Things To Do
in Choi Hung
Choi Hung is a vibrant Kowloon neighborhood anchored by the iconic Rainbow Estate, a beloved photo spot and community hub. The area blends public housing heritage with affordable eateries, bustling markets, and easy access to the MTR via Choi Hung station on the Kwun Tong Line. It sits close to Wong Tai Sin and Diamond Hill, offering a gateway to both urban exploration and nearby green spaces.
Visitors can experience an authentic slice of Hong Kong life while staying well connected to the city’s major sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Choi Hung MTR station, where the iconic rainbow staircases await. Wander through the estate’s colorful mosaic murals and vibrant corridors, perfect for immersive street photography. Grab a pineapple bun and milk tea from a nearby cha chaan teng to fuel up for exploration.
Join a local photographer for a guided walk around the estate’s hidden alleys and graffiti walls. Learn about the community’s history from friendly residents who often pause to share stories. Sample egg waffles from a street-side stall as you move between photo spots.
Enjoy a home-style Cantonese dinner at a neighborhood dai pai dong, chatting with regulars over spicy fish balls and skewers. Head back to the Rainbow Staircase at dusk to capture the glowing pastel hues under the evening light. Cap the night with a refreshing sugarcane juice from a late-night vendor nearby.
Begin at the Choi Hung wet market where vendors sell fresh produce and live seafood. Sample a steaming bowl of congee topped with preserved eggs and youtiao while chatting with smiling stallholders. Admire stacks of tropical fruits and locally made pickles on display.
Cross to the adjacent indoor market to browse handmade snacks, dried mushrooms, and herbal teas. Pick up a bargain of fresh prawns or squid to try later and learn about traditional Chinese ingredients. Stop by a tofu stall to taste silky beancurd drizzled with fragrant soy sauce.
Wander outside the market to the open-air stalls selling skewered meats and curry fish balls under festive red lanterns. Join the lively queue at a famous egg-waffle stand, then taste a bowl of sweet tofu pudding from a nearby cart. Enjoy the bustling night-market atmosphere as neon signs flicker overhead.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-5 |
| 🚌Public transport ride | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant meal | $18-40 |
| 🏠1-bedroom apartment (monthly) | $1,000-2,000 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong mix of authentic local life and easy transit access
- Iconic Rainbow Staircase and proximity to markets
- Good value for money and approachable dining options
- Can be crowded and humid, especially in summer
- Limited nightlife within Choi Hung itself
- Public housing estates can feel densely urban and older in parts
- "你好" - Hello
- "多謝" - Thank you
- "唔該" - Please / Thank you (for service)
- "洗手間喺邊度?" - Where is the restroom?
- "呢個幾錢?" - How much is this?
- "你講英文嗎?" - Do you speak English?
- "我聽唔懂" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Choi Hung
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic multicolored steps inside Choi Hung Estate, a must-visit for vibrant city photography.
Colorful temple architecture and tranquil gardens offering both cultural and photographic appeal.
Hilltop vantage point with sweeping views of Kowloon’s skyline, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Choi Hung
Choi Hung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender barbecued pork with a sweet-savory glaze served over rice.
Must-Try!
Slim noodles in hot broth with shrimp wontons; a Hong Kong staple.
Strong black tea blended with evaporated or condensed milk; a cafe classic.
Custard tart with a flaky crust; a popular sweet snack at bakeries and cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and snacks just a short ride away.
A neighborhood market with produce, snacks, and everyday essentials near the temple district.
Nearby stalls and small eateries offering affordable bites within walking distance.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People queue patiently for trains and elevators; keep noise to a minimum in public spaces.
Dress modestly when visiting temples; ask before photographing people or sacred artifacts; show respect during rituals.
Be polite when ordering; bargaining is not common in fixed-price restaurants and markets.
Safety
Tipping in Choi Hung
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Hong Kong. Service charges (if any) are sometimes included; rounding up or a small tip for good service is appreciated but not expected.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; Octopus cards are convenient for transit and many shops. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, AlipayHK) are popular and increasingly accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; humidity remains moderate. Great for outdoor exploration and parks.
Very hot and humid with frequent rain and the potential for typhoons. Plan indoor activities and carry water, sunscreen, and a lightweight rain shell.
Dry, comfortable weather with clear skies and cooler mornings and evenings. Ideal for city walks and hikes.
Mild to cool with lower humidity; rarely very cold. Layer up for cooler mornings and evenings.
Choi Hung at Night
Hiking in Choi Hung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hillside trail offering city views and a refreshing escape from the urban core.
Urban green space with forested paths and city vistas, accessible from central Kowloon.”
A longer, challenging hike with expansive skyline views on clear days.
Airports
How to reach Choi Hung by plane.
Main international gateway to Hong Kong; about 30–45 minutes from Kowloon by Airport Express to Kowloon Station, then onward transit or taxi to Choi Hung.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse mix of long-term residents, families, students, and working professionals from various backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Common in community centers and apartment complexes; many courts available for casual play.
Street courts and indoor gyms are popular across estates and nearby parks.
Amateur matches and pick-up games often organized in local lots and school grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Choi Hung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be made vegetarian with notice. Look for tofu, vegetables, and mushroom-based options. In cha chaan tengs, request no meat or seafood stock and confirm sauces if needed.