Unveiling Hong Kong's Cinematic Secrets: Part Two
Building on the success of our initial exploration into Hong Kong's cinematic landscape, we've been eager to bring you a second edition. With a place so rich in culture and history, we've felt as if we’ve barely scratched the surface. Each corner of the city, each unexplored alleyway, and each architectural marvel holds the potential to serve as a backdrop for a myriad of untold stories and unexplored characters. So, without further ado, let's dive into part two of our off-the-beaten-path filming locations guide.
Artifact Bar
After opening in April last year, Artifact has quickly established itself as a key player in Hong Kong's bustling F&B scene. The allure and uniqueness of this speakeasy-style bar are enhanced by its location in a concealed corridor within Basehall 2 in Central’s Finance Hub. The interior of Artifact is a marvel of design, mirroring the aesthetics of a space shuttle or a first-class bar on an aeroplane. This retro-futuristic style infused by architect Nelson Chow transports patrons to an other-worldly dimension. Chow's design is said to have been inspired by the serpentine architecture of underground cisterns, adding a sense of mystery to the bar's ambience. The setting easily lends itself to the imagination of a sci-fi or dystopian narrative, giving the impression that you've stepped onto the production of a Denis Villeneuve film. From the perspective of a location scout, this place is a dream come true. Depending on the project, it's as if most of their work is already completed for them.
Lin Heung Tea House
When entering this dim sum spot you're immediately transported to a bygone era of Hong Kong, which underscores the sense of loss felt when it first closed. The owners have optimised the use of space, creating a cramped buzzing ambience that mirrors the city's ethos. Diners are seated around lazy susans as dim sum trollies roll up and down the aisles waiting to be snapped up. Red lanterns hang from the ceilings while traditional art and music references are peppered all over the walls like pages in a scrapbook. While The Tea House has graced the silver screen in various Hong Kong films, its most iconic moment in the limelight was hosting the 1999 press conference for Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love. It is no coincidence this location has been chosen for romance films, Lin Heung Tea House is a warm bustling setting that serves food that directly translates to “touching heart”. One of the last remaining traditional tea houses in Hong Kong it is easy to see why people refused to let this restaurant go.
Sai Kung East Country Park
Sai Kung East Country Park, often unsung, stretches over 45 square kilometres and boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Hong Kong. A great escape from the chaos of the city, Sai Kung lures many for its sharp peaks and white-sand beaches; a landscape that could easily be mistaken for somewhere in Thailand. It’s pristine coastline stays fairly quiet in comparison to the rest of Hong Kong’s beaches which offers filmmakers opportunities to take full advantage of the remote location. While speedboats from Sai Kung town offer quick access to the beaches, the high costs deter most people, who prefer to walk there and boat back. The area is home to a UNESCO Global Geopark and features some of the most gorgeous water in the Greater Bay Area which could offer the perfect backdrop for a nature documentary or a scene on a luxury boat in your next feature.
Outdoor Street Markets
Most people who visit Hong Kong will know that going to the street markets is a must. While the iconic Fa Yuen Street Market, recently featured in Amazon Prime's Expats, is well-known, there are other markets that, though less popular, merit a spot on our list due to their distinctive characteristics. At the northern end of Tung Choi Street, the Goldfish Market stands out for its abundant shops teeming with tropical and freshwater fish. The bright blue-lit tanks illuminate the vibrant hues of the fish and cast a cool moody glow that creates an atmospheric experience along the street. Centred in the heart of Hong Kong, Cat Street stands out as a market that's often overlooked. In contrast to the previous market, it doesn't sell items related to its name, but it does feature a diverse array of antiques and vintage items. Both locations capture the essence that is Hong Kong and would therefore serve as great backdrops for travel shows.
Our cinematic exploration through Hong Kong is far from over. Each new location we've discovered has only added to the city's rich tapestry of potential film backdrops, each with its own unique story to tell. Hong Kong, with its dynamic interplay of the old and the new, the familiar and the unknown, continues to be a source of endless inspiration for filmmakers and storytellers alike. And as we've learned, sometimes the most compelling stories are found not in the city's famous skylines, but in the off-the-beaten-path locations waiting to be discovered.