By MOOK Scenic Spots / Compiled Report
Holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, winter break, and Lunar New Year are arriving one after another. As the year-end travel season heats up, many office workers are starting to plan their unused annual leave. The closest and most convenient destination from Taiwan—Hong Kong—can be reached with just one day off. From October 27 to 30, the ITF Taipei International Travel Fair’s Hong Kong Pavilion, in collaboration with eight major travel agencies, is offering unbeatable 3-day, 2-night Hong Kong air-and-hotel packages for under NT$5,000. To celebrate the fair, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has also created a brand-new travel guidebook, “Hong Kong Favorites,” which will be given out for free during the event, making it easy for travelers to plan an authentic, in-depth trip to Hong Kong!
During the ITF Travel Fair, the Hong Kong Pavilion is giving away the free “Hong Kong Favorites” travel guide, helping travelers explore Hong Kong like a local and discover even more of its charm. (Photo / Hong Kong Tourism Board)
This year, exhibitors at the Hong Kong Pavilion are all offering 3-day Hong Kong self-guided tours starting at just NT$4,999 (before tax). The hotels included are all located near MTR stations for easy access to shopping and dining. Notably, travel agencies have tapped into the mindset of young professionals looking to treat themselves at year-end, rolling out special deals on five-star hotel packages—perfect for groups of friends traveling together for Christmas. For example, Baiwei Travel is featuring the world’s tallest hotel—the Ritz-Carlton—where a 3-day, 2-night stay for three people sharing one room starts at NT$12,888 (before tax) per person. This includes a complimentary upgrade to a harbor-view room, one breakfast per day, and even a free one-way airport transfer. Meanwhile, Tianqing Travel is highlighting the Peninsula Hotel, also offering a 3-day, 2-night package for three people sharing one room starting at NT$12,900 (before tax) per person, with a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe atrium room and a complimentary box of Peninsula chocolates per room. Additionally, Tianqing Travel has partnered with the upcoming luxury cruise ship, the World Dream, set to launch in November, to offer a new way to enjoy Hong Kong: one night in Hong Kong plus two nights on the cruise. The 4-day, 3-night package for three people sharing one room starts at just NT$10,800 (before tax) per person and is exclusive to the travel fair.
One of the hidden relaxation spots recommended in “Hong Kong Favorites” by guides Juejue and Uncle Cat is the swimming shed near Kennedy Town Station. (Photo / Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Ms. Hsu Wei-ni, Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Taiwan Office, said: “Over 70% of Taiwanese visitors to Hong Kong are repeat travelers. More and more Taiwanese are choosing to explore Hong Kong the way locals do, seeking to ‘travel like a local, eat like a local.’ We’ve specially created this ‘Hong Kong Favorites’ guidebook. Leveraging Hong Kong’s extensive MTR network, travelers can move from old Hong Kong streetscapes to classic British architecture in 10 minutes, shift from the urban hustle to beachside relaxation in 20 minutes, or reach the countryside for hiking adventures in 30 minutes. By following the routes in the ‘Hong Kong Favorites’ guidebook, travelers will discover that Hong Kong’s charm is even more unique and abundant than they imagined.”
At the ITF Travel Fair, the Hong Kong Pavilion, in collaboration with eight major travel agencies, is offering unbeatable 3-day, 2-night Hong Kong air-and-hotel packages. In the center is Ms. Hsu Wei-ni, Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Taiwan Office, flanked by Juejue and Uncle Cat. (Photo / Hong Kong Tourism Board)
The “Hong Kong Favorites” guidebook features insider recommendations from six Taiwanese residents living in Hong Kong, showcasing 16 MTR stations across the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, and West Rail Line based on their authentic local experiences. These include new ways to explore traditional districts, hidden cultural hubs loved by creative types, and lesser-known authentic Hong Kong eateries. Even well-known areas like Central and Tsim Sha Tsui still offer trendy hotspots and timeless classics. By using the guidebook and following the steps of local experts, every traveler can go beyond the surface and truly experience the depth of Hong Kong!
One of the guides featured in the guidebook, Juejue & Uncle Cat, are two immensely popular illustrators and content creators who grew up in Taiwan and Hong Kong respectively. They share the differences in daily habits and fun anecdotes between Taiwan and Hong Kong through Facebook, where their fan page boasts over 450,000 followers. They especially recommend the area around Kwun Tong Station, such as secret shops hidden in industrial buildings—including Faye Wong’s favorite, Wah Sum Café, famous for its signature crispy pineapple buns and milk tea, both must-tries for insiders. Beyond food, Hong Kong’s younger generation is also going wild for indoor activities like rooftop ski slopes, bubble soccer, and table curling inside buildings—some of which haven’t even been introduced in Taiwan yet—making them great experiences to try with friends.
Wah Sum Café, beloved by Faye Wong and recommended in “Hong Kong Favorites,” is located near Kwun Tong Station. (Photo / Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Additionally, Kennedy Town Station on the Island Line is perfect for travelers wanting to slow down their pace. The relaxing hidden gem recommended by Juejue & Uncle Cat, the Sai Wan Swimming Shed, is located in this area. This is one of the last remaining swimming sheds from the last century, with its long wooden boardwalk seemingly extending right into the middle of the sea. Whether for a date or some solo introspection, watching the sunset here offers a uniquely Hong Kong experience, and it has now become one of the hottest photo spots for young people in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is packed with exciting events: starting with the “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival” from October 26–29, followed by “Hong Kong Dining Month” in November, and “Hong Kong WinterFest” in December. Starting mid-November, department stores and shopping malls across the city will be decked out in festive Christmas decorations. The Christmas lights on Victoria Harbour skyscrapers, the Christmas tree at Statue Square, and the 3D light show on the Cultural Centre façade will all be lit up together, immersing the entire city in joyful holiday cheer. The highly popular Hong Kong New Year’s Eve fireworks over Victoria Harbour are sure to be the most inquired-about activity during the travel fair.