Catharina Cheung
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i write things and order too much food. section editor at @timeouthk | previously @journoresources, @bustle, @localiiz | catharina.cheung@timeout.com
Articles by Catharina Cheung
Ocean Park opens a new Reptile Territory to challenge negative stereotypes of these species
Despite the surge in cute chameleons and geckos on social media (or is that just our algorithm?), most people are still pretty scared of reptiles and wouldn’t ever touch a snake voluntarily. However, reptiles are a key link in the animal food chain and are vital in our planet’s continued biodiversity. Ocean Park Hong Kong is here to dispel myths and encourage interest in these animals, with the opening of the brand-new Reptile Territory.
The best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend (August 21-23)
In a landmark collaboration between the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt, 250 treasures and relics from the land of the Pharaohs will be on display in Hong Kong for nine and a half months.
Playful ice cream brand TeemTonefai opens its first brick-and-mortar store in Sheung Wan
Summer is obviously the best time for ice creams, and we have the perfect spot you should check out soon. Hong Kong ice cream brand TeemTonefai, well-known for their creative and quirky frozen treats, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by finally opening a brick-and-mortar flagship store. For ages, we’ve only been able to encounter their products at pop-ups around town, but from August 21 onwards, ice cream lovers can find TeemTonefai at their permanent home in Sheung Wan.
The latest news about Hong Kong Disneyland’s new Marvel and Pixar attractions
Disney fans were very excited when it was announced almost a year ago that Hong Kong Disneyland is undertaking two major expansion projects: for a Pixar entertainment offering, and new Marvel-themed experiences.
The latest news about Hong Kong Disneyland’s new Marvel and Pixar attractions
17 hours ago Disney’s biennial fan convention D23 is in full swing, and the entertainment giant has finally revealed details on all the new lands, rides, theming, shows, restaurants and attraction names that it has planned for Disney parks in the next few years. During the Disney Experiences Showcase at the …
The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (August 10-16)
Shanghai’s drag collective, House of Linglong, is heading to our city for an exclusive two-night takeover at Eaton HK’s Music Room on August 14 and 15. Founded by drag artist and creative director Kudos (Lian Longqing), the acclaimed group is renowned for pushing queer artistry through a bold fusion of avant-garde drag, high fashion, live performance, and culturally inspired storytelling.
‘Cats’ the musical in Hong Kong
Are you ready to go to the Jellicle Ball? Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-class musical Cats is finally touring in Hong Kong! Inspired by a book of whimsical poems by T.S. Eliot named Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the musical follows the Jellicle cats at their annual gathering who share their stories and adventures before choosing one cat to be reborn into a brand-new life.
Better Together – Partnering Up for Hong Kong Movies
Tai Kwun pays tribute to the social value of camaraderie and having brothers-in-arms with its newest summer exhibition ‘Better Together – Partnering Up for Hong Kong Movies’, which celebrates the ethos of paak zyu soeng (拍住上) – a Cantonese phrase for team spirit which evokes the image of partnering up with arms around shoulders – as seen in several decades of filmmaking since the 60s.
The Sperm Race Hong Kong
The world’s smallest sport might also just be the world’s most niche and hilarious. Sperm cells are collected from six competitors, put onto a microscopic track, and sent off to race towards an artificial egg. Launched in Los Angeles last year, the new Sperm Race Asia Division is hosted by president Dick Gay who will hype things up WWE-style, just like if racing swimmers is a high-octane combat sport.
The Sperm Race is coming to Hong Kong to pit six men’s virility against each other
If you thought men getting emotional at sports and yelling at players kicking a ball around onscreen is peak masculine competitiveness, you might want to think again. A new sport is making its way to Hong Kong, and it pits men’s virility against each other – by literally racing their sperm. Yes, sperm cells are collected from six competitors, put onto a microscopic track, and sent off to race towards an artificial egg.
M+ at Night returns for its autumn season from September
Hong Kong’s popular after-dark museum parties are coming back next month for three editions of monthly events until the end of this year.
The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (August 3-9)
M+ and Leeum Museum of Art are teaming up to present a comprehensive exhibition featuring the groundbreaking works of influential South Korean contemporary artist Lee Bul. More than 200 pieces will be shown, spanning the artistâs career from the late 1990s to the present to trace the evolution of Leeâs artistic approach.
Time Out Recommends 2026: Winners of the Readers’ Choice awards announced
We’re sure you’ve seen the bright red Time Out stickers in restaurants, cafés, and more around town, but in case you’re not quite sure where they come from, here’s a quick rundown. Every year, the Time Out Hong Kong team compile a list of top-notch entertainment spots, eateries, coffee shops, cheap bites, shops, and beauty and wellness venues – and we also ask you, the people of Hong Kong, which ones are your particular favourites.
