I’ve only been to the big Buddha, one of Hong Kong’s top tourist attractions once. The last time was after no sleep on January first several years ago and I found the place over-rated. Commonly referred to as “the big Buddha,” the official name is the Tian Tan Buddha Statue. The big Buddha is located in a far-removed area called Ngong Ping on Launtau Island. It’s perched high atop a hill with a long straight staircase that leads up to the base.

Finding myself lured back to the statue last week, I decided to double check my first appraisal, as well as map out the best route, weighing transportation time, scenic beauty, safety, and fun. (more…)

Dear readers, thank you for all of your support over the past year! You might be wondering what’s happened to the look of the site. I assure you that this is a temporary change. Hong Kong Hustle is getting ready to launch a new interface in the new year (if I can figure out exactly how to make it work!) so please be patient. I will continue to update the site while working behind the scenes on the interface.

Thanks again for all of your emails and comments. I apologize that I simply don’t have enough time to respond to each and every one. It’s not because I don’t want to help, it’s because I’m often busy attending events, writing up posts and editing photos! I believe some of the new features of the site will help provide you with the additional information you’ve been requesting.

But what’s the significance of the shoes in the photo above? (more…)

Volar used the occasion of their 3rd anniversary on Thursday night to unveil a new room in the club. Formerly the circular VIP room, the space has been transformed into a cozy area with a new d.j. booth and greatly expanded seating… plus a Merry-Go-Round? (more…)

Wednesday night I checked out a large new club called Cliq, opened on the second floor of the On Hing building in Central. Most nightlife people will know this building as previously home to Hei Hei Club, which was on the third floor, or Sugar, which is currently located on the ground floor.

Taking up 7,000 square feet, which is large by Hong Kong standards, the designer additionally made smart use of the space. Well positioned bars and seating areas optimize the dance-floor, and make Cliq seem like Hong Kong’s first real club. Other popular nightspots around town, while big, have proportionately smaller dance floors. (more…)

The new Delay No Mall managed by Hong Kong retailer G.O.D. opened its doors to shoppers late last week. It seems like the place is opening in stages, which is essential, since the week before Christmas is high shopping season. By bringing together an interesting portfolio of brands, some found nowhere else in the city, Delay No Mall is looking to become a new shopping destination in store-saturated Causeway Bay. (more…)

The turnout for Tuesday’s AWAKENING show featuring the work of Hong Kong photographer JC is the most star-studded art opening I’ve been to. We’re talking big names in Hong Kong’s entertainment scene. Joey Yung, Isabella Leong, Sam Lee, Shawn Yue, J.C. (Jackie Chan’s son), 2R, Jackie Heung, Miriam Yeung, 24 Herbs, Josie Ho, Chapman To and many more filled the gallery early on in the night. Add to that crowd Hong Kong’s top models, fashion editors and art scene royalty and you have an idea of the type of respect there is for JC as both a photographer and a friend. (more…)

A new exhibition titled “Awakening” is opening on Tuesday at 2/F, Pacific House on 20 Queens Road in Central. This is directly above the space that held the Diesel Brave series, including the Terry Richardson show, Wing Shya exhibit, and the New Grand Tour. The show is a benefit for popular Hong Kong photographer JC who is very ill. JC is famed for capturing Hong Kong’s top entertainers with his camera in a unique way. Proceeds from the sale of the prints will go to the photographer and his family.

There will be an opening reception on Tuesday, December 18th, from 5:00 until 9:00. Come by to browse the art and perhaps support a good cause with a special purchase.

Galleri Magazine held the launch of their second issue on Thursday night at Racks MDB in Central. The event ran from seven until ten and packed the place with movers in Hong Kong’s art scene. Galleri was founded to heighten awareness of the city’s creative talent and so far it’s been a big success. (more…)

Arriving at the Business of Design Week event, I thought I was at the wrong party. The music was a cerebral instrumental Jazz and the people were mostly wearing suits. I walked to the edge of the event and contemplated a speedy exit. I decided to make one last pass through the thick of the crowd before escaping. As luck would have it, I bumped into several friends and an hour later, caught Jin Da M.C. putting on an excellent show. (more…)

Feeling kind of bored on Tuesday night, I decided to head over to Causeway Bay to catch Lau Ching Wan’s new film, Mad Detective. The movie was directed by long time collaborators Johnnie To and Wai Ka Fai, who have created some of my favorite contemporary Hong Kong films. While they often take on different genres, there’s always something quirky about their work that I like.

An entertaining, intricately woven morality tale, Mad Detective represents a significant triumph for the two directors. Here Johnnie To and Wai Ka Fai have perfected a kind of concept they have been dabbling with for a decade. Not only were they able to pull off employing challenging sub-scenarios within the film, they made these complex devices both gripping and moving. This was not lazy filmmaking. (more…)