Are you flying to Hong Kong soon? Have you made plans to visit all the famous attractions? The first thing that may come to your mind is probably Victoria Harbour, The Peak, Ocean Park and Michelin-starred restaurants. There are also some hidden gems in this beautiful and vibrant city. In this article, I have chosen some locals’ favourite cafes that you should not miss when visiting Hong Kong.

1.18 Grams

This cafe is listed as one of the top 50 cafes in Asia. What makes this cafe so popular is their own signature home brand roasted coffee beans that is roasted by Ed Lam, the roaster that has won the Petroncini Coffee Roasting Championship in 2011, and using Chemex, French press, cold brew to make different types of coffee. 18 Grams was originally just a small coffee shop around Causeway Bay’s corner, now it has opened shops in Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, Tsim Sha Tsui and Sha Tin. Apart from their great coffees, their Aussie breakfast and bagels and toasts are worth trying too.

• Address: 15-27 Cannon St, Hoi To Court, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-8pm

2.Cafe Golden

This hidden local charm is located at Shek Kip Mei Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre. After appreciating the creative art pieces by local artists and designers, it is nice to stop by this nostalgic cafe. Customers love the nice presentation of dishes and the relaxing atmosphere to enjoy food and coffee.

• Address: 30 Pak Tin St, Shek Kip Mei, Hong Kong
• Hours: Monday-Sunday 12-8pm

3.Dear Neighbour

Dear Neighbour is a unique themed cafe. Its signature drink is a series of love themed coffee in 4 flavours, sweet, bitter, aromatic and malty. It also has other wonderful assortments of original mixes. Unique and fragrant coffees, great food and friendly service of the owner has attracted many customers to the place after just opening for one year. It is located at Sai Wan, close to the University of Hong Kong MTR station.

• • Address: 9-15 Po Tuck St, Yen Oi Garden, Sai Wan, Hong Kong
  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8:30am-6pm, closed on Monday

4.Parc Antique & Lifestyle

If you are looking for something more unique, then I can assure you this place is right for you, as it is not just a cafe, but also an antique shop and coworking space. They sell all sorts of French antiques: jewelleries, tea sets, typewriters, school bags…etc. You can even rent a retro style wedding dress too! Food and drinks are a bit pricey here but it is a gorgeous and quiet place to work or spend an afternoon at.

• • Address: B2, 10/F, Hung Fuk Factory Building, 60 Hung To Rd, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
  • Hours: Monday-Friday 12-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 12-6pm

5.Cafe Bauhinia

Cafe Bauhinia is both a cafe and florist, a place of serenity and classic elegance. This stylish cafe is decorated in flowery craftings and the balcony full of fresh flowers, as if you are having a high tea picnic in the countryside. Their signature dessert is the biscuit with chocolate marshmallow fillings and they also have a wide range of drinks selection. It is a family-run small cafe, suitable for spending an afternoon with friends. However the location may be a bit hard to find at first.

• Address: 23 New Market St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
• Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30am to 7pm

6.Lov Lov Coffee

Lov Lov Coffee is a cafe and coffee workshop at the same time. It is a coffee brewing institute, also providing catering services. There is a coffee bar that sells their roasted coffee beans and brewing tools and equipment. The owner of the shop also owns an international certificate in coffee brewing, providing a chance for the public to experience the art of coffee at a comparatively reasonable price.

• Address: Room 697, 3/F, Winner Mansion, 691-697 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
• Hours: Monday-Wednesday & Friday 12-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 12-6:30pm, closed on Thursday

7.Page Common

This cafe is not like the normal cafes with small coffee tables, but with large tables arrangements and books to promote a concept of shared dining. You can order a coffee, read or work, or even have a meeting here. The cafe uses Brazilian and Indian coffee beans, and also Ethiopian coffee beans that adds a fruity and acidic note to their coffees. Their signature dish includes avocado toast and fig toast with parmesan cheese.

• Address: 148 Austin Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:30pm, Friday-Sunday 7:30am-6:30pm

8.Athletic Juice & Espresso Bar

Avocado is the growing trend lately, it must be on the list when it comes to the topic of healthy food. This cafe earned its fame because of a cup of avocado coffee, Avolatte. Just like its name, there is avocado puree in the coffee. To my surprise, the taste of avocado and coffee matches well. I am sure you would like it if you enjoy trying new stuff and are a big fan of avocado.

