There are countless guide books to Hong Kong, most of which follow the same, well-worn path; ticking off all the requisite sightseeing boxes (enjoy superlative shopping in Stanley! Dine in the culinary paradise of Soho! Be amazed by the views from the Peak!). It is, then, a pleasant change to see a book such as Discover Hong Kong (which, despite sharing the same name, has nothing to do with the Tourism Board’s popular website) that is willing to did a little deeper, and stray from the sign posted route.

Authored by long time resident Valery Garrett (who, coincidentally, was once a consultant to the Board), the book takes the reader on a journey through her 60 favourite places in the city, from the relatively well known (Cheung Chau, Hong Kong Park, Temple Street) to the largely unexplored (Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Tap Mun, Police Museum) – providing well-researched, entertaining histories, accompanied by briefs on how to get there. For instance, did you know that North Point was once notorious for tram robberies? Or that Wong Tai Sin temple is the only one in the city that can hold wedding ceremonies?

In sum, while this book can never replace a dedicated travel guide – with its tips on what to eat, where to stay and how to get around – Discover Hong Kong does exactly what its title says. It opens a door to the city’s past; you just have to step through it.

Simon Ostheimer