For those who believe they know Hong Kong well, their next trip may come as a surprise. The city has undergone significant development during the pandemic, including long-awaited upgrades to its best-loved attractions. If you're ready to see Hong Kong with new eyes, here are a few "old" things to do:

A revitalised Peak Tram

New Hong Kong Peak Trams hold 210 passengers and reduce waiting times by over 70%, with interactive displays at the Central terminus. Photo Credit: William Furniss

There's nothing that screams "Hong Kong" more than riding the Peak Tram and watching the breathtaking view of the Victoria Harbour skyline emerge from the hillside. In 2022, the sixth-generation Peak Tram was launched, featuring renovated termini and new trams equipped with larger windows and skylights.

The new trams have a capacity of 210 passengers, almost twice that of the previous trams, and are expected to reduce waiting times by over 70 percent. Moreover, the new terminus in Central includes a temperature-controlled waiting area and interactive zones where visitors can learn about the history and evolution of the Peak Tram over its 134 years of operation.

Heritage in West Kowloon

Yau Ma Tei walking tours reveal West Kowloon's historic craft establishments unknown to both locals and tourists, including handmade steelyard balance makers. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Only Fabrizio

West Kowloon has long been a popular tourist spot for its street markets, but this time-worn heart of old Hong Kong deserves a deeper look. A walking tour of Yau Ma Tei, for instance, includes visits to old craft establishments that may be unknown even to a younger generation of locals: a provider of handmade steelyard balances used to measure traditional Chinese herbs, a retiring sandalwood incense and carved fan seller, a third-generation maker of fermented bean paste, and more.

In an era when popular snacks and souvenirs can easily be purchased online, such immersive local experiences are increasingly appealing to international tourists.

Lifestyle treats in Central

Hong Kong's renovated Central Market now features a trendy interior with fashion, beauty, and food "stalls" catering to young urbanites. Photo Credit: Facebook/中環街市 Central Market

After a HK$3.8 billion (US$484 million) revitalisation project that spanned eight years, Hong Kong's former Central Police Station Compound reopened in 2018 as Tai Kwun, a center for heritage and arts. Apart from the available exhibitions and programs, the space also entices visitors with a mix of galleries, shops, and upscale dining concepts. These include LockCha Tea House, known for its vegetarian dim sum, and The Chinese Library, which presents Chinese dishes with creative contemporary flair.

Central Market, once a wet market supplying fresh produce to neighborhood residents, was marked for conservation in 2009 and underwent significant renovations before opening in 2021. Today, the eye-catching Bauhaus facade gives way to a sleek air-conditioned interior and trendy fashion, beauty, and food "stalls" aimed at young urbanites.

Family fun at Hong Kong Disneyland

Castle of Magical Dreams is Hong Kong Disneyland new centerpiece castle that replaced the Sleeping Beauty Castle in November 2020. Photo Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

Disney fans and families will also want to revisit Hong Kong Disneyland after its multi-year, HK$10.9 billion (US$1.39 billion) expansion that includes a new centerpiece castle—the Castle of Magical Dreams—and a World of Frozen themed area opening in July 2023.

The park's entertainment highlight is 'Momentous', a dazzling new projection mapping and fireworks show featuring dozens of Disney's animated films set against the new Castle of Magical Dreams.