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

day 1
Mosaic Murals Tour
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Local Market Exploration
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜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.

Choi Hung Rainbow Staircase

Iconic multicolored steps inside Choi Hung Estate, a must-visit for vibrant city photography.

Wong Tai Sin Temple Complex

Colorful temple architecture and tranquil gardens offering both cultural and photographic appeal.

Tsz Wan Shan Lookout

Hilltop vantage point with sweeping views of Kowloon’s skyline, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Choi Hung

Hong Kong cuisine is a dynamic fusion of Cantonese classics, street snacks, and modern cafe culture. In Choi Hung you’ll find affordable eats, homey cha chaan tengs, and casual eateries that reflect the neighborhood’s public housing heritage.

Choi Hung Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Char Siu Rice

Tender barbecued pork with a sweet-savory glaze served over rice.

Must-Try!

Wonton Noodles

Slim noodles in hot broth with shrimp wontons; a Hong Kong staple.

Hong Kong Milk Tea

Strong black tea blended with evaporated or condensed milk; a cafe classic.

Egg Tart

Custard tart with a flaky crust; a popular sweet snack at bakeries and cafes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Lok Fu Market

A local market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and snacks just a short ride away.

Wong Tai Sin Market

A neighborhood market with produce, snacks, and everyday essentials near the temple district.

Choi Hung Market

Nearby stalls and small eateries offering affordable bites within walking distance.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Rain is common in the monsoon seasons, especially from May through September. Spring and autumn are generally comfortable, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queue and personal space

People queue patiently for trains and elevators; keep noise to a minimum in public spaces.

Temple and cultural site manners

Dress modestly when visiting temples; ask before photographing people or sacred artifacts; show respect during rituals.

Dining and bargaining

Be polite when ordering; bargaining is not common in fixed-price restaurants and markets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Choi Hung is generally safe with typical urban precautions. Watch belongings in crowded places, especially markets and MTR stations. Check weather alerts during typhoon season and avoid exposed hills during heavy rain or strong winds.

Tipping in Choi Hung

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; humidity remains moderate. Great for outdoor exploration and parks.

Summer

Very hot and humid with frequent rain and the potential for typhoons. Plan indoor activities and carry water, sunscreen, and a lightweight rain shell.

Autumn

Dry, comfortable weather with clear skies and cooler mornings and evenings. Ideal for city walks and hikes.

Winter

Mild to cool with lower humidity; rarely very cold. Layer up for cooler mornings and evenings.

Nightlife Guide

Choi Hung at Night

Choi Hung itself has a modest nightlife scene with casual bars and cafés in nearby districts like Kowloon City and Diamond Hill. After-dinner options include late-night cha chaan tengs and dessert cafés. For more concentrated nightlife, most visitors head to Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, or Central, which offer a wider range of bars, clubs, and live music.

Hiking in Choi Hung

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tsz Wan Shan Lookout

A popular hillside trail offering city views and a refreshing escape from the urban core.

Lung Fu Shan Country Park trails

Urban green space with forested paths and city vistas, accessible from central Kowloon.”

Kowloon Peak (Fei Ngo Shan) Trail

A longer, challenging hike with expansive skyline views on clear days.

Airports

How to reach Choi Hung by plane.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Choi Hung is highly walkable within the neighborhood, with most amenities a short stroll away. The area is well served by the MTR and buses, though some hillside routes can be steep. Sidewalks are generally adequate, but surfaces may vary in older areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Public housing residents

A diverse mix of long-term residents, families, students, and working professionals from various backgrounds.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Badminton

Common in community centers and apartment complexes; many courts available for casual play.

Basketball

Street courts and indoor gyms are popular across estates and nearby parks.

Football (Soccer)

Amateur matches and pick-up games often organized in local lots and school grounds.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport (MTR, buses, minibuses) is the easiest way to get around. Kowloon traffic can be dense during peak hours; drivers should expect narrow streets and frequent pedestrian activity near markets and MTR stations. Trams are mostly limited to certain lines and are more comfortable for sightseeing than for speed.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Choi Hung.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via the public system in Kowloon, with nearby hospitals and clinics under the Hospital Authority. Major facilities in the broader Kowloon area include Kwong Wah Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, along with numerous general clinics for primary care. Emergency services can be reached via 999 and are well-coordinated with local hospitals.

Discover Hong Kong

Read more in our Hong Kong 2025 Travel Guide.

Hong Kong Travel Guide