West Kowloon Cultural District — Attraction in Hong Kong

The landscape around me was strikingly sparse, as if nature had chosen to keep its secrets hidden from the bustling crowds. I found myself enveloped in long stretches of solitude that seemed to stretch on indefinitely, punctuated only by the distant sounds of the wind whispering through the trees. It became evident that the locals, while they might cherish sunny days, are also deeply affected by the extremes of their environment — whether it be the sweltering heat that makes one feel like they’re walking through a furnace or the relentless drizzle that blankets everything in a shroud of dampness and gloom. Their love for clear skies is understandable; after all, who wouldn’t prefer a sunlit world over one cloaked in fog and rain?

As I wandered through the various museums scattered throughout the area, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between the grandeur of the exhibits and the almost ghostly stillness of the spaces they occupied. Attendance was shockingly low, which struck me as an unfortunate oversight for such rich cultural offerings. The climate control systems hummed industriously, working tirelessly to maintain a comfortable atmosphere, yet their presence felt almost intrusive against the backdrop of hushed galleries. A handful of curators observed my attempts at panoramic photography with a flicker of curiosity, their eyes briefly alighting on my lens before drifting away again, lost in their own thoughts. Others seemed completely removed from their surroundings, some even taking advantage of the quiet to rest, a testament to the lack of engagement that permeated these hallowed halls.

The central square, undeniably magnificent in its architectural scale, was an experience unto itself, yet it took nearly an hour to traverse its expanse. This grandiose space, designed to awe visitors with its sheer size, felt paradoxically inefficient in its layout. Vast areas lay dormant and underutilized, leaving me pondering the missed opportunities for vibrant gatherings or interactive installations that could breathe life into such an impressive setting. It was as if the architects had prioritized spectacle over function, creating a space that was more a monument to ambition than a welcoming hub for community interaction.

In reflecting on my experiences in this seemingly tranquil yet starkly empty environment, I couldn't shake the feeling that there’s a disconnect between the natural beauty of this place and its potential for...

(first written in 2021) I came here the first time on a beautiful Saturday morning. Driving here was a nightmare if you are not familiar with the area. Sat-nav didn't help as some roads were closed due to construction. There were about 40 parking spaces left in zone E at 11am but it was filled before 1pm. The place is big in HK standard but some of the main buildings are still under construction. Along with the fact that some shows are cancelled under Covid, there's just not too much to see these days. Still, the great Victoria Harbour scene is captivating and you can easily spend an hour or two just sitting there enjoying the view. Btw, there are free fold-chairs for rent there, on first-come-first-serve base. I'd definitely come again when more of its facilities are open to public. Updated on 30 Aug 2021: A very hot sunny day, visitors were rare. You can take lots of good pictures though. We went to the newly opened cafe in M+ and got ourselves 2 interesting snacks, as pictured. (Updated in Dec 2024) Keep seeing changes in this West Kowloon Cultural District, and in a good way. The place is so crowded these days you won't be able to find a spot in their parking lots. Instead, I parked in the Elements and walked...

West Kowloon tries to operate in a theme park mode – meaning transport and dining choices are scarce and terribly overpriced.

[Transport]: A 1-minute minibus ride from Kowloon MTR Station to the district costs $5. There has been a price hike without notice. It is simply unacceptable. The only bus route which goes into the district(296D) asks for $10. Otherwise, visitors must bear the heat in summer and cold in winter to walk along UNSHELTERED paths for 20 minutes.

[Dining]: Overpriced restaurants which only seem to cater to tourists. Very little choices apart from expensive cafes and fancy Chinese restaurants. Dubious food quality from the so-called ‘food trucks’.

[Other basic facilities]: Not one convenience store, not one ATM machine within the entire district. Most areas and paths are unsheltered.

These make for a very unwelcoming experience for elderly visitors, families with small children, and people with mobility issues.

Please make the district more accessible to all, starting with lowering transport fees and adding more affordable...