Chai Wan, up close

Chai Wan sits at the eastern end of Hong Kong Island's MTR line, a district built up substantially around light industry and warehousing in the mid-20th century, now in the middle of a genuine reinvention as artists and small studios move into its older factory buildings.

Industrial buildings turned studios

Several converted factory buildings now house artist studios, design workshops and small galleries, taking advantage of larger, cheaper floor space than more central districts — a genuinely working creative scene rather than a curated tourist precinct.

A quieter, more residential edge

Away from the industrial buildings, Chai Wan is otherwise a fairly ordinary residential district, giving an honest look at everyday Hong Kong Island life away from the harbourfront.

Access to the eastern coastline

Chai Wan borders quieter stretches of the Island's eastern coast, with hiking access toward the Dragon's Back area (see our hiking guide) from its eastern edge.

Getting there

The MTR Island Line terminus, making it straightforward to reach directly, with Shau Kei Wan (see our Shau Kei Wan guide) a short distance further along the same line.