Six Free and Cheap Things to Do in Wan Chai – A Guide for a Budget Traveller 

At the meeting point of Queen’s Road East and Stone Nullah Lane, you’ll find a number of colourful buildings. Featuring vibrant hues, these structures stand out among the more neutral-coloured surroundings. One that immediately grabs your attention is the Blue House, an unmistakable feature of Wan Chai. Its origins date back to 1920, but it underwent a facelift in 2017. You don’t see many such buildings in Hong Kong today, making the Blue House one of the city’s oldest and rarest structures. Now a residential building and museum, some tenants have lived there for years. A section of the Blue House is open to visitors, and the courtyard regularly hosts various workshops, events, and movie screenings.

Well, shopping isn’t exactly a free activity, but if you do what the locals do, you can enjoy a shopping experience without spending too much money. You’ll find a series of vibrant markets throughout Wan Chai. Among them, Tai Yuen Street is the most colourful, energetic, and cheerful. Also called Toy Street, the market is filled with all kinds of toys and offers a joyful shopping experience. In addition to toys, you’ll also find a variety of other items, including fresh produce, dry goods, and even electronics. Within close proximity to the market is an array of hotels for tourists. Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong, for instance, is only 10 minutes from the market and an excellent option for those looking to dine at a restaurant in Wan Chai.

Wan Chai is a place of rich history, which is evident in old buildings such as Woo Cheong Pawn Shop, located right next to a tram route. A highly photogenic spot in the city, this historic building dates back to 1888. The first floor now houses a bar, and there’s a restaurant on the second floor. Are they free? No, but the rooftop garden is – and you can BYOB. It’s a public space anyone can visit to relax while enjoying views of the cityscape.

The religious splendour of Wan Chai can be experienced through Yuk Hui Kung and Hung Shing Temple. Also known as Pak Tai Temple, Yuk Hui Kung’s history dates back to 1863. This temple features several halls, each dedicated to deities such as the Dragon Mother, the God of Wealth, and the Three Pristine Ones. The main feature of the temple is the Pak Tai statue, a three-metre bronze statue that is 400 years old. Another equally fascinating temple is Hung Shing Temple, dedicated to Hung Shing, a deity who protects those at sea.

This is another free and healthy activity to enjoy in Hong Kong. The city's landscape is quite rugged and hilly, giving rise to numerous trails. Bowen Road Fitness Trail, for instance, is about three kilometres long and winds through thick greenery and parks. Starting from Bowen Road Garden, which is located near the Hong Kong Electric Centre, the trail reaches its endpoint at Stubbs Road. Another trail you can follow is the Wan Chai Green Trail, which links Kennedy Road and Wan Chai Gap. If these two trails are too easy for you, try the trail from Wan Chai to The Peak.

Also known as the Sky City Church, iSEE Church is the highest church in the world. It occupies the 75th floor of the Central Plaza building. If you happen to be in Wan Chai on a Sunday, you can attend mass and enjoy the beautiful panorama of the harbour.