Catharina Cheung

Looking to make your weekend worthwhile? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to catch some live music, check out a new art exhibit, or just find a casual spot to relax with friends, Hong Kong knows how to keep you busy. Come rain or shine, day or night, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect weekend.  RECOMMENDED:  📆 Hong Kong events in July🎡 Top attractions in Hong Kong🛍️ Your ultimate Hong Kong checklist 2025

From menu takeovers by renowned chefs to creative baked goodies and exclusive pop-ups, Hong Kong's food and drink scene is always hard at work to keep us happy, well-fed, and forever curious. If you're a bona fide foodie who's always on the lookout for the latest eats, turn your attention to these delicious happenings in the city right now. RECOMMENDED:  😋 New restaurants to check out in Hong Kong🍽️ 50 best restaurants in Hong Kong🍜 Unique Hong Kong dishes you need to try

Not sure how to spend your free time this week? We’ve rounded up some of the best happenings across the city – from art exhibitions and food pop-ups to music nights and kid-friendly activities – so you don’t have to go searching. But if all else fails, you can always turn to one of Hong Kong's best restaurants, or cross things off our ultimate Hong Kong checklist. Whatever you decide, we’ve got you covered for the next seven days. RECOMMENDED:  🎨 Art exhibitions to check out right now📆 June events in Hong Kong🥹 Free things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong was once the Hollywood of the East. At its peak around the early 90s, our local movie industry was the first in the world – in terms of per capita production and as the second-largest exporter of films – second only to the US.The influence of Hong Kong cinema can still be seen far and wide. Even 50 years after his death, Bruce Lee remains a global icon and his martial arts movies are classics. The groundbreaking action of The Matrix would never have come about if not for John Woo films and the action choreography of Yuen Woo-ping. Quentin Tarantino ripped off Ringo Lam’s City on Fire for his 1992 debut Reservoir Dogs. Moonlight owes much to the style of Wong Kar-wai films and the auteur was also acknowledged by Soffia Coppola as an influence when she collected the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Lost in Translation.So with such a massive cultural legacy, what are the best Hong Kong movies of all time? Some of our choices are forgotten classics, some are cult hits, while others define art born of this city. Read on for a definitive ranking of the best films made in Hong Kong dating as far back as the 1930s. RECOMMENDED: 😂 Classic Stephen Chow movies to watch🥋 The 20 best martial arts movies of all time🖥️ Best Hong Kong movies available on streaming services

Between luxury designer brands and independent boutiques, there’s not much you can’t find when shopping in Hong Kong. And while we love supporting local businesses, there’s just something about shopping malls that we love – whether it’s their convenient locations (a lot of them are attached to MTR stations), the diversity of shops, restaurants, and entertainment like cinemas and ice rinks, or just the fact that they’re a great place to hide out come rain or shine. Here are some of the best ones we recommend visiting. RECOMMENDED: Up your style with a pair of kicks from the best sneaker stores in Hong Kong, or pick up a paperback at Hong Kong's best bookstores.

Hong Kong is relatively safe from natural disasters, but we’ve definitely seen our fair share of typhoons. They’re a regular occurrence during summertime, and though they are mostly more Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day rather than The Day After Tomorrow cataclysm (not that we’re complaining), the worst ones can be pretty terrifying as our city’s history shows. Here’s a look back on some of the biggest typhoons that have ever hit Hong Kong. RECOMMENDED: Don’t let the drab weather stop you from exploring the city (as long as it’s safe, of course); here are the best indoor activities to escape the rain in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong and Macau’s music scene has been thriving with activity. From homegrown talents performing at intimate venues to international stars taking on the big stage, there’s much to look forward to for eager concertgoers. If you want to be in the know on all the latest music performances, festivals, concerts, and gigs happening in Hong Kong and Macau, bookmark this page and come back regularly for more updates.  RECOMMENDED: In the meantime, check out our list of the best live music venues in Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong is packed with superb eateries, but for a truly local vibe, you definitely need to dive into our street food culture. Head to bustling spots like Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Kwai Fong, or Sham Shui Po, and you’ll encounter an amazing array of snacks sizzling away right on the sidewalks. We’re talking spicy fishballs, crispy egg waffles, chewy cheung fun, and even some seriously stinky tofu. These tasty treats are not only delicious but also super budget-friendly, so you can fill up without emptying your wallet.RECOMMENDED: Prefer something sweet instead? Indulge in Hong Kong’s coolest ice creams!

