André Fu Unveils the Soul of Hong Kong: A Journey Through Art, Cuisine, and Nature

“Hong Kong has always evolved, and always will, and I think that’s its beauty,” says architect André Fu of his hometown. This statement encapsulates the very essence of a city that ceaselessly reinvents itself, a vibrant metropolis where ancient traditions seamlessly intertwine with cutting-edge modernity. Fu, a name synonymous with understated luxury and sophisticated design, is uniquely positioned to articulate this dynamic spirit. With a cornucopia of credits to his name – having designed some of Asia’s hottest new hotels including the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Capella Taipei, and the iconic Upper House Hong Kong; acclaimed restaurants like Duddell’s and Estro in Hong Kong; and even bespoke furniture for Louis Vuitton – Fu’s work is a testament to his profound understanding of cultural nuance and contemporary aesthetics. To fuel his prolific output, Fu needs a constant stream of artistic inspiration, and fortunately, he finds it in abundance without having to venture far from home. “There’s the ultramodern and chic, yes, but the city’s spirit is rooted in places that are grounded and authentic,” he explains, highlighting the delicate balance that defines Hong Kong’s allure. In this exclusive insight, Fu generously shares where he uncovers culture, inspiration, and moments of calm around the Fragrant Harbor, offering a curated journey into the heart of his beloved city.

Hong Kong’s identity is intrinsically linked to its geographical position and historical trajectory, serving as a pivotal East-meets-West nexus for centuries. This unique amalgamation is not just a historical footnote but a living, breathing force that shapes its architecture, cuisine, and cultural landscape. Fu’s designs often reflect this very synthesis, blending traditional Asian sensibilities with contemporary European elegance, creating spaces that feel both globally sophisticated and deeply rooted. His perspective, therefore, is not merely that of a local, but of an artist who actively interprets and contributes to the city’s evolving narrative.

Where to go in Hong Kong for Art: A Canvas of Past and Future

For Fu, Hong Kong’s art scene is a compelling dialogue between heritage and innovation, perfectly embodied by the institutions within the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). This ambitious cultural initiative, sprawling across 40 hectares of reclaimed land, is designed to transform Hong Kong into a global arts hub, providing a dedicated space for cultural exchange and artistic expression.

Among his favorites are the contemporary M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. M+, designed by the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, is a groundbreaking museum dedicated to 20th and 21st-century visual culture. Its colossal inverted ‘T’ shape structure is a landmark in itself, integrating art, design, architecture, and moving image into a holistic experience. Fu appreciates M+ for its interactive exhibits and innovative approach, often extending to off-site excursions that engage the public beyond its physical walls. The museum’s diverse collection spans ink art, photography, design objects, and installation art, reflecting Hong Kong’s unique position as a cultural bridge. It doesn’t merely display art; it fosters a critical engagement with visual culture, prompting visitors to reconsider their relationship with their environment.

Adjacent to M+ stands the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), a magnificent structure designed by Rocco Design Architects Associates. The HKPM, a collaboration with Beijing’s Forbidden City, showcases priceless artifacts from the imperial collection, providing a window into China’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. What truly captivates Fu about HKPM is its commitment to international collaboration, exemplified by its partnerships with global institutions like the Louvre in Paris. “That level of cultural dialogue embodies what Hong Kong is,” he asserts. This interplay between local and global, ancient and modern, is crucial to Hong Kong’s identity, allowing it to act as a vital conduit for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. The museum’s design itself is a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics, with nine vertical atriums inspired by the Forbidden City’s courtyards, offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour and providing a sense of grandeur and historical continuity.

Beyond these grand institutions, Fu’s architectural eye is drawn to unique structures that tell a deeper story of Hong Kong’s past. He highlights the colorful Haw Par Mansion in the Wan Chai district, a truly distinctive landmark. This mansion, built in the 1930s by Aw Boon Haw, the founder of the Tiger Balm empire, is a rare example of Chinese Renaissance style. This architectural genre, characterized by its vibrant frescoes, intricate carvings, and a surprising blend of Western Art Deco elements with traditional Chinese motifs, stands in stark contrast to the city’s sleek skyscrapers. “It captures a specific period of Hong Kong. It’s a hybrid of East and West in a surprising way,” Fu notes. The mansion, currently undergoing revitalization to be repurposed as an arts and cultural venue by 2026, serves as a tangible link to Hong Kong’s colonial past and its entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating the city’s commitment to preserving its multifaceted heritage while giving it new life for contemporary audiences. Its fantastical gardens and "Tiger Balm Garden" allegorical dioramas once served as a moral compass, educating the public through vivid, sometimes gruesome, depictions of Buddhist and Taoist folklore. This blend of the didactic and the decorative makes it an architectural and cultural gem.

Where to go in Hong Kong for Food: A Culinary Tapestry

Hong Kong’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as its skyline, ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining to bustling street food stalls. Fu’s recommendations reflect this spectrum, offering insights into both refined experiences and authentic local flavors.

On Hong Kong Island, Fu often seeks solace and scenic beauty in Repulse Bay, a picturesque crescent-shaped beach known for its tranquil waters and luxurious residences. “There’s something a little bit Portofino about it,” he muses, alluding to its sophisticated yet relaxed Mediterranean-like charm, with stunning views of Middle Island and the boats bobbing on the water. This idyllic escape provides a refreshing contrast to the urban intensity of Central.

Within Repulse Bay, Fu indulges his palate at two distinct establishments. For pastries and a touch of colonial elegance, he frequents The Verandah. Housed within the historic Repulse Bay Complex, this establishment exudes old-world charm, harking back to Hong Kong’s glamorous past. Originally part of the iconic Repulse Bay Hotel, built in 1920, The Verandah offers a quintessential afternoon tea experience, complete with white tablecloths, impeccable service, and a timeless ambiance that transports diners to a bygone era. It’s a place where tradition is cherished, and the art of leisurely dining is perfected.

