After almost three years, Richard Juan is back to the place he calls home to see his loved ones again. The actor-host shared how going back to Hong Kong brought back memories and a sense of familiarity.
“It was a reminder of how much can change in a short period of time,” he said. “But at the same time, there were so many changes too.”
For this particular trip, Richard ventured outside the usual locations he would frequent and explored new attractions that Hong Kong had developed in recent years.
A+ Artworks at M+ Museum
Adorned with thousands of beautifully curated pieces, Juan describes this place as a haven for people who love to take Instagram-worthy photos. With such an immense offering, Richard recommends making multiple trips to consume the sections in bite-size pieces.
Despite his limited time, he made the most of the opportunity to see the museum’s first international artist exhibition, Yayoi Kusama (1945 to now). He saw hundreds of her works spanning Kusama’s art and life over the past five decades. Suffice to say, it’s one of the must-see items to tick off your list to cool art spaces in Hong Kong you never knew existed!
On Revisiting the Revitalized Central Market
Richard also spent a lot of time exploring the Central Market, which had recently been renovated. It was once a wet market but has now been converted into a spot for local businesses to set up shop. Juan admits that he used to walk by it frequently when he was younger, so he was very excited to see how it looked now.
While the interiors of the building appear modernized, he is pleased that the facade retains its nostalgic character. “The old structure, with the grand staircases and old Chinese signs on the wall, is still kept at the market,” Richard added. He also mentioned that the market is well maintained and air-conditioned, making it a pleasant experience.
Richard at the Happiest Place on Earth
Richard’s trip to Hong Kong was even more special for him because he got to visit Hong Kong Disneyland for the first time.
“Disneyland opened in 2005, and yet it’s my first time. I even went on Mickey Mouse’s birthday! I was completely blown away by the magical and immersive atmosphere of the park. From the moment I walked through the gates and down Main Street, I felt transported to a world of wonder and brought back a sense of nostalgia.
Richard Juan on this Hong Kong restaurant you’ll want to fly for
The Hongkonger also did not miss the chance to chow down on his favorite comfort food. He made it a point to fill up on bowls of wonton noodles at the city’s shady Chinese eateries. “There’s always just something different with these Hong Kong wonton noodles,” he continued on with his gastronomic exploration of the city by finding a new restaurant called Food Art Museum (FAM), where he sampled Chinese fusion food. The eatery prepares traditional dim sum with a unique touch.
After almost a week of wandering, he admits he barely scraped the surface of what the city has to offer. If time permits, he wishes to return to Dragon’s Back trail. The views from the peak, he says, are breathtaking, and it’s a great place to unwind. To add, he noticed that many people are only familiar with the city’s concrete jungle. Hong Kong is truly packed with both new and natural attractions and this other side is something he wishes more Filipinos could see and experience.
As of December, travelers are welcome to visit Hong Kong without quarantine.