Hong Kong is an exciting city, there's always something going on. From music gigs to art exhibitions, theatre shows to foodie happenings, whatever you're looking for, it's happening somewhere in town. If you're in the mood for an adventure today, here are some of the best things to do right now. RECOMMENDED:  🎡 Hong Kong's top attractions😍 Free things to do in Hong Kong✅ 63 most incredible things to do in Hong Kong

We all know how unpredictable the weather in Hong Kong can be – one minute it’s the perfect beach day, and the next rain is pelting down hard enough to hurt. But don’t let our bipolar weather stop you from having fun in the city. Whether you’re trying to dodge the summer heat or escape a sudden rainstorm, Hong Kong has an incredible lineup of indoor venues and activities that promise just as much excitement as hitting up a hiking trail or exploring a country park. Here are all the best places to go when the weather won’t cooperate, rain or shine. RECOMMENDED: 😍 65 things you need to do at least once in Hong Kong🎉 Free things to do in Hong Kong🛍️ Hong Kong shopping mall guide

Time really flies by, and it’s crazy that it’s officially July. Temperatures have really been picking up, and while the bravest of us (and those with super strong sunscreen) are happy to sweat it out on Hong Kong’s best hiking trails, there’s still plenty to do, see, and eat for the more air conditioning-inclined. Read on to see what the city has in store for us this month. RECOMMENDED: Make sure you check out our definitive list of the most 65 incredible things to do in Hong Kong!

Whether it’s street photography spots or world-class art galleries, Hong Kong is a city that’s bursting with creativity. To narrow things down and help you be well on your way to true culture vulture status (and level up your Insta-feed along the way), here are some of the best ongoing and upcoming art shows to visit around town. RECOMMENDED: Discover Hong Kong’s coolest hidden art spaces or pay a visit to the city’s top museums.

Mark your calendars for October 4 and 5, as Waterbomb will be taking over the Central Harbourfront. The 2025 lineup has yet to be confirmed, but last year saw major Korean artists like Rain, Jay Park, Loco, Gray, Jessi, StayC, PH-1, and more perform on our stage, so this edition is bound to be pretty stellar as well. If you’re planning on going, log onto their Instagram and comment who you’d like to see at the festival in their artist wishlist post – and hopefully with enough fan support, you’ll get to see your favourite musicians live in Hong Kong.

The dynamic Thai sensation Jeff Satur once again returns to Hong Kong, this time on his Red Giant tour where he will perform at the MacPherson Stadium stage for one night on October 9. Known for his cinematic stage presence, Satur will be treating fans to a blend of synth-pop, alt-rock, R&B, and ballads. After selling out his Bangkok show immediately, the singer-songwriter and actor is currently kicking off the global leg of his tour in Latin America, performing in festivals, and working on a new drama series – talk about keeping busy. Tickets start from $799, with VIP packages available as add-ons, which will grant access to the pre-show soundcheck, hi-touch and send-off sessions, autographed posters, and even a one-on-one professionally taken photo with Satur for the highest ticket tiers. The Live Nation pre-sale starts at 10am on July 17, and general sales will open at 12 noon on July 18.

Rising Filipino pop band SB19 is embarking on their first world tour, and Hong Kong is on their list. For those who don’t know them, this quintet is the first Filipino act to receive a Billboard Music Award nomination back in 2021, and they’ve also reached top slot in the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Charts with this year’s hit Dam. Catch Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin at the MacPherson Stadium on September 13 and 14. Tickets run from $599 to $799, and VIP concert-goers will receive a VIP-exclusive photocard, a laminate and lanyard, as well as access to the hi-bye event after the show.

