Half-Day Cultural Tour in West Kowloon

West Kowloon Cultural District has recently become a favorite spot for art enthusiasts! This time, I chose to start my half-day tour of West Kowloon at the Hong Kong Palace Museum: a perfect opportunity to experience both Chinese and Western artistic vibes while discovering a hidden gem—exclusive almond cookies from Maxim's Mooncakes at the nearby High-Speed Rail Station. What a pleasant surprise!

🧭 Highlights of the itinerary:
- Spend two hours at the cultural museum, appreciating national treasures and snapping photos of its stunning architectural design.
- Take the $K9 minibus to the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station, where you can stock up on mooncake souvenirs.
- Ideal for those with limited time who want to explore the most essential artistic route!

🔍 Recommended itinerary:

First Stop｜Hong Kong Palace Museum
Think you need to go to Beijing to see imperial culture? No! The Hong Kong Palace Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District is perfect for a half-day art tour. The museum features multiple themed galleries, and the must-see exhibits include calligraphy, ceramics, and jewelry. Many of the items are national treasures on loan, each with fascinating stories behind them! If you're short on time, spend two hours exploring the main galleries and snapping photos at the exterior walls and rooftop garden, which offer spectacular views.
📍 Address: 8 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon, Hong Kong
🕘 Opening Hours: September 22–30: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (last admission at 7:00 PM) / Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM) / Closed on Monday, Wednesday–Thursday, and Sunday / Open on specific Tuesdays
💲 Tickets: HK$64 / Recommended to book in advance on trip.com

Travel Tip: The museum's guide app is fully functional—download it and scan exhibits with your phone for detailed information! Recommended photo spots: ground floor lobby, rooftop garden, and the walkway facing Victoria Harbour—no need to worry about crowds.

Second Stop｜West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station (Maxim's Mooncake Souvenir Shop)
After immersing yourself in culture, take the K9 minibus from the museum to the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station (about a 10-minute ride). The station's mall offers classic Hong Kong-style souvenirs like Maxim's Mooncakes and almond cookies—when I saw the Mid-Autumn Festival limited edition almond cookies, I couldn't resist stocking up! If you're not in a rush, take some time to explore the shops and enjoy a coffee break.

🚌 Transportation Tips:
- Walk from Kowloon MTR Station to the West Kowloon Cultural District (10–15 minutes) or take a red minibus for the most convenient option.
- Take the K9 minibus from the museum to the High-Speed Rail Station; buses run every 15–20 minutes and accept Octopus cards or cash.

🍴 Nearby Food Recommendations:
- Near the museum, close to the Xiqu Centre, there are several unique cafes, such as "FAM," which specializes in fusion Western cuisine and offers great views—a must-visit for foodies.
- The High-Speed Rail Station has a large food court with plenty of options (recommended: Hong Kong Day Tea Restaurant for authentic milk tea and fish ball noodles).

🔑 Tips for Exploring West Kowloon:
- During exhibition periods, the museum and outdoor areas often host special markets or workshops—check the official website for updates.
- The museum's air conditioning is strong, so bring a jacket in summer.
- Book tickets smartly to avoid queues—electronic admission is more convenient.