Time Out Recommends 2026: Winners of the Readers’ Choice awards announced
3 hours ago A monthly horoscope with everything you need to wear, buy, or try in order to be your most aligned self. Welcome to Style Forecast, a monthly horoscope that uses astrology to help each zodiac sign feel like their most confident and aligned self. Each month, I'll be sharing a celestially-curated list …
Bar Leone launches a glassware collection with Bobo
If you’ve ever been out and felt the urge to nick a glass, then you’ll agree with us: we love when bars have cute drinking vessels! It tracks that Bar Leone, whose founder Lorenzo Antinori is all about curating the best hospitality experiences, has now upgraded things at the newly crowned third best bar in Asia even further with a fresh range of glassware.
Gossip
From the minds behind popular Soho bar Socio comes Gossip, a nightlife concept that blends a cocktail bar with a nightclub. Their drinks menu is inspired by the many traditional masks of Asia, each with its own personality and story which gives rise to its accompanying cocktail made with distinctly Asian ingredients such as mango sticky rice, Korean gochujang, and Sichuan pepper.
Bar Leone wins third best bar in Asia, with Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame taking the crown
Asia’s 50 Best Bars has just wrapped up its 2026 edition on July 28, having returned to Wynn Palace in Macau for the second time in a row.
Bar Leone and Argo win best international bar categories at 2026 Spirited Awards
The eyes of Asia’s drinks sphere is focused on us for the upcoming Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards in Macau, but before that list gets announced, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) released the winners of its 20th annual Spirited Awards on July 24 – and two of our top-notch bars represented Hong Kong on the list.
Bar Leone and Argo win best international bar categories at 2026 Spirited Awards
10 hours ago They know more than you think. Before booking an airline ticket, travelers have to provide all sorts of personal information, including full legal names, birthdates, passport numbers, and contact information. But there’s a bevy of other details that flight attendants have access to before you even …
The Hong Kong passport takes 14th place among the world’s most powerful passports
The Henley Passport Index has recently released its annual ranking of the world’s most powerful passports, examining how many global destinations a passport holder can access without applying for a visa. Hong Kong ranks at No. 14 in the 2026 list, which is a really good place to be among 199 passports. Hong Kong passport holders can enter 174 territories visa-free, which is five more destinations than when the ranking came out last year.
Paragon
This intimate, 13-seater bar on the lower part of Peel Street isn’t a place you go to smash drinks before legging it to the next gin joint. The point is to visit and stay, and soak in the vibes for at least an hour. Sink into one of the retro-futuristic armchairs (if you’re lucky enough to snag one) and enjoy a blend of jazz, lounge, and hip-hop amidst the walls stacked with the founder’s own vinyl records. A great spot to catch up with friends in style over drinks.
Out of the Brew
Located halfway down the stairs of Shin Hing Street, Out of the Brew is a must-visit watering hole for those who enjoy beers and brews. Aside from stocking enough cans and bottles of regional craft beer to make their fridge look like an explosion of bright illustrations, they also serve select local pours on regularly rotating taps.
Gold by Serakai Studio
Gold is a contemporary salon that produces, exhibits, presents, and interacts with visual arts, fashion, performance art, music, and product design. Serakai Studio’s philosophy is that meaningful cultural progress needs dialogue, experimentation, and being open to the unexpected, so Gold is a cultural test lab – part exhibition space, part concept incubator, and part creative gathering point.
Two Hong Kong creatives launch artistic homeware themed after food and collective memories
In a hyper-digital world of Taobao junk that falls apart after five uses and viral dropships that you’ll forget about in a heartbeat, consumers have been shifting back to a more analogue lifestyle, prioritising purchases with more resonance and value that are built to last. Frankenchang, a brand founded by two creatives, has just launched their first batch of products that will strike a chord with Hongkongers everywhere.
The tropical cyclone over the Philippines might escalate into a Hong Kong typhoon over the weekend
According to the 24 solar terms in the ancient Chinese calendar system, July 23 marks the start of the Great Heat period, which signifies the hottest time of the year across China. However, when the type of oppressive heat that we’ve been experiencing sets into the city, Hongkongers know that a typhoon is probably on its way – and that’s exactly what we might be in for this weekend.
Time Out Recommends 2026 is back with 300 of Hong Kong’s best venues
You know what they say: good things come in small packages. The sentiment rings particularly true in Hong Kong, where so much good food, bars, experiences, and shops are crammed into a relatively small city.
The Silver Tray Society: July Special Edition
Cassio Social Club has been rewriting the script for mid-week shenanigans since launching the Silver Tray Society in May. Every Wednesday, their ‘Adult Happy Meals’ offer live-grilled burgers, truffle fries, and chilled classic and espresso martinis via a roving trolley. On the final Wednesday of each month, they create a special edition with high-octane bar takeovers and culinary pop-ups.