The Landmark’s sky terrace and bar Cardinal Point is hosting a range of artists this July to heat up our summer nights. The Summer Sessions have already been going on for a couple of Saturdays, but head over on July 19 to catch Hong Kong’s Beat Friday mixing up golden-era Cantopop future-leaning, bass-heavy beats. On July 26, actor and DJ Tom Price will fuse electro, house, and deep groove in unexpected mashups of anthems that pay tribute to Hong Kong’s musical legacy. The Canto Disco Night on July 19 is priced at $400 at the door, including a glass of Champagne, while July’s grand finale on the 26th is free entry.

Underground DJ sensation JYOTY is making her Hong Kong debut with her 2025 Asia tour. If you’re into electronic music or club culture, or have been to Boiler Room sets, then you’ll probably already be familiar with the Amsterdam-born artist’s signature blend of sound, atmosphere, and storytelling. Get ready to be soaked with sweat as she tears up the dancefloor with Arthur Yeti and 0159 in Soho House on August 2. Ticket prices start from $288.

Popular vocaloid Japanese singer Yama is taking to the Hong Kong stage once again, this time with their one-night-only Asia tour performance. Fans can look forward to hearing tracks from their new album, as well as some long-time favourites such as Haru wo Tsugeru, Shikisai, and Slash. If you missed seeing this enigmatic genderfluid artist performing at Clockenflap last year, then make sure not to miss their show on October 22 at the MacPherson Stadium. Tickets run from $699 to $1,599, with VIP ticketholders getting a limited VIP postcard autographed by Yama, priority entry, an exclusive laminate and lanyard, as well as a post-show meet and greet with a group photo session.

The latest special exhibition at M+ showcases Cantonese art in the 20th century, highlighting this period’s significance in visual and artistic modernism within China and beyond. The port cities of Guangzhou and Hong Kong were the centres for radical new ways of thinking about art and its purpose during China’s modern revolution. Cantonese artists moved on from the classical ink paintings to create prints, photography, and even cartoons that were more accessible to all. After the founding of the PRC, Guangdong artists in mainland China used art to shape their national image through social realism and propaganda, while Hong Kong artists embraced international movements. Explore over 200 works from institutional and private collections, many of which are on public display for the first time, and see the connections and disconnections between the two groups of Cantonese artists before and after 1949. From now until July 13, tickets to access all of M+’s special exhibitions run for $240, but starting July 15, all entry to the museum will be under a single-price ticket at $190.

Open the Box returns for its second edition in Tai Kwun, literally opening up galleries and white cube spaces, inviting spectators to step into venues usually reserved for curators and art professionals and become artists themselves. Led by Japanese artist Shinji Ohmaki, ‘Bloom of Light’ encourages participants to create floral motifs and patterns in an ever-growing gallery, weaving their memories into a shared space that is constantly evolving. The period of co-creation runs until July 27, then the space will be open for public viewing from July 29 to August 3. Participation will require an admission fee of $180 for a maximum of two people and $240 for up to three (inclusive of art materials), but viewing the space when it’s completed will be free entry.

Lovers of Japan shouldn’t miss this intimate exhibition that brings together two acclaimed photographers in their exploration of sacred landscapes in an inner quest for meaning and connection. Michael Kenna’s black-and-white photographs are contemplative meditations, while Yasuhiro Ogawa’s are rich in texture, focusing on quiet details. Together, the two photographers show different ways of seeing, interpreting, and feeling the cultural and spiritual heritage of Japan that has mesmerised so many around the world.

