Your neighbourhood guide to Tung Chung

As the first outlet mall in Hong Kong, Citygate Outlets remains wildly popular even twenty years after it first opened. It’s not hard to see why: With over 150 international brands ranging represented, ranging from Adidas to Versace, as well as year-round discounts, the retail extravaganza is bound to satisfy shoppers of all kinds on a hunt for a bargain.

After spending the whole day here (which is more likely than you’d think!), take your pick of riding either the bus or the MTR back home, both of which are conveniently located right next to the mall. If you’re bringing the kids with you, make sure they don’t get too soaked dashing through the open-air fountain in the plaza outside!

Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung | (+852) 2109 1332

Let’s face it—Ngong Ping 360 and the Big Buddha were probably the first things that popped into your mind when you thought of Tung Chung. The tourist attraction is so famous it needs no introduction, but if you’re a repeat visitor, conquer your vertigo and try the glass-bottom crystal cabin cable car for a unique Hong Kong experience.

Once you’ve alighted the cable car and arrived at the foot of the Big Buddha, take a 10-minute detour and check out the Wisdom Path. Once there, marvel at the snaking rows of wooden columns with verses from the ancient Heart Sutra carved upon them.

Ngong Ping 360, Ngong Ping Cable Car Tung Chung Station, Tung Chung | (+852) 3666 0606

If you’re looking for something more off the beaten track, check out this 1960s Hong Kong-themed wet market in the Yat Tung neighbourhood. Located in Yat Tung Estate, the Hong Kong Market (Yat Tung) is adorned with vintage decors of old Hong Kong, including overhead signs, a British post box, and even a good ol’ rickshaw cart.

Other than fresh produce and things like pantry staples, the Hong Kong Market also features a neat corridor just for street food stalls. Snack on freshly-wrapped wontons, Hainanese chicken and more—it’ll be worth the 20-minute walk from the MTR station.

Hong Kong Market (Yat Tung), Yat Tung Shopping Centre, 8 Yat Tung Street, Tung Chung

Of course, who can write an article about Lantau without mentioning hiking somewhere? There are already plenty of hikes that begin at Tung Chung station with a bit of something for everyone. First of all, there’s the steep but rewarding hike to the Big Buddha for cable car-rejecting masochists. From the Big Buddha, hike to Lantau Peak for magnificent 360-degree views of Lantau Island and even the airport. If you’re keen on visiting two places on the same day, hike from Tung Chung to Tai O, Discovery Bay, Mui Wo—the list just doesn’t stop. Check out another hiking trail to the Big Buddha here.

If hiking sounds too strenuous, how about a relaxing seaside cycle with a picnic to boot? After renting a bike at the Sunny Bike Shop—located twenty minutes from the train station—do a few warm-up loops around the rustic neighbourhood. When you’re ready, set out for Sunny Bay by following the train tracks—that way, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost. Enjoy the views of the waterfront on the other side as you’re biking, before stopping at Sunny Bay for an idle picnic. Find out more in our full guide here.

Sunny Bike Shop, No 110, G/F, Ma Wan Chung Village, Tung Chung | (+852) 2988 8511

These military forts are true relics of the past, built in 1817 before the British even set foot in Hong Kong. The forts have seen their fair share of battles back in the day and even served as a police station and a college after the Japanese occupied it during the Second World War. Walk 15 minutes from the MTR station to visit the battery, then continue on for 20 more minutes to check out the well-preserved traditional Chinese architecture of both.

Anyone with a sweet tooth must try the glorious cinnamon rolls at Cinnabon. The irresistible treat comes in a variety of sizes (starting from $30) and is freshly baked in-house using Makara cinnamon from West Sumatra and topped with a guiltily good frosting.

Grab a hot cuppa joe (starting from $30) to balance the sweetness, or go all out and order the signature cold-brew cinnamon roll ($48). Feeling something savoury instead? Sample a piece of Cinnabon’s piping hot cheese panini rolls ($40). Made with a special dough, we guarantee it will be unlike any other paninis you’ve ever had before.

Cinnabon, Unit 298, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung

Remember all those exploding omurice videos you saw on Instagram? You don’t have to wait for your next trip to Japan to dig into this delicious dish! Slice the immaculately smooth omelette and watch it burst with oozy goodness yourself at Banchan & Cook.

This Korean restaurant is one of few in Hong Kong that serves an exploding omurice instead of a regular one, and it sure does not disappoint. Whether you go for the classic omurice with roasted beef ($98) or the fancier chicken thigh omurice with rose sauce ($138), you’re sure to be in for a delightful (and highly Instagrammable) meal.

Banchan & Cook, Shop 334, 3/F, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung

When you don’t know what to eat, you can’t go wrong with a stacked burger and a side of fries. Shake Shack’s seventh location in Hong Kong has over 3,000 square feet of space, so bring your friends, family, and pets! Serving avocado bacon burgers ($72) and ice-cold lemonade ($25), the restaurant also has a bright and funky mural inspired by the classic aeroplane chess board game that’s the perfect backdrop for your selfies.

Shake Shack, Unit G20, G/F, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung

It’s time to restore all those calories you burnt after that hike with a hearty bowl of deep-fried tempura. Just kidding, but seriously, if you love tempura, you’ll have to try Tung Chung’s tendon (天丼; tempura rice bowl) hotspot. We recommend Kaneko Hannosuke’s Edomae premium tempura rice bowl ($138) for the ultimate experience, an all-in-one bowl with tempura conger eel, shrimp, mixed seafood fritters, snow pea and more.

Kaneko Hannosuke, Shop 101A, 1/F, Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung