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
Riding on the success of the “Touring Central with Locals” programme, URA collaborated with The Salvation Army and Central Market again in April 2026. The programme recruited locals aged 55 or above who who grew up, lived or worked in Central and Sheung Wan as volunteer docents. The docents design their own routes covering history and architecture, food and community, as well as arts and culture. 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.
The 'Touring Central with Locals' map, which brings together the featured attractions and routes of the guided tours, presents multiple historic districts and distinctive heritage buildings in Central in vibrant visuals, including the Graham Street and Staunton Street. It also showcases a lesser-known side of Central, including large-scale murals. In addition, the map highlights slow-living leisure spaces in the city and adorable “Meet & Greet Furry Friends”, enabling both citizens and visitors to freely explore the old and new sides of Central and Sheung Wan using either the printed or web version of the map.
Download "Touring Central with Locals" map
To extend this cultural journey, the precious oral histories of the docents are compiled into a book titled Verbal Recollection: Touring Central with Locals. It documented the heartfelt stories and memories from the "Touring Central with Locals" programme, reimagining the landscape and stories belonged to Central and Western District.
Download "Verbal Recollection: Touring Central with Locals"
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.
Download "Touring Wan Chai with Locals" map
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.