If you haven’t already heard, Lai Chi Kok, which means “Lychee corner” in Chinese, is the place to be! Once filled with wholesale shops and industrial complexes, this neighborhood in Kowloon has gained popularity as a dining and shopping hub over the last few years thanks to several revitalization projects and a burst of trendy restaurant and boutique shop openings.
Aside from eateries and shopping destinations, there are also plenty of entertainment options to keep you occupied this side of Hong Kong. From spending the day at edgy co-working spaces, experiencing blindness at a sight loss exhibition tour, to checking out some local brands at a pop-up weekend market, there’s always something new to try.
Now’s the time to make the trip over and discover what Lai Chi Kok has to offer for yourself!
Founded in 2016, Ooosh Coworking Spaces describes itself as a place where old and new economy business collide and grow. Its West Kowloon hub covers approximately 15,000 square foot and offers hot desks, private rooms, private desks and event spaces as well as rooftop access, high-speed Internet, printers and mail service. The Ooosh team places a lot of emphasis on community, and is a must-try if you’re looking for somewhere that’s more than just a space to work.
With its exceptionally spacious interiors and modern design, Finest Design Nest has everything you need to do great work. If you ever need a meeting spot in Lai Chi Kok, Finest Design Nest’s boardroom is large enough to host 30 people and can be booked by the hour or day. The room also includes an in-wall cabinet to display products as well as an innovative step-seat design, perfect for those client and team meetings.
In need of a workspace or meeting room in Lai Chi Kok? You can book any of the above coworking spaces by the hour, day or month via the BOOQED app!
We love a small local café full of personality over a boring coffee shop chain any day of the week! Luckily, you can find plenty of those in Lai Chi Kok!
One such café is OWLS, an owl-themed café that serves a selection of drinks, pastries, salads and more. We’re particularly intrigued by the Mentaiko Cloudy Egg Toast and the Dark Chocolate Puff Waffle! Its interior is minimal yet inviting, with lots of owl line drawings and plant décor to liven the space. Don’t forget to snap a pic for the ‘gram!
If you’re tired of the same old coffee shops, go check out One Tenth Coffee. Tucked away in an industrial complex, this trendy little café is one of the best kept secrets in the area, and is a great place to spend an afternoon with a book in hand or doing some work. You can’t go wrong with a cup of their hand-drop coffee or a slice of homemade-style cake.
Did you know D2 Place in Lai Chi Kok was the first shopping mall and office space converted from industrial buildings in Hong Kong?
Now, the mall spans two towers, and hosts an indoor weekend market featuring small local businesses selling anything and everything from vintage clothing, homemade jewelery, arts and crafts and food. What’s more, the vendors change every week depending on the market theme so you can go a few weeks in a row and still find something new! Just be sure to check the weekend market’s social media page ahead of time to be sure the market will be on the day you plan to visit.
Amidst the aging industrial buildings and shiny office towers is Jao Tsung-I Academy, a historic building restored by the government under its Revitalising Historic Buildings scheme. If you’re a culture and history enthusiast, the Academy offers free Cultural Revitalization Tours so you can learn about the Academy’s evolving history and architectural features as you walk around. They even have a hotel on site where you can spend more quality time enjoying this tranquil oasis.
If you’re looking for a more unique and meaningful activity, The Dialogue Experience lets you experience what it’s like to be visually impaired through their 60-minute experimental exhibition tour led by visually impaired guides in a pitch-black room. If you want to share this experience with a loved one, they also offer Dinner in the Dark and Love in the Dark where couples can eat or cuddle together in complete darkness.
BOOQED (available on both Android and iOS) provides on-demand coworking spaces and meeting rooms in Lai Chi Kok if you want a taste of what it’s like to work there. Imagine having access to all the unique experiences and hidden gems of the area while still getting your project completed on time. What’s more, you can use the code HK50 to get 50% off your first booking!
