Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon

Hong Kong , China

Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon

Active

40m

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Yau Ma Tei is the very heart of Kowloon. Time-worn and authentic, this vibrant and colourful enclave lies just beyond the glitz of the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour front. Choc-a-bloc with historical buildings, 100 year-old markets and charming themed streets and shops, a visit to Yau Ma Tei is like stepping back in time.

There’s a café run by crazy cat lovers for people who love to play with cats while they are eating. We'll also pass a wholesale fruit market selling the perfectly peeled skins of oranges for use in Chinese Medicine. I’ll show you around all the spots that make Yau Ma Tei special for me.

Places to stop along the way include The Toy and Hobby Museum, Temple Street Night Market, Wu Jue Nong Tea, Baraha Jewellery, Nam Cheong Wooden Handicraft, Jade Hawkers' Market and Tin Hau Temple.

The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

Available options

Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon

What's included

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to Yau Ma Tei: The Heart of Kowloon tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

This Tin Hau temple was built in the 1860s and is the largest in Kowloon. During Chinese festivities, it's packed with worshippers. Like most other Tin Hau temples, it was once on the waterfront, before the land was reclaimed.

Stop 2 Pass by

The Jade Hawker Market is basically two large covered sheds containing 400 stalls selling jade, jewellery, trinkets and souvenirs. To the Chinese, jade is a symbol of long life and good health and it is traditional for the older generation to buy jade for newborns.

The famous Yau Ma Tei wholesale fruit market was founded in 1913. The partially dilapidated one and two storey buildings are located over several blocks and have trees growing out of the side of them.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Start the tour on the street outside Exit B2. Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace. Directions to the starting point are in the app.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers coexist with ancient temples and lush nature. Known for its bustling streets, world-class cuisine, and stunning harbor views, it offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

Top Attractions

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hong Kong. The Peak Tram is a historic funicular railway that takes visitors to the summit.

Nature 2-3 hours HKD 130-200 (Peak Tram and Sky Terrace)

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

This waterfront promenade offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. It's a popular spot for the Symphony of Lights show.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Hong Kong Disneyland

A magical theme park offering classic Disney attractions, shows, and character meet-and-greets.

Entertainment Full day HKD 619-919 (depending on season and ticket type)

Lantau Island

Lantau Island offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural sites, including the Big Buddha and Tai O fishing village.

Nature/Cultural Full day HKD 110 (Ngong Ping 360), HKD 30 (Big Buddha entrance)

Temple Street Night Market

A bustling night market offering a variety of goods, from clothing to electronics, as well as street food and entertainment.

Shopping 2-3 hours Free to enter, prices vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dim Sum

A variety of small dishes served in bamboo steamers, including dumplings, buns, and rolls.

Breakfast/Brunch Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Roast Duck

Crispy-skinned duck roasted to perfection, often served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and cucumber.

Lunch/Dinner Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Egg Waffles

Bubble-shaped waffles made from an egg-based batter, often served with ice cream or custard.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Mango Pudding

A creamy, gelatin-based dessert made with fresh mango puree.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Rock climbing Spa treatments Yoga Beach lounging Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Cantonese)
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken, especially in business and tourism

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hong Kong is generally safe, with low crime rates and a well-developed infrastructure. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Be wary of strangers approaching you with petitions or games

Getting there

By air

Hong Kong International Airport • 34 km from city center

By train

Hung Hom Station, West Kowloon Station

By bus

China Travel Service Terminal, CITS Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The MTR is clean, efficient, and widely used. It's the best way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Central Kowloon Wan Chai Sheung Wan Mong Kok

Day trips

Macau

60 km • Full day

A former Portuguese colony with a rich history and a mix of European and Chinese architecture.

Lantau Island

20 km • Full day

A scenic island with a mix of natural beauty and cultural sites, including the Big Buddha and Tai O fishing village.

Shenzhen

30 km • Full day

A modern city with a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as historic sites.

Festivals

Chinese New Year • January/February (varies by lunar calendar) Tung Choi Wai Ching Chiu Festival • April (varies by lunar calendar) Dragon Boat Festival • June (5th day of the 5th lunar month)