When you say Tung Chung, the first thing that comes to mind is the Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Disneyland. After all, this neighbourhood is sandwiched between these two busy spots. However, Tung Chung is more than just “that place next to the airport/Disneyland” as it is also home to a bustling mall, high-quality restaurants, and hiking trails. So, whether you’re a daytripper or simply passing by because you’re in the area, our Tung Chung guide has got you covered. Find out where the best places to eat, drink, and shop are, along with the top attractions in Tung Chung.
Tung Chung translates to “eastern stream” and is located on Lantau Island. It was a former rural fishing village beside Tung Chung Bay and was an important site for defence against pirates and invading forces during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was developed into a town as part of the Airport Core Programme and eventually became the home of the new airport following the closure of Kai Tak Airport. Today, Tung Chung is a buzzing neighbourhood. It’s where visitors to Hong Kong first set foot and boasts the city’s top attractions such as The Big Buddha. A blend of historical sights, nature, and modern structures, Tung Chung truly has plenty to offer.
Read our guide to Tung Chung for recommendations on the best restaurants, bars, and shops. Plus, all the must-do things in the neighbourhood.
Your ultimate guide to exploring Tung Chung in Hong Kong
Where to eat and drink in Tung Chung, Hong Kong
The best dining spots
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We are kicking off our list of recommended restaurants with Sunset Grill, the perfect spot to dine with a view. And it’s not just any view but that of the airport, complete with sights of aeroplanes taking off. Plus, as its name suggests, a wonderful view of the sunset in all its glory. In the same hotel as Sunset Grill—Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung—is Yue, a 120-seat dim sum restaurant. It also boasts incredible scenic views on top of authentic Cantonese fare.
Another hotel restaurant that’s on our list is The Enclave at the Silver Hong Kong-MGallery. This is a great spot for any meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Savour the taste of French and Mediterranean cuisines complete with a garden view. Also a favourite for any meal of the day is Basic Bistro. Despite its name, the food here is not basic, but rather classic French dishes. Feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of Paris with its tasty French delights.
Over at Novotel City Gate, Olea is the place to head to for Mediterranean cuisine with Italian touches. Think pasta, risotto, pizza, and other specials from the Italian region. You can also never go wrong with Oolaa. This restaurant has already captured the hearts of many and has since expanded its footprint to Tung Chung. Enjoy a laid-back dining atmosphere, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or happy hour. Oolaa, though, is definitely known as a haven for brunchers.
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Not sure where to go? How about the food court at Citygate Outlets, Food Opera? Take your pick from almost 10 distinctive food stalls of different cuisines. The vintage signs and bamboo scaffolding are an extra plus, reminding us of the elements of old Hong Kong. T-Bay is a hub that we also recommend if you’re unsure of what you’re craving. This cluster of bars and restaurants faces the airport. You have options like Maison Du Mezze for Middle Eastern delights, The Upper Deck for classic American food and La Vista for Mexican fare.
A Tavola is also a great choice for the undecided because of its multi-cuisine offerings ranging from pizza, salad, and burgers to pasta and grilled meats. Or, head over to Mint and Basil for Southeast Asian food, especially if you love the punch of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. For local food lovers, look no further than Moon Lok Chiu Chow for modern Chaozhou cuisine. Have room for more? Tung Chung Kitchen has affordable buffet options with salad, noodles, and more.
If you want to challenge yourself, why not try Hidden Heat? This Sichuan restaurant is known for its fiery dishes. Those who can’t get enough of Korean food can opt for Midam Korean Restaurant while Japanese food lovers can try Firebird. For a more contemporary approach to Japanese food and Insta-worthy desserts, we love QUE. And finally, to satisfy your sweet tooth or to wash down all the delightful flavours, make sure to get an egg tart or other desserts at Bakehouse.
Check out these places for drinks
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Of course, you can absolutely enjoy the grilled meats at The Next Chapter. But the spot is more known for its selection of wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails. Plus, they even have themed live music every Friday so you’re in for a treat. For al fresco drinking, we recommend Cabana Breeze. This tiki-inspired bar and grill whip up creative drinks for you to enjoy.
