Lifestyle Guide to Aberdeen, Wong Chuk Hang and Ap Lei Chau
If you are moving to Hong Kong, or considering a move within Hong Kong, then there are always lots of decisions to make before settling on the right area to live. The great thing about Hong Kong is that there is something for everyone; city life or village, urban or island dweller. Consider the commute time to the office, do you have children who need to get to school, what about the weekends – think about your lifestyle and narrow down your options from there.
Area Key Notes
- Aberdeen runs from the southern end of the Aberdeen Tunnel to the shoreline opposite the island of Ap Lei Chau
- Busy harbour full of fishing boats
- Many public housing blocks and new developments
- Good highway links
- Ocean Park is located in Wong Chuk Hang which is a great way to spend a day with the family
- Ap Lei Chau is densely populated with many public housing blocks
Shopping
Horizon Plaza is a shopper’s paradise full of furniture shops and designer discount stores. It is located on Ap Lei Chau and is well worth a visit, particularly when setting up in a new home. There are 26 floors of shopping – mainly furniture, but also a huge Bumps to Babes, Toys Club, and Tree flagship stores and a good selection of designer brand outlets.
In Wong Chuk Hang, an area to the east of Aberdeen, there are a number of industrial units containing popular shops including My Wine Man, Mirth, Choice Cooperative as well as a few other interesting offerings.
One Island South has an increasing number of retail outlets including the flagship Lane Crawford Home Showroom, Red Cabinet and a number of mid-high end clothes stores, plus fitness studios and preschools.
Eating and drinking
On the 26th Floor of Horizon Plaza is Tree Cafe, with its comfy chairs, delicious sandwiches and toys to keep the kids entertained. A great place to pause during any shopping expedition. For divine cupcakes, head to Sift on 22nd floor- the sugar hit will help you get through the remaining 22 floors!
Artichoke Canteen – vegetarian cafe with outdoor terrace. Very family friendly and the food is delicious.
Over at One Island South, there are some options that are worth exploring:
Mum – vegetarian cafe and coffee shop located at One Island South. Good lunch spot with options including pastas, rice dishes and noodles. Great cakes too!.
Culinart – If you are looking for something a little special, then head over to the private kitchen of Culinart. They will prepare a menu of up to 7 courses which demonstrate the skill of the chefs as well as the quality of the ingredients. The restaurant can seat up to 32 people and it’s the ideal place for an occasion.
The Butcher’s Club – Butchery and private kitchen located in Aberdeen. Purchase your own piece of exceptional dry aged Black Angus beef, which the Butcher’s Club will dry age to perfection, and then invite your friends over for a private dining experience in the butchers kitchen. The newly opened Butchers Club Deli at the Editus show room is open for relaxed lunches and private dining. It offers a large open plan space as well as a fully private dining room.
GCX – Italian cafe, restaurant and deli.
Alternatively, if you are craving seafood, take a ferry from Aberdeen to Lamma and enjoy the seafood from restaurants around either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan.
Pamper
Flex Studio offers yoga, dance, pilates and kids classes.
Things to do
A sampan ride around the harbour to see the few remaining family junks is a cheap and cheerful way to spend some time in Aberdeen. Pick them up around the wholesale market and be prepared to haggle.
Ocean Park – a sprawling amusement park with 2 sections connected by either a train or cable car. Avoid going on public holidays and buy a member’s pass to make multiple visits more cost effective. Entertainment for children of all ages.
