URA Touring with Locals
In 2024, URA introduced "City Walk" Programme - “Touring Central with Locals" in Central and Shueng Wan, offering participants first-hand oral histories of the area’s evolution and local life. The route links up projects in Central and Sheung Wan with the iconic buildings, streets and shops in the area. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the district’s rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage through various tour activities. Building on the success of “Touring Central with Locals" , URA is now extending the “ Touring with Locals“ programme from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon, which aims to highlight the unique character of different districts, connect community bonding, and bring new vibrancy to the neighbourhoods.
Touring Central with Locals
In 2024, URA has partnered with The Salvation Army and Central Market to recruit volunteers aged 55 or above as docent who grew up, lived or worked in Central and Sheung Wan as docents. The docent tours focus on four major themes : (1) History and architecture tour , (2)Gourmet and Local Community, (3) Art and Culture, and (4) Classic Film Locations. The tours are characterised by docent's personal approach, with sharing their unique stories, offering participants first-hand oral histories of the area’s evolution and local life.
URA has invited the China Academy of Art (CAA) to participate in a community creation project, Using digital art that combines a visual positioning system with augmented reality (AR) technology, five new AR "check-in spots" have been introduced to enhance the tour experience. These digital artworks link the "past," "present," and "future" of the Central and Sheung Wan. URA has created The "Touring Central with Locals" map, This vividly illustrated map, highlights attractions, including AR points, and will be available for public download from the URA website, allowing visitors easily explore the historical and modern charm of Central and Sheung Wan.
Touring Wan Chai with Locals
In July and August 2025, URA has partnered with The Salvation Army and The Hong Kong Museum of Literature, which is located in Wan Chai's M7, to launch a two-month event titled “ Touring Wan Chai with Locals ”
This docent tour recruited a group of docents who have grown up in Hong Kong and deeply rooted in Wan Chai. The museum has selected literary works by renowned writers, which recount their experiences and memories of Wan Chai. Participants embarked on this journey with a special “ passport ” and “ Touring Wan Chai with Locals ” Map featuring literary narratives, culinary delights, historical landmarks and cultural gems, connect to the stories and people that bring Wan Chai to life, allowing visitors to rediscover the charm of this vibrant neighbourhood.
Touring Kowloon City with Locals
URA partners with local artist to create the “Touring Kowloon City with Locals“ map with vivid imagery, this map highlights the historical landmarks, culinary delights, film locations, Chiu Chow and Thai shops in Kowloon City, as well as three innovative AR points created with the China Academy of Arts (CAA), the AR points enrich the cultural narrative by intertwining Chiu Chow and Thai culture, gourmets and historical treasures ：the famed walled city and the Former Kai Tak Airport. This map highlights cultural preservation and innovation, allowing visitors to explore the unique elements and character of Kowloon City in a fun and immersive way.
" Touring Kowloon City with Locals “ is set to kick off in the first quarter of 2026. Leading up to the tour, the URA will employ various strategies, thereby elevating the area's vitality and appeal.