When people think of Hong Kong, most imagine movies with famous high-rise buildings dominating the skyline. The area, which is widely known as Central, is the major business center and entertainment district. Everything seems to be operating at lightning speed; among the office towers are markets and some of the city’s oldest restaurants. If you feel a bit overwhelmed, retreat from the crowds by exploring picturesque and historical places, as well as the lovely peaceful islands of Hong Kong. If you’ve watched “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” “Toss Coin,” and “Under Parallel Skies,” you must visit these places on your next Hong Kong trip.
Avenue of Stars
One of Hong Kong’s famous sights in Harbour City is the Avenue of Stars, offering a warm welcome to both locals and tourists from around the world. The Hong Kong Film Awards Statue was featured in “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” and the wooden bench appeared in “Under Parallel Skies.”
Photo Credit: 28 Squared Studios
This avenue is situated along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Museum of Arts
HKMoA is the first and primary public art museum in the city of Hong Kong, now the custodian of an art collection comprising over 19,500 items that represent the unique cultural legacy of Hong Kong’s global connections. It delivers refreshing perspectives on tradition and makes art relevant to everyone, creating new experiences and fostering understanding. The building itself was featured in “Toss Coin.”
Photo Credit: Star Cinema
The museum is located on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Aqua Luna
Another way to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbour is aboard the Aqua Luna, a traditional red-sail Chinese junk boat. Relax on a lounge bed, sip on a refreshing drink, and soak up the beautiful vista of Hong Kong’s tall skyscrapers and the shimmering lights of its harbor and skyline during this 45-minute Harbour Cruise. A brief scene featuring Ethan and Joy from “Hello, Love, Goodbye” was filmed aboard the Aqua Luna.
Photo Credit: Star Cinema
You can board the Aqua Luna at either Tsim Sha Tsui Pier or Central Pier.
Central Pier
One pier with an amazing view while waiting for your boat is Central Pier. This pier and its benches were featured in the “I love you-I don’t love you” scene at the beginning of “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” as well as the emotional ending scene with Ethan and Joy.
Photo Credit: Star Cinema
Near Central Pier is The Hong Kong Observation Wheel, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, particularly enchanting at sunset and night when the skyline lights up with colorful displays.
You can pinpoint the exact filming location at Central Pier No. 9.
Jimmy Bridge
Jimmy Bridge is a famous pedestrian bridge in Hong Kong, adorned with a beautiful combination of pale pink, blue, and white colors. Its unique design features windows that provide an excellent backdrop for photographs, capturing stunning outside views. From a distance, the bridge resembles a train, adding to its visual appeal. Photographers will appreciate its location, as it’s not heavily trafficked, making it ideal for capturing shots from various angles. The sunlight streaming through the windows creates a dramatic ambiance, perfect for cinematic scenes, as seen in “Under Parallel Skies.”
Photo Credit: 28 Squared Studios
You can find Jimmy Bridge at Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong.
Little Thailand
Hong Kong’s Little Thailand is a bustling hub featuring numerous Thai restaurants and shops operated by Thai residents. It is a popular destination for those seeking authentic Thai cuisine. Featured in “Under Parallel Skies,” Thai Street serves as a nostalgic reminder of Parin’s (Win Metawin’s) homeland.
Photo Credit: 28 Squared Studios
You can explore this vibrant area in the heart of Kowloon City.
Luk On Kui
For the ultimate old-school trolley dim sum experience, visit Luk On Kui, a sprawling two-story teahouse that remains one of the few places in Hong Kong still using dim sum pushcarts. The selection of dishes here is extensive, with trolley “aunties” circulating the restaurant offering freshly made dim sum of various types. This is the dim sum establishment featured in “Under Parallel Skies.”
Photo Credit: 28 Squared Studios
You can find Luk On Kui at 40-50 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan.
One Eight One Hotel
If you’re seeking accommodations in Hong Kong, One Eight One Hotel provides spacious rooms and breathtaking panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. Upon entering your room, you’ll experience a sense of warmth and a soul-healing ambiance enhanced by the stunning vistas visible through the windows.
Photo Credit: 28 Squared Studios
The Sky Residences Suite, located on the highest guest floor, offers a spectacular view of Hong Kong’s skyline. This hotel was prominently featured in “Under Parallel Skies,” where Iris (Janella Salvador) works as a hotel receptionist and where Parin (Win Metawin) stays.
