Cover Have you been to all the best new openings in Hong Kong of 2021 yet? (Photo: @mplusmuseum/Instagram)
Have you been to all the best new openings in Hong Kong of 2021 yet? (Photo: @mplusmuseum/Instagram)
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With 2021 coming to an end, we take a look back at the biggest openings and architecture projects of the year in Hong Kong—including museums, theme park attractions and luxury hotels
Another year of the ongoing pandemic has again tested Hong Kong’s leisure and hospitality sector. Between travel restrictions and limited group dining numbers, social distancing rules have been in full force for the year, with no signs of easing anytime soon. That being said, our city was able to forge ahead with a can-do spirit and managed to have an impressive year filled with a slew of new openings—including museums, theme park facilities and revitalised historic buildings, much to our delight.
Ahead, we've rounded up the biggest, newest landmarks opening in Hong Kong this year. From M+ Museum to Ocean Park’s Water World and the revitalised Central Market, these places should be on your radar for your next weekend getaway.
Read more: Top 10 Moments of 2021 That Made Us Proud to Call Hong Kong Home
M+ Museum
Above Photo: Courtesy of M+ Museum
Photo: Courtesy of M+ Museum
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After two decades of planning, M+ finally opened to the public in Hong Kong in November. A remarkable addition to the local art scene that delights art lovers and curators from around the world, the museum is touted as Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. The new landmark of West Kowloon Cultural District features 183,000 square feet of exhibition space across 33 galleries, where apart from exhibitions, visitors can also enjoy a series of live performances, talks, workshops and screenings all under one roof.
Find out more at mplus.org.hk
Read more: Exclusive: Inside Hong Kong's New M+ Museum—Asia's Answer to Tate Modern and MoMA
Ocean Park’s Water World
Above Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Park
Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Park
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Ocean Park’s Water World was opened to the public in September after years of planning and construction. Spanning almost 700,000 square feet, the new space is touted as Asia’s first all-weather, year-round water park, which offers a whopping 27 indoor and outdoor attractions for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Highlights of Water World include Torrential River featuring thrilling slides; Thrill Valley’s freefall experiences; as well as Adventure Coast where guests can relax and enjoy the sun on an inflatable ring.
Find out more at waterworld.oceanpark.com
Read more: The 7 Attractions You Can’t Miss at Ocean Park Water World
Kai Tak Sky Garden
Above Photo: Courtesy of Kai Tak Sky Garden
Photo: Courtesy of Kai Tak Sky Garden
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Kai Tak Sky Garden only opened in May but has already Hongkongers’ favourite weekend hangout spot, and we can see why. Located at the former Kai Tak runway, the new landmark is built to pay homage to the iconic Kai Tak Airport, which has a striking streamlined outlook and completes with three different plazas to offer visitors a high-quality public space to relax and enjoy recreational activities.
There are also lookout galleries where you can enjoy spectacular views of Victoria Harbour; a water play area; as well as a multi-purpose amphitheatre that can be used for a variety of cultural events.
Read more: The Kai Tak Sky Garden Officially Opens to the Public
The revitalised Central Market
Above Photo: Courtesy of Central Market
Photo: Courtesy of Central Market
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For culture lovers with a penchant for top-notch leisure experiences, the opening of the revitalised Central Market was a dream come true. Officially opened in August after a four-year-long renovation project headed by Urban Renewal Authority and Chinachem Group, the 178-year-old market has been transformed into a unique cultural destination featuring a concept of “Playground for All”, welcoming visitors to enjoy an eclectic mix of dining, retail and entertainment experiences.
Find out more at centralmarket.hk
Read more: Hong Kong’s Revitalised Central Market is Now Open
WM Hotel in Sai Kung
Above Photo: Courtesy of WM Hotel
Photo: Courtesy of WM Hotel
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Despite the pandemic, Hong Kong’s seen an increased number of new hotels opening this year along with the staycation trend. And one of the most noteworthy openings, is WM Hotel in Sai Kung. Launched in August, the new hotel is located on the shoreline of the seaside town that feels worlds away from Hong Kong’s bustling city centre, boasting a collection of tastefully designed rooms with spectacular sea views.
When it comes to facilities, the hotel has everything to offer for every type of guest—including the rooftop infinity swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness centre with a sauna and steam room, dining facilities, a chapel, as well as multi-functional rooms.
Read more: The Sai Kung WM Hotel In Hong Kong is Perfect for Your Next Staycation
East Coast Park
Above Photo: Courtesy of Harbourfront Commission
Photo: Courtesy of Harbourfront Commission
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This year also saw the opening of another beautiful public space in Hong Kong—the East Coast Park Precinct. Officially opened to the public in September, the pet-friendly park is a welcome respite from the city’s frenetic pace, featuring a lawn area, shelters, playground for kids that are perfect for a weekend getaway.
A standout feature of the precinct is the 100-metre-long breakwater where visitors can enjoy the sea breeze on the benches and admire 360-degree harbour views from a unique angle.
Read more: East Coast Park: Hong Kong’s Newest Public Space Opens in Fortress Hill
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As the Digital Editor of Tatler Hong Kong, Helen Yu covers all things lifestyle including beauty, dining, arts and culture. When not exploring some of the city’s best new places to eat and drink, Helen is likely reading books and trying out the latest beauty trends. She also enjoys watching movies, buying too many earrings and she'll never turn down a drink, or two.