For Hong Kong artist Ailsa Wong’s first solo exhibition, she’s created a body of work that melds a 3D video game, moving sculptures, sound installations, a visual novel game, and more – all in a cave-like setting. Made to recall the interior of an ant nest, Wong uses how ant colonies operate as a super-organism to propose a paradigm where all sentient beings – living, mechanical, or otherwise – are part of a single, all-encompassing entity. Learn about the myths and stories they would tell if ants had religions; explore the illusion of choice by wandering down virtual pathways that lead to seemingly different places; examine artwork of embryo images set in clay, and more, all while brass bells strung together by braided hair chime as they swing from the ceiling.

Set amidst the greenery and historical landmarks of the Asia Society Hong Kong Center are Lee Kuang-Yu’s sculptures that are inspired by Eastern philosophy and natural aesthetics. Using his distinct ‘open void’ sculptures, Lee’s cubist- and surrealist-inspired pieces blend into the environment seamlessly. These nine sculptures make up his first large-scale solo show in Hong Kong, where his works are complemented by modern architecture and our city’s lush nature.

A good dose of laughter is a great remedy for the stressors of hectic urban life, which is why comedic comics have been so well-received since they appeared in Hong Kong in the early 20th century. By the 1950s, local comics truly began to take off, giving rise to iconic characters like Old Master Q, My Boy, and Sau Sing Chai. Visitors can see beloved comic works spanning from the 50s to modern-day characters used in our everyday group chat stickers.

In early July, the Hong Kong government announced their plans to rename the ‘space oil’ drug as its current street name makes it sound too appealing. The authorities have now decided to officially call it ‘etomidate’, after its main narcotic ingredient. Hong Kong’s security chief Chris Tang said on Thursday, August 1, that ‘drug traffickers make use of the name to promote a sort of fantasy [...] and I think this is absolutely wrong’. Space oil is essentially a narcotic substance containing etomidate, a short-term anaesthetic used in clinical practices to induce sedation. The government has been clamping down hard on this drug since it gained popularity around 2023, especially among Hong Kong’s youth, since it is relatively cheap and convenient to consume when inhaled through vaping devices. According to the authorities, 327 people in the city were recorded to have used etomidate in the first half of 2025, which exceeds the total record from the entirety of last year. Among these drug users, approximately 60 percent were aged 21 or younger. In February this year, the categorisation of etomidate was upgraded to a dangerous drug, alongside cocaine and ketamine. The government believes that by not referring to etomidate as space oil any more, the drug will be glamourised less and people will be increasingly deterred from taking it. Do you think this smear campaign on ‘space oil’ is going to work? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best o

Ahead of G-Dragon’s concerts in Hong Kong, the K-pop star’s pet cat takes over our city with the Zo&Friends pop-up in Times Square. Inspired by his Scottish fold named Princess Zoa, GD has spent two years creating and designing this original IP, and the results can’t be any cuter. A large Zoa sits in the middle of Times Square’s second-floor atrium, surrounded by flowers and the daisy A&ne. According to the brand, Zoa looks cynical and even somewhat gloomy (it has a literal cloud hanging over its eyes) but hides a soft, gentle nature. Walk through and snap pictures at photo spots, explore Zoa’s room, and see plenty of artworks, decals, BTS captures, and more. Of course, what’s a good pop-up without some merch to bring home? There’ll be a range of Zo&Friends products on sale, such as soft toys, plush keychains, kitchenware, rugs, stickers, and wearable accessories. Visitors will need to register online before being allowed access to the pop-up store – make sure you get there early to queue up.  Visit GD’s cute cat and his daisy friend from now until August 31. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 4 Hong Kong ‘peaks’ will become the city’s next big tourism destinations A Scandinavian cafe and wine bar has just opened near Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan WestK unveils new season programmes, including Hong Kong’s first-ever Cabaret Festival