There’s also The Taven, only a short walk from Citygate Outlets. It’s a known spot among locals for its happy hour offer. Otherwise, The Pavilion Cocktail Bar is a neat choice for those looking for a quiet drinking time. It also boasts indoor and outdoor seating with stunning sunset views. Meanwhile, La Rosabelle Lounge and Bar is a favourite for those who want to bring their furry friends along. The restaurant and bar is pet-friendly but also a great choice for a tipple or two.
Not a fan of booze? You can get a cuppa at the Cupping Room Coffee Roasters instead. Some other coffee shops you can try are Moccato, L.D.K. by Ufufu Cafe and Fresh.
The best places to shop in Tung Chung
Where to shop in the neighbourhood?
Did you really go to Tung Chung without visiting Citygate Outlets? Every Tung Chung guide must list it. After all, it is Hong Kong’s first outlet mall and that is why it’s still so popular for shopping. Browse through over 150 international brands ranging from affordable ones to high-end names. Besides, the mall offers year-round discounts, especially during the holiday season such as Christmas or Chinese New Year. It’s truly the place for shoppers on the hunt for a bargain. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s apparel, footwear, electronics, or accessories, we’re sure you’ll be able to find it in Citygate Outlets.
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Notable stores that we recommend include Casetify if you need to glam up your phone’s protective covers. Meanwhile, wellness and gym enthusiasts shouldn’t miss out on all the latest finds at Lululemon. Stock up on workout and yoga gear or even everyday athleisure wear.
Whether it’s for gifting or your own home, Bath & Body Works is the place for candles, hand soaps, body care, and more. There are plenty of choices here so we guarantee you’ll spend hours just picking a scent you’ll like.
If branded goods are not your thing, check out Hong Kong Market in Yat Tung Estate. It’s a little off the beaten track but well worth a visit for its vintage decor that will take you on a trip down memory lane. Furthermore, the market is home to a large selection of fresh produce as well as street food stalls.
The top attractions in Tung Chung, Hong Kong
What are the unmissable things to do in Tung Chung?
No Tung Chung guide is complete without its top attractions: Ngong Ping 360 and the Big Buddha. So, if you want a complete experience of this neighbourhood, these two should be on your list. The Big Buddha is already a well-known tourist spot in Hong Kong and it needs no introduction. Just be prepared to climb a flight of stairs… unless you choose to take the cable car. That’s where Ngong Ping 360 comes in. Not for those with a fear of heights, this cable car takes visitors to the foot of the statute. Plus, it’s the best front-row seat to see the beautiful scenery and the vistas of Tung Chung and beyond. We also recommend taking a short detour to see Wisdom Path or the Ngong Ping Village.
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History buffs, these are the places for you–Tung Chung Battery and Tung Chung Fort are military forts built in 1817. They were not just the site of many battles but also served as a police station and even a school. Take a trip back in time and see relics of the past here. Meanwhile, there’s also something for nature lovers. Lantau, where Tung Chung is in, is a hiking paradise. In fact, there are plenty of hiking trails that start in the area. Hikers can opt for the Tung O Ancient Trail or the Tung Chung Battery Trail. There’s also the hike to Tai O Fishing Village as well as Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak. Whatever you choose, you’ll get beaches, summits, lush mountains, and scenic views all around.
Not a fan of hiking? What about cycling? There are also various cycling routes to take but our favourite is the biking route to Sunny Bay and Inspiration Lake. It’s quite a popular route so just be prepared to encounter other bikers, especially on the weekend. This route rewards with scenic views, palm trees, and a stunning sunset. For something less strenuous, why not consider a stroll along Tung Chung East Promenade? The seaside area now has plenty of new facilities including a cherry blossom garden, skateboarding area, and even a playground.
If you’re just looking to relax after a day of shopping, a staycation is the answer. Luckily, Tung Chung also has its fair share of top-quality hotels to choose from. Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel has rooms that boast views of the airport runway. Meanwhile, The Silveri Hong Kong-MGallery is more laid back and peaceful. Novotel Citygate is your best bet if you’re looking for convenience as it is next to Citygate Outlets.
Don’t forget to bookmark this Tung Chung guide!
(Hero Image credit: Tom Booth/Flickr; Featured Image credit: Sugarman Joe/Unsplash)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tung Chung is a good place to visit for Citygate Outlets, the first outletmall in Hong Kong as well as to see historical sights. Visitors can also go hiking or cycling.
The best time to visit Tung Chung is on weekdays to avoid the crowd. You should visit in the afternoon so you can catch the sunset.