Hong Kong Comic Con confirms dates for second edition in May 2027
After a fantastic debut run in May, Comic Con has just announced that they’re officially returning for 2027. It’s obviously very early days still, but mark your calendars for May 28 to 30 and maybe start planning your costume early. At this point, not much else is known apart from the dates, but their social media post does tease “three days of content, cosplay, games, and everything pop culture”.
Chiikawa Ramen Buta will close its Hong Kong location in September
In the midst of all the Chiikawa-related activities that have been washing over our shores, one of the popular spots is about to bid goodbye. Chiikawa Ramen Buta has just announced on social media that it will be completing its Hong Kong run early this September.
Juju world at Pacific Place
Cj Hendry will be taking over Pacific Place with Juju world, an immersive experience centred around the signature character with the floppy ears and a flower over one eye. First up, a huge sculptural centrepiece will display Juju characters amidst a surreal universe; then, there’s also an infinity mirror zone where visitors can step into a dream-like reflection of Juju’s world. The star of the show, though, has got to be a room where you can be cocooned by over 400 Juju plushies.
No Curfew Club: The Above 30 Series Vol II
Following the success of their May debut, the No Curfew Club is back at Aer for another round of pure Y2K energy! Get ready for another four hours of absolute bangers from the 2000s, cycling through R&B, hip-hop, pop singalongs, and big throwback anthems. If you’re in the mood to whip out your Motorola Razr and throw it back to Usher, Backstreet Boys, and Britney, then join us on August 1.
Designer Yuko Yamaguchi brings long-haired Hello Kitty Dress Up series to Hong Kong on her final visit
For decades, Hello Kitty has been a global phenomenon and it’s all thanks to her designer, Yuko Yamaguchi, who has been creating different looks for everyone’s favourite mouthless cat since 1980, alongside the Dear Daniel and Charmmy Kitty characters. Yamaguchi will soon be stepping down from the Sanrio universe, but not before visiting Hong Kong to meet Hello Kitty fans in person one last time.
All the Asia’s 50 Best Bars guest shifts you should go to in Hong Kong
For the second year in a row, Macau has been chosen to host the Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, and you know what this means: scores of bartenders from the region’s best bars descending into our city before and after their sojourn into our sister SAR. Bars all over Hong Kong will be hosting their industry friends on guest shifts, which is a great way to taste drinks from Asian destinations that aren’t on your to-visit list.
Review: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ international tour at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
★★★★ I was afraid every performance of Jesus Christ Superstar since 2025 might be held up against Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert’s high-profile three-day run at the Hollywood Bowl last year. I certainly had Erivo’s white-clad Jesus clambering up the stairs to her crucifixion looping in my mind when I skipped into the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, ready to rock some emotional damage. By the time I stepped out of the grand theatre, it was Javon King’s vocals that were firmly wormed into my eardrums.
Wynn Resorts Macau will host five days of bar events for the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony
Yes, it is that time of the year again, when all the best bars and bartenders in the region are whipped into an excited frenzy of guest shifts and parties, culminating in the live awards ceremony of the season. After the success of the 2025 edition, Asia’s 50 Best Bars returns this year to Wynn in Macau. From July 24 to 29, Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau will be hosting up to 50 global visionaries from the mixology and culinary worlds.
Three Hong Kong bars rank in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 extended 51-100 list
Ahead of the awards ceremony on July 28, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 has just released its 51-100 rankings, and there are three Hong Kong bars that have made it onto this extended list. While we may not have as many bars on this list as other cities, they are all firm favourites among Hong Kong’s bar-hopping crowd. The Opposites has happily climbed 26 spots from last year’s ranking to reach No. 54 – we’ve always enjoyed Antonio Lai and Samuel Kwok’s interesting juxtapositions of the same cocktails.
Tim Ho Wan collaborates with Yung Kee to create a roasted goose bun
Some food pairings are simply legendary – think tomatoes and mozzarella, or prosciutto and melon. It looks like another mouthwatering food combination is hitting our palates in Hong Kong, as dim sum establishment Tim Ho Wan has joined hands with roast goose specialist Yung Kee for a time-limited new creation.
Aesop transforms their stores into Paw Parlours for pet washes in July and August
We all love Aesop’s gorgeous-smelling products and will never pass up an opportunity to enjoy a pump of hand cream when passing by their stores. Now, Hong Kong’s pets have the opportunity to get some pampering of their own as well, with a handful of Aesop branches turning into ‘paw parlours’ for a day. You may not know this, but Aesop has carried a mild skin-and-fur wash for pets, aptly named Animal, since 1999.