• Address: 2E Star St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
• Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-5:30pm, Saturday 7:30am-6pm, closed on Sunday

9.Black Sugar Coffee & Lifestyle

One of the selling points of this cafe is the cute Shiba Inu mascot. Although the Shiba Inu manager does not come to the cafe often, you can still recognise Shiba Inu figurines, dolls and albums throughout the cafe. White tiles and simple furniture and designs are used and is good for a cozy afternoon, with a coffee and egg benedict and avocado toast.

• Address: G/F, Peace Mansion, 8 Peace Ave, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm

10.Why 50

Do you know how many coffee beans are used to brew a cup of coffee? The answer is 50 , which is also the origin of the name of this cafe. The cafe uses white colour as the main tone, with stylish graffiti to grab your attention. Coffee beans from different places are used in order to brew coffees with a stronger note. I recommend their piccolo latte as the taste is most prominent. They also have incredible food like the classic breakfast set, char siew egg toast and shredded pork sandwich.

• Address: Fu Fai Commercial Centre, Shop E, G/F, Fu Fai Commercial Centre, 27 Hillier St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 8:30am-5pm

 

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Everyone knows Silicon Valley, but few know how the tech hub in San-Francisco earned its nickname? Silicon is a fundamental element used in almost everything in daily life—solar panels, concrete, and almost every electronic device use the element as its lifeblood. As silicon is the technological backbone of most of our devices it is important to know some of the key properties that contribute to its widespread use.

Silicon: The 14th Element on the Periodic Table

Silicon is one of the most chemically abundant elements on Earth. It is one of the largest elements found in the universe and makes up roughly 30% of the Earth’s crust. Silicon has unique properties that make it useful for a variety of practical purposes. Silicon’s useful properties are mostly due to its ability to bind bonding atoms very tightly and in complex arrangements.

Silicon: The Universal Semiconductor

Transistors are components in electronics that act as “switches.” Every electronic device uses a transistor to direct the pathway of electronic signals. For example, a memory chip uses transistors to control how data is stored and used by the computer. The key property that is needed in a computer transistor is resistance.

Chemical elements are typically separated into conductors, semiconductors and insulators. Conductors have low resistance meaning they can easily pass along an electric current, whereas insulators typically have high resistance and block the flow of electrons. Transistors are one of the most fundamental components of electronic devices and need to be able to switch on and off easily; therefore, they require a semiconductor or substance with a resistance level between that of an insulator and conductor. The best semiconductors are ones that can be transformed with a variety of chemical treatments, such as silicon wafer dicing, to fine-tune their resistance level.

Silicon and Modern Manufacturing

Modern computer chip manufacturing relies on growing perfect silicon crystals. These silicon crystals are then sliced into thin wafers and treated depending on the device they will power. The treated wafers are then diced into individual “die” and packaged into processors.

Silicon is one of the most valued elements in a wide range of industries. The unique element is used to create a variety of devices and products used in everyday life. Silicon is used in modern manufacturing due to its unique semiconductor properties that make it a great component in modern transistors. It is important to understand the way this unique element works to power the majority of the modern world.

While strolling a museum or public art exhibit, people don’t often think about the importance of preservation. Conservators have the unique responsibility of maintaining and restoring our most treasured artworks. Resources of all types are necessary to support this effort. The best part is citizens get to provide input and help fund the paintings, sculptures, architecture and other mediums that reflect our cultural values. Think of the time spent enjoying art in public spaces as a contribution to your community and the future.

Art and Attitudes

Public attitudes about art change throughout the years. Each generation brings new ideas to the discourse on merit and form. Another area of stewardship that helps preserve works for generations is public art restoration practices. Expert renewal can mitigate the issues of time and decay. People appreciate seeing the qualities and precision of artistic creations. Conservation also preserves community interest and investment.

Art and Growth

Urban growth is consistently transforming our concept of space and mobility. This has increased the need to protect art as a function of a city. Instead of seeing a sculpture as an issue with flow, civic groups are reevaluating art pieces as focal points of character and history. This adds great beauty to cities and helps alleviate the difficult decisions on what to keep in a rapidly expanding environment.

Art and Continuity

Cultural continuity is a vital gift. Artworks reveal the backstory of a people. It is a tapestry of our desires, peculiarities, missteps and successes. In the years to come, environmental pressure is an increasing concern for public art. Conservators aided by public commitment and funding will be the ever-present threads to on-going protection.

The work of preservation and restoration takes a community effort. A public good is decided by our choices. The decision to support art conservation is a generational benefit.