If you’ve been to and liked the Norwegian-inspired cafe Hjem in Sheung Wan, you would have been sad to hear that it closed earlier in April this year. However, the good news is that the hospitality power couple behind Hjem, Nelson Htoo and Elin Fu, are now opening a new Nordic cafe within the same space! Venner, meaning ‘friends’ in Norwegian, is an all-day hangout that serves small-batch cakes, coffee, and curated natural wines. Instead of being just another pit stop for a cup of joe, the idea is for Venner to flow effortlessly from coffees and cakes to drinks and snacks as the day turns to night – the way Nordic cafes are run. Photograph: Courtesy Venner Their menu consists of baked goods that are all made in house, such as the classic cinnamon and cardamom bun ($48), rye sourdough skolebrød ($48), as well as a moreish breakfast plate ($88) with Jarlsberg cheese, homemade lingonberry jam, rye sourdough, and whipped butter. Caffeine addicts can expect medium- to light-roast coffees and ceremonial-grade matcha served straight or in seasonal flavours like matcha coconut ($55) or double matcha ($60). Some signature drinks from Hjem have also made it over into Venner, so we can enjoy their honey golden latte ($48) again. Come evening, the focus shifts to natural wines from small producers, presented on a rotational basis and served by the glass from $88. To go with the drinks, there will also be small plates including a savoury goat’s cheese cheesecake ($98) or dates with pros

When you’re trying to come up with the image of a city crammed with soaring buildings, Hollywood would have you believe that New York City is the one place that comes to mind – remember all those sweeping shots of the NYC cityscape in everything from Gossip Girl and Sex and the City to Mad Men? But, the fact remains that it is not actually the world leader for skyscrapers – Hong Kong is! According to the UK’s Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, skyscrapers are buildings that measure 150 metres or taller. Hong Kong, with a relatively small amount of valuable land area sandwiched between mountainous terrain and the sea, has always chosen to expand upwards, and now boasts more than 550 completed skyscrapers, making us the city with the most skyscrapers in the world. The second place goes to our mainland Chinese neighbour Shenzhen, a mega-city that has more than 380 skyscrapers. With a skyline full of enormous buildings like the 115-storey Ping An Finance Center, there’s no doubt that the ‘Silicon Valley of China’ will be expanding its portfolio of architectural giants even further in the years to come. New York comes in at number three, with the city’s iconic builds like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and the residential towers of Billionaire’s Row making up over 320 skyscrapers. The other cities rounding out the top 10 cities with the most skyscrapers are Dubai, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Chicago, and Wuhan, respect

Hong Kong woke up this morning on July 29 to find dark skies and extremely rainy weather. After rainfall steadily worsened, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) issued the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal at 9.10am, which later got lowered to the Red Rainstorm Warning at 11.05am.  A broad trough of low pressure is the culprit bringing showers and thunderstorms to the coast of southern China today and tomorrow. As of 10am today, the tropical cyclone Co-May was also centred around 390 km east of Wenzhou, edging closer to the coast of eastern China as it moves across the East China Sea today and tomorrow. The weather for the rest of today will mainly be cloudy with showers and squally thunderstorms, with occasional showers and thunderstorms carrying over into tomorrow. In fact, according to the HKO forecast, there will be rain every day until next Wednesday, with the finest weather on this Thursday and Friday, July 31 and August 1, expected to bring sunny intervals between showers and thunderstorms. What is a Black Rainstorm? A Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued when heavy rain exceeding 70 ml in an hour is falling or is expected to fall over Hong Kong. As of 10.50am today, more than 100 ml of hourly rainfall has been recorded, which means this is a severe rainstorm. The HKO warns that the rain is particularly heavy in the Eastern and Southern districts, where there is an increased risk of landslides. Does this mean we don’t have to go to work or school? In general, if a Red or B

