“Hong Kong has always evolved, and always will, and I think that’s its beauty,” says architect André Fu of his hometown. With a cornucopia of credit to his identify—having designed a few of Asia’s hottest new motels together with the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Capella Taipei, and Upper House Hong Kong; eating places like Duddell’s and Estro in Hong Kong; and even furnishings for Louis Vuitton—Fu wants as a lot inventive inspiration as he can get to gas his work. Fortunately, he would not need to go far on this dynamic metropolis: “There’s the ultramodern and chic, yes, but the city’s spirit is rooted in places that are grounded and authentic,” he says. Here, Fu shares the place he finds tradition and calm across the Fragrant Harbor.
Where to go in Hong Kong for artwork
Some of Fu’s favourite museums are within the West Kowloon Cultural District: the up to date M+, for its interactive reveals and off-site excursions, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which collaborates with international establishments just like the Louvre in Paris. “That level of cultural dialogue embodies what Hong Kong is,” he says. As an architect, Fu gravitates towards distinctive constructions such because the colourful Haw Par Mansion within the Wan Chai district, performed within the not often seen Chinese Renaissance model: “It captures a specific period of Hong Kong. It’s a hybrid of East and West in a surprising way.”
Where to go in Hong Kong for meals
On Hong Kong Island, Fu spends time in Repulse Bay, taking in views of Middle Island and the boats bobbing on the water: “There’s something a little bit Portofino about it.” There he will get his pastries at The Verandah and brunch at Caffè Parabolica. In the Happy Valley neighborhood, he goes to down-to-earth Cheung Hing Coffee Shop, a cha chaan teng (Hong Kong–model café): “They serve the yummiest milk tea and crispy pineapple buns, usually with a poached egg and sausage meat inside,” he says, “and the egg tarts come out of the oven every 30 minutes.”