What To Do In Hong Kong When It’s Raining
Welcome to soggy September, the month where Hong Kongers reacquaint themselves with the wet embrace from the wake of a speeding lorry. September through to October is peak typhoon season in Hong Kong – days are hot, hazy, and humid, pregnant with potential for tropical downpours that sneak up on you just as you prepare to exit your Uber.
Even the most pristine tai tai cannot defend herself from the rivers of glistening perspiration that snake their way into the corners of one’s eyes and into the folds of a carefully curated outfit. So unless you’re yearning to show off your Gucci wellies, why go outside at all? Here are a few of our favourite ways to spend your day when it’s raining in Hong Kong.
A Day at The Peninsula Spa
Should that all seem too much of a schlep, skip the outside world entirely and let your troubles fade away at the preternaturally peaceful Peninsula Spa. You’ll find inner Zen a mere skip from your suite with their expert massages, full-day indulgence and state-of-the-art beauty treatments.
Post-treatment, ensconce yourself in the womb-like comfort of the relaxation rooms, where warm tones of marble, rustic woods, and textured granite will sooth your rain-drenched soul, then flop by the Romanesque pillars of the indoor-heated pool. Offering stagger views of that skyline, simply lounge, finger sandwich in hand as the autotimer immortalises the experience for your Instagram account. And one, two, relax!
Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre
Known for its melodrama and high-falsetto singing to minimalist musical accompaniment, traditional Chinese opera is admittedly an acquired taste. But given it’s attracted billions of fans across history, there’s clearly something to this centuries-old art form. Should your interest be piqued, Xiqu Centre’s Tea House Theatre performances are just the ticket.
Set against a 1920s tea house backdrop and running an accessible 90-minutes long, performances by the Rising Stars Troupe feature vignettes from different operas, while narration explains what’s going on. All you need do is pull up a pew and enjoy Chinese tea and dim sum. Encore!
Liang Yi Museum Private Tour
Perched above Cat Street on Hollywood Road (aka ground zero for antiques and knick-knacks in Hong Kong) Liang Yi Museum houses one of the world’s finest private collections of antique furniture, along with rotating temporary exhibitions. The current showcase, ‘Crowning Glory: The Beauty of Ladies' Ornaments from Asia and Europe’ takes a deep dive into the accessorising triumphs and tragedies of high-flying dames and demimondaines from centuries gone by. Accessible by only by pre-arranged private tour.
Xiqu Tea House Theatre / 88 Austin Rd West / Tsim Sha Tsui / 7.30pm Wed-Sun, 3pm Sat-Sun / +852 2200 0217 / westkowloon.hk/en/teahouse
Liang Yi Museum / 181-199 Hollywood Rd / Sheung Wan / Hong Kong / 10am-6pm Tue-Sun, by appt only / +852 2806-8280 / liangyimuseum.com
The Peninsula Spa / 7/F / Salisbury Rd / Tsim Sha Tsui / 9am-9pm daily, advance reservation required / +852 2696 6682 / peninsula.com