Hot on the heels of McDonald’s time-limited Chiikawa Days-themed menu items comes more collaboration products between the fast-food giant and these cute Japanese critters. McDonald’s Hong Kong is now releasing a range of Happy Meal toys on Chiikawa and friends, to be changed up each week. From now until the end of August, purchase a McDonald’s Happy Meal to receive a Chiikawa toy. There are eight versions altogether, with each type being offered on specific dates throughout the promotion period, so make sure you keep an eye on the dates to get your favourite. The Hachiware calendar will be released on July 28, followed by the Rakko measuring device on August 1, the Chiikawa pen holder on August 4, the Usagi hotcake box on August 8, the Momonga pen cap on August 11, the Hachiware photo frame on August 15, the Chiikawa notepad on August 18, and finally the Usagi sticker dispenser on August 22. Photograph: FB/mcdonaldshongkong | © Onagano / chiikawa committee Jul © 2025 McDonald's Customers who want to get their hands on their collectable toys must purchase a Cheese Egg Bun Happy Meal set or a four-piece McNuggets Happy Meal via the McDonald’s app to receive specific Chiikawa Days designs, released each Monday and Friday at 11am. After receiving a confirmation of purchase with a QR code, you can then pick up your meal with the toy at selected McDonald’s restaurants. Make sure you go collect them within the specific dates and times, otherwise it will be considered forfeit! Alte

You know how you’ve made it in life when you get an Hermès bag named after you, like the Birkin or the Kelly? Well, Hong Kong’s twin panda cubs have definitely made it to celebrity status from the moment they were born, now further solidified with the fact that popular collectable Labubu is releasing a special figurine in honour of the cubs’ birthday. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has teamed up with Ocean Park, where the bears are homed, and the creator of Labubu, Kasing Lung, to debut a limited-edition Labubu x Panda Twins birthday collectable. The whimsical figurine features a bamboo green Labubu in a polka dot party hat, happily cradling two baby pandas in its arms. Fans of original artwork will enjoy that this doll is designed after Lung’s older drawings of his ubiquitous Nordic monster, instead of the rounded, fuzzy versions we’re used to seeing on plush keychains. You’ll need a spot of luck to get your hands on these limited-edition Labubus. All visitors to Ocean Park Hong Kong – Hong Kong citizens and travellers alike – can now pre-register to join a lucky draw taking place from August 1 to 31, for a chance to win a panda birthday gift box containing the Labubu figurine. The set comes in a custom gift box and also includes a handcrafted birthday card from Lung himself. There will only be approximately 300 gift boxes available during this stage of the celebrations, so get your entry in quickly. Additional birthday-edition Labubu boxes will be available during the pandas’

Whenever Hongkongers like something, we go all out in the hyperfixation. In celebration of the upcoming Chiikawa Days exhibition in K11 Musea, Octopus is soon releasing two special-edition Octopus cards themed after the popular Chiikawa Days characters.  Featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi running around with their extermination sticks, these cards will have a day design with recognisable buildings from the Hong Kong cityscape in the background, and a dark blue night version with fireworks. The physical Octopus cards are priced at $128, and will be available for preorder on the Octopus app from August 1 to 31.  For those who don’t want to lug around another card in their wallets, the Chiikawa-themed cards are also available for digital purchase on the Octopus app for $18. After the theme is purchased and applied, the Chiikawa characters will grace the app’s home screen, the Octopus activation screen, as well as the digital card image. Are you going to swap out your boring old Octopus card for these Chiikawa Days designs? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Giant Crybaby installations take over Festival Walk, with a Pop Mart pop-up store All Hong Kong taxis are required to accept e-payment from April 2026 Hong Kong’s anime convention returns bigger and better this year

We’ve been itching to go to a music festival soon, and Waterbomb has finally answered our prayers, announcing confirmation of their Hong Kong dates this year. This festival originates from South Korea, and is well-known for being a water party with liberal use of water guns on top of a music festival, so be prepared to get soaked. Mark your calendars for October 4 and 5, as Waterbomb will be taking over the Central Harbourfront. The 2025 lineup has yet to be confirmed, but last year saw major Korean artists like Rain, Jay Park, Loco, Gray, Jessi, StayC, PH-1, and more perform on our stage, so this edition is bound to be pretty stellar as well. If you’re planning on going, log onto their Instagram and comment who you’d like to see at the festival in their artist wishlist post – and hopefully with enough fan support, you’ll get to see your favourite musicians live in Hong Kong. This year also marks the first time ever that the Waterbomb Festival is going to Macau. The precise venue hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the dates are coming up soon next month, on August 9 to 10. Ticket information for both events will be released soon, so check this space. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this year the festival’s queues will be managed better – and also praying that we won’t be hit by a typhoon during the event again! Keep an eye out for tickets here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended

