque.
Sunset Grill, 19/F, Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel, 9 Yi Tung Road, Tung Chung | (+852) 2535 0025
If you want something truly authentic, try King’s Prawn Nan Fong Seafood Restaurant. While many restaurants now cosplay as back-in-the-day eateries, this dai pai dong is the real deal. If you’re not a fan of eating in the sweltering Hong Kong heat, you can always switch to its indoor restaurant area to enjoy your meal. Its siu mei is so popular that the DPD had to open a separate stall just for this dish, but any of the roasted meat options would be a good choice to fill your stomach. Other popular dishes include the typhoon shelter stuffed eggplants, diced beef tenderloin in black pepper sauce, and pepper pork tripe chicken soup.
King’s Prawn Nan Fong Seafood Restaurant, G/F, Wong Nai Uk Village, Tung Chung | (+852) 2988 1770
There’s nothing wrong with going basic, especially when “basic” rhymes with “classic” and includes tasty French dishes. Basic Bistro has quickly garnered a crowd of loyal customers in the mere months it’s been open. Sample traditional flavours like buckwheat savoury galettes, escargots, and beef bourguignon, all bound to transport you to the enchanting streets of Paris on your first bite. While in search of comforting all-day dining options, Basic Bistro is a solid choice.
Basic Bistro, Shop 102, 1/F, Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel, 9 Yi Tung Road, Tung Chung | (+852) 2305 5508
First published on 26 November 2020. Written by Ngai Yeung. Last updated by Punita Chan.
Covering the hottest new eats, the best places to play, offbeat takes on local culture, and so much more, Localiiz is every Hongkonger’s destination for how to live a well-rounded life in our vibrant city. Why the strange spelling? Well, Localiiz is designed to be your “local eyes”—and for that, you need two i’s.
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