Severe Typhoon Bavi to bring an extremely hot weekend to Hong Kong
For those out there like yours truly who wouldn’t be able to survive summer – let alone a European heatwave summer – without the joyous invention of air conditioning, we have bad news. Thanks to the Severe Typhoon Bavi, Hong Kong is set to suffer through extremely hot weather this weekend.
Hong Kong’s first Indonesian eatery, Indonesian Restaurant 1968, has closed after almost 60 years
Pour one out for Indonesian Restaurant 1968 in Central – this is one of Hong Kong’s longest-standing Indonesian eateries and it has just shuttered for good, putting a full stop onto its legacy of nearly 60 years. As evidenced by its name, the first iteration of this restaurant opened in 1968, on Yun Ping Road in Causeway Bay. It has since moved around several homes in Causeway Bay and Sheung Wan, before finally settling into a space under the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator in 2023.
Cj Hendry brings Juju world to Hong Kong with large-scale experiences and exclusive collectibles
Remember the plushie flower market that went viral when it came to Hong Kong this spring? The Australian artist behind the cute blooms is back in town with another experience, this time with the first return of her cute bunny-like Juju character since its Hong Kong debut back in 2025. Cj Hendry will be taking over Pacific Place with Juju world, an immersive experience centred around the signature character with the floppy ears and a flower over one eye.
Bar Leone’s Lorenzo Antinori has been voted the world’s sixth most influential figure in the global bar industry
Conducting its eighth iteration this year, the Bar World 100 list by Drinks International sets off to find the bar personalities who wield global influence on the drinks industry. Specifically, the anonymous panel of voters are asked to name people in the bar world who have been innovating and pushing the industry forward, setting new trends and standards globally, inspiring the industry around them, and who have been using their influence to effect positive changes.
The Old Man Hong Kong celebrates its anniversary with a seven-bar takeover
Since its opening in 2017, The Old Man Hong Kong has swiftly scaled its way on the top echelons of industry rankings for the best bars in Asia and in the world, and is still considered one of the best watering holes in Hong Kong. To celebrate almost a decade of being on the scene, the speakeasy-style bar is throwing a special takeover night featuring seven other top-notch bars in the city.
The Hong Kong government pulls an anti-drug ad after it seems to promote drug use instead
In a rather hilarious turn of events, the Hong Kong government has produced an anti-drug campaign that seems to be promoting drug use instead of vilifying it. The controversial video has been swiftly removed since blowing up against its original intent, but as ever, Hong Kong netizens have been quick to screencap, reupload, and mock the blunder.
Japan’s viral ‘Design Ah!’ exhibition opens at M+ with a unique Hong Kong twist
One of the most talked-about exhibitions of 2026 is finally here in Hong Kong! Running from June 27 to January 10 next year at M+, ‘Design Ah! Experience the Wonder of Everyday Design’ is an interactive exhibition based on the hugely popular ‘Design Ah! neo’ exhibition from Japan. Adapted with unique local twists, the Hong Kong showcase explores design and its role in our everyday actions like walking, eating, and sitting, giving the spotlight to seemingly mundane objects we may often overlook.
Fa Gai
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A new waterfront promenade will be built in Kennedy Town in mid-2028
While the Hong Kong Island Promenade, which fully opened late last year, does allow you to walk all the way from Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town, there are certain small parts of the route which are technically not boardwalks, requiring joggers and sightseers to loop inland along pedestrian paths. One such section is in Kennedy Town, where tourists love cramming along the waterfront to take pictures against the sea, especially around sunset.
Luxury patisserie Tarte by RH launches first permanent flagship in Hong Kong with a caviar egg tart
Over the years, Hong Kong’s beloved egg tart has seen many interesting variations that either raise eyebrows or send foodies into queuing frenzies – think apple and cinnamon, coffee mochi, pistachio knafeh, peach, or pandan charcoal flavours. Some of the savoury egg tart options can be a little bit out there, such as black truffle, parmesan cheese, or corn, but clearly we haven’t seen it all, because there’s a new bakery in town that’s releasing a caviar egg tart.
Nadaman welcomes new sushi master Masahiro Ogawa along with a new Wagyu-focused menu
Anyone who knows a bit about Japanese food or has seen a few episodes of Midnight Diner will know that a Japanese restaurant hinges on the skill of its oyakata chief chef. Happily, the Island Shangri-La has just gotten a culinary star in appointing Masahiro Ogawa as sushi chief chef at its highly regarded kaiseki restaurant Nadaman.
Immersive Musical Theatre Experience by Musical Trio
As part of Cordis, Hong Kong’s Alibi Mixer Series, Musical Trio transforms the hotel bar into a live theatrical stage. The troupe has always been trying to shape the landscape of musical theatre in Hong Kong, and are also known for placing audience engagement at the forefront of their shows for emotionally resonant experiences – so expect the opportunity to interact closely with the performers through their blend of music and storytelling.
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