With its luxurious skyscrapers, historic temples, and intriguing seaside towns, it’s easy to see why Hong Kong was chose
Discover Hong Kong / Cover Images
The Apprentice has wrapped up another series with Lord Sugar picking beauty entrepreneur Karishma Vijay as his latest business partner. While she gets to work on plans for a £250,000 investment, another standout star of the series is also very much open for business.
The dazzling city of Hong Kong starred in the first episode of the landmark 20th series, when those hoping to impress flitted between glimmering high-rises in search of unusual items. The Apprentice has even put Hong Kong at the centre of a new global trend, “set-jetting”, whereby fans of popular TV programmes make a beeline for locations featured in their favourite show. It also marked the first time Lord Sugar had travelled abroad to take part in an episode in the show’s 20-year history.
With its luxurious skyscrapers, historic temples, and intriguing seaside towns, it’s easy to see why Hong Kong was chosen as an impressive backdrop for this year’s opener. As ever, some candidates fared better there than others – though their travails meant fans got to see new sides of one of the world’s great global hubs.
Amid the hectic rush to obtain all the items requested by Lord Sugar, viewers may have missed some of the spots featured in the episode. So here’s a handy guide to the standouts for any prospective set-jetters.
The Henderson – a boardroom with a view at Cloud 39
For the first time in the show’s history, the famous boardroom left its London base, relocating to The Henderson.
After their task, candidates faced judgment in Cloud 39, high above the city’s commercial heart. The building, recently named World’s Best Property at the International Property Awards, offers sweeping views across Hong Kong’s best skyline from the 39th floor.
The tower itself, designed by Zaha Hadid, is inspired by the bauhinia flower – the city’s emblem – with flowing, sculptural lines that make it one of the most distinctive additions to the skyline. One floor below the glass-walled boardroom is Peridot, where mixologist François Cavelier serves terroir-inspired cocktails best enjoyed against the glow of the city at night, in a lush green interior with around 20,000 light bulbs. A contemporary menu, including inventive plant-based dishes, can also be enjoyed until late.
West Kowloon Cultural District and Palace Museum
West Kowloon Cultural District, otherwise known as WestK, provides the backdrop for the candidates first mad dash to find Lord Sugar’s assorted items, ranging from erhus to shrimp paste.
Spanning 40 hectares with 17 venues, WestK is a hub for visual arts, performing arts, and educational experiences, anchored by the spectacular Hong Kong Palace Museum.
The Museum presents over 900 priceless treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing, many never previously shown to the public, alongside world-class rotating exhibitions. The waterfront Art Park offers a long harbour promenade ideal for sunset views. From Central, hop the MTR’s Tung Chung Line to Kowloon Station to get there in under ten minutes.
The Big Buddha, Lantau Island – serenity meets suspense
The Tian Tan Buddha – better known as the Big Buddha – sits on Lantau Island, and for the locals it is a place of meditation and contemplation, set amid the cooler mountain air of Ngong Ping. The area has been a centre of Buddhist life since the early 20th Century, with the nearby Po Lin Monastery attracting visitors in search of peace and tranquillity.
The Big Buddha, serving as a breathtaking backdrop, became the finish line for this year’s opening task, with both boys and girls teams racing against time to make their deadline.
For those in less of a panic, the best way to arrive is via the Ngong Ping 360, a cable car offering panoramic views.
Stanley – tradition meets the tide
In Stanley, the boys’ team tracked down a dragon boat head while mapping out their negotiating tactics along the town’s main beach.
Stanley is a laidback coastal spot, well known for its dragon boat racing culture – a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Crews of up to 20 paddlers race long, ornately decorated boats to the beat of a drum, combining sport with centuries-old ritual.
Stanley hosts one of Hong Kong’s most famous dragon boat festivals, with local and international teams competing each year.
To get to Stanley from Hong Kong (Central), visitors can take bus 6, 6X, or 260 from the Exchange Square Bus Terminus (near MTR Central Station/Hong Kong Station).
Aberdeen – a harbour of heritage
In Hong Kong, Aberdeen is a bustling fishing harbour, where life revolves around the water. Seafood restaurants serve freshly caught produce, while one of Hong Kong’s last floating village lines the waterfront – with residents living aboard traditional junks.
During the task, the girls’ team explored its busy market, a favourite with visitors seeking local specialities such as steamed razor clams.
To get to Aberdeen from Central Hong Kong, taking a bus is the most direct option, with routes 70 from Exchange Square or 7 from the Central Ferry Piers taking approximately 20-30 minutes.
Can you follow in their footsteps?
Hong Kong’s blend of cutting-edge architecture, cultural landmarks, and timeless waterfront scenes made for an unforgettable episode of The Apprentice. Though the city proved a formidable challenge for many candidates – prompting one of Lord Sugar’s classic boardroom reprimands – travellers can now explore these sites at their own pace. Best of all, you won’t have to answer to Lord Sugar afterwards.
Relive the excitement and start planning your Hong Kong adventure.
The Apprentice is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.