Hong Kong's Central district opens up for groups

Hong Kong's Central district has always been a vibrant neighbourhood that attracts the crowds, but it hasn’t always been easy for big groups to access. Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) has just released the Old Town Central MICE Guide to give meeting planners an overview of venues, dining options and activities that can be carried out at the district. Here's a sneak peek at the guide's top picks.

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The former Police Married Quarters (PMQ) off Hollywood Road was relaunched as an arts and lifestyle hub in 2014. Now, PMQ’s Arts and Crafts workshops give groups a chance to participate in local life. Workshops include an eclectic mix from presiding over a batch of custom lip balm to making Hong Kong road signs. Best of all, they can host groups of up to 100 people. 

Afterwards, head to one of the many on-site cafés and restaurants for a bite together while swapping stories. You’ll find everything from artful desserts to Taiwanese comfort food and a hydroponic cocktail bar.  

PMQ

Great escape

Further along Hollywood Road, another former colonial-era police compound has been repurposed. The Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts occupies the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison, offering a wide range of heritage and contemporary cultural programmes. Try tea appreciation or even a sewing workshop with one of the city’s oldest bespoke outfitters, Yuen’s Tailor. 

Looking for a unique venue to host the meeting element? There are also event spaces for hire on-site. Done. 

Good enough to eat?

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a steamy, clattering dim sum experience – and now you can take the experience home. Thanks to Be Candle, there’s no need to stuff siu mai in your pockets, you can recreate your favourite dishes in wax form.

Groups of up to 40 people can craft replica har gau and char siu bao while sipping delicious coffee. Classes can also be moved to an off-site location for larger groups.   

Power zen 

Ever wanted to high-kick a door frame when things get tense? Well, you may be better off learning the art of letting go. Mindful Wing Chun can teach you both as this southern Chinese martial art prizes both the strength and flexibility of bamboo. 

Experienced English-speaking instructors take groups of up to 40 through the basic forms of Wing Chun, or they can also teach bigger groups off-site. The classes make for a great team-building and socialising tool with the bonus of teaching you how to relax and focus in the workplace.

Brush time

Central is a fascinating mix of old and new, packed in side-by-side and stacked one on top of the other. So it makes sense that Studio 83 offers everything from art jamming to traditional Chinese calligraphy and ink painting. They are also experienced in creating custom programmes. 

The bright and airy studio accommodates up to 40 people, or head off-site for more. 

PMQ'S Taste Library cooking class.