Why West Kowloon is perfect for pets

Hong Kong pet lovers are no strangers to the frustration of finding pet-friendly public parks. Fortunately, the past few years have seen more pet-friendly spaces crop up across the city, with West Kowloon becoming one of the most popular hangout spots for pet owners and their furry companions.Why West Kowloon is perfect for petsWest Kowloon offers parking and a spacious drop-off area that will allow your four-legged friends to get on and off vehicles with ease. Featuring sprawling open spaces, West Kowloon's pet-friendly Art Park, Nursery Park and Waterfront Promenade allow pet owners to exercise their pets and mingle with other pet parents in the comfort of an seaside urban oasis.Dog owners will find our Pet Zone especially appealing — this is the only area in West Kowloon that allows pets to roam freely without leashes. Waste bins and a water tap for pets are also available to make cleaning up after and caring for your pet a breeze.Stomach rumbling after a long game of fetch? Grab a bite at one of the Art Park restaurants, or head straight to the pet-friendly cafe Hooman which serves "hooman" food, and treats for your pup and offers a sweeping view of the Victoria Harbour that both of you can enjoy. (The photos and the text are provided by West Kowloon Cultural District)

Running with Hong Kong's nightscape as your backdrop

Running outdoors is getting "trendy". Many people have become more conscious of their health and developed an appetite for running, not in the gym on a treadmill, but outdoors, whatever the weather. Well, if running is your thing, there is no better place than in the Art Park with the harbour and lights of Hong Kong as a backdrop.Running outdoors in the summer months puts a heavy demand on your physical strength and endurance. That is great for burning off those calories, but you also need to watch out for the dangers of the strong sun, heatstroke and dehydration. So, we recommend running during the evening when it is not only cooler but also allows you to appreciate Hong Kong’s stunning nightscape. It’s also easier to establish a habit of regular running three or four times a week if you run in the evening. When people new to running think about running at night, they might be concerned about seeing the route ahead and being seen by traffic if they run near roads. But running round the West Kowloon Art Park means no traffic, well-lit paths and flat pavements (just watch those curbs!). If you set off early enough you’ll also be treated to one of the best sunset views in the city.If you are more of the more spontaneous kind and don’t come prepared, don’t worry, there are vending machines on the promenade with water and sports drinks. If you are the kind of person who thinks a good run deserves a good reward afterwards, there are plenty of places to eat too. And if the run tires you out too much you can get revitalised just by looking at the lights of Hong Kong and reminding yourself that you are looking at one of the greatest views in the world.  (The photos and the text are provided by West Kowloon Cultural District)

Three IG spots you absolutely cannot miss in West Kowloon

West Kowloon’s stand-out architecture and location on Victoria Harbour makes it the perfect place to get some great instagrammable photos. There is plenty to see, so go ahead, take the perfect photo and share it with the world! Xiqu CentreBy blending traditional and contemporary elements, the Xiqu Centre's award-winning architectural design reflects the evolving nature of Chinese opera. The Xiqu Centre facade, made up of over 10,000 curved metal fins, is a perfect background from every angle. Inside, the Xiqu Centre atrium provides a hugely popular backdrop for photos. Whether looking up from the ground level at the stunning roof or looking down from one of the balconies at the podium and steps, every angle provides an Instagram-worthy opportunity that will be guaranteed to get plenty of 'likes'. Art Park Want to catch the most glorious Hong Kong sunset? The Art Park is one of the city’s premier spots to view the spectacular colours of the magic hour as the sun sets over Victoria Harbour. It’s a view that never gets old, and every sunset reveals something new. The Competition Pavilion “Growing Up” Located on the West Kowloon waterfront promenade, the Competition Pavilion “Growing Up” is one of the most Instagrammable spots in our city. Its symmetrical design, timber columns, and stepped seating area provide the perfect backdrop for stylish pictures. Share your photos by tagging @westkowloon. (The photos and the text are provided by West Kowloon Cultural District)