In contrast, for a more contemporary brunch experience, Fu heads to Caffè Parabolica. This modern eatery offers a fresh perspective on casual dining, reflecting the evolving tastes of Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan residents. It’s a space where innovative culinary ideas meet a relaxed atmosphere, providing a perfect spot for a weekend meal with views of the bay.

Venturing into the Happy Valley neighborhood, Fu embraces the unpretentious authenticity of Cheung Hing Coffee Shop, a classic cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style café). These local diners are an indispensable part of Hong Kong’s cultural fabric, offering affordable, comforting, and distinctly local fare that embodies the city’s "East meets West" culinary fusion. “They serve the yummiest milk tea and crispy pineapple buns, usually with a poached egg and sausage meat inside,” he enthuses. The bo lo bao (pineapple bun), despite its name, contains no pineapple but is topped with a sugary crust resembling the fruit’s skin, often served with a slab of butter. The addition of a poached egg and sausage meat turns it into a hearty local breakfast. And for dessert, Fu highlights a local favorite: “the egg tarts come out of the oven every 30 minutes.” These dan tat, with their flaky pastry and silky smooth custard filling, are a testament to Hong Kong’s vibrant baking tradition. A visit to a cha chaan teng is not just about the food; it’s an immersion into the everyday life of Hong Kongers, a sensory experience of clattering cutlery, lively chatter, and the aroma of strong tea and freshly baked goods. It’s in these grounded, authentic spots that Fu truly connects with the city’s pulse, finding inspiration in the everyday rituals and tastes that define local culture.

Where to go in Hong Kong for Nature: Serenity Beyond the Skyscrapers

While Hong Kong is globally recognized for its dazzling skyline and urban density, a significant portion of its land is dedicated to country parks and natural reserves, offering breathtaking landscapes and tranquil escapes. Fu finds profound solace in these green havens, particularly in the New Territories, a sprawling region north of Kowloon characterized by its wetlands, mountains, and pristine coastlines, where he maintains a country house. This connection to nature provides a vital counterpoint to his demanding design work, allowing him to recalibrate and draw inspiration from the organic world.

“Nearby there’s an easy hike in the hills around Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, with views of lots of little islands,” he describes. The Tai Lam Chung Country Park, one of Hong Kong’s largest, is home to this impressive reservoir, often dubbed the "Thousand Islands Lake" due to the numerous small, verdant islets that emerge from its waters, remnants of submerged hilltops. The hiking trails here offer accessible paths that wind through lush woodlands, providing panoramic vistas of the reservoir’s serene surface dotted with these picturesque islands. It’s a testament to Hong Kong’s surprising natural beauty, challenging the popular misconception of the city as merely a concrete jungle. These country parks play a crucial role in water conservation, biodiversity preservation, and offering residents vital recreational spaces for hiking, cycling, and picnicking. For Fu, these moments in nature are not just leisure; they are essential for clearing his mind and fostering creativity, allowing him to observe natural forms, textures, and light that often find subtle expression in his architectural and interior designs.

To bring a piece of this natural tranquility into his urban environment, Fu frequents two distinct floral destinations. First, he heads to Flower Market Road in the Mong Kok district. This bustling, vibrant street is a sensory explosion of colors and fragrances, offering an incredible array of seasonal plants and flowers. From exotic orchids and potted kumquat trees during Chinese New Year to everyday blossoms and foliage, the Flower Market is a microcosm of Hong Kong’s horticultural passion. It’s a place where local culture thrives, particularly during festive seasons, and where the sheer abundance of nature is celebrated in a distinctly urban setting. The energy of the market, with vendors calling out prices and shoppers meticulously selecting their blooms, provides a lively contrast to the quietude of the country parks.

For a more curated and specialized floral experience, Fu visits Blackbird Conservatory in Repulse Bay. This florist offers a sophisticated selection, specializing in imports like Japanese sakuras, delicate maple leaves, and meticulously crafted bonsai. Blackbird Conservatory represents a different facet of connecting with nature, focusing on artistic presentation and the cultivation of specific, often culturally significant, plants. It’s a space where botanical beauty is elevated to an art form, reflecting a refined aesthetic sensibility. “It’s where I hang out when I want to take my eyes off work,” Fu shares, indicating how these botanical havens offer a calming escape and a fresh perspective, essential for an artist whose work demands constant innovation and meticulous attention to detail. The focus on Japanese horticulture, known for its precision, symbolism, and seasonal appreciation, resonates deeply with Fu’s own design philosophy of balance, harmony, and thoughtful composition.

This article appeared in the March 2026 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

André Fu’s journey through Hong Kong reveals a city that is far more than its glittering facade. It is a complex, layered metropolis where cutting-edge contemporary art dialogues with ancient heritage, where gourmet dining coexists with humble, beloved local eateries, and where serene natural landscapes provide a vital counterpoint to urban dynamism. His curated list of places – from the architectural marvels of the West Kowloon Cultural District and the historic charm of Haw Par Mansion, to the culinary delights of The Verandah and Cheung Hing Coffee Shop, and the natural retreats of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and the Flower Market – paints a vivid picture of a city that constantly evolves yet remains deeply rooted in its authentic spirit. Fu’s own design philosophy, which emphasizes a sense of place and a harmonious blend of cultural influences, is undoubtedly nurtured by this continuous discovery of Hong Kong’s multifaceted identity. Ultimately, the Fragrant Harbor, through Fu’s eyes, emerges as an inexhaustible source of inspiration, a testament to its enduring beauty and its timeless appeal as a truly global cultural hub.