I love wandering.

It is one of my favourite things to do. Meandering through the backstreets of cities in search of hidden wonders, surprising discoveries or little gems of unexpected goodness that you would never expect to stumble across.

In the heart of busy, bustling, commercial Hong Kong is the area known as Wan Chai. It is the heart of the city. Full of people, restaurants, shops, workers, plus a few surprises! Head off the main streets and you will discover temples, historic houses, hip shop fronts, design beauties and quiet corners.

This little wander took us around an hour and was a great way to spend our last afternoon in Hong Kong. If you timed it with later in the day there are some great spots in the Star Street Neighbourhood to treat yourself to a drink or dinner in a seriously well-designed bar or restaurant (there are plenty to choose from).

If, like us, you do the walk earlier in the day I can recommend stopping in to the Muji store for a bit of shopping and a bite to eat at their lovely little cafe … or grab a sweet treat to eat on the road.

THE BLUE HOUSE

Located on Stone Nullah Lane, the heritage listed Blue House was built in the 1920’s and is one of the few remaining tenement style buildings with balconies in Hong Kong. The house now contains the Hong Kong House of Stories, a small museum where you can get an idea of the culture and history of the building and people who lived there.

CUTE SHOP FRONTS IN THE STREETS BETWEEN THE BLUE HOUSE AND PAK THAI TEMPLE

PAK THAI TEMPLE

A lovely, serene temple built by local residents 150 years ago. It is housed in a quiet garden with a beautiful big Banyan Tree. When we visited we were the only ones there besides the volunteers working on offerings and the officials and devotees taking part in a ceremony.

OLD WAN CHAI POST OFFICE

Hong Kong’s oldest post office. A clean and simple European style building that you will not be able to miss!

STAR STREET NEIGHBOURHOOOD

A gorgeous neighbourhood hidden up a hilly street. It is full of expensive boutiques, great antique shops, cool, character-filled pubs and gorgeously designed restaurants. An interior’s addict’s dream! Happy wandering … and be sure to let me know if you discover something that I missed!