HKTB invites comedian Jimmy O. Yang to explore HK's cultural charm

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has invited Hong Kong-American actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang to explore his hometown's culture ahead of his five stand-up shows in the city debuting tonight.

With over 2.46 million followers on Instagram, O. Yang shot to fame in recent years with his unique stand-up style. He is also known for his roles in US television series Silicon Valley and Interior Chinatown.

By inviting O. Yang to explore Hong Kong in-depth, the HKTB aims to showcase the city's unique cultural charm to global travellers and fans through his firsthand experiences, encouraging more people to visit and discover their own stories and memories in Hong Kong.

During his one-day trip, O. Yang visited the century-old Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan to experience Hong Kong's traditional culture. He participated in rituals, touching the "Wen Chang Scholar's Brush" (文昌筆) for academic luck and "Guandi's Blade" (關帝刀) for protection and wealth. He concluded by applying gold foil to a sacred deer statue, seeking blessings for his upcoming performance.

After that, he joined HKTB executive director Dane Cheng at a local Chinese barbecue restaurant to taste authentic roast meat dishes including tender char siu (叉燒), succulent roasted goose leg, and soy sauce-marinated chicken.

O. Yang also took a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car and visited the Tian Tan Buddha to immerse himself in Buddhist culture. His day ended at Central’s Bar Leone, Asia’s Best Bar in 2024, where he chatted with founder and mixologist Lorenzo Antinori over signature cocktails and snacks, exploring Hong Kong's nightlife. 

“The culinary experience in Hong Kong is full of surprises - from savouring melt-in-your-mouth honey-glazed char siu at popular local roast meat shops to enjoying world-class cocktails at top bars in Asia. You can taste a variety of flavours that showcase the city's unique cultural blend in just one day. Born in Hong Kong, these tastes are not only a delight for the palate but also a part of my childhood memories,” O. Yang said. 

"I spent my childhood in Hong Kong and have always felt the city's unique vibrancy. It’s a place where tradition and innovation merge, allowing you to traverse between a century of culture and natural beauty in a single day. Every journey is full of surprises, revealing Hong Kong's diverse urban landscape,” he added.

On the other hand, the comedian has also paid a visit to Chow Sang Sang's iconic Castle Peak Road store – a Chow Sang Sang landmark since 1965. Returning to Hong Kong brought back cherished memories for O. Yang, who spent his youth here.

"His visit to our boutique was a beautiful homecoming, as he explored our gold jewellery collection with genuine enthusiasm and selected pieces that perfectly reflected his personal style. It was wonderful to witness how fine jewellery connects culture, memories, and timeless craftsmanship," said Chow Sang Sang.

Don’t miss: HKTB taps Takuya Kimura's daughter Kōki to promote HK's cultural scene

Back in May, HKTB tapped Japanese rising star Kōki, the daughter of famed actor Takuya Kimura, to front a promotional video, highlighting the beauty and vibrancy of Hong Kong. With 3.6 million Instagram followers, Kōki, a model and actress, rose to prominence in Japan, bolstered by Takuya’s legendary status in Asia’s entertainment industry.

Titled “Kōki's journey through Hong Kong” (光希 Kōki 漫遊香港足跡), the video documented Kōki's footprints across Hong Kong, including a ride on the upper deck of an open-top tram, touring around Hong Kong island to witness the bustling street scenes.

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