South Africa boasts some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and amazingly diverse wildlife. By visiting this nation, you can enjoy a unique “back to nature” experience where you awake every morning surrounded by birdcalls and walk outside to breathtaking scenery.

There are many activities you can enjoy in South Africa and cross off your bucket list.

#1. Go big game “hunting”

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a nature reserve in central ZwaZula-Natal in the east of South Africa. During the dry season (May to September) all 5 of the famous big game animals congregate at its water sources. This 370-square-miles preserve is one of the best locations in the world for wildlife photography enthusiasts.

The park was founded as a game reserve for hunters. Elephants, Cape buffalo, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros are the most popular animals for big game hunting, and all can be found inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The park boasts the world’s largest population of white rhinos. If you’re interested in nature and photography, this is where you can capture the most amazing photographs you ever took.

Within the park, you can also see antelopes, giraffes, and wild dogs. And in the Centenary Center, there’s a museum, information center, and wildlife-holding center.

 

#2. Go see crocodiles and hippos

The best location to see crocodiles and hippopotami in the wild is iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the east coast of ZwaZula-Natal. Due to its natural beauty, unique ecosystems, and rich biodiversity, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the park are over 800 hippopotami and 1,200 Nile crocodiles.

The park features a broad variety of ecosystems including sandy beaches, savannas, subtropical dune forests, and wetlands. As well as hippos and crocodiles, you can also see African leopard, buffalo, elephant, African lion, and rhinoceros.

 

#3. Take in the views from Table Mountain

Table Mountain is one of Africa’s most iconic landmarks. It is a 600-million-year-old, flat-topped mountain that rises from the sea near Cape Town and is the main feature of Table Mountain National Park. Many visitors choose to ascend the mountain using a Rotair Aerial Cable Car, but some choose to hike to the summit.

There are many endemic plants and animals within the park. Platteklip Gorge provides a direct route to the summit for hikers. The trail takes between 1 and 3 hours depending upon how healthy you are. There are some steep and challenging portions along the trail. The peak is 3,558 feet above sea level. From the plateau, you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views over Cape Town.

 

#4. Enjoy birdwatching in South Africa

Kosi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal is a fantastic area for keen birdwatchers. You’ll find Kosi Bay just south of Mozambique in KwaZulu-Natal. It is part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The estuary and coastal lakes of Kosi Bay provide an exceptional environment for birdwatching. Over 250 species inhabit this area, including flamingos and palmnut vultures. Kosi Bay is also popular with snorkelers but beware of the Zambezi sharks.

When navigating the estuary, watch out for stonefish (venomous). You’ll need appropriate water shoes with good grips and plenty of protection.

 

#5. Go diving in the Indian Ocean

Sodwana in the Maputaland Marine Protected Area is visited by over 35,000 scuba divers every year. It is one of the world’s best dive sites. The 31-mile reef complex boasts a rich ecosystem of migratory and resident species.

The marine protected area features many endangered marine megafauna, such as Zambezi sharks, great white sharks, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, blacktip sharks, orange-spotted groupers, manta rays, and potato cod. You can also come across loggerhead sea turtles and leatherback turtles.

Keep your eyes peeled for coelacanths. These rare fish, described as “living fossils”, were once believed to have been extinct since the Cretaceous, but a few specimens have appeared in the Indian Ocean. Coelacanths have been discovered in Sodwana Bay.

 

#6. Enjoy hiking in South Africa

If you want to enjoy breathtaking scenery on your hike, head to uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park in KwaZulu-Natal. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its crystal-clear rivers, the Tugela Falls, golden sandstone ramparts, soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and hidden valleys.

The rich diversity of habitats provides a home for many globally threatened and endemic species. The park is also renowned for its archaeological sites, with rock-shelters and caves that feature impressive San rock art. Don’t forget to take along a flashlight to illuminate the fantastic bushman paintings you find as you explore the caverns. uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a great destination for photography enthusiasts.

 

#7. Learn about apartheid

Until recent times, South Africa struggled under an oppressive regime. The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg contains exhibits detailing the history of apartheid in South Africa and hosts events celebrating the end of apartheid and the introduction of democracy.

The museum utilizes a range of media to explain the operation of apartheid and what it meant for the everyday life of generations of people. The entrance to the museum is an exhibit in its own right, forcing the segregation of all visitors into black and white. You can’t help but be moved by the emotional stories you’ll discover inside.