Among the toy keychains that have taken over hearts and social media feeds recently, Crybaby has always been a particularly cute brand, with endearing characters that are instantly recognisable from the tears on their faces. This summer, these weeping cuties are taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with multiple giant installations. Themed after a playground, eight oversized blind box characters from Crybaby’s Crying For Love series are dotted around the main atrium of the mall for fans to admire and take photos with. The centrepiece is the giant Love You Cherry Much figures, sitting side by side in their cherry outfits above a red-and-white ball pit. Other cute installations include the angel and devil Kiss Kiss characters pouting towards each other in a smooch, a Stupid Cupid heart-shaped swing set, and a translucent red box housing a Heart Broken Crybaby. Photograph: Catharina Cheung It’s not all just photo ops, as Pop Mart also brings a pop-up store to this event, with plenty of goodies to keep all collectors and shoppers satisfied. Aside from products from the Crying For Love series – like the gift box containing the angel and heart plushies, an adorable straw cup, and vinyl plush hanging dolls – this pop-up also stocks Crybaby’s other lines, such as the animal-themed Wild but Cutie series, the tutu-wearing Shiny Shiny series, their Powerpuff Girls collab, as well as scented candles and fragrances. If there’s an out-of-stock product on the Pop Mart website you hav

If you’ve ever had to scrounge up cash from friends to get a cab or grappled with handfuls of loose change in a taxi with a surly, impatient driver, then you’ll know how annoying it can be that Hong Kong’s cabs still mostly only accept cash. In a city where contactless payments have been in use since the Octopus card launched in the late 90s, it’s pretty ridiculous that cabbies have insisted on only taking cash payments all these years. Luckily, our taxis will soon catch up with the times, as they will all be required to accept e-payments next year. The Hong Kong government confirmed last week that all taxi drivers will have to offer at least two forms of electronic payment options from as early as April 1, 2026. The Transport Department is currently coordinating with various e-payment platforms, but one of the options is likely to be Hong Kong’s ubiquitous Octopus card.  In addition to e-payment arrangements, taxi drivers will also be required to install in-car recording systems to capture videos with sound inside taxi compartments, dash cams to show clear front and rear views, as well as capture location data via a global navigation satellite system. According to the Transport Department, these systems will ‘help deter taxi drivers’ malpractices, enhance driving safety…and safeguard the interest of drivers and passengers in the event of disputes’. For those concerned about personal privacy and security, the government says that recorded videos and data will be encrypted, an

Anime and manga fans, our time has come! The 26th Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong (ACGHK) returns this year with anime voice actors, singers, Japanese brands, cosplayers galore, and more to check out. A major part of the event every year is the exhibitors and booths with anime and cartoon merchandise, with plenty of art, clothing, accessories, and creations by toy designers from 12 global regions to look through. Keep an eye out for limited-edition wares, such as the global debut of the Sailor Uniform Rilakkuma series, and just 300 sets of Golden Warrior models limited to this venue only. The number of doujin booths will be significantly increased for this year’s ACGHK, with over 550 stalls including 80 international offerings from Japan, South Korea, Europe, the Americas, and more – this is a great opportunity to check out self-published manga, art, and works by global creative minds. As part of Ani-Com, the Comics Masters Gathering will also bring together six European comic big names, six Chinese comic artists, and two Hong Kong artists in a showcase of their different styles and skillsets. Photograph: Courtesy AFP/Peter Parks Of course, no anime convention is complete without half the venue filled with fantastical cosplayers, and this year is no exception. With Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle just releasing in Japan and already smashing box office records, we’re betting there’ll be a lot of Tanjiro and Nezuko costumes. Either way, the best cosplayers will be judged at the Anime