Conveniently situated at 181 Connaught Road West, Sai Wan, the hotel offers easy access to various attractions in the area.
Sai Kung
Sai Kung, a charming and inviting seaside town in Hong Kong, is a small fishing village renowned for its picturesque boats, beaches, and mountain vistas. A day spent at its beaches offers a delightful change of pace from the hustle of Hong Kong.
The heart of activity in Sai Kung is Sai Kung Town, where local fishermen sell freshly caught seafood directly from their boats near the pier. Restaurants in the area are known for serving excellent seafood dishes, catering to both locals and visitors alike. Sai Kung has also developed a vibrant street art scene in recent years, with classic and marvelous murals adorning the walls near Man Yee Square. Some of these murals were featured in “Toss Coin.”
Photo Credit: Star Cinema
Tai O
A great place to spend your day and discover a different part of Hong Kong is Tai O fishing village. This place attracts frequent visitors who come to spend their day away from the hustle and bustle of the city and absorb the village’s calm life, see the traditional stilt houses, and savor local treats.
If you’re in the mood to grab a cup of coffee, relax, and appreciate the beauty of Tai O fishing village, there’s no better place than Solo Café, as their seating is on their terrace and overlooks the river. This cafe was shown as the house of Parin’s mother in Under Parallel Skies.
Photo Credit: 28 Squared Studios
Iris and Parin also took a boat ride in the area. A boat ride is arguably the best way to appreciate the stilt houses up close and get a view of the village from the Tai O River. These stilt houses are interconnected, forming a tightly-knit community that lives on the water.
Tai O can be found on the west side of Lantau Island, Islands District.
Peng Chau
Located just about half an hour away from Central, Peng Chau is a charming small island in Hong Kong. Its name translates to ‘flat island’ due to its easily walkable terrain. The island offers incredible views, quiet and private spots to soak in the sun and sea breeze, and a beautiful landscape of gardens and greenery—a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment. As soon as you step foot on the island, you’ll notice numerous bicycles parked around, as cars are not allowed, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere ideal for those looking to escape the city.
In “Under Parallel Skies,” Peng Chau serves as the backdrop for many of Iris and Parin’s happy and light-hearted moments.
Hidden along Peng Chau’s main street is the Leather Factory, a popular tourist destination transformed into a colorful ‘secret garden’ filled with quirky artworks and creative installations, making it a perfect spot for memorable photos. Inside this secret garden is Chill Chill Country, a shop that plays a significant role in the film.
Photo Credit: 28 Squared Studios
Peng Chau is connected to the even smaller island of Tai Lei by a bridge, which also serves as a popular fishing spot for local residents. Tai Lei boasts a small beach and scenic spots for snapshots, with views of Hong Kong Disneyland in the distance.
In the film, there’s a specific snack that Parin buys for Iris to try. This snack can be found at a real shop called Siyamon Thai Cooking on the island.
You can reach Peng Chau by taking a ferry from Central Pier No. 6.
Lan Kwai Fong
MINE, a stylish mine-themed bar located in Lan Kwai Fong, is where Ethan worked as a bartender and where Joy took on a sideline.
Photo Credit: Star Cinema
Located in Central, Hong Kong’s prime location, Lan Kwai Fong is easily accessible and remains a hub of nightlife and entertainment.
Mongkok
Known for its bustling streets, Mongkok is one of the largest and most prominent outdoor shopping areas in Hong Kong. It’s a favorite among locals for everyday shopping needs, offering plenty of opportunities to haggle and find bargains.
Photo Credit: Star Cinema
As you wander through Mongkok, you’ll encounter numerous street vendors selling a wide array of products such as bags, shirts, mobile phone cases, decorations, and souvenirs.
Ladies Market, also known as Tung Choi Street, is a popular market within Mongkok specializing in women’s clothing, accessories, handbags, footwear, trinkets, toys, and home furnishings.
The Flower Market consists of side streets packed with vibrant flowers and plants, offering a colorful and fragrant experience.
For bird lovers, the Bird Market is a must-visit. Located along Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, this market is filled with cages where elderly men gather with their caged birds, feeding them grasshoppers. The melodious chirping of the birds adds to the charm of the scene, making it a delightful spot to visit.