

When I moved to Hong Kong a few years ago, my family settled in Mid Levels. This was a terrific introduction to the hustle and bustle that is HK – there really is nothing that compares to waking up and seeing that amazing skyline! Still, there were some days that I would long for a bit of grass to walk on and a tad more sky in my skyline (not to mention less pollution), and it was at just these times that the family would pile into a taxi with our bags and take a trip away.
These journeys hardly ever involved a plane, however. Now don’t get me wrong, I agree that one of the amazing advantages to living in Hong Kong is our close proximity to so many family-friendly resorts – Phuket, anyone? Still, sometimes all it takes to get away is to head Southside. Just a 25 minute cab ride from Central is an entirely different world where the air is cleaner, there are plenty of beaches (and some grass, gasp!) to run around on, and not a skyscraper in sight.
If you fancy some more shopping after you’ve checked these stores out, then head over to Stanley in the afternoon and hit the markets. One of the most popular places to buy inexpensive children’s clothes (yes, they do exist in Hong Kong), you will find stall after stall of cute options for your bubs. Just be sure to bargain! It is possible to spend a few hours trawling the stalls for all manner of items from hiking backpacks to artwork; Stanley Market is also a great place to find gifts for friends and family back home.
Of course, this example of a day is just one of the many Southside excursions you can take. There are lots of great hikes to do as a family, many other beaches (Deep Water Bay, Shek O, etc.) to discover, plenty of water sports to try (wake boarding, sailing, etc.), and let’s not forget Ocean Park! So head Southside when you need a break, a breath, a beach, and a bite. It’s a great family adventure!
Addresses
Lucy’s, G/F, 64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 9055
Rocksalt, 25 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, 2899 0818
Spices, G/F, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, 2292 2821
South Bay Beach Club, End of South Bay Road, South Bay